Sandra Martini's Success Strategies

5 Strategies To Getting Your Money's Worth At Seminars & Workshops

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You open your email to find a notice about an upcoming seminar or workshop on a topic you desperately want to learn more about.

Later that day, you get the mail and there's a postcard inviting you to the same workshop.

"Should I go?" you think.

"It's expensive, I'll have to pay for airfare and hotel, but I'll learn *so much* and will really be able to propel my business forward," you say to yourself.

After much wrangling between those two guys that sit on each of your shoulders, you decide to go for it. You tell your clients you'll be gone, you buy the plane tickets, book the hotel, pay the workshop fee and you're excited!

The day finally arrives. You can hardly wait. You get a seat and wait for things to start.

Business Systems – the real way to create a lifestyle business

Goodness knows systems may not sound like the sexiest thing in your business – after all, marketing usually wins that title.

Systems however, are what allow you to take time off without worrying what’s going on in the business and they ensure that all of your clients have the same experience – regardless of how busy you are – from start to finish.

To keep things simple, let’s take the creation of one system today – this is one that I use and will show you how valuable they can be.

New Client Process

1. Prospect inquires about services and chooses which is best for her after reading “Interview with Sandy” and reviewing different services offered.
2. Prospective client registers as a client either through information page (often called “sales page”) or by emailing assistant, depending on program.
3. Sandy sends personalized card welcoming client into X program/service.
4. New Client Information Packet (has Client Agreement, intake questionnaire, describes how we work together, may contain “Getting Started” or “Checklist” depending on program) is emailed and snail mailed within 24 business hours of registration.

What happens after that depends on the program – is it a “Done 4 You” service or is it a “Done With You” service?

Each program then has the appropriate process steps that go with it.

Make sense?

It’s set up this way so that if the team member who regularly handles this function is out of the office, any other member of the team can pick it up without delay AND without my constant involvement.

Make It Real -- My Request to You

Pick one thing. . .just one in your business to write a system for and start documenting it this week.

Do this each week until you’ve created systems for everything in your business – from how the phone is answered to how your new clients are greeted and your current clients leave.

And, if you take only one thing from today’s article, let it be that your business growth comes from your ability to get new clients (a.k.a. marketing, which has systems all its own), but your business lifestyle comes from your ability to create systems which don’t require your attention every minute of every day.

This is the real key to creating a lifestyle business. . .

2 FREE Visibility Tools for Your Business

It's almost impossible trying to keep up with everything you should know in your business, let alone all the places you're mentioned online. . .especially if you're doing any marketing outreach such as article marketing.

An easy way I've found to know what people are saying, tweeting and which articles are getting picked up the most is to sign up for two free visibility tools:

1. Google Alerts (sends email digests based on keywords you've selected for the Internet) and

2. Tweetbeep (sends email alerts based on keywords you've selected for Twitter "tweets")

These sites not only allow you to follow mentions of your own name/business name, but any topics you want: your competitors, a certain trend, your clients, etc.

A recommendation for Google Alerts: put whatever words you're looking for in quotes if appropriate. When I first signed up with Sandra Martini (no quotes were used), I got every mention of "Sandra Bullock" and the best new "Martini" bars, recipes, etc.

Now I search on "Sandra Martini" and just get me. . .oh, and occasionally the other "Sandra Martini" who lives in Germany.  :-)

Happy AUTOsearching. . .

PS: If you're a member of my Social Networking Done For You program, these have already been set up for you, so no action needed.  :-)

Gmail and Your HTML Newsletter

I wanted to make you aware of a recent problem with Google's gmail accounts.

Take a look at the snapshot of my ezine from yesterday below - this was sent to my test gmail account...all the line breaks (spacing between paragraphs) are gone which makes it pretty ugly and hard to read.

 

Google's gone and done something to the gmail code so that your html (pretty with pictures and formatting) ezines will appear this way for anyone with a gmail account unless...

Where do you go from here?

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Just yesterday I was talking with a new client who’s invested thousands of dollars on programs, plans and info products and came to me asking “What should I do?” as she was so overwhelmed with all the options and wanted to get the *right* things done in order to achieve her goals.

In a time when information – good and bad – surrounds us and we’re hit (it actually feels like I’m being hit sometimes) with thousands of marketing messages every day around what we should do with our business, it’s no wonder you’re confused about the best way to get where you’re going.

Mapquest gives you a choice when it comes to driving directions:

• Shortest distance or
• Scenic route

I’m guessing you want the “shortest distance” to your business goals as opposed to the longer scenic route.

Knowing that, it’s time to decide which steps, in which specific order will get you there:

1. Write – don’t type -- a list of all your goals (there’s a greater connection to our desires when we write them out)
2. Put each goal on a separate piece of paper
3. Write the projects which will culminate in the completion of each goal
4. Decide which goal you want to work on FIRST (now I know you want more than one, but you can only do one thing well at a time, so pick a #1)
5. Decide which project within that goal you want work on FIRST
6. Write a list of tasks/action steps for that project – complete with timeframes
7. Delegate what you can to your team
8. Do what only you can do (if you don’t yet have a team, prioritize the tasks – there is usually a natural order to these)
9. Take this goal as far as you can and move on to the next

It’s key to remember that no matter how much you “want it all”, you’ll get there quicker by picking one thing, getting it done and moving on to the next. The “all” will come before you know it.

And if you’re confused about which goal/project to start first?

Answer this one question: “What *pain* keeps you up at night or which goal makes you giddy with joy?” and you’ve got your first goal.

If you want help sorting out which priority is THE priority or need to brainstorm the right steps to get you there, you’ll want to see if a strategy session with me works for you.

7 + 1 Summer Resources To Keep/Get You on Track

Despite the rain, wind and chilling temperatures today, it's officially the first day of summer here in Massachusetts.

As you prepare to have the kids home from school and determine your own summer projects, here are a few resources -- both business and personal -- which may make things easier:

For the kids as they start hanging around the house (and your office) asking "What can I do? There's nothing to do, I'm bored", etc. -- free guide on 50 Easy Ways Your Kids Can Make Money

Okay, now that they're taken care of, on to you. . .

1.  If you've been struggling to get your first ebook out, I recommend Connie Ragen Green's Ebook Writing & Technology Home Study Course 

2.  If you've been wanting to get your first teleseminar under your belt, but have been unsure of how to pull it all together, I recommend my own "How to Host Your Own Teleseminar: The Tools to Make It Happen...without fear

3.  If you're looking to clean up your eating habits some, summer is a perfect time to do it and I recommend Karen Knowler's ebooks on incorporating more raw foods into your meals (note that you don't have to be a total raw foodie to get tons of ideas and recipes from Karen's stuff!)

4.  If summer's the time you're going to get your article marketing in gear, my favorite places include: Ezine Articles, Best Article Marketer and Submit Your Article. Submit Your Article charges about $37/month, but they'll forward your article out to several other sites for you which makes it a bargain (cheaper than doing yourself or hiring someone to do it for you)

5.  If you're thinking about turning your knowledge into product, but need a little nudge, here's a free (no opt-in required) video for you. . .

6.  And if you're planning on hanging out and manifesting some great things, here are two of my favorite manifesting tools: Magnetize Absolutely Anything audio and workbook and Wildly Wealthy book and workbook

7.  Or if you're looking for some organizing tips, tools and assistance, you'll want to check out my two favorite organizers: the MomMentor, Debbye Cannon and Elizabeth Hagen

My best wishes for a VERY Happy AND Productive Summer!

 

 

Facebook Profile -- be sure to get your name

Facebook opened up their system last night to let us create our own Facebook profile URL.

 

Rather than the former hideous URL which looked something like:

 

www.facebook.com/people/yourname/123456789  (this isn't a real URL, just an example of what Facebook profiles looked like -- not the prettiest URL I've ever seen!)

However, now you can have www.facebook.com/yourname

I set mine to be www.facebook.com/sandramartiniso it's consistent with my Twitter name (@sandramartini) and website URL (www.SandraMartini.com)

To get your own Facebook profile name, go to http://www.facebook.com/username

You will see a form that will give you several suggested usernames, and the ability to choose your own. Either choose one of the names suggested or type in your own.

Now here is NOT the time to get creative.  After all, you want people to be able to find you without having to search and wonder what you may have come up with in a creative moment.

The goal is to make it EASY for everyone -- when it comes to branding your business, consistency is key.

You may choose to use your name, your business name, your title, etc., but know this. . .once chosen, you can't change it.  Facebook doesn't allow changes or edits so be sure to choose well and double check spelling before confirming.

And, if we're not yet friends, I'd love to connect with you:

http://www.facebook.com/sandramartini or @sandramartini (Twitter)

Marketing Mess of the Week: Why Won't You Let Me Give You Money?

I was recently out on a site related to feng shui (a hobby and great love of mine) and wanted to purchase a new crystal for my office window.

After clicking NINE different links, I finally got to the shopping cart only to find that there was no "checkout" link.  When clicking to "checkout", the site kept bringing me back to the product description page.

Now it only took about 3 tries for me to get that things weren't going to change and start to hunt for a phone number to call and order this $16 crystal.

No such luck...another site with no contact information on it.

When all was said and done, I left the site grumbling, frustrated and having spent well more than $16 of my time. . .and without the crystal.

Somehow I don't think the business owner intended this to be her clients' experience.

Whenever you create a new product or service, be sure to walk through the steps you're clients will experience as if you were one -- even better, ask your mother (or someone unfamiliar with what you're doing) to order the product WITHOUT you standing over her shoulder.

Is the experience simple?  Or are you frustrated by the amount of time and energy it takes?

Test, modify and test again until the process becomes effortless. :-)

Get Real and Make Things Happen

I remember, as I'm sure you do, my parents telling me how much easier we had it than they did (after all, they probably had to walk 5 miles up hill in the snow, BOTH ways, just to get to school). :-)

Given that my Dad grew up in a small town in Italy where electricity came from a car battery, I always believed them.

Lately, I've been hearing a lot of reasons about the tough times and why people aren't making money:

1. We're in a recession and the economy stinks
2. Emails aren't being delivered
3. The "list" isn't big enough or has the wrong people on it
4. Prospects are more wary about purchasing (justifiably in my mind)
5. I'm overwhelmed and have so much to do, I don't know where to start
6. . . .the list goes on.

What I'm not hearing are all the reasons why people can make money:

1. Access to pretty much any info with a few clicks on our keyboards
2. Ability to partner with a coach or mentor and see fast results
3. A client pool of the entire world rather than simply as far as you can drive on a given day (thinking door-to-door sales here)
4. Teleseminars and webinars as a means of sharing information and teaching a group of people at the same time without requiring them (or you) to leave home
5. Digital products and the ability to have a 6 figure business without fulfillment hassles
6. . . .and once again, the list goes on. :-)

So what are YOU doing to increase your revenue this year, this month, this week?

• Do you have an ezine that you send out regularly (not just when you "get to it") AND that contains info your prospects want to hear about OR are you overly focused on sharing the "what and why" without any "how"?
• Are you reaching out and communicating with your clients and prospects or are you hitting "send" and hoping for the "ka-ching" sound to tell you someone purchased something?
• Do you make it easy for people to purchase from you (see my blog for some recent trainwrecks I encountered around this)?
• Do you care about your clients? I mean REALLY care about them, not just the revenue they bring you? And does it show without you having to tell them regularly?
• Do you take the time to do at least one thing EVERY SINGLE DAY to move your business forward (such as article marketing or social networking or sending a card to a client or prospect)?
• Do you know the return on investment for everything you do or are you just doing things and hoping something sticks?

Basically, are you taking the right actions to grow your business or are you sitting on the sidelines complaining about all the reasons it can't be done and griping about those who have done it?

These days we have so many more opportunities to make money faster and easier than ever before -- even with the recession -- and those who are focused on providing value and being of service to clients, while authentic to themselves, are poised for the most success.

If you're overwhelmed or feel like a top spinning round and round, unsure of what to do next (or how to do it or even if you should be doing it), email my assistant to set up a no obligation "Get Acquainted" call with me. For the past 5 years, Sandra Martini has been showing self-employed business owners how to get more clients consistently by implementing processes and systems to put their marketing on autopilot. Visit Sandra at http://www.SandraMartini.com for details, compelling client testimonials and her free audio series “5 Simple and Easy Steps to Put Your Marketing on Autopilot”.

5 Questions You MUST Ask Before Joining a High Level Coaching Program

The latest rage among internet or online-focused businesses is the high level (over $10,000/year) coaching or mentoring program frequently referred to as “Gold”, “Platinum” or “Diamond” programs – it seems that almost everyone has their version of one.

These can be amazing programs. I fully believe in them based on the below and have participated in several (do the math here) over the past few years and am in one now.

I’ve seen, and had, huge and amazing leaps made and I’ve seen people on the verge of bankruptcy and everything in between as a result of joining these programs.

Some move forward exponentially and others end up overwhelmed, frustrated and broke.

So why the vast difference in experiences?

There are several things you need to consider before joining a high level program:

1. Can you afford the program?

While this seems like a simple question, it’s really not. You need to play with the numbers and ask yourself, “If my income remains stable or drops, can I afford this program? How will I pay for it?”

Remember that “paying for it” includes travel to and from retreats, hotel stays, meals and funds to implement ideas and new strategies as well as the program fees themselves.

You may choose to take out a new credit card, remortgage your house, etc. – it’s always better to have a backup plan and not need it then need it and not have it; especially as many of these programs require full payment even if you have to leave the program.

2. Why are you joining?

If you’re joining expecting to reach a million dollars in Month 2 of the program, you’ll want to reassess. You want to know your goals and planned outcomes for the program before joining and ask the program host if they’re realistic given where you currently are in your business.

3. Is this the right program/coach for you?

Do your research. Do you resonate with the person offering the program? Do you like her? Could you see yourself sitting down for a cup of tea together and having something, other than business, to talk about? Are her morals and integrity in line with yours?

Is her vision for the program in alignment with your anticipated outcomes?

4. Is now the right time?

Before spending oodles of money on a program to take you to the next level. . .and beyond, do you have the basics covered?

Do you have a team to support you? Do you have a website/blogsite? Do you have an ezine newsletter going out, at the very least, twice a month? Do you have client follow-up and retention processes? Do you have paying clients?

In effect, do you have the systems and foundation in place in order to get the most out of the program?

5. Do you have the time?

These programs take time: time to travel and participate in retreats, time to implement, time for group and 1-on-1 calls, time to assist others in the program (mutual support is critical in a successful program) and time to generate the revenue to pay for it all.

In order to get the most from your participation, you’ll want to ensure you have the time allotted.

If you’re unsure about any of the above, you’ll want to schedule a quick call with the program host to go over your situation before you sign on the dotted line.

My Request to You

Before joining any high level coaching program, put down the sales page or letter, print out this article, grab a pen and notepad and answer each of above with complete and total honesty.

For the past 5 years, Sandra Martini has been showing self-employed business owners how to get more clients consistently by implementing processes and systems to put their marketing on autopilot. Visit Sandra at http://www.SandraMartini.com for details, compelling client testimonials and her free audio series “5 Simple and Easy Steps to Put Your Marketing on Autopilot”.