As January comes to a close, this doesn't mean that your 2012 goals and objectives have too!  I'm here to encourage and support you to achieve your best business this year.  Whether you are just starting out, growing your revenue or ready to move from managing to leading your business, you will find something here that will support you.

In fact, you can help too!  Share your strategies for achieving your 2012 goals and objectives with us here.  The first five to share their goals and strategies will get a shout out from me in our Business Booster Newsletter.

If you are looking for strong accountability to reach your 2012 goals, then why not sign up for our Business Booster Newsletter or come over to our Facebook Page!

Here's to 2012!

Deb

For more accountability, why not join the conversation here or our facebook page, and share with us your 2012 Objectives.

I'm just back from a few days in Busselton, Western Australia where I took time out to support a girlfriend who was competing in her 9th Ironman. If you're not familiar with the Ironman Triathlon it is a three disciplined event, consisting of a 3.8km (2.4mi) swim, 180km (112mi)  bike ride & 42km (26.2mi) run.

I personally haven't done an Ironman since 1998 or a smaller distance tri since 2004, and the last actual Ironman I watched, was my husband's last race in 2002. So after nearly ten years of being out of the 'scene' a lot has changed in relation to equipment and technology, as you would imagine.

What hasn't changed is how important it is to 'do the work' instead of relying on the 'latest craze'.  So how does doing an Ironman relate to your business?

Firstly, you need to work smarter NOT harder.  When you train for a race like an Ironman, you do need to make sure you do your required training.  Your coach will show you, in the peak section of your training, that doing quality rides that are longer than the 180km, and some runs that hit over the 30km mark are important to getting the miles in your legs. But you also need to make sure you allow for the recovery sessions, the weeks when you are doing less miles and allowing your body to rest and recover. 

It's the same when you run your business, you really do need to plan your recovery time.  This may be lighter weeks planned into your diary so that you can catch up on items that are outstanding.  A long weekend away from the business, where you are able to catch up with your family and friends. 

Challenge yourself in 2012 to be clear on the number of hours you want to work each week, and put strong boundaries in place to work these hours only.

Secondly, don't rely on the latest and greatest.  Trust YOURSELF!  Watching the race, I saw a lot of amazing bikes out there (and yes, I've seen my next new racing bike :-)), as well as running and swimming technology.  But believe me, this may help you in the short term and it may make you 'feel good', but at the end of the day, it is YOU who decides whether you are going to have a good or bad race. 

It's what's inside you that counts - that belief in your own ability, that belief that you can do this no matter what. That no setback is going to derail you.

I remember when I raced, that the flat that needed to be changed quickly, is only a flat tyre, it's not the end of the race.  That the pain you feel in your legs, and the negative self talk in your mind, that begins at the half way mark of the run, is just what it is - pain and your mind trying to derail you - nothing more.  No compression socks are going to change that!

What's important is how you respond to this pain, that's what makes the difference.  How do you respond to setbacks in your business, or in your life?  Do you acknowledge them for what they are, make the necessary changes, and then move forward.  Or do you allow them to take over and dictate to you what you do next?  It's an interesting question...

Thirdly, make sure you have the right information and don't listen to every person and their dog.  My girlfriend had a goal for this race, and that was to qualify for Hawaii again.  For her to do this, she had to win her age group or if she didn't do that, then hope that she would get a 'roll down'.  She knew her top competitor and what her strongest leg was, so I was given the role of letting her know where this competitor was at all times! 

As my girlfriend came off the bike, she was leading her age group.  When I saw her in the first lap of her run leg, I let her know that the other competitor still wasn't off her bike, so she had a good lead.  The run leg for a four lap event, so it was easy to know where everyone was. When she came around for her second lap, she was slightly flustered and said that someone had seen the other competitor out in front of her, so could I find out how much in front she was.  So to cut a long story short, the other competitor wasn't in front of her, but was in fact an hour behind her.  But because of the laps, others where getting confused and passing this information on.

In your business, find the people you trust and listen to them.  Don't get caught in the grey noise of everyone out there.  Yes, there maybe time when you have to change your focus and direction, but do this when you have the right information. Your business is fluid, and you need to be able to respond to change according, but don't do it as a knee jerk reaction.  Look at what's not working, and then identify your best course of action. Don't go it alone, have your support team around you, and ask that they are there for you 100%, through the highs and the lows.

So in 2012, when you do your Ironman, know that I will be here for you, cheering you on from the sidelines!

Oh & yes, my girlfriend not only won her age group and a spot to Hawaii, but she also came in 20th overall in the females!  Not a bad day at the office...

Last week, we looked at your overall list building strategy to building a quality list.  So in today's article I would like to share with you five ideas around how you can do this.  This isn't an exhaustive list, but it gives you some ideas on how to get started.

Idea 1:  Develop A FREE Value Add Offer.

This could be a report, e-book, or video that provides something of value to your clients.  Once developed, you can then post this onto your various sites, using a landing page for people to subscribe to. 

Idea 2:  Article Writing.

Focusing on the area of your niche.  When written, use these articles by posting them onto your blog and social media pages.  Upload them to be published on the various f*ee article directories that are available, as well as submitting them to the print media for publication into your niche magazine.  Using your author bio to bring them back to your f*ee offer landing page.  Additionally, why not do some guest blogging by connecting with others within your niche, and offer to write an article for their blog, with a back link back to your landing page.

Idea 3: Forums.

Identify the key forums where your idea clients hang out, and add value to the conversations.  You can also use these  forums as a place of research to see what your ideal clients are looking for in ways of products and services. When you're ready to sell your new products, you can send people to the specific landing page.

Idea 4: Social Media.

Where is it that your ideal clients hang out?  Is it on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin or YouTube, or is it all four?  Either way take time to set up an account on one of these Social Media sites or all four, and grow your list here.

Idea 5: Advertising 

There are so many different ways that you can advertise, and now a days it doesn't have to be expensive.  Set a budget for advertising, identify the best places to place your ads, and then set up a campaign that sends clients to something you have of value. 

What are some of the ideas you use to build your list?  We would love to continue this conversation, so please feel free to share them with us on our blog or Facebook page.

You've probably have heard the saying:  "the money is in the list",

well - it's true.  It is in your list.  And it's a frustration that a client brought to her mentoring call this week. She was all flustered because she keeps hearing that to do any good, you've just got to have a BIG list.

What's the point of having a list of ten or thousands if no-one is opening your emails, let alone buying from you.  Wouldn't it be better to have a smaller list, filled with clients who can't wait to open your emails and read what you have to say.  Who look forward to your latest product or service launch, and are happy to purchase from you.

No I'm not saying that you stay with a small list, you do want to continue to build it, but build it strategically. The way you can do this is by being very clear on your strategy around building your list.  If you have a clear strategy, you build quality rather than a quantity. 

Your first strategy is to be very clear on who your ideal clients are. The clearer you can be about this, the better understanding you will have around what you can share with them.  If you've worked through our e-book on 'Identifying Your Ideal Clients', you will be clear on who these people are. Take time to really understand what their concerns, challenges and dreams are.  Develop your avatar about these clients and have it somewhere you can see it regularly to remind you about them.

Your second strategy is developing a relationship with your clients through the content you provide.  When writing, make sure you are conversational. This isn't the time to become a bureaucratic writer!

A tip to remember is when writing articles or emails imagine that you are sitting across the table having a coffee with your ideal client. Have a conversation with them, use conversation tones and make it easy for them to get to know you.

For those of us who aren't natural writers, it does take time to get use to writing in this style.  I know for me it took a while to write more conversational, as having a Defence Force background my style was very militant and rigid.  Even now after many, many years I still find I'm learning from each article I write.

The final strategy is to be aware of how you position yourself.  You want your clients to see you as a leader within the marketplace.  To see you as someone who is willing to take a stand on what you believe in and inspire others. Someone who is willing to tell your story to connect with your clients.

Think about the e-newsletters you currently open and read, what makes you want to open those particular emails? My guess is that it has less to do with the instructional information, but more to do with the individual person and how you see them...

Now you've got a strategy to follow, what are some of the tactics you've used to build your list?  Please share them with us on our blog or Facebook page.

This is another - grab yourself a coffee, pen & paper, and take 25 mins to listen to my interview with the fabulous Jen Bishop - Editor of Dynamic Business Magazine.

Find out the steps to take to have your articles published to greater credibility...

Jen is the publisher at Loyalty Media and editor of Dynamic Business, Australia's largest circulating small business magazine.  Her work in the UK and Australia covers newspapers, magazines, internal communications and custom publishing.  She developed fast, sharp writing skills during her professional training as a newspaper reporter. Since then, she has proven herself as editor of several publications. Her ability to manage the commercial side of a publication while balancing this with reader value and editorial integrity sees her successfully juggling the roles of editor and publisher on Australia's leading small business magazine. Her other assets are strong people management skills and excellent relationships with PRs and the wider business community. She is founder and organiser of the popular Sydney networking group PRJournoLove. 

As Australia’s highest circulating magazine for SMEs, Dynamic Business Magazine is packed with critical information on how to start, manage and grow a small business, with expert advice from industry experts, along with all the latest business tips and tricks and successful entrepreneur profiles.

Listen here to Jen's advice...

Today's article is from our guest writer:  Kim Garst of Social Media Branding...

Facebook Statistics Shows Changes are Hard on Average Page Owners

This article was first published by Social Media Branding. To receive Kim's "30 Fun and Creative Ways To Increase Your Facebook Likes", go to kimgarst.com and claim your free eBook NOW!

It's that time of year again, when it's important to start planning and making a decision about your business success for 2012... 

 

Our 2012 'Build Your Business & Get Results'

Coaching Program Is NOW Open!

Are you ready?  

 

In 2012, we are working with a limited number of clients to transform their businesses.  Over 6 months, we will be working together closely in our one on one and group coaching program - this is for those of you who are serious about making a difference to your business in 2012.

 

We are accepting ONLY the following clients:

• 15 clients into our "The Essentials" Program
• 10 clients into our "Essential Mastery" Program
• 7 clients into our "The Maven" Program

 

For more details on each level  - click here.

 

Don't wait to make your decision!  Registration is OPENED, and with numbers limited - our programs will sell out...

 

These programs are going to be stronger than anything we've ever done before.  And I'm looking forward to seeing your business grow like you could never imagine.

 

If you're ready to put yourself forward, and take the required action, then I'm ready to bring to the table all I know and have learnt about building successful businesses.

I'm looking forward to working with you in 2012.

 

Yours in success

 

Deb

 

Ps.  Go ahead - let's work together in 2012

PPS.  Feel free to forward this email on to others you think might be interested in attending...

 

 

Be a leader, not a business owner!

Leadership I believe is one of the critical links to business success, yet often as small business owners we can struggle to see ourselves as a leader. We see ourselves as a business owner, as a doer in our business, as a motivator of staff (if we have any). It is something that needs to be focused on.

Leadership is about developing a vision, about developing your personal vision of success for you both professionally and personally.

I want to share with you four questions that I have used frequently over the past 10 years with my clients. These are very simple questions that I heard from a keynote speaker at a conference I attended years ago. These questions will help you to build your personal framework around being a leader.

1 . How do you see yourself as a leader?

Ask yourself: What is your leadership point of view?
How would you describe your leadership style?
What matters to you in terms of your leadership?
Do you see yourself as a leader?

2. How do others see you?

Ask yourself: Do you know?
Do you care?
Are you right? (i.e. is your information accurate?)
How do you assess this every day of the week?

Note: Some of the best leaders are extremely conscious of how people see them. They ask for feedback frequently and evaluate it. They think about it daily and ask themselves:
“Is what I mean being perceived the way I intended”? “ If not, how do I need to change my message?”

3. How do you want to be seen?

This involves needs and values. If we don’t know the needs and values we are driven by, they can wreak havoc in our environment. The best leaders are in pursuit of respect first and popularity second.

4. How must and should you be seen to be effective?

If you don’t know this, then working with a mentor can help you look at the gaps and help you to see what you need to do tomorrow to be seen as more effective.

Once you've answered the questions above, and if you're ready for it, I'd like to share with you an exercise that I do each year around December time. 

It's an exercise that one of my Lecturer's recommended we do, when I was studying for my Masters Degree, and it's again a tool that has always stuck with me.

It's interesting because it's an exercise I would always use with my corporate clients, and these where in some cases jaded Senior Executives and CEO's who didn't feel as if they had much control over their lives.  At times they would resist this exercise, but the ones who took the time out and completed it, always feed back how profound they found it.

When I moved my focus back to small business owners for some reason I stopped asking my clients to look at this exercise.  I'm not sure why?  But after my recent realisation that I had stopped leading my business, I looked at my current letter to the future, and it helped me regain my balance, and now I would like you to try it out...

Here's how it works:

Writing Your Letter To The Future

Find a quiet space to begin, and have your journal (or a piece of paper) in hand.  

• Write the date that is into the future.  I normally do 31st December, speaking about what has happened in the year.
• Write a salutation (greeting) to yourself.
• Start of with your first paragraph explaining the reason you are writing the letter to yourself.
• Then go into what has happened for you in the past twelve months - be specific!  For each part of your life, create a new paragraph.  The more specific you are, the more real it is.  Take time to develop this letter.  Once you feel that your letter is complete...
• Sign off on your letter.

Place your letter in a safe place, ready to be read at that time in the future.

As always, please feel free to share with me your experience in writing your letter to the future.

Want to use this Article?

I would be honoured if you did, just be sure to use it in full and include the following information:

Deb Pilgrim helps you start, grow and lead your business, so that you can create the life you want. When you work with Deb, you get the results you always knew you could!  To find out more about how you can work with Deb visit her website, and whilst you are there download her latest report that will show you how to be one of the Top 5% of Entrepreneurs who succeed.

When I sent this interview out in my VIP newsletter, I titled it "She had me at HELLO" - and when I first spoke with Melanie Summer, she did!  I knew that our interview was going to be fun and real, that there would be no pretense.  I knew that Melanie would reveal to us warts and all, what she did to turn her business from a $250,000 debt into the multi-million dollars business it is today.

Here's the interview:  Melanie Summer

If you want to know a little more about Melanie, here you go:

Melanie Summer is an award-winning business owner who oversees a multi-million dollar glamour photography company with 23 staff.  Her success hasn't come easily - she has battled bankruptcy, stress, language barriers, confidence and self-esteem issues, all while being a single mother with little or no support.  Like many small business owners, Melanie realised early on that passion and hard work are wasted without clarity of vision and that being a victim of circumstances is a mindset, not an excuse.  Rather than give up she chose to transform her life and her business by taking on a coach, immersing herself into every self-help seminar she could lay her hands on, re-training as a hypnotheraphist/public speaker and creating a focused, clear roadmap for business success.  Within three years she turned a $250,00 debt into a multi-million dollar assess and was recently awarded the Telstra National MYOB Small Business Award for her remarkable achievements.  Melanie lives and works on the Sunshine Coast with her daughter, Dana. 

Feel free to leave your comments below.