Barnes & Noble and Annemarie Segaric, founder of The Career Changer Company www.thecareerchanger.com, have partnered to bring you an event you won't want to miss. If you are wondering how you're going to change careers or find that new job in this economy you will want to be at this power-packed lunchtime workshop.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
12:30pm-1:30pm
Barnes & Noble - Lincoln Center
1972 Broadway at West 66th Street, NYC
(1 Subway at West 66th Street stop)
$25 registration fee includes free copy of Step into the Right Career. Special Friends & Clients discount: enter FRIENDSANDCLIENTS during checkout and take $5 off. Also, if you RSVP before 12/31 you can take an additional $5 off! Just enter YEAREND during checkout.
Register at: http://www.careerchangerevent.com
During this laser focused lunchtime event you will learn:
* the one thing you must have when changing careers so that you don't need to have lots of money saved up.
* the three steps you can take to get started right away on your transition even if you have no idea what you want to be doing in the first place.
* how to decide between pursuing a passion or just getting a job (especially if you are unemployed right now)
* the key to standing out from the crowd in a tight job market especially when you don't have the listed experience in the first place.
Sign ups have already begun but because of the room size seats are very limited so grab yours now! We expect this event to sell out very quickly.
It will truly be the best hour you could spend. I hope you'll join us
Tuesday, 30 December 2008
Monday, 29 December 2008
Today on Women Entrepreneurs -The Secrets of Success
Guest Host Elena Camp interviews Monica Thakrar, President and CEO of Joyful Soul Coaching, a coaching firm that specializes in holistic coaching focused on body, mind, and spirit alignment. Monica's mission is to help people live joyfully and authentically by finding their true passions and taking the risks to go after them. She believes that when people's actions are in alignment with their true heart's desires they can achieve their greatest dreams.
Monica's own journey began when she began to soul search to figure out what she wanted to be when she grew up so that she could live more joyfully. Externally she looked successful, but inside she knew she was not living her best life. She always wanted to help people and she found Newfield Network (or it felt like it found her!). She realized that the holistic approach to living was the most effective way of living a balanced, connected, and joyful life.
Before becoming a coach, Monica worked in the Financial Management
Program at General Electric. She also worked as a Manager in BearingPoint's Organizational Change Management group for over 7
years. As a consultant Monica worked with Executives and mid-managers in large public sector, commercial, and international organizations to prepare them and their organizations to adopt large scale technology or process changes.
Monica is also a graduate of the ICF certified Newfield Network
coaching program as well as is a certified Soul Coach through the
Denise Linn Soul Coaching Program. Monica has worked with numerous
coaching clients in order to live their most joyful lives possible.
www.JoyfulSoulCoaching.com
Monica's own journey began when she began to soul search to figure out what she wanted to be when she grew up so that she could live more joyfully. Externally she looked successful, but inside she knew she was not living her best life. She always wanted to help people and she found Newfield Network (or it felt like it found her!). She realized that the holistic approach to living was the most effective way of living a balanced, connected, and joyful life.
Before becoming a coach, Monica worked in the Financial Management
Program at General Electric. She also worked as a Manager in BearingPoint's Organizational Change Management group for over 7
years. As a consultant Monica worked with Executives and mid-managers in large public sector, commercial, and international organizations to prepare them and their organizations to adopt large scale technology or process changes.
Monica is also a graduate of the ICF certified Newfield Network
coaching program as well as is a certified Soul Coach through the
Denise Linn Soul Coaching Program. Monica has worked with numerous
coaching clients in order to live their most joyful lives possible.
www.JoyfulSoulCoaching.com
Saturday, 27 December 2008
How to Make Positive Changes in Your Life
by Deborah A. Bailey
What are you attracting? Years ago a career coach told me that I had to work on becoming "irresistibly attractive." I didn't completely understand it at the time, but now I do. When we hear the word, "attractive" we usually think of physical appearance. That's what makeovers usually focus on, don't they? Changing the outside and expecting that the inside will just fall into place.
If you don't think you deserve a better job, a rewarding career or a successful business, how can you achieve it? How can you reach something if you don't feel you can have it? If I don't believe in my business, then it's not likely that I'll attract clients who want to work with me. It's also not likely that I'll be successful if I don't believe it's possible for me.
Even though I'd been dreaming of my own business for years, once I started it I didn't completely believe in it. I wondered how I could compete with more experienced entrepreneurs, and how I could attract people who saw value in what I could do for them. What I have learned is that if I don't think my work has value, I'm going to attract people who don't see the value either - and I certainly can't build a business that way.
Instead of complaining about what you have, think about what you want to accomplish. Do you want a new job, or to return to school or move to a new place? What steps are you taking to make those things happen?
1. Write down your ideas for the future. If you're going back to school, what courses do you want to take? If you want to move, where do you want to go?
2. Look at where you are now and write down the things you'll need to move forward.
3. Consider your everyday thoughts - do you go from believing you can reach your goals to being discouraged? You won't be able to move forward if you don't believe that that you can.
If you want to change for the better, then you have to believe in it. You have to be there on the inside long before you see the outside results.
What are you attracting? Years ago a career coach told me that I had to work on becoming "irresistibly attractive." I didn't completely understand it at the time, but now I do. When we hear the word, "attractive" we usually think of physical appearance. That's what makeovers usually focus on, don't they? Changing the outside and expecting that the inside will just fall into place.
If you don't think you deserve a better job, a rewarding career or a successful business, how can you achieve it? How can you reach something if you don't feel you can have it? If I don't believe in my business, then it's not likely that I'll attract clients who want to work with me. It's also not likely that I'll be successful if I don't believe it's possible for me.
Even though I'd been dreaming of my own business for years, once I started it I didn't completely believe in it. I wondered how I could compete with more experienced entrepreneurs, and how I could attract people who saw value in what I could do for them. What I have learned is that if I don't think my work has value, I'm going to attract people who don't see the value either - and I certainly can't build a business that way.
Instead of complaining about what you have, think about what you want to accomplish. Do you want a new job, or to return to school or move to a new place? What steps are you taking to make those things happen?
1. Write down your ideas for the future. If you're going back to school, what courses do you want to take? If you want to move, where do you want to go?
2. Look at where you are now and write down the things you'll need to move forward.
3. Consider your everyday thoughts - do you go from believing you can reach your goals to being discouraged? You won't be able to move forward if you don't believe that that you can.
If you want to change for the better, then you have to believe in it. You have to be there on the inside long before you see the outside results.
Deborah A. Bailey is author of two non-fiction books including, “Think Like an Entrepreneur: Transforming Your Career and Taking Charge of Your Life
.” She's also the creator and host of Women Entrepreneurs Radio, a weekly internet talk show. Her fiction work includes a short story collection and a novel, available on Amazon.com.
.” She's also the creator and host of Women Entrepreneurs Radio, a weekly internet talk show. Her fiction work includes a short story collection and a novel, available on Amazon.com. For more information, visit http://www.BrightStreetBooks.com.
Friday, 26 December 2008
How to Market Your Business With an E-Book
by Deborah A. Bailey
Less expensive than producing a "traditional" book, electronic books (or "eBooks") exist in various formats, including MS Word files, Adobe Acrobat pdf files (one of the most popular formats) and HTML files (which can be read using a web browser). Readers can download your eBook from your website, a third-party site (such as Amazon.com), or receive it as an email attachment. If you choose to create your eBook using HTML files, all you need to do is give your readers the URL so that they can view it like any other web page.
Looking to promote your products or services? Consider using an eBook in your promotions. For instance, a caterer might offer books such as "Entertaining for Large Parties at a Small Cost" or "Perfect Wine Pairings" and distribute them to prospective clients. She could also reformat the content into individual articles and submit them to specialized publications. An organizer might select topics such as "How to Set up a Home Office" or "10 Steps to Eliminating Clutter." She could feature these books on her website and create passive income by setting a fee for downloads. Someone opening a coffee shop might market her business with titles such as "How to Brew the Perfect Cup" or a "Guide to Global Coffees."
Want to define yourself as an expert in your field? Use an eBook to share your expertise. A house painter who finds that he's always being asked about painting might write books such as, "10 Things to Know before Hiring a Painter" or "Three Top Painting Techniques." He could market these books on his website, and offer them when meeting with prospective clients. Perhaps each month or quarter he could make a new book available for download or sale. He can market himself as an expert, while creating an additional source of income. Even do-it-yourself painters could benefit from his tips!
Have a group of articles you've already written? Compile your articles into an eBook, with each article as a separate chapter. Use your eBook as a manual for classes or talks that you give. Distribute your eBook as a "textbook" for your online classes. Are you involved in coaching or mentoring? Make your eBook available on your site as a download for your clients or students. Need to create instructions for a product you're selling? Put it into an eBook. Use your eBook as a "thank you" to clients, or as an incentive to prospective clients.
Don't underestimate the power of an eBook. You can use it for marketing, income, building writing credits or establishing yourself as an expert. Whatever your objective, use an eBook to get exposure for your business while sharing your expertise.
Less expensive than producing a "traditional" book, electronic books (or "eBooks") exist in various formats, including MS Word files, Adobe Acrobat pdf files (one of the most popular formats) and HTML files (which can be read using a web browser). Readers can download your eBook from your website, a third-party site (such as Amazon.com), or receive it as an email attachment. If you choose to create your eBook using HTML files, all you need to do is give your readers the URL so that they can view it like any other web page.
Looking to promote your products or services? Consider using an eBook in your promotions. For instance, a caterer might offer books such as "Entertaining for Large Parties at a Small Cost" or "Perfect Wine Pairings" and distribute them to prospective clients. She could also reformat the content into individual articles and submit them to specialized publications. An organizer might select topics such as "How to Set up a Home Office" or "10 Steps to Eliminating Clutter." She could feature these books on her website and create passive income by setting a fee for downloads. Someone opening a coffee shop might market her business with titles such as "How to Brew the Perfect Cup" or a "Guide to Global Coffees."
Want to define yourself as an expert in your field? Use an eBook to share your expertise. A house painter who finds that he's always being asked about painting might write books such as, "10 Things to Know before Hiring a Painter" or "Three Top Painting Techniques." He could market these books on his website, and offer them when meeting with prospective clients. Perhaps each month or quarter he could make a new book available for download or sale. He can market himself as an expert, while creating an additional source of income. Even do-it-yourself painters could benefit from his tips!
Have a group of articles you've already written? Compile your articles into an eBook, with each article as a separate chapter. Use your eBook as a manual for classes or talks that you give. Distribute your eBook as a "textbook" for your online classes. Are you involved in coaching or mentoring? Make your eBook available on your site as a download for your clients or students. Need to create instructions for a product you're selling? Put it into an eBook. Use your eBook as a "thank you" to clients, or as an incentive to prospective clients.
Don't underestimate the power of an eBook. You can use it for marketing, income, building writing credits or establishing yourself as an expert. Whatever your objective, use an eBook to get exposure for your business while sharing your expertise.
Deborah A. Bailey is author of several fiction and non-fiction books, and creator and host of Women Entrepreneurs Radio, a weekly podcast. For more information, visit http://DeborahABailey.com.
Wednesday, 24 December 2008
Nurture Others By Nurturing Yourself
by Mariana Cooper
There is a great deal of attention placed on Giving to others during the holiday season. And this is totally appropriate. However this year may be a little bit more of a challenge as we watch those around us become consumed with fear, worry and concern about what is happening with the economy.
Perhaps you yourself are struggling, wondering about your job, your business, your finances, your home. Our relationships are more strained than ever as everyone searches for some "relief" from the daily drama.
Everyone is searching for some energy and encouragement. Yet it seems that we are ALL stretched and don't have a lot of extra energy to give to others as much as we may like to. This is truly a time where it is important to Nurture Yourself.
Self nurturing is the best gift that you can provide for yourself AND for others. Because when we are feeling at peace, rested, well hydrated, nourished and centered we have the energy to be a good listening ear for others or to just allow others the space they need to go through whatever they are going through.
We all want to help but now more so than ever before it is important to refrain from trying to rescue others, fix their problems or fill in their blanks. Actually we are insulting them when we attempt to solve it all, because we are robbing them of the growth and learning that is there to make them stronger and more importantly to bring them back to their Intuition and higher self.
Remember that when we face challenges, the best place to turn for nurturing is to Spirit, our Higher Selves, our Intuition. Life's obstacles are always Spirit calling us forward to a higher version of ourselves!
This week, instead of listening endlessly to the woes and problems of others, politely end the conversation and take some time to regenerate and nurture yourself.
Set the example for your friends and family of the calm, centered, focused person who goes with the flow and truly honors their own self care. It may be a bit of a challenge at first and feel like you are abandoning your friends but you are not!
The best way to nurture your loved ones is by allowing them to have their free will to choose and be responsible for their own happiness. And for you to take the time out to pay some much needed attention to yourself!
So indulge!
Mariana M. Cooper, Aha! Moments, Inc. Intuition Expert and Mentor. For more information, products and services go to: www.TrustYourAHAMoments.com
There is a great deal of attention placed on Giving to others during the holiday season. And this is totally appropriate. However this year may be a little bit more of a challenge as we watch those around us become consumed with fear, worry and concern about what is happening with the economy.
Perhaps you yourself are struggling, wondering about your job, your business, your finances, your home. Our relationships are more strained than ever as everyone searches for some "relief" from the daily drama.
Everyone is searching for some energy and encouragement. Yet it seems that we are ALL stretched and don't have a lot of extra energy to give to others as much as we may like to. This is truly a time where it is important to Nurture Yourself.
Self nurturing is the best gift that you can provide for yourself AND for others. Because when we are feeling at peace, rested, well hydrated, nourished and centered we have the energy to be a good listening ear for others or to just allow others the space they need to go through whatever they are going through.
We all want to help but now more so than ever before it is important to refrain from trying to rescue others, fix their problems or fill in their blanks. Actually we are insulting them when we attempt to solve it all, because we are robbing them of the growth and learning that is there to make them stronger and more importantly to bring them back to their Intuition and higher self.
Remember that when we face challenges, the best place to turn for nurturing is to Spirit, our Higher Selves, our Intuition. Life's obstacles are always Spirit calling us forward to a higher version of ourselves!
This week, instead of listening endlessly to the woes and problems of others, politely end the conversation and take some time to regenerate and nurture yourself.
Set the example for your friends and family of the calm, centered, focused person who goes with the flow and truly honors their own self care. It may be a bit of a challenge at first and feel like you are abandoning your friends but you are not!
The best way to nurture your loved ones is by allowing them to have their free will to choose and be responsible for their own happiness. And for you to take the time out to pay some much needed attention to yourself!
So indulge!
Mariana M. Cooper, Aha! Moments, Inc. Intuition Expert and Mentor. For more information, products and services go to: www.TrustYourAHAMoments.com
The Big Question
You're trying to sell something to an entrepreneur. What's top of mind for him or her?
Himself or herself, of course. (No points for getting that one right.)
I was reminded of this when talking to a Western Canada business owner this week. "What can you do for me?" was his first question. "What else can you do for me?" was his second question. And his third.
This show the importance of the old adage, "Don't sell features, sell benefits." All your target market cares about is, "What can you do for me NOW?"
Himself or herself, of course. (No points for getting that one right.)
I was reminded of this when talking to a Western Canada business owner this week. "What can you do for me?" was his first question. "What else can you do for me?" was his second question. And his third.
This show the importance of the old adage, "Don't sell features, sell benefits." All your target market cares about is, "What can you do for me NOW?"
Sunday, 21 December 2008
5 Ways to Increase Your Revenue Now
by Ali Brown
While the rest of your friends and colleagues may be hemming and hawing about how bad the economy is, smart entrepreneurs are quietly calculating not only how to thrive in these times but dramatically increase their incomes as well!
And it's not complicated either. For example, when I coach with clients, one of the first things we do is sit down and look at their current income streams -- what they are, what kind of money they bring in, and with how much effort.
From there, we look at several ways to increase their revenues from these streams alone. For the purpose of this article I'll share five with you.
1. Raising your prices/rates.
Most entrepreneurs - and especially solo-preneurs - grossly underestimate what we marketers call "price elasticity". That is, how much they can raise their prices and/or rates without losing business.
Warning: This is completely contrary to what you think you should be doing right now -- lowering your fees!
One of my Platinum Mastermind members, a Canadian coach who works in a particular niche, resisted raising her rates for months. Finally, she agreed to raise them and even DOUBLE them. She found that not only did she not lose business, but she gained better clients as well. Now she's making the same money in half the time, leaving her many more free hours to develop information products for passive income.
For a year or two I was selling my "Boost Business With Your Own Ezine" system online for $197. It sold pretty well back then, but I realized the information contained was worth much more. Ever since I raised the price to $497, it now converts even more sales! The key here is to track and test for yourself.
2. Up your transaction size.
Ladies, don't you find it amusing when you're at a fast food joint, doing your best to get a healthy salad, and the teenager at the counter brainlessly asks if you'd like fries with that? This is called "up-selling", and it's an easy way of increasing your transaction size.
I just returned from a trip where my hotel automatically billed me a "resort fee" of $20 a day. Not a huge addition to my room rate, but look at how that adds up for the hotel: If they have 500 rooms, they make an additional $10,000 a day, and that's an additional $3.65 million each year!
You can do this in your business too! Use your shopping cart system's up-sell feature to offer additional products or services that complement what the customer is buying. Ideas: a special report, resource guide, workbook, audio program, or laser coaching session. Or offer a special "bundle" price if they purchase more than one product or service at a time. And lest you think these tactics are only for widget-sellers, I've seen this work for everyone from cosmetic surgeons to accountants.
3. Increase your net.
I'll admit it took me several years after I first started my business to understand the important difference between gross profits and net profits. Today I track every product and program in my business separately for both income and expenses - including administrative time. While all this tracking takes time and effort, a quick report instantly tells me which offerings are truly bringing in the big bucks... for keeps.
A few ways of increasing your net are:
* upping your selling price
* lowering your expenses for marketing, sales, and product/program delivery
* culling products/programs that don't bring in the profits you want
* spending more time marketing and selling the products/programs that DO bring
in the profits you want!
4. Up your customer value.
Generally, when you look at your entire customer or client base, there will be a percentage who are your BEST customers and clients. They adore you, buy whatever you come out with, and are happy to pay your fees. This goes along with "the 80/20 rule" -- a good 20 percent of your current customers or clients likely brings you about 80 percent of your revenues!
Once you identify this portion of your list, why not create special offerings just for them? Either at a higher price point or delivering a more exclusive level of service. And, very important: Analyze who these folks are, and fine-tune your marketing to attract more of them!
5. Fine-tune your frequency.
You've been seeing many membership/continuity programs around these days, and it's not just because they are a wonderful way to deliver information or products. It's because smart business owners realize they can gain multiple sales from ONE purchase transaction instead of going back and trying to get folks to buy from them again and again.
Here's how it works: Jane or Joe buys into your monthly membership or widget-of-the-month club, and that one purchase gains YOU recurring income. You saw the start of this trend years ago with book-of-the-month clubs and today it's the most popular way to sell beauty products via infomercials as well. Proactiv, Youthful Essence, and many of those beauty products sold on TV enroll you into an autoship program. (I should know, because I've tried many of them!)
So think about how you can develop one continuity or membership program to continually funnel new members into - versus having to sell your prospects over and over.
First, Just Be Aware.
If you are just working day by day with your nose to your desk, or with clients nonstop, you won't have time to even be aware of your current financial situation, let alone opportunities to improve it.
Step one is taking a half day or so to review your current income streams as I described above, and look for ways to apply these five revenue boosters!
[EDITOR'S NOTE: These strategies are just a portion of what Ali will be helping her new Millionaire Protege Club members apply in their businesses. Watch your inbox for a special invitation come end of year - don't miss out on learning more!]
© 2008 Alexandria Brown International Inc.
Online entrepreneur Alexandria K. Brown publishes the award-winning 'Highlights on Marketing & Success' weekly ezine with 36,000+ subscribers. If you're ready to jump-start your marketing, make more money, and have more fun in your small business, get your FREE tips now at www.AlexandriaBrown.com
While the rest of your friends and colleagues may be hemming and hawing about how bad the economy is, smart entrepreneurs are quietly calculating not only how to thrive in these times but dramatically increase their incomes as well!
And it's not complicated either. For example, when I coach with clients, one of the first things we do is sit down and look at their current income streams -- what they are, what kind of money they bring in, and with how much effort.
From there, we look at several ways to increase their revenues from these streams alone. For the purpose of this article I'll share five with you.
1. Raising your prices/rates.
Most entrepreneurs - and especially solo-preneurs - grossly underestimate what we marketers call "price elasticity". That is, how much they can raise their prices and/or rates without losing business.
Warning: This is completely contrary to what you think you should be doing right now -- lowering your fees!
One of my Platinum Mastermind members, a Canadian coach who works in a particular niche, resisted raising her rates for months. Finally, she agreed to raise them and even DOUBLE them. She found that not only did she not lose business, but she gained better clients as well. Now she's making the same money in half the time, leaving her many more free hours to develop information products for passive income.
For a year or two I was selling my "Boost Business With Your Own Ezine" system online for $197. It sold pretty well back then, but I realized the information contained was worth much more. Ever since I raised the price to $497, it now converts even more sales! The key here is to track and test for yourself.
2. Up your transaction size.
Ladies, don't you find it amusing when you're at a fast food joint, doing your best to get a healthy salad, and the teenager at the counter brainlessly asks if you'd like fries with that? This is called "up-selling", and it's an easy way of increasing your transaction size.
I just returned from a trip where my hotel automatically billed me a "resort fee" of $20 a day. Not a huge addition to my room rate, but look at how that adds up for the hotel: If they have 500 rooms, they make an additional $10,000 a day, and that's an additional $3.65 million each year!
You can do this in your business too! Use your shopping cart system's up-sell feature to offer additional products or services that complement what the customer is buying. Ideas: a special report, resource guide, workbook, audio program, or laser coaching session. Or offer a special "bundle" price if they purchase more than one product or service at a time. And lest you think these tactics are only for widget-sellers, I've seen this work for everyone from cosmetic surgeons to accountants.
3. Increase your net.
I'll admit it took me several years after I first started my business to understand the important difference between gross profits and net profits. Today I track every product and program in my business separately for both income and expenses - including administrative time. While all this tracking takes time and effort, a quick report instantly tells me which offerings are truly bringing in the big bucks... for keeps.
A few ways of increasing your net are:
* upping your selling price
* lowering your expenses for marketing, sales, and product/program delivery
* culling products/programs that don't bring in the profits you want
* spending more time marketing and selling the products/programs that DO bring
in the profits you want!
4. Up your customer value.
Generally, when you look at your entire customer or client base, there will be a percentage who are your BEST customers and clients. They adore you, buy whatever you come out with, and are happy to pay your fees. This goes along with "the 80/20 rule" -- a good 20 percent of your current customers or clients likely brings you about 80 percent of your revenues!
Once you identify this portion of your list, why not create special offerings just for them? Either at a higher price point or delivering a more exclusive level of service. And, very important: Analyze who these folks are, and fine-tune your marketing to attract more of them!
5. Fine-tune your frequency.
You've been seeing many membership/continuity programs around these days, and it's not just because they are a wonderful way to deliver information or products. It's because smart business owners realize they can gain multiple sales from ONE purchase transaction instead of going back and trying to get folks to buy from them again and again.
Here's how it works: Jane or Joe buys into your monthly membership or widget-of-the-month club, and that one purchase gains YOU recurring income. You saw the start of this trend years ago with book-of-the-month clubs and today it's the most popular way to sell beauty products via infomercials as well. Proactiv, Youthful Essence, and many of those beauty products sold on TV enroll you into an autoship program. (I should know, because I've tried many of them!)
So think about how you can develop one continuity or membership program to continually funnel new members into - versus having to sell your prospects over and over.
First, Just Be Aware.
If you are just working day by day with your nose to your desk, or with clients nonstop, you won't have time to even be aware of your current financial situation, let alone opportunities to improve it.
Step one is taking a half day or so to review your current income streams as I described above, and look for ways to apply these five revenue boosters!
[EDITOR'S NOTE: These strategies are just a portion of what Ali will be helping her new Millionaire Protege Club members apply in their businesses. Watch your inbox for a special invitation come end of year - don't miss out on learning more!]
© 2008 Alexandria Brown International Inc.
Online entrepreneur Alexandria K. Brown publishes the award-winning 'Highlights on Marketing & Success' weekly ezine with 36,000+ subscribers. If you're ready to jump-start your marketing, make more money, and have more fun in your small business, get your FREE tips now at www.AlexandriaBrown.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)