Spiritual Core

You are - at your core - a spiritual person as much as you are a physical person. In fact, when 

your physical body dies, your spiritual "body" will live on. Because of this, commit to a dynamic spiritual life.

To be a wealthy person you must commit time and energy to making money and wise investments. 

To be a healthy person you must commit time and energy to exercising and eating right. 

To be an intelligent person you must commit time and energy to learning, memorizing and studying. 

To be a spiritual person you must commit time and energy to developing your spiritual person through spiritual disciplines. If you don't commit to this, and discipline yourself the same way you would in other areas of life, you will not achieve growth in your spiritual life.

Principles:

1. Study the scriptures and internalize them. The wealth of knowledge in the Bible is incalculable. It is immeasurable, and it is invaluable. So much of philosophy for life, work and business comes from a foundation the Bible and its teachings. 

2. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." It seems obvious and in doing so, it will make you a more spiritual person because it will cause you to value people more and 

be more concerned for their needs.

3. Be a "pray-er" as well as a doer. There is an old saying that you should pray like it depends on God and act like it depends on you. That is good advice, and we would do well to take heed of it. I do not mean elaborate prayers. I mean straight and simple reflection and communication with God. It is powerful when you are doing the best you can and then letting God take care of the rest.

4. Be involved in a community of faith. Well, I know that people are not perfect. But I also know that there are good-hearted people in the world who are a part of a local community of faith. When you find the right one - you will benefit by belonging.

5. Love others. In all things, act in love. If what you are doing, or saying, or even thinking, fails the love test, then don't do it. The Bible says, "God is Love." 

One of the goals in leaving a spiritual legacy is that we should live in such a way that we are not hypocritical. We act according to what we say we believe. Society may not place a high value on it but you should. The only thing that lasts is the legacy that you create, develop and leave for those who come after you.

Take out time this week to think through what kind of spiritual legacy you will leave behind. 

Will people be better off spiritually by your actions, your words, your very life? Let's all make it a goal that the people we come in contact with will indeed be spiritually uplifted.

I wish You Great Success.

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Outsourcing

Outsourcing can be a strategic approach to improve efficiency and competitiveness, but it requires careful planning, diligent management, and a focus on building strong partnerships with external service providers.

Many people think it costs too much to hire other people to build a business. That's a myth!

In reality, you can outsource the "drudge work" of building your business and get twice as much done in half the time.

In order to do this effectively, you have to know which jobs to outsource -- and how to choose the right person for the job.

Top 3 Jobs to Outsource:

1. Website Design

2. Programming

3. Writing

When you find someone you think you want to hire, remember these important tips:

1. Take the time to set your expectations down in writing -- so the person you hire knows exactly 

what they are. That way, you'll eliminate confusion or misunderstanding -- which will save you time and money in the long run.

2. Check their references! Pick up the phone and actually call their previous employers. 

3. Set deadlines -- and make sure penalties are in place if the deadlines are missed. This may 

sound harsh, but if you are trying to run a business you want to make sure everyone involved is motivated to work towards the same goal.

Challenges of Outsourcing:

Communication Issues- Differences in language, time zones, and cultural understanding can lead to communication challenges.

Quality Concerns- Maintaining consistent quality standards can be a concern, especially if the outsourcing partner's processes are not aligned with the company's expectations.

Data Security Risks- Outsourcing certain tasks may involve sharing sensitive information, posing potential risks to data security and confidentiality.

Loss of Control- Companies may feel a loss of control over certain processes or aspects of their business when outsourcing.

Dependency on Providers- Over-reliance on outsourcing partners can pose risks if the external provider faces issues such as financial instability or operational challenges.

Selecting Outsourcing Partners:

Thorough Evaluation- Conduct a thorough evaluation of potential outsourcing partners, considering their reputation, experience, and track record.

Due Diligence- Perform due diligence to assess the capabilities, infrastructure, and financial stability of the outsourcing provider.

Define Expectations- Clearly define expectations, deliverables, and performance metrics in the outsourcing contract.

Legal Agreements- Establish comprehensive legal agreements that outline terms, responsibilities, and protection mechanisms.

Communication Channels- Establish effective communication channels and project management processes to ensure smooth collaboration.

I wish You Great Success.

Coachable

Time is the sum total of all the events around you. Manage your events and you will ultimately manage you time effectively.

Create a leverage, be unique and your time investment will reward you financially.

I recently joined my local toastmasters at Canary Wharf and meetings are held at Morgan Stanley. I found it fascinating especially after Clive Broadband from my club won the speaking and evaluation contest then went on to win the district evaluation contest with 27 clubs representing London.

A good time investment.

My dentist Stephanie found it difficult to see why anyone would spend time on public speaking, 

she was not convinced you needed to join a club to improve your confidence or communication. 

"This public speaking is just like motivational speaking it has no impact in your lifestyle and 

your daily challenges."

I scribbled a note to her.

"It is just like your patient telling you that my teeth are white and clean, what do I need a 

dentist for?"...............

With public speaking your pitch, voice quality, articulation, timing, vocal variety all affect your delivery. A mentor you can spot your gaps and assist in improving your delivery.

Finding a Mentor:

Identify Your Goals: Determine what you hope to achieve through mentorship, whether it's career advancement, skill development, or personal growth.

Research Potential Mentors: Look for individuals who have experience and expertise in your area of interest. They may be colleagues, supervisors, or professionals in your network.

Reach Out: Approach potential mentors and express your interest in a mentorship relationship. 

Be clear about your goals and expectations.

Mutual Fit: Ensure that there is a good fit between you and your potential mentor in terms of 

personality, values, and communication style.

Formal or Informal: Mentorship can be formal, with set goals and timelines, or informal, where the relationship develops naturally over time.

Be Open and Coachable: Be open to feedback, advice, and new perspectives. Mentorship is a two-way street, and your willingness to learn is essential.

Express Gratitude: Always show appreciation for your mentor's time and guidance. A thank-you goes a long way in maintaining a positive mentorship relationship.

I cannot over emphasize how taking daily steps towards your goal ultimately rewards you with accomplishments. 

I wish You Great Success.

Headline Words

Most visitors take 10 seconds or less to decide whether to stick around or move on to the next site. The secret to selling successfully online is finding the RIGHT WORDS 

The most important words are the ones in your HEADLINE, it needs to capture their attention -- 

spark their curiosity-- and compel them to read further. And it has to do it fast.

"Unbreakable" Headline Rules:

Rule #1: RELATE A PROBLEM; Whatever their problem is, relate to it. Show them YOU know what it's all about. 

Demonstrate a clear and genuine understanding of their wants and needs.

Rule #2: PRESENT A SOLUTION; You've described a problem. Now you've got to solve it -- in a way that creates a powerful image in the mind of your visitors.

Rule #3: FOCUS ON BENEFITS; People aren't so interested in what your product or service is, they want to know what it does. Specifically, they want to know what it'll do for THEM.

Rule #4: SPEAK DIRECTLY TO YOUR VISITORS; If your customers say "dude," you say "dude." But if they're the kind of people who say "folks," then don't say dude.

The most important ideas end up lost in the visual clutter.

BUT: if you limit yourself to just one important idea per line and use simple formatting tricks Such as bolding and italics and ALL CAPS... Then your readers can get your meaning in a single glance!

TEST your headline, run them for a couple of weeks, then compare the results against other headlines.

I wish You Great Success.

Mentoring

All our individual experiences are wisdom and currency to negotiate our future.

I attended a forum today called MENTOR (Men Engaging Nations To Optimize Resources) and the sessions were profound, I have decided to act on and implement the knowledge immediately. Hence forth I will have a label called Journal; this will be notes on my thoughts and activities.

A mentor is an experienced and trusted advisor or guide who provides support, guidance, and knowledge to someone less experienced, often referred to as a mentee. Mentorship is a valuable relationship that can be highly beneficial in personal and professional development. 

Here's what you need to know about mentors and mentorship:

Role of a Mentor:

Guidance and Advice: Mentors offer their expertise and insights to help mentees navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and set and achieve goals.

Networking: Mentors can introduce mentees to valuable contacts within their industry or field, 

expanding their professional network.

Skill Development: They help mentees develop specific skills and competencies relevant to their area of interest or career.

Feedback: Mentors provide constructive feedback and critique, helping mentees improve their performance and self-awareness.

Emotional Support: They offer encouragement, motivation, and a listening ear during difficult times.

Accountability: Mentors hold mentees accountable for their goals and commitments, ensuring they stay on track.

Ten Books Everyone Should Read:

1. The Bible - the best-selling book of all time tells the story of sin and redemption, the story of mankind, of despair and hope. It is quite literally the story of our lives.

2. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill - this is arguably the best personal development and wealth building book of all time. It belongs on everyone's bookshelf.

3. How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler - this book will teach you to do just what the title promises - read a book for all it is worth so you come out the best you can be at the end.

4. As a Man Thinketh by James Allen - this book will ground you in the belief that whatever you believe you become. Based on the bible verse that teaches us the same principle: We are what we think.

5. The Richest Man in Babylon by George Clason. Written in parables, this is a classic on thrift, 

financial planning, and personal wealth. Everyone needs to read this book.

6. The Lessons of History by William James Durant. This book gives insight as good as any book on the changes that have taken place over time in economics, politics, military customs and more. 

Very insightful.

7. The Story of Philosophy by William James Durant. In this book, Durant summarizes the lives and influence of philosophy's greatest thinkers. This is very important for us, as we know that our philosophy determines how we live and what we achieve.

8. Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

9. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

10. The 360 Degree Leader by John C. Maxwell

I believe all our experiences both the joy and sadness, the failure and the success can be package into products for community benefit.

I wish You Great Success.

Competency Skills

Competency based interviewing is a style of interviewing used to enable a candidate to demonstrate certain behaviors/skills in a working setting. The basis of this being that past behavior can be a good indicator of future behavior. A competency is now something that can be measured.

You will be asked to provide an example of a task or situation in which you have demonstrated a 

certain behavior or attribute. You will then be asked probing questions to establish what actions you took and the results of those actions, and the effects of those actions on other people.

You should remember that the language that you use in answering these questions is crucial. You 

should use language such as “I” did this or “I” did that rather than using the word “we”. The potential employer is interested and concerned with what you did not what the team did.

For example, for a Business Analyst an organization may be looking for competencies such as analytical skills, business understanding, and communication skills both written and verbal.

The best approach to adopt when answering competency style questions is called the STAR model. This will enable you to structure your answer in a clear, logical and concise fashion.

Situation – Describe the situation you were faced with (ideally a recent example)

Task - What did you have to do?

Action – What were the actions that you took and why?

Results – Outline the outcome.

Preparing for a competency-based interview.

First of all, know your CV.

You must know exactly what is written on your CV; after all it’s about you. Forgetting what you did in a certain job or when you were there is simply unforgivable! It will also create a very bad impression.

You should then review the job description to try to identify what competencies the organization is looking for.

You should think of concrete, tangible examples to demonstrate the behaviors / attribute that they 

are looking for.

It is always a good idea to practice answering competency-based questions with a friend.

Example Questions:

What were the most recent important decisions that you have had to make?

Tell me about a difficult decision you have made?

Tell me when you have had to make an unpopular decision?

Some comments as to the reason the questions are asked, and the responses expected.

1. "Tell me about yourself."

The interviewer is really saying, "I want to hear you talk."

This is a loosener but it is a common question so your response can stay the same. Write a script and rehearse it so it sounds impromptu. Spend a maximum of 4 minutes describing your qualifications, career history and your range of skills, emphasizing those skills relevant to the job on offer.

2. “What have been your achievements to date?"

The interviewer is asking, "Are you an achiever?"

Again, this is a common question, so be prepared. Select an achievement that is work-related and 

fairly recent. Identify the skills you used, the resulting achievement and quantify the benefit. 

For example: "My greatest achievement has been to design and implement a new sales ledger computer system -bring it in ahead of time and improve our debtors' position significantly, saving the company £50,000 per month in interest."

3. "What is your greatest weakness?" The interviewer is really asking about your self-perception and level of self-awareness.

This is another standard question for which you can be well prepared. Don't say you have none - this will guarantee that you have further problems. You have two options: use a professed weakness such as a lack of experience (not a lack of ability) in an area that is not vital for the job; or describe a personal or professional weakness, that could also be considered a strength, and the steps you have taken to combat it. 

An example would be: "I know my team think I'm too demanding at times - I tend to drive them pretty hard but I'm getting much better at using the carrot and not the stick." Do not select a personal weakness! 

such as: "I'm not a morning person - I'm much better as the day goes on."

I wish You Great Success.

Reading Skills

"You're the same today as you'll be in five years except for the people you meet and the books you read.".....Jones

Isn't it interesting that most homes valued over $250,000 have a library?

You can open up a new world with a simple visit to your local library or bookstore.

So why is reading important?

1. Reading opens up new worlds. Reading allows you to travel far away and experience different cultures, religions, places and people, and all through the pages of a wonderful book. At a fraction of the cost of actually going there 

2. Reading challenges you. Sometimes we think we know it all. We think we have a tremendous grasp on a certain topic. But then, we read something that challenges us. It makes sense. It takes our preconceived ideas and shreds them. It pokes holes in our theories. It takes us on a line of reasoning we hadn't considered. And we are better for it, because someone took the time to expose us to something new--through his or her writing.

3. Reading opens up new ideas. There are so many ideas we have never even heard or considered. Yet, by picking up a little book, we can be confronted with ideas that can revolutionize the world around us. These are ideas that can change your finances, your family, your work, your attitude - your life! Reading allows you to receive ideas galore!

4. Reading reinforces our beliefs. We can open a book written by someone special, and as we read we remember why we believed in the first place. The book lays the groundwork of the thoughts we have. It reinforces our logic. It makes us strong and reminds us of who we are.

5. Reading allows you to interact with the greatest minds. You could gain incredible insights into the minds and ideas of people like George Washington, Martin Luther King Jr., Winston Churchill, Mother Theresa, and Aristotle just by opening a book. Imagine being able to delve deeply into philosophy, politics, religion and more, with the greatest minds that have ever lived...all inside a book.

Over the centuries books have brought hope to the masses. They have paved the way for rulers both good and evil. Books have been destroyed - burned and shredded - by the powers that be. Books have brought down cruel nations and rulers and obliterated social structures that have outlived their usefulness. They have inspired the individual. They have shared the private thoughts of the rich and the poor. They have shown us the way - the way to live and the way not to live.

Reading is truly at the center of the term "personal development." That should tell us something!

 

Some thoughts on Developing a Reading Plan.

Do it daily and regularly. 

Set aside time each day. 

15 minutes each day is better than an hour a week.

Make sure it gets done at the same time each day.

Prepare your mind, so it can absorb the information.

Prepare the atmosphere, choose an atmosphere that is conducive. 

Keep a journal. Take the time to write down what you are learning and how you can apply it.

Choose a variety of books. Don't just read one genre. Rotate through different books. 

Interact with the authors as you read. 

Ask questions and then continue reading to see if they are answered. 

If you disagree, write it down. Write down examples of how the principles work or don't work. 

Make your reading as interactive as you can.

Read things that you might disagree with. 

Pick up a book by authors whose viewpoints you know you will disagree with. 

Tips for Improving your Reading Speed.

1. Read, read, read. Just like any task, the more you do it, the faster you can get.

2. Develop your vocabulary. The better you know the language, the easier it will be for you to read faster.

3. Don't move your lips while you read. It slows you down.

4. Don't make any noises while you read. It is your subconscious trying to read with you and it slows you down.

5. Don't read each word individually. That slows you down. Read groups of words together and your mind puts them together in logical order.

6. Sweep your hand gently and quickly through the middle section of the page and read as you go. Start slowly, practicing, and go faster and faster until you reach your highest rate.

This can be a stretching exercise.

Above all: Do it. Go to the store. Buy books. Read them! Because the books you don't read can't help you!

I wish You Great Success.

Interview Skills

There are five things that every candidate should know prior to setting foot in an interview:

1. The importance of enthusiasm

2. How to open the interview

3. How to sell their strong points and strengthen their weaknesses

4. How to talk about salary

5. How to close the interview

The importance of enthusiasm

Showing enthusiasm and energy at an interview is vital. Currently there are fewer job openings than people looking, so it is quite common that the most qualified individual will not be offered a job because they do not covey the enthusiasm, excitement, or sense of urgency that a company is looking for. Leave an interview conveying strong desire, energy, and enthusiasm to work for that company. You should leave having the interviewer thinking you really want the job.

Selling your strengths and strengthening your weaknesses

No matter how qualified or confident a person is, an interview is a stressful situation. It's filled with questions that can catch a candidate off guard or trick him into providing information that he 

did not wish to divulge. Also, candidates forget their strengths during interviews. Write down and 

learn specific achievements that you are proud of. This will help you verbalize their strengths in 

an interview and they will come across as strong, capable candidates.

Speaking of salary…don’t!

During the interview, when the question of salary arises, try to answer the question in the following manner:

"I'm very interested in this opportunity, and at this time, my salary requirements are open and negotiable."

Putting a price tag on yourself can be potentially fatal. It can lead to two serious problems. First, 

asking for too much money can stop an interview in its tracks. The interviewer might not realize that there is flexibility in that number and negotiation is always an option. Second, by asking for less money than what would be generally offered, a candidate has put a price tag on themselves and negotiating for more money in the future becomes very difficult. By answering the salary question in the above manner, a candidate has left room for negotiation and a better chance at being invited back for a second interview or getting an offer.

Ending the interview: The final question

You will have one last chance to sell yourself and one final question that you need to ask:

"Mr. Smith, I want to thank you for taking time to meet with me today. I want you to know that I am very interested and excited about this opportunity. In your opinion, do my skills meet the requirements that you are looking for?"

This is a very important question, because it allows you to know exactly where you stand at the end of the interview. You ideally want to hear the interviewer say yes. If the interviewer says yes, then you should ask what the next step will be and to let the agency know the feedback. This is their last chance for you to sell your skills and show that you are capable to excel at this job.

I wish You Great Success.

Effective Learning

As a progressive and evolving being, man is where he is that he may learn that he may grow; and as he learns the spiritual lesson which any circumstance contains for him, it passes away and gives place to other circumstances. - As A Man Thinketh

No situation can be difficult of itself; it is the lack of insight into its intricacies, and the absence of 

wisdom in dealing with it, which give rise to the difficulty.

Learning is the beginning of wealth. Learning is the beginning of health. 

Learning is the beginning of spirituality. Searching and learning is where the miracle process all begins. 

First, we need to understand that we possess the ability to improve and accelerate our learning curve.

The Most Effective Steps to Learning:

1. Get your mind in the right state

2. Take in the information

3. Explore the subject deeply

4. Memorize the information

5. Test yourself to show that you really know it 

6. Take time to reflect

Now let's take a brief look at how to accelerate your learning:

Here are five tips for accelerating your learning.

1. Apply the sequence of the process above. That is the key. Use these proven steps to put you on track for learning.

2. Make your learning regular. That is, do it on schedule. Your mind will get used to learning and become extremely efficient at it if you will train your mind to learn.

3. Be methodical. The best way to accelerate your learning is to do it every day. The person who progressively learns something every day for 30 days, applying the process above will be much better off than the person who learns nothing for 27 days and then crams for 3 days. 

4. Focus on doing most of the learning in your main learning style. That is your strength, it is safe to say that when you are learning in the way you learn best, you will learn faster.

5. Work with a partner. Learn together. Challenge one another. Stretch one another. Compete with one another. Test one another. And of course, encourage one another.

Individuals should also perform a Self-SWOT analysis to identify intrinsic qualities (strengths and weaknesses) that may help or hinder them in the workplace, as well as external issues (opportunities and threats) that may work for or against them as they attempt to climb the corporate ladder.

You can accelerate your learning. It just takes a little practice and learning of some new skills. Be encouraged, your mind is capable of tremendous things, and when you get into the flow of learning, you will grow in ways you have never grown before!

 "Inch by inch it is a cinch." ......True words of Robert Schuler

I wish You Great Success.

Leadership Master

Leadership mastery refers to achieving a high level of proficiency and effectiveness in leadership roles. It involves developing and honing a comprehensive set of skills, traits, and behaviors that enable leaders to inspire, motivate, and guide individuals or teams toward shared goals and objectives.

Leadership begins with understanding what you want to take care of. Identify what matters to you deeply. When you care about something, others will trust you as a leader. It’s not enough to be in charge; true leadership involves commitment to a shared future.

Good Communication - Great leaders are those who can take the vision they have and communicate it in ways that their followers can easily understand, internalize and own. Many leaders have great vision but fail to lead their organizations anywhere. Vision that is only kept in your mind is not vision, but a dream. 

Vision communicated clearly, memorably and passionately, so that people can grasp it and follow, is what will take your group, whether large or small, to the next level and beyond. A leader needs to be able to inspire others with their vision.

Mastery in communication involves active listening, empathy, clarity, and persuasiveness. Leaders communicate effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization, fostering trust and transparency.

The Ability to Delegate - Great leaders know that they cannot do it all on their own. They may be able to do a lot on their own, but they will never achieve the powerful impact that is possible until they learn to delegate, and then choose to do so. There is an old proverb that says, "One can put 1,000 to flight and 2 can put 10,000 to flight." 

When we delegate to capable people, we increase our effectiveness and impact exponentially. Unfortunately, too many leaders do not attain greatness because they refuse to let anyone else do anything. 

Mastery in leadership involves empowering others, fostering autonomy, and delegating authority effectively. Leaders trust their team members, provide support and resources, and encourage ownership and accountability.

The Ability to Teach - When you look at great leaders of history you see men and women who are able to teach. Christ, the greatest leader in history primarily led people by teaching them with stories. He knew that he would have to transfer concepts to his followers that they could remember and apply. 

In fact, they called him "teacher".

Leaders invest in the growth and development of their team members through coaching, mentorship, and feedback. They recognize and cultivate talent, foster a culture of continuous learning, and support career advancement.

 A good example of a modern-day business leader who used teaching is Jack Welch at General Electric. When Welch began leading GE, it had a market cap of 4 billion dollars. Before he retired, it had reached as high as 400 billion dollars.

The Ability to Set Goals - The leader is also responsible for setting the goals of the organization.

They must determine what the team will shoot for. They need to be big enough to stretch the followers but realistic enough so as not to discourage them. 

The leader must also set strategy and plot the map to get there. Managers can take care of the rest, but the leader is responsible for giving the general strategic direction.

Leadership mastery is not a destination but an ongoing pursuit of excellence.

I wish You Great Success.

Profitable Business

Anyone, from newbie to seasoned leader and marketer, can benefit from going through proven series of steps. No matter where you are in your business, it always pays to revisit the basics and make sure you're doing everything possible to grow your business to be as good as it can possibly be.

Here are the main traits for a Profitable Business:

1. Tough Mental State. Leaders face tough situations and need to be able to stay focused. A tough mental state is essential. You want people who eat hard times for breakfast, because they will inevitably be called to do so!

2. Tenacity. Again, they will face hard times and obstacles head on, so they need a high "capacity for tenacity!" As Robert Schuler says, "When the Going Gets Tough the Tough Get Going."

3. A Desire to Rise Above the Status Quo. Leaders never think in terms of average. They have no desire to be average. They see themselves higher, they want to be higher, and they are willing to do what it takes to rise above the crowd.

4. Takes Responsibility. Notice I didn't say "accepts responsibility." Good followers will say, "okay," when assigned a task. Leaders look ahead and ask you if they can take projects on. This is key to finding people who want to lead - they take on additional responsibilities and then deliver!

A brief overview of the steps you need to take in order to grow a profitable business:

1. Find a hungry niche market -- BEFORE you decide what to sell

2. Write compelling salescopy that draws in your visitors

3. Design a winning site that converts visitors into buyers

4. Use the power of email marketing to keep in touch with your visitors... and turn them into buyers!

5. Grow your business by selling new products to your existing customer base

Remember, you can always increase your skills. Even if you just increase them a little bit, you will increase your effectiveness and your impact significantly. Even the smallest of change in a trajectory will mean a large change in distance

I wish You Great Success.

Core Leadership

Character is core to leadership,

"What is character?"

Here are a few definitions of character:

1. Strength of mind; resolution; independence; individuality

2. Moral or ethical strength

3. Who you are when no one else is around

In other words, a person of good character is a person who has a strong moral base and acts on it. They have the core inner strength, fortitude and determination to do what is right, whether anyone else is there to validate it or not. They operate out of what is good and right, not out of personal expedience.

Essential Traits of Good Character are Integrity, Honesty and Loyalty. 

A person of good character shows that they can give up personal gain for the good of the whole.

Let us focus on self-control, sacrifice and accountability.

Self-Sacrifice: What is it about self-sacrifice that breeds followers? Followers do not 

mind putting in the hard work. They don't even mind a leader making more money or reaping benefits from their work. What followers do mind though, is when the leader is using them for his or her own personal gain. People of good character do not use other people--period. So, when leader shows sacrifice of personal gain, it says to the followers that he or she is willing to come along side of them - and followers reward that almost universally. 

Accountability: The need for accountability doesn't prove lack of character. Rather, 

it proves the presence of character. Followers are growing tired of those leaders who will have nothing to do with accountability. They do not mind leaders who make mistakes. They do mind leaders who will not take responsibility for those mistakes by being accountable. When we allow ourselves to be held accountable, our followers know that we are serious about keeping our own house in order and thus will do a good job in leading the rest of the organization.

Self-control: The ability to make decisions - good decisions. There will be plenty of options to participate in things that are not moral. Everybody has temptations, but the person of good character knows well enough to exercise self-control, literal control over his or her choices. When people do not exercise self-control, they sabotage their ability to lead. People lose respect for them and will follow less, if at all. 

Self-control is the ability to choose to do the things we should and to refrain from doing the things we shouldn't. When we exhibit self-control we again build trust in our followers. They respect us and want to follow us.

I wish You Great Success.

The Essentials: Effective Presentations.

Yes, we need to hit the mind with our message, but we also need to stir the heart with passion. 

The leader who is only rational will have bored followers who aren't inspired to go anywhere. 

The leader who is only emotional will have excited followers who do not know where to go! 

It takes both. Help them see the big picture.

1. Have a goal: Are you there to inspire? Encourage? Challenge? Comfort? Motivate? Deliver bad news? Good news? 

Is it just informational? Are you trying to motivate them to action? If you know where you are going and where you want to take the audience, you can then work back from there and create your presentation. Like Stephen Covey's old axiom, "Begin with the end in mind." Be sure to know your goal.

2. Keep it simple: Be yourself - take slow deep breaths you don't have to be someone else. One mistake many people make is in trying to emulate the style of another person. This rarely, if ever, works. Why? Because you are not that person! Be yourself. That is, who others are expecting.

You can be simple and be very good at the same time. So be sure to keep it simple. 

Remember the world would not fall apart if you do a rotten job.

3. Be passionate about your topic: People want to see that you are passionate about your topic. Aristotle said that there are three areas integral to persuasion: logic, ethics and passion. You need to be a person of good character, have logical reasoning, and say it with passion. Also, be optimistic. Napoleon said, "Leaders are dealers in hope." As presenters, we pull people in and bring them along by giving them hope. 

Be sure to let your passion and optimism come through! Understand that you are your own worst critic.

4. Balance the format of your information: Use facts and figures and use stories. Include lecture as well as audience participation. In this day and age, with waning attention spans, we do well to change up the format on regular intervals. People are used to modern media which makes single person speaking a tough act. Be sure to use different formats in your presentation.

5. Tell stories: The best way to start with a crowd is to make them laugh, the audience becomes more relax and receptive. The joke does not have to be related to the topic. Stories are things that people can connect with. They can remember them. They see them in pictures. What would you be most apt to remember two weeks after hearing a speaker: The exact percentages of his or her statistics, or a well-told story? Be sure to build stories into your presentation so people remember the points you want them to remember.

6. Mastery of your material: This is the foundation of an effective presentation: It tells people 

you are serious about the topic, that you care about it, and you are qualified to speak to them about it. Fear comes from wondering if you will make a mistake, know your material. You will feel more comfortable and will come across as very credible. Audiences are looking for credibility, be sure to know your material.

7. Timing: Focus on the first five minutes, this time is critical as it allows you to settle and get 

comfortable. One of the skills of an effective presenter is that they can craft their presentation to 

fit the allotted time and then discipline themselves to stay within that time frame. Starting on time 

and ending on time will show people that you respect their time. Speakers/leaders shoot themselves in the foot by not finishing on time. Be sure to always stay within your time limits and leave your audience wanting more!

 

I believe leaders and almost anyone can become a better speaker and presenter if they practice their skill. It doesn't require a tremendous amount of advanced training, either. Just mastering the basics will take you to the next level and allow you to become a much more effective communicator.

I wish You Great Success.

The Choices We Face

Our ultimate life objective should be to create as much as our talent and ability and desire will permit. The greatest rewards are always reserved for those who bring great value to themselves and the world around them.

Finding your purpose helps defines your burning desire, your purpose should be good, fun and focused.

Your purpose is when you do more than you have the immediate capacity to do because you know and you have faith, that it is going to pay off.

Your purpose is when every single morning you wake up with a fresh new idea and you know your turn is coming.

A quick way to define your purpose:

1. Write down the activities that you enjoy

2. See if any of these activities can make you a living.

Each of us has a choice to be all or to be less or to be nothing at all.

The first choice we can make is to be less than we have the capacity to be. To earn less. To have less. 

To read less and think less. To try less and discipline ourselves less.

The second choice is to do it all! To become all that we can possibly be. To read every book 

that we possibly can. To earn as much as we possibly can. To give, lead and share as much as we 

possibly can. To strive and produce and accomplish as much as we possibly can.

Results are the best measurement of human progress. Not conversation. Not explanation. 

Not justification. Results! And if our results are less than our potential then our choice is clear

With the right choice it is important to clarify and nullify the myths facing potential leaders:

The position myth: "I cannot lead if I am not at the top."

The destination myth: "When I get to the top, then I will learn to lead."

The Influence myth: "If I were on top, then people would follow me."

The Inexperience myth: "When I get to the top I will be in control."

The freedom myth: "When I get to the top I will no longer be limited."

The potential myth: "I cannot reach my potential if I am not the top leader."

The all-or-nothing myth: "If I cannot get to the top, then I would not try to lead."

These are all negative belief system, you can lead from wherever you are; 

Why not do all that we can, every moment that we can, the best that we can, for as long as we can?

I wish You Great Success.

The Ultimate Communicator

Although you can play a game of chess with rules, you cannot write a poem with one. 

Your creativity will take you to levels you cannot get to with rules, always strive to develop your USP (Unique Selling Preposition)

Communication is not one direction. It goes both ways. To become an effective 

communicator, you must be a good listener. Once you know what your "audience" wants, you are better able to communicate to them. You should care about the people with whom you communicate. Talk with them, not to them. People don't want you to talk at them. They want to communicate. Think about it: the root word is "commune." It means to live and share together. This is what we do when we communicate together--we share words and ideas. This means we must care about the people we are communicating with. We should be interested in their needs and desires.

Focus on clarity: The most effective communication is clear communication. Many speakers believe that they should be as ambiguous as possible--but that is not what makes them effective! The 

important principle is clarity. Do they (your audience) understand your message? Be as clear and 

concise as you can. Never go any longer than it takes to make the communication as clear as it needs to be.

In order to be effective, communication must be done over and over again. Very rarely will you be able to communicate something just once and have someone or some group walk away with full understanding. It just doesn't happen that way. You need to do it often and with varied ways. This is what will make it most effective.

Improve your vocabulary, pronunciation and spelling: When people hear you or read what you have written, they look for class and style. This can often be noticed through your vocabulary, your pronunciation, and your spelling. If you want to be more effective, then focus on improving in these areas. 

A key phrase is that our vocabulary directly affects the way we both view and interpret the world around us. If we have a small vocabulary, it limits our ability to define or communicate what we 

see, feel and hear. The larger the vocabulary, the better our ability to relate.

You can become an effective communicator! Start with improving the fundamentals and you will get better. Once you have mastered the fundamentals - and very few have - then you can start on the 

advanced areas and become a world-class speaker!

I wish You Great Success.

The Fundamentals of Effective Communication.

Success is heavily dependent upon our ability to communicate.

Improving your ability to communicate will be one of the most important things you will ever do.

One of the easiest ways to improve your communication is to start by working and improving on 

the fundamentals.

Communication is powerful - The Bible says, "The tongue has the power of life and death." 

This is true, the ability to communicate is a powerful responsibility. You have within you the 

incredible power of communication. You can create tremendous things in your life if you communicate effectively. The knowledge of communication combined with a good heart is the first step in 

unleashing an incredible force!

Communication must be purposeful. In order to be effective. In order to become an effective communicator, you should know what you want to communicate, when you want to communicate, and how you want to communicate. Decide what kind of communication will enhance your life and your environment, and then plan your communication steps.

What you say must match what you do. Remember, people watch what you do, not just what you say. 

What you do always outweighs what you say. If you say one thing and do another, people will follow what you do.

Improve the Big Two Speaking and Writing: When it comes to communication, these are the Big Two 

that everyone can improve upon--speaking and writing. For every one step that you take to increase

your ability to speak and write, you will improve your desired position two steps. Just set your 

sights on the next level above where you are now. Once you get there, then continue to work to the next level.

Here are a few tips on becoming a better speaker and writer:

Becoming a better speaker:

Join Toastmasters

Take a college course on public speaking.

Give a speech in front of a mirror.

Just speak - wherever you can.

Becoming a better writer:

Keep a journal.

Join a writing club.

Have people who are more skilled than you help edit (critique) your letters and emails.

Take a college course on writing.

Write that book you've been thinking about

Becoming a better speaker and writer will be based on three things: doing it, getting feedback, 

and acting on that feedback.

I wish You Great Success. 

Outsourcing Trends

Always be consistent in your actions, but make sure that the things you stand today are the things you can stand in 10years time.

There is no one way, there are many ways, and the more you add to the mix, the more powerful and stable your business becomes.

Outsourcing Trends:

Nearshoring and Onshoring: Companies are increasingly considering outsourcing partners in nearby or domestic locations to address issues related to time zones and cultural alignment.

Robotic Process Automation (RPA): The integration of automation technologies, including robotic process automation, is becoming more common in outsourcing arrangements.

Cloud-Based Outsourcing: Cloud computing is facilitating more flexible and scalable outsourcing arrangements, allowing businesses to access services remotely.

Outcome-Based Models: Some outsourcing agreements are shifting towards outcome-based models where payment is tied to specific results or performance metrics.

Focus on Cybersecurity: With the increasing importance of data security, there is a growing emphasis on incorporating cybersecurity measures into outsourcing agreements.

6. Effective Outsourcing Management:

Regular Monitoring: Regularly monitor the performance of outsourcing partners to ensure they 

meet agreed-upon standards.

Communication and Collaboration: Foster open communication and collaboration between internal 

teams and external service providers.

Continuous Improvement: Encourage continuous improvement by providing feedback and working collaboratively to enhance processes and outcomes.

Risk Management: Implement strategies for mitigating risks related to data security, 

quality issues, and potential disruptions.

Adaptability: Be adaptable and responsive to changes in the business environment, adjusting 

outsourcing strategies as needed.

The name of the game is to know what you stand for - stand for it - and act today until you meet your objective. The problem is that the negativity and rejection you get all the time affects even the strongest willed person and he will occasionally have moments of doubt.

But if you can pay yourself along the way and validate what you do as the right thing, you will meet your goals . . .Then you are on the path to great success.

I wish You Success.

Educators and Consultants

Educators and Consultants are viewed differently. Let's take a look at each and the benefits that come from positioning yourself in these ways.

The Educator: What does an educator do? He or she teaches others. They are perceived as helping others learn so they can make their own decisions. Rather than saying, "I sell cars to people," when describing your work, say, "I educate people on the car industry and the choices they 

can make to improve their lives or business." There is a big difference. Who wants to get sold? 

No one. Who wants to learn? Everyone! Position yourself as an educator. Tell people you are in 

the education business.

The Consultant: What does a consultant do? He or she consults. The perception of a consultant is that they are a third party. The idea here is to position yourself as one who consults with people who would like to know and be educated about their options. You work on behalf of the customer. 

That is key. You work for the customer as a consultant. You help them see all of their options so they can make an informed decision. Who wants to be sold? No one. Who wants to see all of their options? Everyone! Position yourself as a consultant. Tell people you are in the consulting business.

Now let's take a look at listening skills. It is a firm fact that if you will listen, and ask good questions, the customer will tell you what they want. Yes, your job as a salesperson is to first and foremost listen.

Here are 14 tips for becoming a better listener. These tips will serve you well in sales - and in life:

1. Keep eye contact with the person speaking. Don't look around.

2. Focus on what they are saying. Allow your brain to process it, so you understand.

3. Avoid emotional responses. Don't get mad or sad at what they say.

4. Don't get distracted. Don't let your mind wander or give your attention elsewhere in the room. 

5. Ask mental questions. Be thinking and interacting with the information you are hearing.

6. Use your body language to show you are listening. Don't slump. Sit straight - just like your 

mother taught you!

7. Nod your head to show that you understand them.

8. Keep your body open - don't fold your arms. That signals that you are closed off to what they are saying.

9. Lean toward the speaker. This shows engagement.

10. Ask questions to clarify. You want to make sure that what you are hearing is what they are intending to communicate.

11. Don't make assumptions. Hear what they say and take it at face value.

12. Paraphrase what you hear them saying. Say it back to them.

13. Restate the key points or issues. This will make sure you are on the same page.

14. Listen without interrupting. Let them finish. Interrupting says, "What I have to say is more important than what you have to say."

I wish You Success.

Happy Holidays

It is important to note that gaining time is not about doing more; it's about doing what matters most efficiently.

How many of these smart working are on your list?

Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Overworking can 

lead to burnout and decreased productivity.

Practice Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities like exercise, meditation, and adequate sleep. Taking care of your physical and mental health can improve your overall efficiency.

Continuous Learning: Invest in learning time management and productivity techniques. There 

are many books, courses, and resources available to help you improve your time management skills.

Evaluate and Adjust: Regularly review your time management strategies to see what's working and what's not. Be willing to make adjustments as needed.

Outsource: For personal tasks or business-related tasks that can be outsourced, consider 

hiring professionals or using services that can save you time, such as hiring a virtual assistant.

Use Technology Wisely: While technology can be a time-saver, it can also be a timewaster. 

Be mindful of how you use technology and make it work for you, not against you.

Set Realistic Expectations: Be realistic about what you can accomplish in a given day or week. 

Setting overly ambitious goals can lead to stress and burnout.

Consider these Top 10 New Years Resolutions

1) Lose Weight and Get in Better Shape

2) Stick to a Budget

3) Debt Reduction

4) Enjoy more Quality Time with Friends and Family

5) Find My Soul Mate

6) Quit Smoking

7) Find a Better Job

8) Learn Something New

9) Volunteer and Help Others

10) Get Organized

How many of these resolutions are on your list?

To your Health and Wealth in 2007 and beyond!

Happy Holidays to you and your family

Online Community

An online community is a group of people who interact with each other, share common interests or goals, and communicate primarily through digital platforms. Online communities come in various forms, ranging from forums and social media groups to specialized platforms designed for collaboration and discussion. Creating and participating in online communities has become an integral part of digital culture, providing individuals with opportunities to connect, share information, and build relationships. Here are some key aspects of online communities:

1. Types of Online Communities:

Forums: Traditional discussion platforms where users can post messages, ask questions, and engage 

in conversations.

Social Media Groups: Groups on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, or Reddit where users with common interests come together.

Niche Communities: Specialized platforms catering to specific interests, industries, or activities.

Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams that facilitate communication and 

collaboration within teams or organizations.

Gaming Communities: Groups of gamers who interact within online gaming environments or on dedicated gaming platforms.

2. Benefits of Online Communities:

Knowledge Sharing: Members can share information, experiences, and expertise, fostering a 

collaborative learning environment.

Networking: Opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, professionals, or potential 

collaborators.

Support and Advice: Members can seek and provide support, advice, and guidance on various topics.

Community Building: Online communities help build a sense of belonging and camaraderie among members.

Crowdsourcing: Members can collectively solve problems, generate ideas, or contribute to projects.

Professional Development: Industry-specific communities can serve as platforms for professional development and career growth.

3. Creating an Online Community:

Define Purpose and Goals: Clearly outline the purpose of the community and the goals you aim to achieve.

Choose the Right Platform: Select a platform that aligns with the nature of your community. This could 

be a social media group, forum software, or a specialized platform.

Establish Guidelines: Create community guidelines to set expectations for behavior, content sharing, 

and interactions.

Encourage Engagement: Foster engagement by asking questions, facilitating discussions, and 

recognizing active members.

Provide Value: Offer valuable content, resources, or exclusive perks to incentivize participation.

Moderation: Implement moderation strategies to ensure a positive and respectful environment.

4. Participating in Online Communities:

Be Respectful: Treat others with respect and follow community guidelines.

Contribute Meaningfully: Share your knowledge, experiences, and insights to enrich the community.

Network: Connect with others, build relationships, and expand your network.

Learn and Grow: Use the community as a resource for learning and personal development.

Stay Informed: Keep up with discussions, announcements, and updates within the community.

5. Challenges:

Managing Conflict: Address conflicts or disruptive behavior promptly to maintain a positive environment.

Sustainability: Ensure ongoing engagement and activity to prevent communities from becoming stagnant.

Balancing Freedom and Guidelines: Striking a balance between allowing free expression and maintaining a respectful community environment.

Online communities play a vital role in connecting people globally, providing platforms for collaboration, learning, and social interaction. Whether you're creating a community or participating in one, fostering a positive and inclusive environment is essential for the success and sustainability of online communities.

I wish You Success.

The value of time.

Your goal as an entrepreneur isn't to work forever - it's to create a business that will generate the money you need. You need to be thinking about HOW to replace yourself. 

The first thing you need to replace is your customer support. Then follow it with website design, 

writing, research... anything and everything else you can until your business can run without you. 

That should be the end goal of your business. 

Replace yourself by either outsourcing the tasks you currently do - or hire employees.

Outsourcing is the practice of contracting out certain business functions or processes to external service providers. This can include tasks ranging from customer support and information technology to manufacturing and back-office operations. Outsourcing is commonly used by businesses to access specialized skills, reduce costs, and focus on core competencies.

Benefits of Outsourcing:

Cost Savings: Outsourcing can often be more cost-effective than handling certain functions in-house, 

especially when labor costs are lower in the outsourcing destination.

Access to Specialized Skills: Companies can tap into the expertise of external professionals, 

accessing specialized skills and knowledge.

Focus on Core Competencies: Outsourcing allows businesses to concentrate on their core activities and 

strategic objectives while external partners handle non-core functions.

Flexibility and Scalability: Outsourcing provides flexibility to scale up or down based on business needs without the challenges of hiring or downsizing internal teams.

Global Reach: Outsourcing allows businesses to leverage a global talent pool and expand their reach beyond geographic boundaries.

Finally.

Charge for your time. You should not be giving away your most valuable asset for free. Every second that you are spending with a client, you are not able to spend with your family.

... how much is your time worth? 

As you grow in your niche, people will start trying to get your time for free.

Beware of this - because it will quickly kill your productivity and your business.

Every time you start into a project, you are interrupted by email, phone calls, instant messages....

Learn to cluster your time - take 60 minutes at the end of your workday when you are less productive... and then (and only then) answer your emails - and make phone calls back.

I wish You Success.

Ways to Create a Product

Creating a new product involves a series of steps from conceptualization to market launch. 

Understand the market and identify a need or problem that your product can solve.

Engage in creative brainstorming sessions to generate and refine product ideas.

A few product ideas:

1- Software Creation - Creating software is one of the easiest ways to create a product fast. 

You can create something for almost any niche. I have one client who had a public domain book about dream interpretation - so he had someone create a software program for under $100 where the user could type in a word, and if found that interpretation in the book and displayed it. 

for the end user.

2- Public Domain - These are "works" where the copyrights have expired. You are able to take these and re-package them and sell them as your own products!

3- Interviews - interview an expert in ANY field and sell the recordings and/or the transcripts. 

This is the best way to become an expert in any field - just interview the experts and people will see you as one of them.

4- Seminar Videos - put on your own seminar, record it with a video camera and sell the footage.

5- Re-niche content - if you're selling a product (or bought rights to a product) - you can re-niche 

it for a different audience. Example would be if you sell a book about speed reading, re-niche it to "speed reading for students."

6- Book on CD - record yourself reading your book and sell it on cd.

7- Resource CD - compile a list of resources for a specific niche and sell the directory. I've 

personally bought resources on supplements directories and also one on "spy" stuff. (I know - I'm a geek)

8- Recycle content - take products or content you've created in the past and re-use it. I'm using this blog post as a newsletter, an article, probably a chapter in a future book... Recycle what you're doing now.

9- Camtasia Video - this is one of the most powerful tools online marketers have. Create screen capture videos of anything you can do on your computer. Demos of software - PowerPoint slides, how to... 

anything computer related. Think how much moolah the "computer professor" makes by making "how to" videos for different Microsoft products.

10- Idea collection - Combine a list of ideas and sell those. I've got friends who sell list of ideas on how to make money quickly, how to clean your carpets, how to take care of lawns, etc...

11- Other experts submit content - get others to submit articles, or audios, or videos, and compile 

them into a product. I had people submit their best stories, pictures and poems and compiled them into a product.

12- Podcasts - like an online radio show that you can download. Have paid podcasts - or record a bunch,

 then take the recordings and put them onto CD's.

13- Membership sites - have residual income coming in when people pay you over and over again for 

access to your membership site. You can provide content in your membership sites - or create software programs that people have to pay monthly to use.

14- Teleseminars - just record yourself interviewing someone or teaching on a subject that you know 

a lot about. The majority of my products were created with some type of teleseminar.

15- Ghostwriters - hire someone (think outsourcing again) to write a book on the subject that you 

want to sell (guru.com).

16- Free coaching calls - do free coaching calls for your members, track their progress, then

 compile the recordings into a product.

17- Mastermind roundtables - get a group of experts together and have them discuss the subject - 

record the full thing and you've got an instant product!

18- Private Label - similar to public domain, but usually created with the intent to sell without a 

copyright. A million ways to use private label stuff. Most people fail at this because they try to sell the content "as is." Be sure to make it your own and you'll have a ton of success with 

these. 

19- Case studies - People teaching the course compiled hundreds of case studies for the subject we were learning about, and then explained how they all worked.

Ensure that your product complies with relevant regulations and standards in your industry.

Create a strong brand identity for your product and design packaging that is attractive, functional, 

and aligned with your brand.

I wish You Success.

Innovative Ways To Use Your Autoresponder

An autoresponder is a tool or feature used in email marketing that automatically sends predefined messages to individuals on your email list in response to specific triggers or actions. 

These triggers can include subscribing to a newsletter, making a purchase, or downloading a resource. Autoresponders are valuable for building and maintaining relationships with your audience, nurturing leads, and delivering timely and relevant information.

A few ideas:

1. Collect leads with your autoresponder. You will get an e-mail digest of everyone's e-mail addresses who requests information from your autoresponder.

2. Publish a price list of all the products and services that you offer. You could also include order forms,

product descriptions, and other sales material.

3. Publish free reports in autoresponder format. The reports should be related to your business or web site. Giving away free stuff will quickly increase your traffic.

4. Collect vital customer satisfaction information by publishing a survey in autoresponder format. This type of information will help you serve them better.

5. Instead of answering every customer question that's e-mailed to you, publish " Frequently Ask Questions" in autoresponder format. This will save time and money.

6. You could publish your testimonials or endorsements in autoresponder format if you don't have the room in your ad copy. It's more effective to include all of them.

7. Provide back issues of your e-zine archives in auto-responder format. This will give your subscribers and web site visitors easy access to them.

8. Publish your entire web site in autoresponder format. Sometimes visitors don't have enough time read your entire site. They could print it out and read it offline.

9. You could offer your eBook in autoresponder format. Your visitors won't have to download it or have the software to read it right away.

10. You could publish the terms and conditions to any business transactions in autoresponder format. This could include return policies, purchases, refunds etc.

Using autoresponders strategically can save time, nurture leads, and enhance the overall effectiveness of your email marketing efforts. Be sure to regularly review and optimize your autoresponder sequences based on performance metrics and subscriber feedback.

I wish You Success.

Stay Motivated

Ensure that you understand your work habits, preferences and long-term goals for the business.

Assess your risk appetite and tolerance. Understanding how comfortable you are with taking risks, 

this can help in making strategic decisions for the business.

Amazing Ways to Jump Start Your Sales:

1.Find a strategic business partner. Look for ones that have the same objective. Choosing the 

right business partner is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the success and dynamics of your business. You can trade leads, share marketing info, sell package deals, etc.

2. Brand your name and business. You can easily do this by just writing articles and 

submitting them to e-zines or web sites for republishing.

3. Start an auction on your web site. The type of auction could be related to the theme of 

your site. You'll draw traffic from auctioneers and bidders.

4. Remember to take a little time out of your day or week to brainstorm. New ideas are usually the difference between success and failure.

5. Model other successful business or people. I'm not saying out right copy them, but practice some of the same habits that have made them succeed.

6. Take risks to improve your business. Sometimes businesses don't want to advertise unless 

it's free, sometimes you have to spend money to get results.

7. Include emotional words in your advertisements. Use ones like love, security, relief, freedom,

 happy, satisfaction, fun, etc.

8. Ask people online to review your web site. You can use the comments you get to improve your web site, or you may turn the reviewer into a customer.

9. Outsource part of your workload. You'll save on most employee costs. You could outsource your 

secretarial work, accounting, marketing, etc.

10. Combine a product and service together in a package deal. It could increase your sales. 

If you're selling a book, offer an hour of consulting with it.

I wish You Success.

Business Plan

If you're thinking about starting a business, but you're not quite sure how, writing out a business plan can be a great way to get things moving. It's also a great way to evaluate how good that idea of yours 

really is. For many people, the process of writing a business plan shows them that their business can make even more money than they originally thought! Now that's motivation!

If you're already running an online business, the process of writing a business plan can help you decide exactly what aspects of your business are succeeding, and which areas could be improved upon. When you do an in-depth analysis of your marketplace, your customers, and your competitors, you'll be amazed by how much you can learn!

 

Business planning is a critical process that involves outlining the goals, strategies, and operational details of a business. It provides a roadmap for how the business will operate, grow, and achieve success. 

Here are the key steps involved in business planning:

Executive Summary:

Summarize the key elements of your business plan. Include the business concept, mission statement, and a brief overview of your goals.

Business Description:

Provide a detailed description of your business, including its mission, vision, values, and legal structure. Explain what sets your business apart from others.

Market Analysis:

Conduct thorough market research to understand your industry, target market, competitors, and trends. 

Analyze the demand for your products or services and identify opportunities and challenges.

Organization and Management:

Outline the structure of your business. Define key roles and responsibilities and introduce the management team. Highlight relevant experience and expertise.

Products and Services:

Clearly describe the products or services your business offers. Highlight their features, benefits, and 

unique selling points. Discuss any proprietary technologies or intellectual property.

Marketing and Sales Strategy:

Detail your marketing and sales approach. Define your target audience, marketing channels, 

pricing strategy, and sales tactics. Include plans for customer acquisition and retention.

Funding Request (if applicable):

If you're seeking funding, clearly state the amount you need, how you'll use the funds, and 

the expected return on investment. Provide financial projections to support your request.

Financial Projections:

Create detailed financial forecasts, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Project revenue, expenses, and profits over the next 3-5 years.

SWOT Analysis:

Conduct a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) to assess internal and external factors that can impact your business. Use this analysis to inform your strategy.

Operational Plan:

Outline the day-to-day operations of your business. Discuss production processes, supply chain management, technology requirements, and facilities.

Implementation Plan:

Break down your business plan into actionable steps. Create a timeline with milestones and deadlines. 

Clearly define who is responsible for each task.

Risk Analysis:

Identify potential risks that could affect your business and develop strategies for mitigating these risks. This could include market volatility, regulatory changes, or cybersecurity threats.

Monitoring and Measurement:

Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the success of your business. Regularly monitor and measure your performance against these indicators.

Exit Strategy:

Outline your exit strategy. This could involve selling the business, passing it on to family members, 

or going public. Having a clear exit plan is crucial for long-term business sustainability.

Appendix:

Include any additional information or supporting documents that are relevant to your business plan. 

This could include resumes of key team members, market research data, or legal documents.

Regularly review and update your business plan to ensure it remains relevant and aligned with your business objectives. If your sales are twice what you expected, go back and update the figures in your business plan. This ensures that your map to profitability is always right up to date.

Business planning is an ongoing process that should be revisited and revised as the business environment evolves. It serves as a dynamic guide for decision-making, helping the business adapt to changes and pursue opportunities for growth.

I wish You Success.

Holiday Offers

Creating compelling holiday offers is a great way to attract customers, boost sales, and create excitement around your products or services. 

It is time to cash in on the most active online season by applying these adjustments.

AN OPT-IN OFFER: Make an offer that speaks to the needs of holiday shoppers. For example, you could put together a "Holiday Buying Guide" that tells people more about your products and explains why they'd make great gifts.

HOLIDAY SPECIALS AND DISCOUNTS: Make sure you offer some special deals on your products to entice your visitors to buy! How about an early-bird deal if your customers make a purchase before a certain date? Or a special discount for those panicky last-minute shoppers? You could offer a two-for-one deal, or even a "holiday gift set" that combines two or more of your products in a gift-ready package!

YOUR SHIPPING INFORMATION: If you're able to offer free or discounted shipping, be sure to include some mention of it in the top fold of your site.

PROVIDE SHIPPING GUARANTEE: Customers should know their gifts will arrive in time. You'll want to put it where your customers can see it right away, at the top of your right- or left-hand sidebar.

PERSONALIZED OFFERS: Use customer data to create personalized offers based on their preferences or past purchases. This can enhance the relevance of your promotions.

YOUR RETURN POLICY: Be sure to let your customers know you offer a no-questions-asked return policy for a certain period after the holidays. It'll give them the extra boost of confidence they need to make a purchase.

CHARITABLE PROMOTIONS: Tie your holiday offers to a charitable cause. For every purchase made, donate a percentage to a selected charity or run a campaign to raise funds for a specific cause.

FREE GIFT-WRAPPING SERVICE: It's another great way to give your customers an extra perk without much additional cost to you. For the cost of some paper and ribbon, you can make any humble package look like a fabulous holiday gift!

REFER-A-FRIEND DISCOUNTS: Encourage your customers to refer friends or family by offering discounts or special deals for both the referrer and the new customer.

URGENCY BUILDERS: Another thing you could include in your first fold is a little "countdown" box that tells your visitors exactly how many days are left to Christmas, or to the shipping deadline for gifts to arrive in time. It might give them the extra "kick in the butt" they need to make a buying decision.

Alternatively, you could install a Hover Ad with an urgent holiday timing message that lets them know exactly how long they've got to make a gift purchase.

Remember to promote your holiday offers through various channels, including your website, email newsletters, social media, and in-store if applicable. Clear and appealing messaging, along with attractive visuals, will help grab the attention of your audience and drive engagement during the holiday season.

I wish You Success.

Time Management

Gaining time, or effectively managing your time, is a valuable skill that can help you achieve your goals. It involves optimizing the use of your time to increase productivity and reduce stress. 

Gaining control over your time requires a combination of planning, prioritization, and discipline. 

Experiment with different strategies to find what works best for you and adapt your approach as needed.

Here are some strategies to help you gain time:

Prioritize Tasks- Start by identifying your most important tasks (MITs) for the day or week. 

Focus your time and energy on these high-priority items.

Set Clear Goals- Define your short-term and long-term goals. Knowing what you want to achieve helps you allocate your time more effectively.

Time Blocking- Schedule specific blocks of time for different tasks and activities. This can help you stay organized and ensure you allocate enough time for essential responsibilities.

Use a To-Do List- Create a daily or weekly to-do list to keep track of tasks. Check off completed items to provide a sense of accomplishment.

Eliminate Time Wasters- Identify and reduce activities that waste your time, such as excessive social media use, unproductive meetings, or multitasking.

Delegate- If possible, delegate tasks to others who are capable of handling them. 

Outsource- Consider outsourcing tasks that are not within your expertise or take up too much of your time. This can be particularly helpful for non-core business functions.

Reflect and Evaluate- Regularly reflect on your productivity and evaluate how you're spending your time. Adjust your strategies based on what works best for you.

The ability to gain 1-3 hours a day in productive time can translate into 7-21 hours a week, 

30-90 hours a month, 360-1180 hours a year. That is 1-3 hours a day!

Add 1-2 hours a day through delegating, skill improvement, multi-tasking and improved focus. 

These are things that anyone can do to add more time to their day.

Yes, there are only 24 hours in each day, but we can maximize those hours by working "smarter" rather than longer and employing other skills along with our time management.

I wish You Success.

Anchor more Sales

Anchoring more sales involves implementing strategies that not only attract potential customers but also guide them through the sales process effectively. Make the buying process as simple and straightforward as possible. Minimize steps and reduce friction to prevent potential customers from abandoning their purchase.

Additional Steps

1. Multiply your marketing and advertising efforts on the Internet. You can accomplish this by starting an affiliate program or using viral marketing.

Use online advertising, such as pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns, to increase your product or service's visibility. Target specific demographics to reach your ideal customers.

Identify opportunities to cross-sell complementary products or upsell higher-value options. This can increase the average transaction value.

2. Utilize Social Proof; Increase your ratio of visitors that purchase your

product(s) Showcase customer testimonials, reviews, and case studies to build credibility and reassure potential buyers that others have had positive experiences with your offering. 

You could also change your headline, offer a stronger guarantee, etc.

3. Find out who are your strongest leads for buying your product by offering a free ezine. The visitors that are very interested will subscribe to it. Implement targeted email campaigns. to nurture leads and guide them through the sales funnel. Use personalized and relevant content to keep your audience engaged.

4. Team up with your competition by starting an association for your specific industry. It could lead to a profitable partnership with them. Collaborate with influencers in your industry to promote your products. Influencers can help expand your reach and validate your offerings.

5. Know your target audience and understand their needs, preferences, and pain points. Tailor your sales approach to address their specific concerns. Publish an e-zine for your employees. This could motivate them to do a better job. 

6. Clearly communicate the value of your product or service. Use language that resonates with your audience and emphasizes the benefits they will receive. Search for your business' name in newsgroups and discussion boards. Some of the comments you find could help you improve your business.

7. Develop compelling offers and promotions that encourage customers to make a purchase. Limited-time discounts, exclusive bundles, or added bonuses can be effective incentives.

Attract people to link to your web site. You could offer them a discount on the products you sell or give them free stuff for linking.

8. Offer excellent customer service throughout the entire sales process. Respond promptly to inquiries, address concerns and provide assistance when needed. Develop your own opt in email list by giving your visitors a reason to give you their e-mail address. Allow them sign up to free stuff and contests.

9. Create a "PR" web page for your business. Clearly articulate the value your product or service provides. Help customers understand how it solves their problems or fulfills their needs better than alternatives.

List information that could be considered newsworthy for e-zines, newspapers, magazines, etc.

10. Give your business and products credibility by linking to web sites that have written positive stories about your business.

Focus not only on making the sale but also on providing an excellent overall experience that encourages customer loyalty and repeat business.

I wish You Success.

Be a Better Blogger

Creating a better blog involves a combination of engaging content, effective design, and strategic promotion. 

1: Define your Niche

The first step is to clearly define your blog's niche and target audience. 

This helps you create focused and relevant content that appeals to your readers. 

It will also help you determine the voice and writing style that's appropriate for those you're addressing.

In keeping with your blog's niche/purpose, you should have a defined theme. For example, if the purpose of your blog is to express political opinions, the theme might be to promote a low-tax, nonintrusive government.

#2: Create visual appeal.

Your blog site should also be visually appealing, use relevant images to enhance your blog posts. Consider using infographics, videos, and other multimedia elements to make your content more engaging.

You can use color and font styles to set the mood and tone--just make sure the tone. 

matches the content. Whatever your theme, it's best to avoid dark letters on a dark background, tiny or overly fancy typefaces, and other elements that make your blog hard to read.

If your blog is hosted on a public blog site, you may be limited in how much you can change the design, but there will usually be a number of preconfigured visual themes you can choose from. 

#3: Use the proper tools.

Blogging is made much easier, faster, and more convenient if you use a dedicated blogging program or the features of a blogging Web site that lets you compose posts in the Web browser or via e-mail.

Use analytics tools to track the performance of your blog. Understand which content resonates with your audience and adjust your strategy accordingly.

#4: Make it easy to navigate.

If you're designing your blog site from scratch, Create a user-friendly navigation structure. Make it easy for visitors to find the information they're looking for by organizing your content logically... For instance, if you're using comments and RSS feeds, make sure it's clear to readers how to post a comment or subscribe to the feed.

You should also make it easy for readers to find past posts. Make sure archives are organized not just in chronological order but in categories to make it easier to find particular posts.

 

Keep clutter to a minimum but be sure to include the elements that readers need.

Make your site searchable, if possible, so users can find posts using keywords. You can put a free Google search box on your site see (google.com/searchcode.html#both).

#5: Stay in one place.

Many bloggers experiment with different blog hosting sites and/or with hosting their own sites, especially early on in their blogging experience. It may take you awhile to find the best setup but try to do so as soon as possible and then stay in one place so your readers can find you. 

Moving around to different URLs too often is sure to lose you some readers.

If you have an established blog and it's necessary to move it to a different address, try to publish a last post on the old blog that points readers to the new blog and leave it up as long as possible.

#6: Engage your readers.

Perhaps the most important factor in attracting and keep readers is establishing a relationship with them. Encourage reader engagement through comments, social media, or email. 

Respond to comments promptly and foster a sense of community on your blog.

If you don't have a reason to keep your identity confidential, you may be able to benefit (attract the attention of headhunters in your field, become recognized as an expert in a particular area, etc.) by using your real name and providing contact information.

Engaging readers involves winning their trust and thinking of the reader first. If you make claims, back them up with cites and links. If possible, don't link to sites that require a subscription or free registration. 

#7: Establish a blogging schedule.

Blog readers are a fickle bunch. Once you've drawn an audience, they expect to find new content when they visit your blog. That doesn't mean you have to post every day, but you should establish a minimum blogging schedule and stick to it. Let readers know, preferably in a static text box at the top of your blog page, that you will update the blog daily, weekly, on Mondays and Fridays, 

Regular updates help build trust and keep readers coming back for more.

If you need to deviate from your schedule (for example, you're going on vacation), 

let readers know that you won't be posting at the regular time and give them an idea of when you'll be back.

#8: Keep it concise.

 In truth, most readers have short attention spans and/or crowded schedules themselves and would prefer to read a short, pithy post rather than a long, complex one.

Write in a clear and concise manner. Break up large blocks of text with subheadings, bullet points, and images to improve readability.

You'll also attract more readers with common words than with obscure ones, so unless you're writing for a particularly scholarly audience, follow the old KISS advice: Keep it simple, sweetheart.

#9: Proofread before publishing.

Even if you're an English professor, it's easy to end up with typographical errors, misspellings, and grammatical flaws in your posts if you don't proofread before you hit the Publish button. 

It's difficult to catch mistakes in your own writing, because you tend to fill in what you thought you typed, rather than see what's really there. This is particularly true immediately after writing. 

If possible, have someone else proofread your post before you publish it. Otherwise, let it "cool off" for an hour or a day so you can approach it with a more objective proofreader's eye.

And although it's best to catch mistakes before they're published, one huge advantage of Web content is that, unlike print copy, it's easy to change if you discover a problem after publication.

#10: Go syndicate yourself.

You don't have to wait for readers to come to your blog every day or every week. Instead, you can take your blog to them. Use RSS to feed your new blog posts to readers who sign up. This makes it easier for your readers, who don't have to remember to visit your blog Web site to check for new posts--and whatever makes it easier for readers is good for authors. 

You can syndicate just your post titles, short summaries, or entire posts.

Most public blog hosting sites give you the option to syndicate your blog, and it's usually as easy as clicking a button or two in the configuration interface.

Finally Develop a strong brand identity for your blog. This includes a memorable logo, consistent color schemes, and a distinctive writing style. It is also a good idea to Explore different monetization strategies, such as affiliate marketing, and sponsored posts.

I wish You Success.