Sandra Martini's Success Strategies

Does your business need a reality check?

Click here to listen...

During a consultation last week, I was speaking with a 5-figure business owner who wanted to make $150,000 this year.

Doable?

Absolutely!

Doable with the plan she had?

Absolutely not.

So many business owners create good solid goals and then take haphazard action, constantly led astray by another bright shiny object or thinking the Law of Attraction will deliver it all to them.

The “reality check”?

It’s a combination of taking the RIGHT action in the RIGHT way at the RIGHT time WHILE maintaining a positive and abundant mindset that will propel you forward to your goals.

While you may think this sounds a little tough, it’s a whole lot tougher to close your doors and get a J O B working for someone else, especially after spending thousands of hours and dollars on programs and products, all designed to get you “to the next level”.

Make It Real: My Request To You

First, revisit your goals for this quarter (July through September) and this year.

Second, determine if your goals are REALISTIC given where you are now and your plans (HOW will you bring in the revenue, which projects, implemented when?) for the rest of the year.

Third, either revise your goals, your plan or both so that they’re in alignment and doable.

Fourth. . .take action. Now!

If you want help determining if your goals are realistic and building a plan you can implement to reach those goals (or others we set), 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!

 

 

Target Fixation -- Is your goal killing your business?

Click here to listen...

There are very few television shows I watch with any regularity and NCIS is one of them -- whether it's the investigative plots themselves or Mark Harmon, I can't say for sure. :-)

One episode discussed the concept of "target fixation" -- a concept where you are SO focused on your target that you fly right into it.

In the entrepreneurial world, I attribute "target fixation" to being SO incredibly focused on your goal (your target) that you fail to see all the other opportunities around you.

While working with a private virtual retreat client last week, we soon discovered that she was so concerned with staying "on message" (her fixation) that she completely missed a whole section of her business which, with a little tweaking, is completely in tune with her message and could be a significant revenue stream.

Even better. . .her clients are already eager and looking for this knowledge and service.

Now let's take a look at what could have happened had she not acknowledged this segment of her business. Note that this is what typically happens with small business owners:

1. We focus SO much on the goal that we regularly miss additional opportunities all around us -- thus losing both the opportunity to have a greater impact on our clients AND our bottom lines or
2. If something happens to the one area we ARE focused on (ie, clients stop calling), we're not prepared and have no other revenue streams to pick up the slack.

And if you doubt that such a thing as "target fixation" exists, just think back to your teenage years when you were "SOOOO in love" with that one person -- the person who everything else revolved around and whom you considered in all your plans. . .

Now that you're aware of our tendency as humans to focus so intently on one goal, one revenue stream, one "whatever" that we unintentionally neglect other areas of our business, or lives, what are you going to do about it?

Make It Real: My Request to You

Here are my suggestions for tackling your target fixation:

1. Determine where you're fixated and willfully take your eyes OFF the target -- this can be more difficult than it first seems
2. Take a step back from your business and review it as an outsider (say, a banker determining whether or not to give you funding) would
3. After Step 2, what do you see? Where are there opportunities for improvement or enhancement? What should you start doing? Stop doing?

So what are you going to add to, or change in, your business this week?

Blog Tag: 10 Honest Traits About Me...

Hey Everyone,

I've been tagged in a "blog tag" by my friend and Mastermind buddy Nancy Marmolejo of Viva Visibility.  These are so much fun and will give you a little more info on bloggers you like to follow.

The name of the game is for me to share 10 honest things about myself and then invite more people to do the same.

Here goes...

1. I'm a first generation American -- my Dad was from Italy (RIP Dad, I miss you SOOO much!) and my Mom is from England.
2. My friends are constantly telling me I have a career in stand-up comedy if I ever want to go there.
3. My hobbies consist of swimming, gardening, reading, volunteering and learning what I can about Atlantis. 
4. The plane that crashed onto the White House South Lawn on Sept 12, 1994 came close to ruining a Presidential event I had spent months planning and that was to be held later that day -- we held it on the North Lawn instead (AmeriCorps).
5. I inherited my keen intuition, strategic mind and common sense from my Dad -- whenever in doubt, I ask myself "What would Dad do?".
6. Languages come easily to me and I've learned Chinese on a bet, Turkish for a guy, Russian to fight the Cold War (I'm dating myself here), French because no one had ever studied two languages at my high school before and Italian to survive family gatherings (in Italy).
7. I've never eaten a pickle (the smell turns me off) and get sick when in the vicinity of tuna fish.
8. A PETA poster of chickens in the D.C. Metro sytem is what turned me into a vegetarian.
9. One of my goals is to run, and finish, the Boston Marathon.
10. Over the course of 5 years, I had 7 jobs (and turned down 3 others), but only applied for 2 -- the rest were offered to me as a result of my ability to get things done, no matter what.

I now tag the following friends and ask for their 10 honest traits.  They'll then tag 7-10 other people:

Baeth Davis www.handanalyst.com/blog

Adam Urbanski www.themarketingmentors.com

Fabienne Fredrickson  www.clientattractionsystem.com/blog

Elizabeth Potts Weinstein www.thewealthspa.com

Shama Hyder http://clicktoclient.com/blog/

Mari Smith www.marismith.com/blog

Sandy Grason www.theroadtofabulous.com

Wendy Y. Bailey www.wendyy.com

And I'm looking forward to reading Karen Knowler's, Anese Cavanaugh's, Helen Grave's and Kendall SummerHawk's!  :-)

2009 At-a-Glance

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!

I'm amazed at the amount of emails and calls (yep, people are still using the phone!) asking me what programs I'll be coming out with in 2009.  As a result, I wanted to give a quick "2009 At-a-Glance" for those of you who are interested:

• Launch of "Revenue Roadmap" -- for those who understand the importance of systems and want to leapfrog over figuring them out on their own -- details coming soon
• Accepting applications for my Success Mastermind Program (starts in February) -- email [email protected] for an application
• Release of 90 Day Intensive Online Business Builder Mentoring Program Home Study -- due out in mid-February
• Accepting 3 private clients to work 1-on-1 with me in January-- email [email protected] to learn more
• Debut of Clients-Only Newsletter (and you think the ezine is good!) -- for clients only
• 2-day workshop coming this fall -- details coming soon
• . . .and a whole lot more stuff I'm not quite ready to share yet  :-)

If you're ready to figure out just what the heck you should be doing in order to maximize profits while minimizing overwhelm, I'll be giving you lots of ways to do it...you just gotta pick the ones that work best for you. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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”.

Thanks for making me see

I'm in Orlando having a wonderful time despite close to record-freezing temperatures this week -- no crowds at any of the parks, amazing shops (BCBG and Coldwater Creek are my favorites with Chicos on the "almost there" list) and great company (here with one of my best friends from the old *corporate* days).

My team, who I love and are absolutely amazing themselves, did something they NEVER do. . .they called me on vacation and begged me to do something.  You see...

In learning about my new Strategic Marketing -- Sandy Style "SMAC" program, Adam Urbanski, Marketing Mentor Extraordinnaire had this to say:

"I love it! The whole thing is just SMAColicious! Well... Except for the price! You are way underpricing this!"

And he's right.  I did underprice the program and did it consciously during these tough economic times. 

Since doing that however, my team has been swamped with emails and calls asking if the program REALLY includes everything on my information page given the low investment. 

Quite frankly, it's gotten to the point that I'm embarrassed about this price and will be increasing it substantially when I get back to Massachusetts on Monday, November 24th in order to reflect the value and results you'll receive (and have my team like me again).

And to give you an idea of my program's value, here's an excerpt from a recent client email:

"I know I'm not the first to tell you this but you are way undercharging for your services!  I soooooo get that and I soooooo appreciate all that you share..."

So if you're looking to start the New Year off right, now's the time to take action -- January will be too late!

Here's a recap of the most popular questions I've gotten about the program...

Q. Can I reserve a spot now and "start the clock" on my program in January?

A. ABSOLUTELY -- in fact, all of the November and December spots are gone and, as of this writing, there are ONLY 2 left for January.  As this is customized for each client, I only have room for so many.

Q. Is it possible to pay in installments?

A. Yes! I heard your requests and have added a two-pay investment option. You can learn more about it here.

Q. Is there a forum where we can speak with other people who are in the program?

A. Nope, this program is meant to build your list, get you increased exposure and get you new clients -- rather than post on an internal forum where everyone's talking about the same things, we'll be focusing on your posting on forums and social networking sites where your ideal clients hang out.

Q. Will you teach me the technical aspects of creating a website?

A. I'm not qualified to teach you the technical aspects of creating a website (heck, I couldn't even build one for my hubby's band).  I will however recommend you to resources I use as well as give you low cost, easy to implement choices which work extremely well.

Q. This program includes a variety of "contacts" or "touches", not just a calendar.  Is that right?

A. Yes...This program is the perfect mix of:

• Mentoring -- coaching and mentoring tips direct from me and geared towards moving you further faster
• Motivation -- a weekly fax designed to keep you informed and inspired
• How-to Support -- videos, audios and process maps designed to show you step-by-step how to get things done
• Concrete Action Steps -- your very own, customized-for-you calendar telling you what to do when

Q. How long will you offer this program for?

A. Until it stops being fun for me...I love what I do and if something changes that, I let it go.  :-)

Have more questions?  Send me an email or leave a comment here and I'll get back with you.

Click here to learn more or sign up today...

Strategic Marketing Sandy Style

My Strategic Marketing Sandy Style program is designed to deliver a high level of accountability and support along with *specific* action items so you take immediate, consistent action in getting exposure, building your list and creating more revenue in your business.

 

This Program is designed to create the perfect mix of mentoring, motivation and support with customized concrete action stepsas follows:

 

·         A daily, strategic marketing action plan provided in calendar-format designed just for you, to help you get more exposure, more clients and more revenue in your business. You receive a calendar, complete with action items, customized for your style and your business

·         A high level of accountability and personal, highly specific follow-up designed to ensure you take consistent action

·         Take the confusion out of knowing which marketing activities to do when and how often.

·         The motivation felt when you know someone is standing beside you, guiding and cheering you every step of the way.

·         Keep you focused on your goals and eliminate the distractions caused by "bright shiny objects".

·         Knowledge and information about how to create multiple streams of revenue in your business and the action steps you need to take built right into your action calendar.

·         Coaching time with me and my expertise focused on YOU!

·         A coach and mentor who knows you and who cares about YOUR success!

   

I'm really excited about what I've designed for you because this Program is completely unlike any other in that it includes tools and support delivered in a way which is unique to you (YES, it is customized!) and will make a BIG, positive and IMMEDIATE difference to you staying focused on your goals while taking consistent action.

 

Click Strategic Marketing Sandy Style to learn more before all the spots are gone!

Adam Urbanski and Teri Garr's "Mr. Mom" Character Both Approve

In learning about my new Strategic Marketing -- Sandy Style "SMAC" program, Adam Urbanski, Marketing Mentor Extraordinnaire had this to say:

"I love it! The whole thing is just SMAColicious! Well... Except for the price! You are way underpricing this!"

And he's right.  I am underpricing it and I'm doing it consciously.  You see, I was chatting with a friend the other day and we got onto the topic of the economy and the energy around it when I got a flashback to the movie "Mr. Mom" that I saw as a kid.

I remembered "Mom" (Teri Garr) in the movie getting a job at an advertising agency and she came up with a campaign for canned tuna.  You see, the economy was tough in the movie, tuna sales were down and the client wasn't happy.

The premise of the campaign was that they would LOWER the price of the tuna during the tough economic times to help out their customers and prices would go back to normal once the economy rebounded.

And that's what I'm doing.  I'm offering this program at a "budget friendly" investment to help out my clients during a tough economy so that you can continue moving your business forward.

I've gotten several questions about the program and want to answer them here...

Q. Can I reserve a spot now and "start the clock" on my program in December or January?

A. ABSOLUTELY -- this program is not here to overwhelm you. If you want to reserve your spot, yet wait a bit before starting, that's completely doable -- remember, this is customized for YOU.

Q. Is it possible to pay in installments?

A. Yes! I heard your requests and have added a two-pay investment option. You can learn more about it here.

Q. Is there a forum where we can speak with other people who are in the program?

A. Nope, this program is meant to build your list, get you increased exposure and get you new clients -- rather than post on an internal forum, we'll be focusing on your posting on forums and social networking sites where your ideal clients hang out.

Q. Will you teach me the technical aspects of creating a website?

A. I'm not qualified to teach you the technical aspects of creating a website (heck, I couldn't even build one for my hubby's band last weekend).  I will however recommend you to resources I use as well as give you low cost, easy to implement choices which work extremely well.

Q. This program includes a variety of "contacts", not just a calendar.  Is that right?

A. Yes...This program is the perfect mix of:

• Mentoring -- coaching and mentoring tips direct from me and geared towards moving you further faster
• Motivation -- a weekly fax designed to keep you informed and inspired
• How-to Support -- videos, audios and process maps designed to show you step-by-step how to get things done
• Concrete Action Steps -- your very own, customized-for-you calendar telling you what to do when

Have more questions?  Send me an email or leave a comment here and I'll get back with you.

Click here to learn more or sign up today...

 

 

What lessons have you learned?

I was going to an email announcing that there are only 6 SPOTS and 6 DAYS LEFT to get into my LAST EVER 90 Day Intensive and then I realized this email would be better spent asking you what lessons you've learned from the launch of my program. 

 

You see, whether or not you join (and I really hope you will), there have been plenty of marketing lessons to learn via the emails I've sent out: 

 

1. THE format which GUARANTEES increased readership of any "frequently asked questions" -- did you catch it? 

 

2. The ONE primary reason this launch has had a greater number of email responses and phone calls than anything else I've done -- and how you can use it in your business.

 

3. Why email marketing is no longer enough and what else you can -- and must -- do to build awareness.

. . .and many more which I'll be sharing in the 90 Day Intensive program.

 

Many of you have indicated that you want to join the program, but are afraid you'll be overwhelmed or not have enough time to get things done. 

 

I promise you this: 

 

1. There is NO WAY I'm going to let you get overwhelmed. 

 

2. Time spent in this program will be time IMPLEMENTING and BUILDING your business -- you WILL be productive and focused and you WILL get results. 

 

3. This program is like having me as your PRIVATE ONLINE COACH, for a fraction of what it would otherwise cost you. 

 

If you're asking yourself whether or not this program is for you, ask yourself this one question: 

 

"Am I thrilled with the results my business is currently getting and if I was away for any length of time, would the revenue continue to come in or would things grind to a halt?"

 

. . .and you'll have your answer. 

 

You can learn more about the program at Small Business Marketing & Online Business Mentoring Program. 

 

As always, please email me if you have any questions. 

 

In full and unwavering support of you and your dreams, 

 

Sandy :-)

 

P.S. For those of you following me on Twitter -- I found Jordan's and it was DEFINITELY worth the trip!  :-)

 

P.P.S. And if you're not yet following me, you can find Sandy on Twitter here.