Key Business Partners, LLC

Well, it is already 4 weeks into the new year—can you believe it? I can’t. Many business people set up their goals at the beginning of each year and I am no different.

However, one thing that I did different this year for 2008, was to break down my goals into monthly goals so the BIG goals don’t seem to daunting to me.

And I have ONE more goal that I wanted to complete for this month and I am doing it in this blog—A BLOG CONVERSATION. So I asked some of my friends to join in my blog conversation. At the end of this please go to my friend’s blogs to read what they have to say as well. And be sure to come back here to read my response as well.

So, I wanted to share with you about what some of my goals were for this year. And these are the ones that I have completed for the first month of 2008.

Next, I updated my website to have it reflect my business focus for online promotion and virtual assistance for coaches, speakers and writers. One way I accomplished this was by updating my header. I added my picture (more personal) and added the words online promotion (my specific expertise) for coaches, speakers and writers (my target market).

Also, I created a bi-weekly newsletter to increase my connection with others. My newsletter, Busy Day Report, provides articles and resources that will help you in your business and in life. Also, you will receive my “12 Tips to Business Success Report” for free.
One more thing was to continue promoting my services that my clients are in search for.
I did this by updating my client communication to ensure that I was lined up with those people who are my target market. Also, setting up incentives with current clients to ensure longer contract terms.

In addition…for February, I am going to create another product, (along with my Coaching Forms Kit) a Speaking Forms Kit….so stay tuned for that.

I thought it would ask my friend, Jenn Givler to join in my conversation regarding her goals for January 2008?

So Jenn – please share with us what have you completed on your 2008 GOALS list so far?

Jenn, has already accomplished goals in January…she has some great discussions going on her blog, started her 2008 great 1 on 1 coaching program. To read Jenn’s response…..

And Jenn handed the “goal reigns” over to Katherine Reschke. One thing Katherine said that she completed on her “goal report” was to get on Blog Talk Radio with her own radio show. Read about her upcoming radio show Thanks Katherine for your input!

It seems lately there has been a swarm of online business owners who believe being untruthful and deceitful is okay because it gets them what they want…customers. But for how long with they have these customers? Also, once they upset these clients with their lack of integrity in their business, how many people do you think they will tell about who not to go to?

And it seems as if I am not the only one who has recognized it…as I found out when I went over to Jenn Givler’s blog. On Jenn’s post she was talking about a commercial she saw this past weekend where they were talking about, “Eat all you want, and still lose weight” and then they have the nerve to add, “we couldn’t say it on TV if it wasn’t true.” Are you kidding me? Now see, to me that is just blatant dishonest but you know what people will still call them. However, this post isn’t about those big companies that do these unethical methods of advertising.

This is about you and your business. The discussion on Jenn’s blog went on and different people stated that those people who are dishonest and don’t work with integrity will “get their own” and they won’t last long. This is true…and even if they do stay in business. Again this isn’t about others….it is about YOU.

This subject of do your values have value by Anna Farmery at The Engaging Brand brings up this point too in one of her latest posts.

How do you wish to be portrayed by your future clients, vendors, suppliers and friends? True business success will not be accomplished without having integrity in your business.

Well, I just think that is so unfortunate for those who believe dishonesty is the way to do business.

Integrity begins with being truthful and living honestly.

Well, this might seem like a silly question…why would you promote your business?

The obvious reason is to get more customers, right? Yes, that is partly true. We all want to get more customers because that is how we make money.

However, by promoting your business you are allowing others in your niche to get to know your expertise and experience. Each person in a niche group may not be your customer right now however, they could be in the future.

When these potential customers have the opportunity to read another blog post, article, or press release that you have written or promoted, you are becoming more imprinted in their minds.

Just be sure that what you do is with integrity and honesty.

Hey, I once had a customer call me after I faxed a press release out eight months earlier! So you just never know who and when will see what you are promoting. When they need you, your products or services, you want to be in the fore front of their mind as a business owner that conducts business with values, integrity and experience.

Is there others reasons to promote your business other than customers and sustainability?

Well, for me the WHERE about promoting is a loaded question in a way. Your first instinct may possible be to answer, “Everywhere and to everyone I know”. Yes, I guess you could do that, however, is that effective?

I do not believe that it is effective at all. In the Part 1 of this series, my  clients come to me with events, products, or services that they wish to promote online. My first question to them is, “What are you wishing to promote?”

Once you have the What? for online promotion then you can move to the Where?  Start  by creating a list by the places the customers of your event, product or service would possibly be and go there and start talking with them. Now, this doesn’t mean immediately go in like gangbusters and sell, sell, sell. No, this is actually one of the quickest ways to have people disinterested in what you are doing.

Ok, let me take a “side step” here and talk about networking. When you are promoting something online, be sure that where you are going is 1)a place where those who would be interested in your business are  2) they know you and your business.

So, some of the places you may find for your list are new to you and that is fine. Go in and chat with the people and allow them to get to know you.  If some of the places are ones you frequent, then you will have the “lay of the land” and know better how to approach these people with your promotions.

Now, keep this list of places to network & talk about you & your business.

Next, be sure you have a way to track the rate of return (depending on the purpose) on these places as well. *Now I realize that some groups are only for personal and socializing.

Give it a few months for each in order to know if the networking group is a “good fit” for you. If it isn’t then you can begin to move around to other places. Then you can return at a later time to these groups. Just always be sure to keep a list.

So, do you have a list of places you promote your business? 

If this is something you are in need of…creating a networking schedule with special days, urls and contacts, please give me a call.

This is a question I receive from my clients frequently.

Well, this is a pretty easy question for me to answer because online promotion is one of my strengths, not to mention something I thoroughly enjoy doing for my clients.

So how do I answer this question…by asking another question. I know…I am not suppose to answer a question with a question, however, here it is needed.

My first question to my client is:

What do you wish to promote?

Now, this may seem like an easy answer. You would answer, “I am wanting to promote my business.” Right? Well, sometimes it is that…however, most of the time the promotion comes down to more focused piece of your business–a new class, product, or service.

So instead of just being too broad and promoting everything services or products your business may have to offer, I would want to work with you to get the promotion to those people who may really want or wish to purchase this particular new service, class, or product of your business. This could be the same target market or it could possible be a more niched group of people.

So do you know who your target market or niche is for your event, product(s) or service(s)?

And then that gets me to the next question….stay tuned for Part 2 of my “Promoting Your Business” Series

I was thinking about this last night and for me, there is a difference between promoting and marketing.

And here is how I seem them differently.

Marketing to me is when you are marketing your business…you are spreading the word about what you do, who you are and the benefits of purchashing your products or services.

Promoting to me is similar in the fact that you are still trying to spread the word about your business….however, it usually is a piece of your business and not your business as a whole.

I do feel that online promotion and marketing is similar in the fact that you are trying to get the word out by your business, whether it be about a single event or the business as a whole.

I don’t consider myself a marketing expert…however, I do feel that I am an expert at online promotion. Now, is that to say I couldn’t market someone’s business in its entirety? I believe I could, however, I prefer to promote an event, product or new service that someone has to share with other people and create an online buzz about that piece of their business.

So, do you feel that promoting is the same thing as marketing? I would enjoy to read your comments on the subject.

I wanted a place to showcase some really wonderful online events that are coming up in the next couple of weeks to help you and your business succeed.

ONE

The WECAI Network and eWednesday Chat

I know I talk about her and her organization ALL the time, however, their is a VERY good reason that I do. She has the winning formula to me for gaining members, clients and getting people talking about you. The person that I am speaking of is, Heidi Richards, founder of The WECAI Network. As always, Heidi is having another great event on January 23rd How to Increase Your Back of the Room Sales with Maria Davies at 10amEST. This event is only $11 to attend and you can SIGN UP here

Two ways to participate:

If you are attending via the teleconference bridge line, here is the information you need:Conference Dial-in Number: (641) 715-3840 – Participant Access Code: 361467#

If you are attending via the web conference room, go here:
http://www.wecai.org/eWednesdayChat.exe. Just type in your name and enter the room (no password needed). If you have not attended the event via our conference room before, you will need to download it and save to your desktop so you can access it tomorrow. If you wish to participate verbally, you will also need an external microphone.

Hope to see you all there!

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TWO

Are you having trouble creating consistent client/income flow?

Do you feel anxious, uneasy and nervous when it comes to promoting your business?

There are effective, mindful marketing techniques that will connect you to your ideal clients, help you grow your business authentically, and help you reach potential clients in a way that sales happen organically and are not forced.

Marketing needs to have four foundational pieces to really begin working for your business. Clear Vision. Strong Foundation. Reaching, Connecting, Building Relationships. Consistent Strategy.

If any of those pieces are missing, marketing can feel intimidating and inauthentic. Marketing is meant to support the larger goals of your business – not to be in your face, aggressive, or pushy.

The Mindful Marketing 1 on 1 Coaching Program will help you implement a Mindful Marketing strategy.

My name is Jenn Givler. I’m a Intuitive Business Coach, and I’ve developed the Mindful Marketing process to help spiritually conscious business owners build thriving businesses.

You’ll come away from the program feeling stronger in your business, knowing exactly what to do to effectively, and mindfully marketing your business, and you’ll have access to me as you work through implementing your plan.

To learn more about this program, check out the following web site:

http://createathrivingbusiness.com/mindful-marketing-the-1-on-1-program/

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THREE

Ready to Network?

 Business and Learning networking chat – Tuesday nights at 9pm EST and Thursday at 1pmEST.

Great place to network with other like minded business people. Also, be sure to read about the upcoming Work at Home Expo. If you register now, a vendor spot is only $35 (just until Feb)
January 18th - Mom’s Coffee Break – Great place to chat with other moms about kids, life, and business. This week it is an  discussion about goal setting for this year so please bring your favorite drink and sit back and chat with us about your questions, life situations, and more.
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FOUR

One of my good friends and a lady with a very gracious and loving spirit, Beverly Mahone is conducting a tele-seminar about blogging.

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FIVE

Want to change your Mindset to help with Prosperity?

It is time to stop sitting by watching others succeed and time for you to become the person that people watch instead.

The secret of your success with Law of Attraction is here. Come join in with Kim Mutch Emerson, your Chief Guide to Prosperity, and receive the coaching you deserve at a cost that makes your pocket book happy.

This is a dynamite group coaching program… designed so you won’t risk a dime.

Your success is guaranteed. If your success ratio doesn’t take a dramatic swing up you will receive your money back! It really is that simple.

Click here to sign up: http://www.prosperitymind-set.com

In this program you will receive the tools and techniques to:
• Define your passions
• Decide on your direction
• Dedicate your focus
• Design your life!

This is not the watered down version, come learn how to unleash your natural ability to get what you want, master the secrets of your own irresistible suggestions, attract your perfect relationships, compel others to buy from you, and turbo charge your business, relationships, health and over-all happiness.

Get up, get real, get in on this before it goes away. This coaching is not available anywhere else.

The 1st session for 2008 starts Wednesday, January 30th. Don’t miss out on the New You!

Enroll today at Prosperity Mind Set.

This group session includes honored guest speakers, Jenn Givler of J. Givler Coaching, Tonya Ramsey of Life by Design and Carol Deckert of Referrals Unlimited Network.