Thursday, February 13, 2025

Values Alignment

LEADING TO YOUR VALUES



As a leader, the values of the organization need to be a focus.  When you lead to your values, then you are walking your talk, practicing what you preach, and living those values.

Values Alignment Check





Doing a periodic values check is important. Are we in alignment with the values of the organization?  Do the values we have outlined still fit the organization? And, what do we need to do to be in alignment with the values of the organization?



Here at Compass Rose Consulting, we just recently been looking at our own values. But values alignment is something that has been important to me for a long time. It was included in my first business development program: Business Builders Intensive and is still a part of Business Growth CORE in the Womenpreneur's Resource Center.  It is important to look at.



When you are out of alignment with your values -- your staff notice and your customers notice.   Something doesn't feel right. They know it and it impacts them.



Our values alignment evaluation looks at:

What is the value? Name it:



How is it practiced across the organization?
Operations?
Products?
Marketing?
Leadership?
Staffing?
HR?
etc.



For instance, I worked with an organization that worked with youth and taught that you needed to get a college education so that you would be fairly paid. And we hired people with college degrees to work with the youth. BUT, we did not pay a fair wage for the work done.  The values were out of alignment with the practice. I successfully changed that practice or at least improved it.



values alignment

When you do the values alignment, you are going through each value and making sure that you are walking your talk and practicing the value in all that you do.



Take a look at your values and how they are working in your business. Is there something that you need to shift or change?  Is there a way to practice them better?



Leave me your thoughts below and let me know how your business is doing on it's values alignment.

https://bit.ly/2UI1TUW

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Building Your Marketing System

Why do you want and need a marketing system?



marketing system

When you build a marketing system that is YOURS, you KNOW that you have a way to increase your revenue easily and predictably.

A marketing system consistently:



- Brings new and qualified leads (future buyers) into your business

- Has a system for follow up and nurturing that helps YOU connect with your new leads and build the "know, like, trust" relationship

- Uses calls to action wisely to bring people into your customer base.

- Provides customer service that builds loyalty and repeat business.

- Works easily and reliably so that you know what to expect for your growth each week or month.

- Is trackable so that you can improve it when it is not working as well as you want or need it to.

So what does this really mean? Isn't all marketing the same?



There are definitely marketing concepts that work across businesses and industries that you should be implementing in your business. But they can look different for different companies.



For instance, if you are a local boutique you need local traffic into your store. Can the Internet or social media help with that? Definitely. But you also need signage on your storefront, local ads with calls to action.



The biggest mistake I see is that people focus on getting buyers and that doesn't work in a lot of industries. And the mistake is that they don't get the person's information or capture the lead! They have no way to follow up or continuing to build the relationship. The interaction is over.



This happens over and over. A business owner runs an ad -- sending the lead to their BUY NOW button and they don't buy, they bounce! But what if was a different call to action -- an optin where the first step was a really valuable item at a low cost or no cost. Then you have the opportunity to continue marketing and building the "know, like, trust."



So, whether you are a local shop or an online business -- lead capture is key. It has to be a part of your marketing system!!



Lead capture or optins are different from followers or connections. When you build your email list -- it is YOURS. When you have followers or connections or friends on a social media platform, they can definitely become buyers but they can also be taken away by the platform without your control. Moving people over to your email list is key.



What are the pieces of the marketing system?



- Being clear on your target market -- who are you marketing to?

- Lead capture -- having a way of capturing the information when someone connects with you.

- Follow-up - they say the money is in the follow-up and so many miss this opportunity to continue connecting.

- Presenting valuable offers -- when you have done a good job of connecting with your target market, your service should be valuable to them. Building good offers that provide a ton of value are the offers that people will be interested in.

- Loyalty -- everything you are doing up to this step is geared to help you in building loyalty. If you don't have a good follow up system, you will lose customers and they won't come back, because you are not telling them what you have to offer to them.

When you build YOUR system, you have the ability to predict your results. You can turn it on and off. Or up and down based on what you can handle.



When you have a working sales and marketing system -- you can look at HOW to scale your business!! That's exciting! Not everyone is doing that, because not everyone is building a system for their sales and marketing. If there is only one system that you are going to build in your business -- this is the one!!

https://bit.ly/3LrNhDW

Sunday, February 09, 2025

Science Proves Gratitude Fuels Happiness and Success 🌟

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes


Table of contents

- Gratitude: The Secret Ingredient to Happiness, Success, and Impact 🌟
- 🌼 Gratitude as a Happiness Booster- The magic of gratitude is twofold:
- 💡 The Science Behind Gratitude
- 🌟 Gratitude in Action: Your Roadmap to Success
- ✨ Start Your Gratitude Journey Today

Gratitude: The Secret Ingredient to Happiness, Success, and Impact 🌟



Gratitude is more than a polite "thank you." It’s a transformative emotion with the power to improve happiness, strengthen relationships, and even boost your health. At Compass Rose Consulting, we believe that gratitude is foundational—not just for personal well-being, but also for building visionary businesses that thrive. Let’s explore how cultivating gratitude can make an impact on you, your business, and the world.


🌼 Gratitude as a Happiness Booster


For many, gratitude is simply a response to kindness. But in psychology, gratitude is a profound recognition of the goodness in our lives, and it affirms the graciousness of those around us. When we focus on the blessings—big or small—we naturally become more content, generous, and cheerful.


The magic of gratitude is twofold:
- The Giver’s Joy: Giving thanks uplifts your spirit and strengthens your connections.
- The Receiver’s Delight: Feeling appreciated fosters deeper bonds and spreads happiness.

💡 The Science Behind Gratitude


In our fast-paced world, we often overlook everyday blessings. But research shows that gratitude changes everything:


Improved Health:
Optimism, fueled by gratitude, has been shown to strengthen immunity. According to a Harvard Medical School study, optimists live longer, healthier lives.


Deeper Relationships:
Gratitude fosters connection. A 2014 study revealed that showing appreciation—even for small acts of kindness—builds trust and opens doors to new friendships.


Less Stress, More Joy:
Feeling grateful helps reduce depression and boost happiness. A simple act of thoughtful appreciation can increase happiness by 10% and reduce depression by 35%.


Thriving Businesses:
At Compass Rose Consulting, we emphasize that gratitude is essential for successful leadership and teamwork. Expressing gratitude to employees, clients, and collaborators creates a positive ripple effect. People who feel valued are more likely to go the extra mile, driving both happiness and business growth.


🌟 Gratitude in Action: Your Roadmap to Success


Incorporating gratitude into your life and business isn’t complicated. Here are a few ways to start:


- Daily Reflection: Begin or end each day by jotting down three things you’re grateful for.
- Authentic Appreciation: Send a heartfelt thank-you email, note, or message to someone who’s made a difference.
- Gratitude in Business: Make appreciation part of your company culture. Acknowledge team contributions and thank clients or partners for their trust.
- Mindful Living: Take time to recognize the little things—kind words, sunny days, or even a good cup of coffee.

At Compass Rose Consulting, gratitude is more than a mindset—it’s part of our framework for creating impactful, world-changing businesses. By cultivating an attitude of gratitude, you not only increase personal happiness but also elevate your team, your clients, and your community.


✨ Start Your Gratitude Journey Today


Gratitude isn’t just good for you; it’s a game-changer for your business and your legacy. As you cultivate this practice, you’ll find that success and happiness go hand in hand.


What are you grateful for today? Share your thoughts below, or connect with us to explore how gratitude can be a cornerstone of your personal and professional growth.


At Compass Rose Consulting, we help womenpreneurs grow visionary businesses that make a difference. Together, let’s create a brighter future—one act of gratitude at a time. 🌿

https://bit.ly/49eZjv0

Friday, February 07, 2025

What is the Flow State

Are you in the flow state?


Enjoyment appears at the boundary between boredom and anxiety, when the challenges are just balanced with the person's capacity to act. Mihly Cskszentmihlyi
flow state

To live a life that provides a sense of purpose and achievement it is essential to know how to create it. You can create the life you desire by harnessing the power of your mind and taking action.


Research by positive psychologist, Mihly Cskszentmihlyi, has shown that achieving and using a state known as the 'flow' or 'zone' increases achievement, creativity and happiness.


The flow state is similar to hyper focus but it has none of the negative impact or emotions. While in the flow state you are totally absorbed by a task that is meaningful and challenging.

You have an end goal and know what actions you need to take to achieve it. You are so focused and immersed that there is no room for self-analysis or doubts. Time seems to fly past without you noticing as you are totally absorbed by what you are doing.


Being in the flow means that you are taking action constantly instead of stopping and thinking. By taking action and not stopping to think you prevent any negative emotions such as worry or self-doubt from blocking your progress.


When you are in the 'zone' you are totally immersed in the activity in hand, losing all sense of time and self-consciousness.

Engagement and enjoyment are crucial. You've heard the saying, 'Time flies when you're having fun!' This is what it is like when you're in the zone. You are focused and your productivity levels increase.


Your total immersion in what you are doing means that you are not clock watching. You're so engrossed in taking action that you don't have time for anything else.


You will feel energized, challenged, totally aligned with the task and positive. The flow state is a positive state of mind and being. The activity is one that is well matched to your skills but contains a level of challenge that will help you grow.


This matching of challenge and skills will ensure that you feel positive about the task and while completing it you are not suffering from any doubts or fears.
https://youtu.be/QPmRfDYYqtM

Without goals or dreams life will seem boring and without purpose. Being in a state of flow is engaging and allows you to achieve peak performance. You are so immersed in what you are doing that you don't register anything else.


Creativity and problem solving are enhanced while in the zone. Identifying your goals will help you create a plan to achieve the life you desire. Taking action using the flow state can help you to make them a reality.


Have you grabbed your copy yet?


https://bit.ly/411q0AN

Wednesday, February 05, 2025

Assess Your Lead Generation Strategies

Having a Lead Generation Plan that Works, Makes Growing Your Business Exciting (and Predictable)



lead generation

Generating new leads is a focus of most business owners.  But do you ever stop to evaluate where your leads are coming from and how your lead generation methods are working? It is important to have systems in place to track new leads and evaluate each lead strategy. You have to KNOW your numbers in order to have a system that is really working for you.



Many business owners miss this key metric. Marketing numbers or conversion points can dramatically impact your revenue and even small changes to those conversion metrics can make a BIG difference.



So what numbers do you need to be looking at?? There are a couple of ways that you can do this.



1.  Website –



If you have a website then it should be one of your lead generation strategies.  Your website has to be set up to work for you!!



You want to have your subscription form on your site for your free gift.  If you don’t, you will not be able to keep in touch with folks that visit your site.  Take a look at your website statistics to see what kind of traffic your site receives and where the traffic is coming from. A free gift is a free report or tip sheet or video or.... that provides YOUR prospect with valuable information. You are working to



If your web host does not provide statistics you should set up a Google Analytics account and add the code to your web pages in order to track your traffic.  You want to know who is visiting, how long they are staying on your site, what pages they are visiting and where they came from to get there.  Did they do a search?  If so, what keyword were they searching that landed them with you?  Once they are there are they interacting with you and your site: subscribing to your newsletter, taking surveys, leaving feedback on your guestbook or forums? All of this detail is great information for you.



2.  Lead Generation



Do you receive leads from referrals, lead boxes, listings in directories, yellow pages?  When a new person contacts you it is a good idea to ask where they got their information from. Recently several business owners have asked whether the Yellow Pages is a good place for them to spend their money. As a business coach I really don’t know the answer to that because it is different for each business.  It depends if YOUR business is receiving calls as a result of the ad.  That is why asking about where the lead came from is so very important. With the Internet, the effectiveness of Yellow Pages is definitely diminished. But if you have a marketing strategy that is working, you need to KNOW which one it is!!



It's essential that you know where your leads are coming in and what isn't working. It's not cost effective or wise to use mediums that aren't working. They should be changed so that there are more leads generated, in the case of a website, or done away with altogether, in the case of a newspaper advertisement.



The medium that you dispose of right now can always be revisited in the future.



A down economy is a great time to evaluate everything that you are doing, but it is not a time to eliminate advertising and marketing.  You have to continue to market or you won’t have new leads and referrals.  Do your marketing wisely, track it all and evaluate relevant pieces each month.



So take the time to do a marketing evaluation and understand your marketing metrics. Need help? Schedule a Business Breakthrough Strategy Session.



Lead generation is a foundation of building your business. Without an effective lead generation system it is hard to predictably build. When you have a lead generation system that is working for you, then your business is growing consistently and that decreases stress, enables better sleep and so much more!!



It can be frustrating to get the system right and understand all of the numbers.

https://bit.ly/3UEwCSG

Tuesday, February 04, 2025

Entrepreneurial Myths that Will Hurt Your Business

Is Your Business Impacted by E-Myths?





We are going to embark upon a journey through the world of e-myths and debunk them to help you avoid falling into the e-myth trap.



First, let’s take a minute to talk about what an e-myth is. An entrepreneurial myth, or e-myth, is an assumption that anyone can succeed at business with:



·       Desire



·       Some capital



·       Projected a targeted profit



This sounds great, but it just not realistic. Think of starting a business as a marathon. Sure, everyone starts out of the gate at record pace, but after a few miles people start slowing and some drop out entirely. Building a successful business takes stamina and agility.



The reality is that there are many different facets to a successful business and none of them can be ignored if you plan to find success.



Let’s take a minute to talk about entrepreneurial seizure. This defines the roller coaster of emotions that comes with starting, nurturing and the potential failure of a business.



The emotions that occur, in order, are:



·       Exhilaration



·       Exhaustion



·       Despair



·       Sense of self-loss



This is usually cause by the e-myths and assumptions we talked about. You can get your hopes so high on instant success that even the smallest lag and you are sent into an emotional tailspin. This is also brought on by the stark realization that you can’t do it all and will need help in the areas where you don’t have the knowledge. Now, faced with limited choices you may feel like you need to back out and hide, but don’t do this.



Pick up a copy of the Visionary Womenpreneur's Field Guide to learn how to create your strategy effectively.

https://bit.ly/49Tohi5

Monday, February 03, 2025

How To Stay Committed To Reaching Your Goals

commitment

Make the Commitment to your goals!!



Let's admit it, we all have that one goal we've been trying to set yet failed to achieve. Think about countless New Years resolution attempts, broken piggy banks, a planned vacation that remains a plan.



So how exactly do we go about having a goal and then actually achieve it?



The key to success is an overly used word, yet only followed by a few commitment. Yes, the word does not only apply to relationships. It also applies to everything else in life that one wishes to achieve. It could be with regard to your first million dollars, your weight-loss program, your love life, or simply beating your early-morning alarm.



Commitment is the key.



The only problem is that not everyone stays committed. The word itself is associated with fear, distraction, procrastination, and whatnots. You are in luck though, because below are a set of tricks you can carry up your sleeve should you plan to tackle your goals head-on.



Set a Clear and Definite Goal



Another clich, but this actually is a herculean task for most of us. You must set a realistic goal first, one that you think is worth your efforts if you intend to achieve a result.



Its not enough that you know what you want to achieve. You also should have a detailed plan before you make that first step. As soon as the path has been carved, it will only be a matter of time (and willpower) before you reach the destination.



Focus



We all fall victim to pitfalls and unexpected turns. In fact, a lot of people would stop after the first fall or wrong turn. When challenges come up and emotions cloud your judgment, you need to focus on what your real purpose is and go on with your journey.



Keep Moving



This is the reason why goals are planned ahead in detail, so you will not have to analyze (or overanalyze) when you are already midway through your journey. Sacrifices are expected and you will fall a few times. Just get up and keep moving until you reach your destination. Stopping in your tracks, giving up, and turning back are no longer options at this point.





Enjoy



Take it from Mary Poppins (she is one of my absolute favorites!!), Just a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down. Don't think of your goal as a task, but a game.



After all, its in the journey that we learn the most lessons - not the destination.

https://bit.ly/3SbM0n0

5 Warning Signs That Your Project is Going to Be Derailed

Make Sure Your Project Does Not Get Derailed





When we get derailed or experience a major setback or failure, it always takes us by surprise. Sure, the going was a little rough but we just didn't see it coming. At least, that's what we think.



Getting derailed is serious. It could mean having to start all over again or worse, ditch a project altogether. It’s one of the main causes of not finishing what we start and if this happens often enough, our whole life course can be impacted.



But you can avoid derailment by being alert to the warning signs. That's right, a derailment shouldn’t come as a surprise because there are always red flags that indicate you're heading for big trouble.



Here are 5 key warning signs to be on the lookout for:



You're procrastinating too much

If you're constantly procrastinating rather than acting, it's a sure sign that something's wrong. Your loss of motivation causes you to procrastinate and this could be due to many reasons.



It's your job to quickly find out what they are.



Usually, a quick review of your goals and timeframes to ensure that they're realistic can resolve the issue. Make any modifications you need to, roll up your sleeves and get to work!



Take a look back at your vision. What are you building, why are you building it?? Vision can often get us back on track. If you don't have a vision, (the Vision Board Project is a great resource!!) it may be time to do some visioning. Write it down, make an image for it, revisit it every day. Vision can help re-inspire you and motivate you out of procrastination!



Work has to be redone

When work results are poor and have to be redone (whether you're responsible or others are to blame), this is a big red flag. It means you could be headed for that one big, irrevocable error that could completely derail you.



Usually, the reason is poor communication of task requirements or poor skills. Pinpoint what the problem is and take quick measures to fix it, and closely monitor work outcomes.



You're falling back on deadlines

Whether you're working to your own deadlines or have an assigned one, it doesn’t matter. Consistently falling behind is the biggest motivation-zapper of all. It could simply be due to unrealistic deadlines or goals, and these should be modified. Of course, if the goals are NOT unrealistic then modifying them is not the answer -- accountability and follow through may be needed.



It's important to assess what could be going on. Pinpointing the problem will allow you to quickly get back on track with your deadlines.



You lack motivation

The loss of motivation means mediocre or poor work outcomes, or even finding an excuse to quit altogether. Reflect on why you find the work at hand boring or frustrating.



Sometimes, injecting some enjoyment into a task or project can reignite your motivation. You can do this by mixing up your routine, changing your surroundings and finding new and creative ways to do things. Setting up a reward for work done each day and a bigger reward for the complete project. We do this in Accountability Coaching with daily rewards and bigger rewards.



You're making excuses to quit

When things get difficult, it's easy to find a dozen excuses for quitting – and having to admit defeat and failure is the worst kind of derailment because it destroys your self-confidence and self-discipline.



Learning to see obstacles as exciting challenges that you're totally capable of overcoming will kill your thoughts about quitting and keep you fired up. Shifting your mindset to seeing these as challenges puts you in a better place to finish what you start and overcome the challenges.



Stay Alert



Don't let derailment take you by surprise again and empower yourself to finish what you start with success and outstanding results. Stay alert to these 5 signs that you're getting derailed.



Recognizing the signs of derailment early on and addressing them can effectively keep you moving forward with your project.

https://bit.ly/3YJE4vn

Sunday, February 02, 2025

Are You Dreading Year End Performance Appraisals?

Do you  sit in your office dreading the conversation with employees around performance an their annual performance appraisal?

leadership-performance appraisals

Do you wish the performance appraisal would just be over with?

Have you ever procrastinated the employee performance appraisal so long it was almost the next year?

These are just a few of the comments we hear from managers and business leaders about the annual employee performance appraisal.  Many feel the same about their own, personal performance appraisal and dread it equally.  What makes them so difficult?



It's the direct conversation with another person that makes it hard, AND the fact that the conversation has NOT been ongoing.  When the performance appraisal is used as an effective tool for enhancing employee performance improvement the conversation is happening throughout the year and the employee and the supervisor are both engaged and committed to the plan.



Shifting to a performance improvement system that is positive, focused on producing results and success shifts the entire year end experience.  In addition, the workplace culture shifts to one of results oriented and skill mastery.  Employees are engaged in the top goals for success and they know that they have the support of their managers and team.



What does it take to make this shift?



First, it takes a new paradigm -- one that is focused and positive.



The manager has to make the first shift.



The next step is to use a planning process that engages the employee.  We use the Best Year Yet® system of transformation.  It is a powerful system of moving employees into a results focused paradigm and taking a moment to look at their limiting beliefs as well.  By doing this the manager can help them to overcome limitations and be successful.  The plan sets the top goals for the employee for the year, in collaboration with the manager or leader.  The plan is simple and focused.



The plan is then reviewed with the employee each month.  It is not the manager leading the conversation but rather the employee.  The employee comes to the meeting prepared to discuss their goals and how they did on each goal for the previous month.  Using an online system for tracking goals, employees actually login into their plan and SCORE their goals.  This is a powerful shift in how appraisals are done.  It is empowering to employees and more fully engages them in the plan and its outcomes.  It is not a plan that has been handed to them and is negatively focused, it is a plan that they have developed to create their "best year yet", and as a result the company results are improved.



When managers are engaged with employees then they are more clued into what is interfering with success. They are having regular conversations with staff and know what is happening through out their area of responsibility.  In addition, they know just how their team is performing.



When it comes time to review the plan again at year end the experience is no longer dreaded but is anticipated with enthusiasm.  Relationships between managers and employees are shifted to collaborative rather than controlling and confrontational.



Workplaces that develop a system of performance improvement see greater team work, greater company results and more collaborative behavior on their team.

https://bit.ly/4aPKI9Q

Friday, January 31, 2025

Your Weekly To Do List For Your Membership Program

Keep Up With These Tasks on Your Membership Site or Course:



membership program weekly to do

Once you get your membership site up and running, you'll need to stay on a weekly maintenance schedule to add new content to your website, promote it and promote the affiliate program. Fortunately, there are just a few simple steps that you need to take on a weekly basis to keep your membership site moving along.



1. Respond to customer support questions

This should be your top priority because it helps you hold onto your existing customers. One dissatisfied customer can make you lose out on a whole bunch of future customers. Try to get to this at least twice a week so you can respond promptly to their inquiries. Be sure you have set up a support ticket system.



2. Cull out membership cancellations

Most membership scripts will require you to manually remove canceled members from the database. Take care of this quickly each week so that you wont have people getting into the site for free.



3. Post new content

This depends on whether you are offering a course that has a definitive beginning and end, or a membership with ongoing support. With memberships, your members are paying for fresh content delivered each month. Rather than have them wait all month for a new update, split up your monthly delivery into four different parts. This way there is fresh content for the members to see each and every week. An editorial calendar will help you stay on track and keep your customers satisfied. If you have a forum as part of your membership site, be sure to check in several times a week to stay on top of important threads and respond to questions from members. Be present and your members will see that you are dedicated to helping them.



4. Poll your subscribers

Your membership sites success depends on giving the members exactly what they want. You can keep your finger on the pulse of the market by offering a weekly poll. Ask them about their favorite parts of the site, what theyd like to see next, and their worst problems with the topic or any other information that youd like to know. If you do this on a weekly basis, the members will look forward to participating and give you tons of valuable feedback.



5. Send out a wrap up e-mail newsletter

Toward the end of the week you should send a short e-mail newsletter to your subscribers to let them know what happened in the site. Many times people will sign up for a membership site, forget why they did it and then unsubscribe a few months later. With an e-mail newsletter, you can remind members of what is going on within the site and encourage them to come back, see the new content and get involved.



6. Develop content related to your membership site's topic and syndicate it

Your membership site won't grow unless you promote it. Content marketing is a powerful way to drive traffic to your site and brand yourself as an expert in your niche. At the beginning of every month, brainstorm a list of four to six different topics that you'll write about that month. Write one to two articles per week and then distribute the articles to a few key places. You can repurpose your article into a video, a podcast episode, a social media post etc. The whole process won't take more than an hour or so per week and it will be well worth it.



7. Make new connections on social networking sites

Spend some time each week finding and connecting with people in your market on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or X (Twitter) and any other sites you may already be a part of. Use search terms related to your niche and add new people as friends. This will help build your circle of influence and get potential new members to your site. Work on the site where your customer is.



Related Articles



- Assessing Your Business And Vision

- Weekly Workshop

- Content Repurposing

- Content Marketing

- Promoting Your Content https://bit.ly/4akSOpI

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Fear Gets in the Way of Repurposing?

The Secret Reason Most People Don’t Repurpose Content: Fear! Embracing Audio, Video, and Interactive Media





Content repurposing is a crucial strategy for amplifying your message across various platforms. However, there’s one hurdle that prevents many small business owners from fully leveraging their content’s full potential: fear. Whether it's anxiety about being on camera, speaking on a podcast, or tackling the tech required to create an interactive element, many people avoid mediums outside their comfort zone. Don’t let fear win. If you do, you’ll miss opportunities to connect with your audience and grow your business.



Luckily, with patience, practice, and straightforward techniques and tips, you can overcome your fear and expand to mediums that you’ve avoided up until now.



Audio: Find Your Voice



For many people, speaking publicly – even if it’s prerecorded on a podcast or audio story – is daunting. What if you forget your key points? Stumble over words or mispronounce them? What if you say something you’ll regret later?



The key to removing this fear is preparation and practice.



Start by repurposing existing content into an audio format. Choose a topic you’re comfortable with and confident speaking about. The content will be familiar, providing you with security and a safety net as you find your way.



Practice by recording yourself and playing it back so you can get used to the sound of your voice, noting things you might want to do differently but not judging yourself.



Start with something that doesn’t require a lot of production, like audio instructions or a story. Then, as audio becomes easier for you, move on to larger projects like a podcast or audiobook.



Remember: if you’re the one producing the audio segment, you can edit it – so don’t worry about getting it ‘perfect’.



Video: Embrace the Spotlight



Being on camera can be intimidating. To ease into video, start with something you know. Take written content that has performed well and transform it into a video script. Start with slides or an animated explainer video if you’re not ready to be the star of the video. If you decide to appear in the video, practice in front of a mirror and then record yourself and play it back, reviewing your performance and noting anything that you’d like to tweak in your delivery.



Once you’re ready, record multiple takes, and remember: nobody gets it right the first time or all in one take – that’s why you have editing tools!



Production and editing can also be intimidating, but there are numerous video editing tools available like Adobe Premiere or Canva’s free online video editor to make it easier. You can even use internal software on smartphones to make basic tweaks or make minor changes directly on platforms like TikTok or Instagram.



Interactive Media: Tech Doesn’t Have to Be Terrifying



Interactive media, like quizzes or games, are a great way to engage your audience. People mistakenly assume that they’re difficult to create, but if you use tools for beginners, interactive media can be a breeze. Use Typeform or Quiz Maker to create online quizzes and other interactive content quickly.



You can also develop polls and slider questions directly on social media platforms. Again, start with something simple: take content from a popular blog post and add an engaging multimedia element to your Instagram story using an interactive quiz sticker.



Transform Content in New and Exciting Ways



Remember: your audience isn’t looking for a slick Hollywood production or a high-tech video game. They want authenticity and valuable content. Take that next step to expand your reach and connect with your audience in new and exciting ways!



Want to learn more about how you can _? Head over here:



You might also be interested in these articles....



- Content Repurposing

- The Guidebook

- Content Repurposing FREE

- Content Marketing

- How to Organize Your Social Media Marketing for Success https://bit.ly/3X3Qwb7

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

YouTube SEO Blueprint



SEO for Visibility and Engagement


Welcome to YouTube SEO Blueprint!!


I am thrilled that you are here!!


YouTube is a great platform for connecting with potential customers and clients.


But if you fail to take the time to do the SEO piece of each video you could miss the mark. I know I did!!

https://bit.ly/3W8URsP

Sunday, January 26, 2025

Content Marketing

Content Marketing
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Two Transformative Tips to Change Your Mindset to Help You Accomplish Your Dreams and Goals

People have a range of different dreams and goals. This is one of the best things about people in fact. We’re all different and we all have different aspirations – different goals to share with one another and different things to talk about. (I talk about realizing your dreams in my book, Launching Your Dreams: Making WILD Ideas Happen!!)



dreams and goals

The unhappiest people? They’re the ones with no goals. No direction. No motivation. A goal gives you a vision, it gives you drive and it makes every day seem like a positive step to an end destination that is truly important to you.



But while goals are intrinsically rewarding, problems do arise when we don’t know how to pursue them. Having a goal that seems completely out of grasp and making no progress whatsoever is disheartening.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the things you can do to help yourself reach your goals faster.



Whether you want to write an amazing book, set up a business or do anything else; these are two tips that will apply in every situation and that you might not have heard before.



Tip 1: Have a clear and compelling Vision!



I know I harp on this, but it is critical. Having Vision for what it is you are building, or you want is key. That vision should be clear, compelling and inspiring. And focused. It is NOT a vision board with all the THINGS you want, those are outcomes of your business vision. Your business vision is focused on what you are building. What does that BIG BUSINESS VISION look like? Are you building shops all over the east coast? Is your vision to provide a bike to every child in your area? When you are clear on vision, then you are inspired!



Tip 2: You Have to Believe (This can be HARD!!)



This might sound like cheesy bumper-plate-sticker-advice, but it is very true. At the end of the day, you need to have absolute faith that the plan you have to get your book published or to become famous is actually going to work. Why? Because otherwise you risk putting in all the time and effort for nothing!



Think about it: when you are motivated, when you believe in something, when you have passion for it, your motivation is easier to stay focused.



But you may have struggled to stick to a training program and part of the reason for that is that you know it might not yield results. So whatever plan you come up with, make sure you believe it!



Tip 3: You Have to Take it Slowly



The other problem is wanting results right now and ending up burning yourself out too quickly. Want to write the next best-selling novel? The way to do that is not in one or two sittings! You need to take your time, to work steadily and to be considered in the way you approach this goal. The best option is to plan to write one or two chapters every day.



When I biked across the country we crossed the Rocky Mountains in the Big Horns. The climb was 30 miles long. It took one pedal stroke over and over, essentially, one step at a time to get to the top. And I was moving about 3 or 4 miles per hour. So, it was slow. The motivation was the vision! (A billboard that said there was a cafe at the top of the climb).



Take action and realize your dreams and goals!!



Check out these other articles....

- Business Networking for Business Growth

- Do You Have Clear Business Goals

- Business Goals First, Marketing Plan After

- 3 Tips for Finding Your Purpose Later in Life

- Self Care Tips https://bit.ly/480L8aG

Saturday, January 25, 2025

5 Ways to Create Backend Income From Your Membership Site

Strategies for Increasing Income with a Membership Program



backend income strategies

Many people mistakenly believe that their membership site income only comes from the monthly subscriptions that they receive. This is far from the truth. There are several different ways that you can make backend income from your membership site. Here are some ideas to help you turn your site into a profit-pulling machine:



1. Promote affiliate offers



Affiliate marketing works really well within the membership site model because you've built up trust with your audience. They've seen your monthly content and know that you offer quality. They will trust your recommendations because you've offered good content in the past. Choose affiliate offers that tie directly into popular topics within your membership site. E-books, video courses and short reports will add value for your members and boost your backend sales. Send an e-mail article to your membership site members with good content and a link to the recommended product.



2. Sell advertising



You can charge a small fee per month to existing members or outside advertisers to display their text ads or display ads on your site or in your newsletter or solo emails. You can display advertising in the sidebars and just under the header of your membership site. Search for advertising directories to list the advertising space and add the offer to your signature file in forums that you visit. You'll start to see advertising dollars start to roll in the more you publicize the offer.



3. Offer personalized coaching



No matter how much instruction you provide inside of the membership forum, there will always be people who will want something a bit more hands on. You can offer exclusive one-on-one coaching for members who want that extra help. You can charge this as a one-time fee or as a additional monthly subscription (sort of like a membership site within a membership site). Alternatively, you can offer video calls or tele-conference calls for membership site members for a small additional fee.



4. Sell your own advanced products



There are bound to be topics within your membership site that deserve special attention. You can make backend sales by creating products around these topics and offering them to your members. For example, if you're running a membership site on weight loss you can create a special report on the best exercises to do to blast through a weight loss plateau. Offer this at a special price to your members. You can also sell the same report at a higher price to non-members to drive traffic back to your website to grow your membership.



5. Turn membership site content into individual products



Once you've built a good amount of content within your site, you can start using the content for other purposes. Package up your articles on a specific topic and sell them as a special report. You can do this with several different sections of your website to make some backend income and get new members for your website.



With one or several of these techniques you can create several streams of income from your membership site and attract new members. https://bit.ly/3wZa323

Thursday, January 23, 2025

6 Key Benefits to Having a Membership Site

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Table of contents

- 1 Market What You Offer Once and Continuously Profit

- 2 Repeat Income

- 3 Builds Loyalty

- 4 Reward Loyalty

- 5 Build and Maintain Long Term Relationships

- 6 Provide Value to Your Members

- Access Everything with the Ultimate Membership!!- Including Micro Memberships and Club Building!!

When you set up a membership site properly, it offers tons of benefits but we are going look at the key benefits to having your own membership site.



benefits of membership

1 Market What You Offer Once and Continuously Profit



When you convince a person to become a member of your site, each month you will charge their credit card, and that turns into years, and that turns into ongoing profits forever without having to resign up each month, as long as you continue to offer them value every month so that they don't give up their membership. However, the only time you ever have to market to them is during that initial campaign to get them to become a member. After that it is all about the value that you provide. Membership is not guaranteed. If you are not giving to your members every single month, you will find they are dropping your membership.



2 Repeat Income



When you charge a monthly fee for your membership site (or it could be an annual fee) one of the biggest benefits that you get to enjoy is repeat income, and that makes it one of the easiest ways to generate a steady stream of income. This can have a stabilizing effect on your business. Consistent monthly income is wonderful. Knowing that you have that income each month reduces your stress but also makes your business more valuable.



3 Builds Loyalty



Your membership website should be created so that it builds loyalty because these members remain your loyal customers. The only time (possibly) you have to have direct contact with your customers is when you send out their monthly invoice, otherwise it runs on autopilot, which means there is little labor costs. Certainly in some memberships there is more contact and it is the income that is automated. It depends on the design of your membership program.



4 Reward Loyalty



Your membership website rewards membership loyalty by having access to things that those who are not members don't get access to, and that's exciting for your members and of course it build membership loyalty. It is important to highlight what these benefits are, so that your members recognize their special status. It can be in the name of the program and then through your communications on delivery.



5 Build and Maintain Long Term Relationships



Your membership site will allow you to build and maintain long term relationships. These are your VIPs. Treat them well!! They are special to you and your company. You encourage the maintaining of relationships by offering your top clients perks that you don't offer your other members.



6 Provide Value to Your Members



If you have the expertise in your membership sites area then you will be able to find new material to share with your members. This can come in the form of newsletters, blogs, articles, videos, audios, etc. When you offer value to your members they stay members and that means you continue to enjoy the revenue.



Now that you know some of the key benefits to having a membership site, you are ready to begin to generate an ongoing revenue that can continue for years to come providing you give your members value.



Access Everything with the Ultimate Membership!!



Including Micro Memberships and Club Building!!



Members of the Womenpreneur's Resource Center gain access to almost every course developed here at CRC and one-on-one coaching. It is the ultimate membership for learning strategies for growth AND getting and staying on track with a coach that keeps you in momentum!!



Check out the Resource Center

https://bit.ly/42WIim8

4 Steps to Start Your Membership Website

If you have decided to start a membership website you'll want to read these 4 steps to creating a successful membership site.



membership

Step 1: Target the Correct Market for Your Membership



You want a market that's hungry. Therefore you want to find discover what it is people are buying. Then you design your membership site focused on that. Look for a market that is passionate on your subject there are certainly tons to choose from. Take advantage of keyword search programs that can show you what people are searching for.



Do this before you start your membership website to see if there is a large enough market for your membership ideas.



Step 2: Get Subscribers and Members



Great, now you have built your membership website and it is time to get members by building your list. Don't worry this isn't as difficult as it sounds. You can get the most new connections to your list by combining joint venture marketing with viral marketing. It works great! You contact a well known person in your target industry and then you create a deal where you offer to their customer base. Typically, this is going to be a free offer that is valuable to their customers. Then you can offer prospects access to your membership or course. This type of advertising works extremely well for obtaining subscribers and new members.



Step 3 Make Your Membership Unique



It is important that your membership is unique. Now we have talked about the ability to find many things online for free. You need craft your offer so that it makes total sense to join instead of search!!Build credibility and interest.



Step 4: Add tools and/or Services to Your Membership Site



Try to combine numerous tools, services, audio/video files, software, information, etc. There is no need to get complicated. There are all kinds of tools you can find that will support what your website is offering and interest potential subscribers.



Setting up a membership site can be fun and running it can be very rewarding. This does not have to be a complex undertaking. You can make it as simple or as complex as you like. You decide what your membership will offer and then you seek out subscribers that are interested in what it is your membership site is going to offer. So get busy deciding what your membership website will look like, and start creating.

https://bit.ly/4eEFyzg

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Debunking Myths: Unlock the Potential of Membership Sites

Membership Sites and the Myths Behind Them

Right now, the buzz is all about membership sites and programs, shining as a beacon for entrepreneurs seeking lucrative revenue streams. Yet, amidst this excitement, persistent myths cloud the true potential of this strategy, potentially holding you back from unlocking a significant income source.





Membership Site Myth #1:



Let's bust a common myth: the notion that you must be a seasoned expert in your membership site's focus area. This couldn't be further from the truth. Imagine leveraging expertly crafted books, workbooks, checklists, videos and webinars created by others to enrich your site, without the pressure of being the expert yourself. (Of course, you often need to have permission or license to use many materials. So be sure that you check on that first!!)



Membership Site Myth # 2:



Another myth that needs dispelling is the idea of endless content creation. The reality is, membership sites often thrive on a fixed-term model, offering a structured course with a clear start and end. This approach means your content, once created, serves many cycles of members with minimal updates needed, making it an efficient and popular choice.



Membership Site Myth # 3:



And then there's the fear of "too much content" causing paralysis. The truth is, a successful membership site balances quality and quantity perfectly, catering to your audience's needs without the pressure of perfectionism or the myth of endless content creation.



Membership Site Reality:



Membership sites do require effort, like any venture, but the beauty lies in their potential to generate a steady income stream with minimal ongoing work. It's time to cast aside these myths and embrace the opportunity.



Embark on your journey with our Club Building course, designed to guide you through the process of creating, launching, and growing a successful membership site. Say goodbye to myths and hello to a rewarding membership model that works for you.



Join us and unlock the door to recurring revenue and the freedom it brings. Let's get started!



More Ideas for Your Membership Site:



- Your Weekly To Do List For Your Membership Program

- 5 Reasons You Should Start Your Membership Site

- 4 Passive Income Strategies That Work

- Top 10 Ways to Promote Any Membership Program

- List Building is a Top Business Growth Strategy!

https://bit.ly/3IQ7bXp

Sunday, January 19, 2025

The Hidden Dangers of Sales and Discounts in Business

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Are You Helping or Hurting Your Business?


discounts in business

Everyone loves a good sale. As consumers, we’re drawn to discounts that feel like we’re getting the most bang for our buck. But as a business owner, is offering discounts or running frequent sales really a smart strategy for growing your brand?


The answer isn’t as straightforward as it seems. While discounts can provide benefits, they also come with potential downsides that can impact your bottom line and your brand's long-term success.


Let’s look at both sides of the discount debate, exploring when it makes sense to offer sales, when it doesn’t, and the strategies to use so that your discounts support your business instead of hurting it.


 The Upsides of Offering Discounts


1. Attracting New Customers and Creating Momentum

Offering a discount or a promotional sale can be a powerful tool for bringing new customers to your business. A limited-time offer can create a sense of urgency, motivating people who might otherwise delay their purchase. Discounts can also help overcome the initial hesitation that people often feel when trying a new product or service.


A well-timed sale can energize your brand, generating excitement among current customers and creating buzz that can lead to word-of-mouth referrals. For a small business, this visibility can be invaluable, helping you reach new audiences who may later become loyal, full-price customers.


2. Encouraging Additional Purchases

In many cases, discounts don’t just bring people in—they also prompt additional spending. Customers who see that they’re “saving” may feel inclined to buy more than they would otherwise, especially if the discount requires a minimum purchase threshold. This can be a great way to increase the overall cart value, especially during holiday seasons or other high-shopping periods.


3. Clearing Out Inventory

Discounts can be especially useful when you have excess inventory or seasonal products that need to move. Offering a sale on older or soon-to-be-discontinued items helps free up storage space, and it can give your new products the attention they deserve. For businesses that rely on inventory turnover, discounts can be a strategic way to keep things fresh without having to deal with costly storage fees or unsold products.


 The Downsides of Frequent Discounts


1. Eroding Profit Margins

The most obvious downside of discounts is that they cut into your profit margins. Unlike consumers, who enjoy the thrill of saving money, business owners still have to account for their expenses. The discount you offer on a product is directly taken out of your profit. For every dollar discounted, you’re losing a portion of your profit, which can add up quickly, especially if you offer frequent or deep discounts.


It’s essential to remember that your fixed costs—materials, rent, employee salaries—don’t change just because you’re offering a sale. Each time you offer a discount, it impacts your bottom line, potentially making it harder to sustain your business in the long run if your profit margins are already slim.


2. Conditioning Customers to Wait for Sales

One of the most dangerous long-term effects of offering frequent discounts is that it can “train” your customers to wait for the next sale. When discounts become predictable, your customers start to expect them, holding off on making purchases at full price. Bed, Bath & Beyond is a classic example. Over time, customers came to rely on their ever-present coupons, and it became almost unthinkable to shop there without one. The brand became known more for its discounts than for its value or product selection.


If customers associate your brand with regular sales, they may only buy from you when there’s a discount. This habit undermines your pricing structure and can make it difficult to sell products or services at their intended price point.


3. Devaluing Your Brand’s Perceived Quality

Frequent discounting can inadvertently lower the perceived value of your products or services. If your items are always on sale, customers may start to wonder if the full price was ever a fair value. When people see frequent discounts, they may begin to associate your brand with cheapness rather than quality. In industries where trust and brand reputation matter, this can be a slippery slope. Your products or services may appear less credible or reliable if people believe that the quality matches the discounted price, not the full price.


Finding the Right Balance: Tips for a Smart Discounting Strategy


Since there are both positives and negatives, a thoughtful approach to discounts and sales is essential. Here’s how to make sure your discount strategy works for you, not against you:


1. Make Discounts Purposeful and Timely

Rather than running frequent or arbitrary sales, tie discounts to special occasions, like holidays, product launches, or customer loyalty programs. If you offer discounts sparingly, they’ll feel more valuable when they do happen, and customers are less likely to rely on them as the norm.


2. Consider Alternatives to Price Discounts

Instead of directly lowering prices, think about adding value in other ways. You might bundle products together, offer a free gift with a purchase, or provide access to an exclusive resource. These alternatives can attract attention without eroding the perceived value of your products.


3. Use Discounts to Reward Loyalty, Not Entice Bargain Hunters

To avoid conditioning all customers to wait for discounts, use sales and special offers to reward your most loyal customers. Offer discounts to your email subscribers, social media followers, or previous customers as a thank you. This approach makes them feel valued while reducing the risk that new customers will expect discounts every time they shop with you.


4. Track the Impact on Your Profits

Before implementing any discount, run the numbers. Determine the break-even point, calculate your profit margins, and track sales outcomes to see if your strategy is working. A sale that generates a lot of purchases but doesn’t increase your overall profit isn’t a successful discount.


5. Communicate the Value of Your Product or Service

In all of your marketing efforts, focus on communicating the value of your products and services. Emphasize their benefits, quality, and the unique aspects of what you offer, so your customers know they’re buying something worthwhile. When customers see the full value, they’re more likely to pay full price and see discounts as a rare bonus rather than an expectation.


Final Thoughts: Use Discounts Wisely to Benefit Your Business Long-Term


Discounts can be an effective tool in your marketing strategy, but they should be used strategically and sparingly. By offering purposeful sales and avoiding constant discounts, you can attract new customers without devaluing your brand or training customers to only shop with a coupon. A strong brand that people trust and value will have far more long-term success than one that’s known primarily for its sales.


Remember, building a successful business isn’t just about making sales in the short term—it’s about creating lasting customer relationships and establishing a brand that people want to invest in at full price.

https://bit.ly/3Ax8JVJ

4 Things You Can Do To Your Workspace to Encourage Self Care


Make Your Workspace -- Welcome YOU!!


workspacebr

What does your workspace say about you? Most people try to find ways to personalize the space where they work. While not every job allows for much in the way of personal touches, there are some things you can do to keep your workspace uniquely you. This lends itself to better productivity.


But how does your workspace impact your health? Think about this: there are many things you can do to workspace to encourage self-care. Imagine how this could change your life.


Try these things:


Build Better Boundaries

There are times when you can deal with an interruption, and times when you just need to work. Look for ways to create better boundaries to keep your productivity high, and your frustration low. If you have the ability to shut your door when you need to concentrate, do so. if not, talk to your coworkers about how to signal them when you are in interruption-free mode.


Clean Up Your Act

Sometimes the simplest thing self-care action at work is to create a better workspace for yourself is to clean up the clutter. By being able to find what you need, when you need it, you preserve your sanity and get more done.


Escape to Eat

Your workspace should never be a dining hall. When your lunch break comes around, it's time for you to go. The problem with eating at your desk, is you become tempted to keep working while you eat. The best self-care practice at lunchtime is to step out and eat elsewhere. Even if you work from home, the very act of eating away from your workspace can do wonders for your mental health. Go to another room or even just pick a different chair at the kitchen table as a way of telling your brain you're done working for the time being.


Put Away the Screens

While it's not always practical to put away your laptop or tablet, it's good to do so when you can. Why? After a few hours, staring at any screen, whether it's on your phone or elsewhere, can make your eyes hurt. This constant exposure to electronics can be very wearying and even cause damage to your body over time. Don't believe it? Consider how many people you know, yourself included, who have had problems with carpel tunnel in the past year or two. The solution? Make a point of doing some things by hand. To do lists don't need to be on an app or computer screen to be effective. Also, clustering jobs which aren't tech heavy can give you a nice break during the day.


The key to self-care at work is in making your workspace work for you, not against you. By paying attention to these simple details, you'll feel more productive and enjoy your work day more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoMLDQWFlLw
- Learn To Set Boundaries And Start Saying No
- Practicing Self Care: 5 Unique Ways
- The Self Care System
- Self Care Tips
- 6 Tips for Practicing Self Care Even When Times are Tough https://bit.ly/3i8Vq0n