5 Benefits of Empowering Employees

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Table of contents

- 1. Free Up Management Time:

- 2. Company Growth

- 4. Empowering employees is good for morale.

- 5. Increased staff satisfaction

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Empowering employees can have multiple positive benefits to the workplace.

1. Free Up Management Time:

Employees can take the lead on projects and tasks and free up the manager or leader to do other things.  The leader often has the responsibility of growing the company. When they tie themselves up in the day to day operations they remove themselves from this important task.

2. Company Growth

Growing the company, getting out and acquiring new projects, new clients and visioning greater success are all part of being the CEO or leader.  Employees can take on the day to day operations of organizations.

4. Empowering employees is good for morale.

When managers have to control every aspect of an employee’s work it is demoralizing to the employee.  When staff make suggestions or put forth ideas and they are never accepted or considered, or have to be the idea of the manger or leader, then employees stop making suggestions.  Staff do not work for pay alone.

5. Increased staff satisfaction

Work conditions play a major role in staff satisfaction and performance.  When staff are in a situation where they have little control, are not acknowledged for their work or ideas then their performance suffers.  The results for the team or the company are negative.  Turn-over increases and the costs to organization are impacted.

Empowering means giving up some control, but does not mean that the organization runs wild. Staff have great ideas.  It is gold.  They see ways to improve operations, get things done faster, easier for less cost.  The misconception of the micro manager is that only they care about the company.  When true leaders share their vision and passion for the company, employees can embrace that vision and passion as well. When that leader then empowers the employees to do great work, results can soar.

As the leader or CEO you can set up communication systems that empower employees and at the same time keep you informed and in the loop.  But you do need to follow through and let employees make decisions and not take back all control when you are informed of staff decisions.

Empowering instead of micro managing will result in better organizational results and free you, the leader up to further grow the organization.

When you develop an environment that coaches staff, then you are meeting with your staff consistently and regularly.  Your staff have specific goals that they are working on and reporting on and you are both tracking what the results are. That environment looks forward towards the company vision and strategic plan so that everyone is working in the same direction for the growth of the organization. This shift not only empowers staff but also empowers you as the leader to be the leader and focus on growth.

 

- How to Stop Micro-Management and Empower Staff

- Team Building

- Donna Price Books

- What Happens When You Put Off Leadership Development?

- Leadership Growth - A Number 1 Success Strategy https://bit.ly/48wmDlU

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.

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

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:

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Business Mistakes Can Be Magic

If you are like me, then you are human, and you make mistakes. Business mistakes, however, are an opportunity if you seize that opportunity; and by doing just that you can become a master at overcoming your mistakes:

- Take the time to evaluate the mistake and then learn from it. A great way to evaluate is to look at what went right and what didn’t.

- Take ownership of what you did that was incorrect or wrong.

- By taking ownership of your responsibility you are able to accept that you made the mistake.

- And finally, you can use your evaluation and learning to better yourself.

When you truly acknowledge and accept your responsibility and role in business mistakes can you access the magic or treasure of the mistake.

As an entrepreneur, I am sure, you are more than familiar with business mistakes. You probably have made both small mistakes and BIG mistakes along the way. Mistakes may, for some, put them right out of business or scare them out of business.

When you are in business, it is like walking through the jungle. You have to be prepared to be in the jungle and survive. You have to have thick skin, courage, perseverance and more. I bet you have had some customers that were close to totally impossible. Or a competitor that always seemed to be 3 steps ahead of you. If you do any marketing – well, then you have made many mistakes. Because marketing success is all about learning from what didn’t work.

This is the joy of an entrepreneur: the excitement of learning, the control to make mistakes and the willingness to be courageous and take risks. You persevere and you learn, continuously. Your positive attitude is essential in building a thriving businesses and enduring the lessons that you have to learn along the way.

Business Mistakes Can Be Spun, Magically Into New Income, New Revenue

One way to do this “spinning into money”, is to share your experience with others. Other people can benefit from your learning and their tension eases as they realize that they are not alone. You can also create your own coaching program to provide coaching, based on your experience to other businesses. An entrepreneur that is courageous can share their own personal mistakes, pointing out the challenges that they faced and how they overcame them, creates a synergy with other business owners. Suddenly, you are a speaker and coach, and people are following you, because you have risen to the level of expert.

Connect, Connect, Connect

As an entrepreneur, you have to connect with other people. Your contacts and connections are vital when you see your sales slowing or if you decide to start a new business venture. Networking is just part of business. It gives you additional venues for sharing your expertise and sharing your advice.

WOW, The Customer

It is critical throughout your business to WOW your customers. WoW is all about service delivery, quality and customer service. Maybe you have had a challenging staff person that wasn’t especially good at customer service. You know that that is essential for your long-term success. You have to take action with the employee to improve their performance, or change their responsibilities.

It becomes an opportunity to update your customer service policy and to re-train staff. You can also evaluate what can be automated: answering services, Q & A page on your website, automated messages.

Mistakes and challenges make it impossible for you to not look at your business. By taking on the opportunity you are able find the magic of the mistakes. What can you improve? Systems? Process? Policy? Operating a business with a constant process for improving your services, your products and your business, creates a thriving business. Use each mistake to review the process or policy and make the changes you need to, to improve it.

Business Mistakes Can Set You Apart from the Competition

Your Magical Mistakes can set you apart from the competition. Customers will appreciate that you are constantly making your business work better. Using excuses instead of making magic will stall your business. You won’t stand out as a mover and shaker. Of course, we would all like that perfect business model and business operation – but the real way to get there is just what we have discussed here. Take mistakes, evaluate them, take out the lessons and improve yourself, your business, your operations, and a is result you will thrive!

https://bit.ly/3RaSq5n

10 Ways to Increase Business Bottom Line

As an entrepreneur, if you're facing challenges in boosting your business' bottom line, it's essential to adapt and evolve your strategies.

Here's an updated guide to help you navigate these challenges:

- Prioritize Customer Service: Your customers are crucial to your success. Ensure that your team is trained to deliver exceptional service. Satisfied customers are likely to return and recommend your business to others.

- Innovate in Marketing: You don't need a huge budget to market effectively. Focus on unique, creative approaches that stand out. Utilize cost-effective digital marketing strategies like social media, content marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO) to reach a wider audience.

- Manage Finances Wisely: Avoid overspending on non-essential items. Reinvest profits into your business wisely, and postpone luxury expenditures until your business is more stable.

- Gather Customer Feedback: Regular feedback helps you understand customer needs and improve your offerings. Address negative feedback promptly to show customers that their opinions matter.

- Offer Incentives: Strategic discounts and promotions can attract customers but use them judiciously. Ensure that these offers still yield a profit and don't devalue your products or services.

- Create Compelling Offers: Design offers that are irresistible yet profitable. Bundle products or services with bonuses that address customer hesitations and enhance value.

- Utilize Traditional Promotion Methods: Don't overlook traditional methods like word-of-mouth, referrals, press releases, and networking. These can be cost-effective and powerful, especially in local markets.

- Save for Stability: Allocating a portion of your income for savings can provide a safety net during tough times. This financial cushion can be invaluable for both personal and business stability.

- Embrace Digital Marketing: Develop a comprehensive online marketing strategy. This should include a strong presence on social media, engaging video content, and a website optimized for search engines. Implement data capture and follow-up systems to build relationships with your audience.

- Adopt a Data-Driven Approach: Use analytics to guide your decisions. Understanding consumer behavior, market trends, and the effectiveness of your marketing strategies through data can greatly improve your decision-making process.

By implementing these updated strategies, you can create a more resilient, adaptable, and customer-focused business that's better equipped to grow its bottom line in the ever-evolving entrepreneurial landscape.

https://bit.ly/47JMlDY

5 Ways to Create Backend Income From Your Membership Site

Strategies for Increasing Income with a Membership Program

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

Empowering Leadership - Are YOU?

Empowering Leadership -- Cliche?

It is. It is the talk. We have to empower leadership. But what does it really mean? How do we really do it? And do we have the courage to truly empower leadership? If we do, then we are empowering people to make mistakes as well.

Empowering leadership has become one of the most frequently discussed concepts in business circles. It's a term that rolls off the tongue of nearly every corporate executive, management guru, and organizational consultant. But beyond the buzzword and the idealistic notions it conjures, what does empowering leadership truly entail? How do we implement it effectively, and perhaps most importantly, do we possess the requisite courage to embrace it fully, accepting not just the triumphs but also the inevitable stumbles along the way?

Understanding Empowering Leadership

At its core, empowering leadership is about delegating authority and responsibility to employees, giving them the autonomy to make decisions, take actions, and contribute ideas that influence the organization's direction and success. It's a leadership style that contrasts sharply with traditional, hierarchical models where decisions are made at the top and trickle down through the ranks. Empowering leadership is predicated on trust, collaboration, and the belief that individuals at all levels can contribute meaningfully when given the chance.

The Implementation Challenge

Implementing an empowering leadership model is easier said than done. It requires a fundamental shift in organizational culture and mindset. Leaders must learn to relinquish control, a prospect that can be daunting. This shift involves not just a change in behavior but a transformation in how leaders view their roles and the capabilities of their teams.

Empowering employees means providing them with the resources, training, and support they need to succeed. It involves setting clear goals and expectations, then stepping back to allow individuals the freedom to achieve these goals in their own way. It means fostering an environment where innovation is encouraged, and failure is seen not as a setback but as a valuable learning experience.

The Courage to Empower

Perhaps the most significant barrier to empowering leadership is fear. Fear of losing control, fear of diminished authority, and, most acutely, fear of failure. Empowering others means accepting that mistakes will happen. It requires a level of courage and resilience from leaders to stand back and allow their teams to navigate challenges, learn from missteps, and grow through experience.

This fear is not unfounded. The risks of empowering employees include the potential for costly mistakes, the misalignment of individual actions with organizational goals, and the challenge of maintaining accountability in a more decentralized model of decision-making. However, these risks are often outweighed by the benefits: increased innovation, faster decision-making, higher employee engagement, and ultimately, better business outcomes.

Navigating the Path Forward

To truly empower leadership within an organization, several key steps can be taken:

- Cultivate a Culture of Trust: Trust is the foundation of empowerment. Leaders must trust their employees to make the right decisions and employees must trust their leaders to support them.

- Encourage Autonomy within a Framework: Clear goals and boundaries ensure that empowerment doesn't turn into chaos. Employees need to understand the organization's vision, values, and strategic objectives.

- Foster Open Communication: Regular, open lines of communication help ensure alignment and provide a safety net for when mistakes happen.

- Invest in Development: Providing employees with ongoing training and development opportunities equips them with the skills and confidence they need to take on greater responsibilities.

- Celebrate Successes and Learn from Failures: Recognizing and rewarding successes reinforces the value of empowerment, while a constructive approach to failures encourages continuous improvement and innovation.

Empowering leadership is more than a cliché; it's a transformative approach that can unlock the full potential of an organization. But it requires more than lip service. It demands a commitment to change, the courage to face the inherent risks, and the perseverance to develop a culture where every member feels valued, capable, and motivated to contribute to the collective success. The journey may be fraught with challenges, but the destination—a more dynamic, responsive, and engaged organization—is well worth the effort.

https://bit.ly/42Q74nN

The Essence Of Adopting a Morning Ritual Habit

Creating a Morning Ritual Can Change Your Life!!

If you hate waking up early, then you need to read this article (I can definitely fall into this category at times). According to research, creating good habits and sticking to a morning routine plays a huge role in your success. If you're a night owl, unfortunately, this means you will have to find ways to adapt and change your lifestyle.

Creating a morning routine and turning it into a habit may sound difficult at first. But if you keep at it every day for at least a month, you will start seeing noticeable differences in how you approach your entire day. A morning routine will help you feel more stable and you'll be so much more in control of your day.

Its peaceful in the morning

Early mornings don't have as much distraction as other times of the day. Your family and your neighbors will still be in bed (unless they've also adopted this habit), there'll be less noise on the streets, and your personal space will seem so much bigger.

With less distraction, you'll be able to think clearly and you'll have time to exercise, meditate, pray, update your journal, and plan your entire day.

A morning routine will help you feel more in control of your life and you wont feel as disorganized as before simply because you will have time to think your day through and organize your activities.

Simply put, your morning routine will set the tone for your day.

Get work done early

Mornings are best for getting your most difficult tasks done. Getting these tasks out of the way lets you enjoy relatively stress-free afternoons and you'll be much happier because you can get more things done in the day.

Your productivity levels will increase and you can even start working in advance on tasks that don't need to be done until later.

When you get things done earlier and faster in the day, you can reward yourself for a job well done. Just be careful when rewarding yourself though as some rewards may actually be detrimental to your goals.

For instance, if someone asks you to go partying on a weekday, you may want to tell them no. You may be tempted but think first if its going to somehow cause you to sleep in late and thus wake up late the following day. If this is the case, then simply decline.

No amount of partying can replace what you can accomplish by sticking to, and religiously following, your morning routine habit!

- 3 Simple Morning Routines

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https://bit.ly/48B6aOd

7 Effective Strategies for Finding Winning Membership Site Ideas

Unlock Your Creativity and Launch a Profitable Membership Site

Creating a membership site can be a lucrative way to provide value to your audience while generating consistent income. But before you can launch, you need a compelling idea that resonates with your target market. In this post, we'll explore seven tried-and-true strategies to help you uncover that perfect membership site idea. Let's dive in!

1. Get Personal: Brainstorm Your Own Life

Begin your journey by turning the lens inward. Reflect on your own life experiences, hobbies, and interests. Creating a membership site will be much easier and more enjoyable if it revolves around something you are passionate about.

The Rules of Brainstorming:

- Write everything down that comes to mind.
- Don't judge the ideas—just list them.
- Have fun with it!

Utilize tools like post-it notes to jot down one idea per note and place them on a wall. This makes it easier to sort and organize your thoughts later. Consider expanding your brainstorming to include your family's hobbies and interests. You may discover a niche that's not only profitable but personally meaningful.

2. Observe Product Trends

Pay close attention to the product launches happening in your niche. For instance, in the internet marketing arena, you might notice a surge in products related to video marketing, AI, or social media. These trends can provide invaluable insights.

Useful Platforms for Product Trends:

- Amazon
- Facebook
- Niche-specific newsletters and blogs

Following industry leaders and subscribing to their newsletters can offer a wealth of information on what’s currently selling and garnering interest. This could give you a head start on your own membership site.

3. Peruse Industry-Specific Platforms

To peruse means to examine something minutely, and platforms like JVZoo, Amazon, and ClickBank can be gold mines for this kind of research.

Actions to Take:

- Visit these platforms to see what’s hot in your niche.
- Note down emerging trends and popular products.
- Add these ideas to your brainstorming list.

This will also help you identify affiliate products that could complement your membership site, providing additional revenue streams.

4. Monitor Popularity Indicators

Amazon’s bestseller lists are categorized, making it easier for you to focus on topics relevant to your interests. Use this to pinpoint popular topics within your niche.

Steps for Researching Popularity:

- Check Amazon’s bestseller lists.
- Focus on categories related to your niche.
- Incorporate popular topics into your membership site planning.

This indicator is invaluable because it relies on actual sales data, giving you a clearer picture of what your potential audience is already interested in.

5. Check the Pulse in Forums and Groups

Communities and forums can reveal what your target market is talking about, questioning, or purchasing.

How to Find Forums and Groups:

- Do a basic search with your keyword and the word “forum.”
- Explore platforms like Slack, Discord, Reddit, and Facebook.

Look into FAQ sections and trending topics within these groups. This can provide direct insight into your audience’s needs and wants, helping you tailor your membership site accordingly.

6. Dive into Periodicals

Periodicals might seem old-school, but they are repositories of specialized knowledge and trends. Websites like writemagazines.com offer lists of various periodicals.

Why Periodicals Matter:

- They exist only because there's an audience willing to pay for them.
- Advertisers spend big money to get in front of these audiences.

Identifying a periodical dedicated to your market can suggest a high demand, validating your idea for a membership site.

7. Solve Real Problems

Google Groups and other email discussion lists are a treasure trove of user-generated content. These discussions often revolve around unsolved problems and unmet needs.

Steps to Utilize Discussion Lists:

- Sign up for relevant Google Groups.
- Set up a dedicated email for these discussions.
- Observe the questions and issues being raised.

By focusing on the problems that haven’t been solved by existing services or products, you can carve out a unique niche for your membership site.

Final Thoughts

Embarking on the journey of launching a membership site can seem daunting, but with these seven strategies, you’ll be well-equipped to find a winning idea. Brainstorm personally relevant ideas, observe product trends, peruse popular platforms, and constantly check the pulse of your community. Dive into periodicals for specialized insights and solve real-world problems to create an irresistible membership site.

Take action today and turn your passion into a profitable venture! If you need that extra push, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation to put you on the fast track to success.

Make it a great day and take big action in your business!

https://bit.ly/43967sX

Customer Reviews On Your Site Increase Conversions

Customer Reviews Are GOOD For YOU!!

Do you include product or service reviews right on your website?

Are you coordinating the customer reviews right on your site or are you importing them from another site?

Conversions can Increase

Believe it or not -- reviews -- good or bad can increase your conversions.  (That means more sales!) Right off the bat you would think that a bad review doesn't help you.  But it is the fact that you have reviews at all that is helping you.  The advantage of having them right on your site is that the visitor is in your sales funnel.  If they leave your site to check reviews then there is a good chance that they aren't coming back.  Keeping them on your site increases your chance of converting them into a buyer or customer.

If you are using Wordpress to manage your site there are several nice plugins that will add customer reviews to your site. I use FluentForms for reviews.

I generally play with plugins to see if I like the way it works.  I read the reviews on the plugin and ratings and also check when it was last updated.  If it has been longer than a couple of months then I generally move onto another plugin.  It is important to use up to date plugins as Wordpress is always updating and old plugins or themes can mess up your site.

Bottom line on customer reviews is that they are good for you.

You can also collect them on your Facebook page or LinkedIn page and import those to your site.

Ask for Feedback

Ask your customers for reviews.  The ethics of reviews is important. Don't pay for reviews or incentivize reviews. Keep it real.

Follow Up on Bad or Negative Customer Reviews

And of course if you do have a bad customer review -- try to do some follow up with the person. Not so much to get them to take down their bad review of you, but to try to remedy the dissatisfaction and provide excellence in customer service.  Many times a bad review is based on a bad interaction and can easily be remedied with a good one.  Be the kind compassionate, customer care rep that turns the situation around.

Customer Reviews helps you in building your business operations as well as helping your onsite conversion.  Take each customer review as a gift and be thankful for the positive or negative feedback. Each customer review can help you grow and develop your company.

If you have found value here at Compass Rose Consulting -- leave a review!! When you do, we share your story, your website online and that can benefit YOU as well as us!!

https://bit.ly/3D7X8xB

Could Your Marketing Be Wrong?

Could There Be More To Marketing Than What You Know? 

What if what you have LEARNED about marketing was all wrong?  What if the money you are spending, the time you take to carefully build your brand and your exposure -- just wasn't cutting it?  Marketing is like reminds me of my sailboat -- a hole in the water that I threw money into....BUT, it doesn't have to be that way.

When Marketing Is Set Up Wrong -- Then The Results DO NOT Happen...

There are systems that DO work for small businesses.  They are different from what works for BIG corporations.  The "BIG BOYS" have a lot of money to play with. They CAN throw money into the hole.  they can afford to market over and over again, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on their marketing.

There are several strategies that work well for small businesses. The first key is strategy.  It needs to be complete.  Not just a one off tactic, but a complete strategy.  From beginning to end... lead generation --->> through the buying process and to the close or acquisition of a new customer.

For instance -- if you are using a website and there is no opportunity for the prospect to become a lead, then the website is not an effective tool for adding new customers.  Websites should have more than a phone number or a contact us form. There needs to be an informational offer and a way to request that offer.  Then the website becomes a lead generation tool.  BUT, it doesn't stop there.  Because you also want to have a follow up system.  For leads on the web, it is easiest to have an email system that provides the informational report and then continues to follow up with the person.

Multiple Touches Are Needed in Marketing

Remember it takes 7-10 touches or connections before an individual is ready to buy.  That means that your email system needs to provide additional ways for the person to get to know you.  Follow up articles, resources, tips and strategies are each good ways to continue to connect with the individual.

If you are using networking in person as a strategy, then you need to be sure that your USP or 30 second elevator pitch is solid and gets people talking to you.  Your business card needs to be a lead generation tool just like your website.  Your business card should offer people your informational offer (on the backside).  Then it gets people onto your email list and now you are following up with them via email.  Because you met them in person, you can also follow up with a phone call, a post card, or personal note and other media forms.

Multi step follow up is a key to an effective marketing strategy. It does not work to just run an ad.  You want information from the person in order to continue marketing to them.

- Identify 5 Common Errors in Marketing Your Business

- Follow-Up Strategies

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Repurposing Formats to Increase Your Audience

Table of contents

- Repurposing Formats can be the answer to: The Top Reason People Ignore Your Content!!
- Repurposing Formats can Accommodate Various Learning Styles
- Analyze Your Content When Considering Repurposing Formats
- Repurpose Your Content!!
- Monitor Results

Repurposing Formats can be the answer to: The Top Reason People Ignore Your Content!!

Do you find yourself spending hours researching and creating content and when it finally goes live nothing?

You have created engaging material about topics your audience cares about, but the likes, shares, or comments are underwhelming.

The problem is not always the quality of the material itself, but it could be the format.

Do you understand WHERE your audience consumes their info?

Repurposing Formats can Accommodate Various Learning Styles

People have different learning styles and preferred ways of consuming content. So, you need to look at how to accommodate that!!

Written: Written content including articles, eBooks, and blog posts appeals to people who prefer reading and have strong comprehension skills. Written content gives people the freedom to take in information at their own pace and easily refer back to sections they want to review.

Visual: Visual content like charts, diagrams, infographics, and videos appeal to learners who process information visually. For them, pictures and graphics make complex information more digestible, accessible, and memorable.

Audio: Audio content includes audiobooks, lectures, and podcasts, and it suits learners who take in information by listening. Its also useful for people who like to multi-task, tuning in while exercising or commuting.

Analyze Your Content When Considering Repurposing Formats

Quickly review the last 10-15 pieces of content you have created. What percentage of your content is written, visual, video, or audio?

Lets say the majority of your marketing content is written, for example, blog posts, social posts, reports, eBooks etc. Various studies have shown that up to 65% of the general population are visual learners. If you do not accommodate this segment of your audience, you could end up losing them.

The solution?

Repurpose Your Content!!

Repurposing allows you to connect with more people, using content they enjoy consuming, across various platforms.

Repurposing is not simply about recycling content. Its about strategically transforming your content to cater to your audience and the different ways they consume content and learn. For example, you could transform a long-form blog post into an infographic, explainer video, or podcast episode, reaching your visual or auditory learners.

You can also repurpose to incorporate all mediums and learning styles, making sure each type is represented: written (a social post), visual (an infographic), and auditory (a podcast episode). Or, when you repurpose, combine 2 or more mediums in one piece, for example, add an infographic and audio snippet to a blog post.

Monitor Results

After you repurpose, monitor your engagement metrics: Which formats are getting more likes, shares, and comments? Are certain types of content driving more traffic to your website? Asking these questions will allow you to know your audience better and adjust your repurposing strategy as needed.

Learn more with my Content Repurposing Guide:

Want to connect with a broader audience through repurposing? Check out my course, Repurposing which teaches you the A to Z.

This guide will give you Quick Tips for creating a content marketing strategy.

Using your content only once is cumbersome. It means that you are constantly creating new content. But when you repurpose your content, then you are able to maximize its reach and its power.

Check it Out

Content Repurposing is central to an effective Content Marketing Strategy.

Can content be a marketing strategy? YES!! Definitely! Content educates your prospect, your leads about YOU, your organization and what you have to offer. It is a pre-seller to your services.

Content Repurposing Workshop

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Top 5 Tips to Add Value to Your Repurposed Content

Repurposing Saves You Time and Money.

Don't let it be overwhelming!!

You’ve heard it said numerous times: repurposing content isn’t simply a matter of recycling – you’re not just taking the original content and pasting it into new formats, in different mediums, on different platforms. For example, if you’re repurposing a blog post into a social media post, it’s not enough to cut and paste a paragraph from the blog and call it a day.

You must tailor and tweak the content to suit different media and audience preferences. You are transforming content, not duplicating it. You need to add value.

But how can you make the repurposed content distinctive, unique, and valuable without spending hours recreating it? After all, isn’t repurposing supposed to save you time and resources?

You don’t need to do a complete redesign or rewrite. Here’s how to add value to your repurposed content without reinventing the wheel.

 1. Tailor to the Medium and Audience

Every medium, whether it’s audio, video, visual, or interactive has its own distinct characteristics. Tailor your repurposed content to that medium and its audience. For a video, incorporate a live demonstration to simplify complex ideas or processes. When developing an infographic, break down the essence of the core content into five key visual points. If you’re creating a podcast episode out of existing content, focus on the key points and deliver it in a conversational manner, or, think of questions you can ask your guest that will naturally expand upon the topic.

 2.  Add Fresh Insights

Your original content may have been published a while ago: incorporating a fresh perspective or new insight is an effective way to rejuvenate old material. Add information about the latest industry trends, the launch of a relevant product, or the results of a recent study. By doing this, you’ll add value to the original material, keeping your content current and useful.

 3. Integrate Examples and Case Studies

Examples and case studies enrich your repurposed content, supporting your claims and explaining your concepts. For example, if your original content offers productivity tips, in your repurposed material, add a case study illustrating how the techniques made a difference in a client’s work life. It backs up your material and provides your audience with a tangible, real-world application.

 4. Incorporate Data

When repurposing your content, insert relevant data that supports your content. For example, if your original piece is about social media trends, add the latest statistics or a chart that shows growth over time. Visual representations of data are easier to digest and understand. Adding data is especially powerful when transforming written content into a visual piece, like an infographic or video.

 5. Edit and Improve

The final way you can add value to your repurposed content is simply improving it. When we complete content, there’s always something we wish we had tweaked or refined the minute we click publish. When you repurpose into different formats, this is your opportunity to make those changes. An explanation that wasn’t quite right, examples that could illustrate your point more clearly, or even the style or tone. Take the time to fix the things you weren’t 100% pleased with in the original content.

Want to learn more about how you can improve YOUR content? Head over here:

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Discover the Key Steps to Effective Leadership

Embracing Leadership: 12 Steps to Being the Leader of Your Life and Business

Effective Leadership is a crucial aspect of both personal and professional growth. In the journey of entrepreneurship, we are not just business owners but also leaders of our own lives. Donna Price, an expert in personal and business development, shares essential insights from her book, "Launching Your Dreams: Making Wild Ideas Happen," outlining 12 steps to be the leader of your life and business.

1. Start with Vision

Creating a clear and compelling vision of the future is the cornerstone of effective leadership. It's about knowing where you're going and what the big picture looks like. The vision serves as the guiding star, inspiring and steering efforts, be it in personal aspirations or business objectives.

2. Be the Leader

Acknowledging oneself as the captain and driver of your life and vision is pivotal. Taking ownership of your dreams and goals empowers you to lead the way and stay committed to the journey, despite the challenges that may arise.

3. Chart Your Vision

Developing a strategic plan, akin to creating a map, is crucial for achieving your vision. Whether in business or personal life, strategizing acts as a roadmap to your envisioned destination. It outlines the actions and steps required to reach your goals, providing a sense of direction and purpose.

4. Stay Focused on the Horizon

Amidst the daily grind, it's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. Staying focused on the horizon means consistently aligning your efforts with your vision. This ensures that short-term distractions or obstacles do not veer you off course from your long-term aspirations.

5. Use Your Compass

Just as a compass guides a ship, values serve as the compass for our lives. Identifying and aligning with your core values ensures that every decision and action you take is in harmony with what truly matters to you. It's about living and leading authentically, anchored in your own values.

6. Keep a Ship's Log

Accountability is vital in leadership. By maintaining a log of your accomplishments and actions, you create a record of progress. This not only keeps you motivated and inspired but also serves as a testament to your growth and dedication over time.

7. Share Your Vision

Sharing your vision with others not only strengthens your commitment but also opens doors to collaboration and support. By articulating your dreams, you invite others to contribute, offer resources, and provide valuable insights, enriching the journey with shared experiences and knowledge.

8. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate

Effective communication lies at the heart of successful leadership. Regularly sharing your vision, listening to feedback, and maintaining transparent communication with your team, clients, and stakeholders is essential for fostering understanding, alignment, and synergy.

9. Mastermind

Creating an advisory council or board can provide valuable external perspectives and guidance. Whether in the form of a business advisory board or personal mentors, seeking insights from trusted individuals can offer fresh perspectives, challenge assumptions, and catalyze growth in your leadership journey.

10. Hold the Vision

Integrity in leadership means staying true to your vision, despite the obstacles. This involves not succumbing to negative voices, be it internal self-doubt or external naysayers. Believing in your vision and persevering through challenges is integral to successful leadership.

11. Celebrating Your Leadership

Recognizing and celebrating your achievements is crucial. As a leader, acknowledging the efforts and contributions of your team is equally important. Sharing credit and expressing gratitude for the collective journey reinforces a culture of collaboration, empowerment, and appreciation.

The 12 steps to being the leader of your life or business offer a comprehensive roadmap for nurturing effective leadership.

Embracing these principles can empower individuals and entrepreneurs to not only envision their dreams but also lead others in achieving collective success. By staying true to the vision, fostering strong communication, and embracing accountability, one can pave the way for personal and professional growth, embarking on a fulfilling journey guided by purpose and aspiration.

https://youtube.com/live/N1VKBg2qIw0 https://bit.ly/4aGtVVh

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.

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.

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Building Your Marketing System

Why do you want and need a 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!!

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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. 🌿

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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

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?

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Assess Your Lead Generation Strategies

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

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.

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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.

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How To Stay Committed To Reaching Your Goals

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.

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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.

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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?



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.

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Your Weekly To Do List For Your Membership Program

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

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.

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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:

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