Archive for the ‘Small Business Marketing’ Category

2 Ways of Getting in Front of High-Paying Clients

Many women entrepreneurs I mentor state they have trouble “finding clients who will pay.”  It seems everyone has in their world people who “don’t have any money.”

If you limit your perspective to “no one has money,” then you’re most likely limiting your potential income generating opportunities.  There are PLENTY of people who have money, and are willing to invest in their personal and business growth.  You just have to look at the people in your world in a different way, and look in places you may not have thought about before.

When it comes to getting clients there are always income opportunities right in front of you.  You can begin by asking, “Who needs my help?”  To get you started,here are two ways to quickly get in front of high-paying clients.

1. Identify Hidden Income Opportunities

Think of…

  • current clients and what help they need – make them an offer to invest in a VIP Day as an up-sell to their current program (no need to wait until they are finished with their current program)
  • past clients and think about what they still need help with – inquire if they are interested in a specific program you put together
  • who is already in your world, even if they aren’t your ideal clients, and how you can help—make an offer (example: most women at Chambers of Commerce meetings are not my ideal clients.  Yet, I can create an offer that would serve many of them, such as ‘how to find a lucrative niche’)
  • ‘freshen up’ an older program and offer it again, re-title it, update it
  • have a sale (products, only, not your high-end services)
  • speak with ‘influencers’ and request they put you in touch with potential clients
  • who is already serving your ideal client and form a joint venture collaboration

Set an income goal, which includes a specific amount of money you want to make, price your program, and then figure out how many people you need to meet your goal.  Write out
your action plan and implement it!

2. Speaking (Live or Virtual)

One of the fastest ways to get high-paying clients is through speaking, either live or virtually, such as in a teleseminar (yours or someone else’s).

Potential clients ‘see you in action,’ and get a good sense of your energy and style.  If you deliver a compelling topic they’ll want more, and likely take the “next step”  with you.  Without fail, every time I speak I get ‘invested” new clients.

To be successful using this strategy you’ll need a ‘speaking system,’ which includes a:

  • compelling signature talk
  • system to get speaking gigs
  • system for getting people on your teleseminars
  • “next step,” such as a strategy session to get into conversations with potential clients
  • follow-up system to get strategy sessions booked after your speaking gigs

Using these strategies, you’ll be able to find opportunities to quickly get in front of high-paying clients, and be on your way creating 5-figure months over and over again!

Would you like me to personally walk you through my system how to attract high-paying clients and create a 5-figure month at your whim?  A small exclusive group of women will be part of my 6-Figure Empowered Woman Leadership Platinum Master Mind.  We start in January, and the investment is very affordable.  Get all the details by contacting me and noting you want to learn about ‘Empowered Master Mind.’

3 Steps to Take Now to Easily Get Clients Later

To keep your “well full” of new clients, there are 3 easy steps you can take to create a lucrative, joyful business.  

Surprisingly, many women don’t do these 3 things, which keeps their businesses earning far too little income…and them working way too hard for too little money.

Here are 3 easy, ”must do” steps to keep clients flowing to you.

1. Market consistently

This seems like an obvious tip.  But, it is one of the most common problems I see as to why women entrepreneurs aren’t getting enough clients.

They speak once or twice a year (or not at all).  They send out an e-newsletter once every 3 to 4 months (or not at all).  The attend 1 networking function a month.

This is not consistent, nor enough marketing to build your business! 

To build your business you must market it every single day.

Choose 2 to 3 different marketing activities you will do consistently.  Do at least one of them on a daily basis.  To get the most impact, also attach a goal to the activity.  For example, if one of your chosen marketing activities is speaking, set a goal to book 2 speaking gigs on a particluar day.

If another goal is to publish an e-newsletter, then make a pact with yourself to publish it, at a minimum, bi-weekly.

2. Follow-up with people you meet

Networking, attending live events, and meeting people is a wonderful way to meet prospective new clients.  But, if they never hear from you again guess what happens?  You guessed it.  They never become clients.  Letting people “fall through the cracks” is another biggie mistake I see.

Keep track of every person you meet or speak with who is interested in your services.  Then, follow up with them on a timely basis after meeting them with a phone call, ‘nice meeting you’ card sent in the mail, or even email.

By keeping in touch, this comes across as caring, and is deeply appreciated.  Just because someone says, “not now,” doesn’t mean it’s a “not now” or “no” forever.  Continue to follow-up with them periodiocally.

3. Get people past FREE

I’m sure you’ve heard that once people invest with you one time, there’s a high likelihood they’ll invest again.  (like 80%!)

That’s why making a super high value, low cost, “no brainer” offer makes sense.  You want to get people investing with you so they can see first-hand how valuable your services and content are.

Get people over to the “land of the first purchase” as quickly as possible after meeting them or signing them on to your list.  You can do this by setting an autoresponder series of emails that begins a few days after someone new joins your list, or make an offer for a low cost teleseminar series.

With consistent marketing, follow-up, and intensely attractive, high value, low cost offers, you will experience steady income growth, and create a business you love!

Do you want to get up to 10 new clients in the next 30 days?  For a LIMITED time, I am offering my home study system, Breakthrough Secrets: How to Become Irresistible to Clients at an incredible 35% ONE-TIME savings that ENDS 11/22/11.  ($140 value).  Get this LOW-COST, HIGH- VALUE program here: http://bonitarichter.com/getnewclients-2/

Do You Know Why You’re Marketing? Movement Before Marketing

Do you know why you’re marketing? The first thing many women entrepreneurs will quip when asked that question is, “To get clients.”

It may surprise you this is not the reason you’re marketing.

And, not knowing “why” you’re marketing puts you at a steep disadvantage to successfully getting clients.

Before you market and make a sale, you must have an authentic marketing MESSAGE that resonates with your ideal clients, so they line up and willingly say “yes” to your offers.

When this happens, making the sale is easy.

So, what’s your message? (and, I’m not talking about features, benefits, outcomes or results)

Going deeper, the message I’m talking about is what MOVEMENT do you stand for?

Definition: A movement is when group action is inspired by a passionately shared idea directed toward positive change. A movement is inspiring, and brings out your audience’s passion, as well as your own, to change the world.

Marketing flows with ease when we emotionally engage our desired audience in what we stand for— why we do what we do— and, how we can help them when they “come along with us.”

Taking a stand on an issue makes you stand out from the pack. Being outspoken and having an opinion will get you noticed. Appearing “plain vanilla” is, well… boring. By taking a stand for something; something you’d ‘go to the mat for’ makes you interesting, and gives your marketing message juice.

Your goal is to share your movement frequently, and effectively, that selling flows easily from your marketing. Here is my movement statement:

“I am a stand for empowering women to assert their natural gifts to the world, to be independent, and to make choices to live their lives on their OWN terms, by creating a wildly successful, passionate businesses that makes millionaresses of each of them!”

I feel strongly about this because I value independence, and I want women to be successful running their own business. So many women aren’t successful. They barely get by, barely make a living, or they give up.

I just want to yell and scream, “Get the help you need! Let me help you! You can do it if you take a stand for yourself! Be in charge of your own life.  You don’t have to be dependent on anyone else!”

Is this a strong statement? You bet!

The bottom line is marketing (and sales) strategies and tactics can work if you’re solid in knowing your movement, and you express this message authentically and consistently to your market.

To reveal your unique point of view to start your movement ask yourself the following 4 questions:

1. What do I feel strongly about?
2. “What would I “go to the mat for?”
3. What changes do I want to see?
4. What is my movement?”

To create a highly profitable and successful business that can make you thousands and even millions of dollars, start a movement, and make this the centerpiece of your marketing communications message!

For those of you who are ready to stop struggling to get clients, want to SIGNIFICANTLY raise your fees, make more money in your business, while marketing LESS, call (847) 989-0513 to inquire about coaching with me in a 6-month Private Platinum coaching program.  ONLY 2 OPENINGS AVAILABLE.  If interested, call now to inquire to SAVE $$$ until DECEMBER 31, 2011.  (my fees are INCREASING January 1, 2012)

Truth: You CAN Get New Clients at a First-Time Meeting!

I’m sure you’ve often been told by well-intentioned and seasoned networkers you must “build relationships over time” before you can expect to get new clients from a networking or meet-and-greet event.

Well, I’m here to tell you this is a fallacy, and simply not true. I’ve met many people for the first time, and turned them into new clients in a matter of days—not months or years.

If you have specialized and valuable programs to offer, and a specific chosen niche, you can get new clients at the very next networking meeting you attend. Here’s how to do it.

1. Determine your goals

What’s your goal for the meeting you’re attending? Is it to find potential clients for a new program you have in mind? Is it to extend your reach through people at the event to their contacts? Is it to find new speaking gigs?

Go to the event with a purpose.  Have one goal in mind, know what type of person you want to meet, and the number of key contacts you want to make.

When you meet people, first, focus on creating connection and a relationship before you start talking about your business and pushing services. Then, if they seem to fit what you’re looking for, offer information about your business, a program you’re offering, invite them to a valuable Discovery Session with you.

If they seem connected to the type of client you’re seeking, give them “little soldiers’ to hand out to others. Little soldiers are items they can pass along, such as a CD with valuable audio content, bookmarks, and booklet, anything you can think of giving. Be creative!

2. Showcase your unique brand essence

Having a unique brand essence lets you showcase how you “stand out from the crowd.” This includes communicating your market “position,” what you stand for, who you help, and how you help solve specific problems your niche is experiencing.

It also means presenting yourself in an authentic manner. Being “in authenticity” ties in with your values and expertise you bring to the table. It also includes your unique style of preferred dress, and how you speak, the words you use, and how you carry yourself. For example, do you want to be seen as confident?

Be sure you’ve claimed a unique position in the market for your chosen niche. Know what problems your niche is struggling with, and how you help. Be in touch with your values, expertise, and personal style. Think about how you will project this when meeting people.

3. Follow-up

When you’ve met people you’d like to work with, connect by email or telephone (telephone is better) within the next 24 hours. Invite them to schedule a Discovery Session, to be added to you list, set a date for a speaking event. Connect via Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.

Note: In my experience networking, very few people do a good job of following up. And, that’s why they don’t get the number of clients they are seeking! Follow their advice of “it takes a year” to get new clients, being part of a group, and your income will suffer. Just like theirs.

The next time you are attending a networking event refer to these tips. I can almost guarantee you, you will leave the event with solid leads that translate quickly into new clients!

Get New Clients: 4 Steps How to Market to Get New Clients

Getting new clients can seem overwhelming.  Most every entrepreneur says they “do marketing.” 

But, the truth is, creating a marketing strategy and implementing it is the most difficult skill for entrepreneurs to master.

And, not mastering this skill means an entrepreneur is very likely to “take themselves out of the game” of business ownership.

Here are 4 steps how to begin to market your business more effectively so you get new business and clients.

 Step 1: Choose a lucrative niche you will serve

Without a strong niche, it is impossible to grow a thriving and successful business.  A lucrative niche is comprised of people who are in “hot” markets, such as small business, marketing, executive coaching, health and wellness, and relationships, to name a few.

Your chosen niche, or ideal client, also must have a history of investing in your type of services.  Size matters, as well.  Your chosen niche has to be large enough to generate sufficient income for you.

Look at your niche (if you have one).  Is your ideal client part of a “hot” market?  Do they invest in themselves  and the type of services you offer?  Make a list of 10 places you can find your niche so you can market to them.

Step 2: Identify a specific, urgent problem you’ll help your niche solve

If you struggle to get people to pay you for what you do, you’re not addressing a specific, urgent problem they need solved TODAY.

Examples of problems people DON’T invest in are how to:

  • get rid of guilt
  • build confidence
  • create life balance
  • find joy
  • etc

Of course, these are all excellent areas people want to improve in their lives.  BUT, and this is a BIG but, they will not typically invest money to solve these problems.

People WILL invest their money in one of these main areas:

  •  Money
  • Relationships
  • Health and Wellness

There are many “subcategories” you can derive from the three main categories above.

To attract your ideal client, determine which of the three main tracks above you can “speak” to in your marketing when addressing your niche’s urgent pain. Brainstorm subcategories.  Examples of subcategories of ‘money’ are, 1) how to start a business, 2) how to jump to the next pay scale in a career and,  3) how to build wealth.

Your marketing message must “speak” to the problem your niche is having within a chosen category. For example, someone may be choosing to start a business to increase their income. 

The “pain” they’re experiencing is they’re confused how to start a business, they’re wasting time, wasting money, and losing out on income.  These are all specific, urgent, daily problems someone starting a business may feel.  The marketing message will speak to these pain points, and results/outcomes someone will receive by investing in a particular program.

Step 3: Communicate how you’re unique

Many entrepreneurs struggle with knowing how they are unique in the market.

‘Uniqueness’ comes down to branding, choosing an ‘open’ position in a market, and unique programs offered.  When all three of these elements are combined a unique marketing stance is created.

To stand out in your market determine your brand archetype and personality,  strengths, values, design elements, market position, unique message (30-second infomercial, tag line, web site content, e-newsletter, etc),  and create your own unique systems (what you do to solve your ideal client’s problem).  Note: this part of developing a marketing strategy is the most difficult for many entrepreneurs to master.

Step 4: Implement your marketing plan

Once you have your ideal client and niche figured out, the specific and urgent problem they struggle with, and how you’re unique, you must then do a marketing plan, and implement it!

Look out over the next 90 days.  Set a 90-day income goal, and figure out, 1) what programs you will offer, 2) at what investment level, and, 3) the number of people you’ll serve.  Then, for each day, do 2 to 3  marketing activities to grow your business. 

Creating a marketing strategy that gets you new business and clients is not easy.  By focusing on who you’ll serve, what problem you’ll solve, how you’re unique, and implement a consistent plan, you’ll improve your marketing success and build your business!

SOLD OUT If you struggle to get people to pay you I can help.  I have ONLY 2 openings in my Niche Breakthrough Secrets and Brand Your Brilliance Master Mind Programs.  Find a lucrative niche that will pay you, create a unique brand identity, and get noticed by your market, and market less and make more money.  All this is possible for you.  All you have to do is say “yes.”  Contact me at (847) 989-0513 to schedule an interview in this exclusive program.

Positioning: How to Stand Out and Get Noticed!

How do you get potential clients to notice you exist?  You have only two seconds to capture your audience’s attention before they zone out, tune out, or flip the channel.

Here are 3 tips about how to get potential clients to “stop on your channel” and invest with you!

Tip #1: Hold a unique space in the minds of clients

To be noticed and remembered by your prospective clients, you’ve got to claim a unique position in their minds.

When our clients (us included) hear a particular company name, brand, or persona, we immediately want to “place” them in a unique drawer in our mind.

For example, Tony Robbins is in the “NLP” drawer in my mind.  BMW is the “Ultimate Driving Machine” (performance).  Harley Davidson means “freedom” and rebel, to me.

For your business, you want the same thing to happen!

Think about whom else sells similar programs and services as you do.  What “drawer” in your mind do they occupy?  Is your drawer different?  If not, come up with your own unique space. 

Tip#2: “First in mind” counts BIG

Being “first to market” holds an enormous advantage, because you can “claim” the drawer you want in the minds of your prospective clients.

Being “second one in” — even if BETTER than the first — you will have an extremely difficult time displacing the first business in clients’ minds.

Are you first to market, an Original.  Or, are you a “Me2,” trying to be “just like the leader?”  If you think you’re a “Me2,” find a new drawer!

Tip #3: What to do if you’re NOT first

As I mentioned, you’ve got to be first in your clients’ minds to get noticed and be ‘top of mind.”  If you’re not first, here are ideas how you can create your own space:

  • Get creative and come up with a new, never-before-heard-about category (Me – $110K mentor)
  • Relate yourself to the number one brand (Avis – “We’re number 2, but we try harder”)
  • Be an alternative to the first brand (7-Up – the “Un-cola”)
  • Name your programs and services with memorable names that conjures up images to help position product (Diehard – batteries; Head and Shoulders – dandruff shampoo)

The key point to remember is you’ve got to be unique to get noticed, and successfully get new clients.  Standing out makes you special, and an obvious choice WHY someone should choose to work with you!

Be sure to sign up for my FREE teleseminarAre You a “Me2″ or an Original? 3 Tips How to Step into the Spotlight and *Sparkle* So You Get Noticed and Get Business!  Many women entrepreneurs struggle with the question, “How am I different from everyone else?”  The reality is in today’s world, it’s “Be Distinct or Be Extinct.’  Each of us is like a rough-cut diamond, ready to be cut, shaped, polished, and showcased on black velvet for our market to see.  In this program, I’ll share with you 3 tips how to “kick it up a notch” and turn the spotlight onto YOU, so you attract an audience, captivate a crowd better than anyone else in your industry… and get new business!  Watch my e-newsletter for details how to sign up!

Brand Positioning: Are You a “Me2” or an Original?

Whatever you are marketing is a battle for the mind of your audience.   Getting noticed is everything.

When I mentor my clients, recurring themes I hear are —

“How do I get noticed?”

“How am I different from everyone else?”

“How do I get the word out about what I do?”

Many women entrepreneurs struggle with how to brand and present how they’re different, so they end up copying someone else who is successful…making them a “Me2.”

Me2s aren’t original or attractive. It’s like a tribute band. No matter how good they are, they still aren’t the “real thing.”

Here’s a perfect example of what I am talking about…

Over 4th of July holiday weekend, my husband Robert and I vacationed in Saugatuck, MI. Street side was a man selling CDs, and he had recorded Barry White songs. He sounded good. But, not as good as Barry White.

The thought occurred to me, if I wanted to hear Barry White songs, why wouldn’t I just buy a Barry White CD?

One of the things I’ve learned (partly by accident and mostly by experience) is the *magic* about how to capture the spotlight and get attention. And, I didn’t do it by being the LOUDEST person in the room. (Heavens no!).

What evidence do I have to know this? After I speak, people line up to talk with me (maybe you’ve witnessed this yourself). And, wherever I go people say, “I’ve heard about you.” And, I haven’t needed to market much at all to get new clients, because they seek me out to work with me.

In today’s world, it’s “Be Distinct or Be Extinct.” Each of us is like a rough-cut diamond, ready to be cut, shaped, polished, and showcased on black velvet for our market to see. You’ve got to know how to turn the spotlight onto YOU, on your brand, so you attract an audience and get new business! And, being a Me2 isn’t the way to do it.

So, how do you get noticed?

First, let me ease any worries you may have about not being the most visible superstar in your industry. You don’t need to be the industry leader to still be a star! There is plenty of room for memorable co-stars, and you can certainly be one of them.

But, you do have to be distinct in terms of:

1) what you offer

2) how you position yourself in the market

3) how you present yourself to your audience

Also, think about your brand. Do you “live your brand?” Are you communicating the essence of your brand to attract your ideal clients? Are you putting forth a sparkling and attractive personality? Are you dressing distinctive? (Or, are you dressing like you’re “supposed to?”) Do you have a clear message for your audience? Are you playing the part of an Original or a Me2?

What about your 30-second infomercial? Is it the typical corny and boring one most people blurt out? Is it too long…too full of facts and information…and boring? (people tune out boring)

Think also, about what it REALLY is that you are selling.

For example, Rolex doesn’t sell watches; they sell luxury. Campbell’s Soup doesn’t sell soup; they sell nostalgia. Volvo doesn’t “sell” cars; they sell safety. One thing all these products have in common is they create an emotional response in their targeted customers. And that, my friends, is what it is all about; drawing out an emotional response in your clients to help them make a decision to buy from you.

To help you blossom into the true Original you are, my coach’s request this week is for you to think about 1) what you are really selling, and 2) what type of emotional response your ideal clients to feel.

Be sure to sign up for my free teleseminar, Are You a “Me2″ or an Original? 3 Tips How to Step into the Spotlight and *Sparkle* So You Get Noticed and Get Business!   I’ll share with you how to “kick it up a notch” and turn the spotlight onto YOU, so you attract an audience, captivate a crowd, and get new business! Watch for details how to sign up in next week’s e-newsletter!

Attract Ideal Clients: The REAL Reason They’re Not Buying

Do you ever feel like you know you’re special, and have something unique to offer, yet no one else seems to notice it?

Well, maybe if you marketed your business more, maybe that’ll do the trick, and people will finally notice and buy from you.

The truth is, the REAL reason no one is buying probably isn’t because you’re not marketing enough. 

Sure, maybe you have to ramp up and do more marketing activities… do marketing more consistently… and stop “hiding out” by continually tweaking your website or marketing materials.  Marketing more may help.

But, imagine if you diligently marketed more, would you be guaranteed you’d be succesful “getting the word out” about your business, getting noticed by your ideal clients, and getting more business?

More marketing MAY NOT equal more customers.

The reason is, because even though you are “marketing enough,” you are not getting noticed by your ideal clients.  Let’s face it.  There’s a lot of noise and distractions in the marketplace.

What’s the solution?  You must create a well-positioned brand that STANDS OUT and glitters, sparkles, and attracts your ideal clients’ attention.  You know the expression “All that glitters is gold”?  You have to sparkle to get noticed!

“Spotlight” Self-Assessment

Your brand is your audience’s perception of you.  And, it is up to you to shape that perception (or someone else will).

Here is a quick self-assessment you can do to see if you are ready to step into the spotlight and get noticed (more marketing WILL help you attract more clients) —

or, if you have some more work to do to before you’ll be able to attract your ideal client (more marketing WILL NOT help you attract more clients).

Answer “yes” or “no” to the following questions:

♦ Do you *glitter and sparkle* in public? (people seek you out)

I suggest you be a “better version of you” when in public.  Kick up your personality a notch.  This doesn’t mean become louder, because we filter out noise.  Be engaging, host-like when you are networking and meeting people.

 Do people say they’ve heard of you?

By meeting people, being engaging, and getting involved, you’ll begin to stand out.  Public speaking is a great way to get known and build credibility and celebrity.

 Do followers act on your information and advice?

I suggest when speaking, take notice if people are writing what you say down.  Solicit feedback about whether what you’re advising people on is working for them. 

 Do you have a distinct persona? (look, language, philosophy)

Do you dress and speak how you’re “supposed to?”  Or, do you have your own unique style and view on subject matter.  Be confident to shine and be yourself, and not melt into the background.

 Do you have a clear niche carved out?

I suggest your niche be specific, viable, and yours to own.  I know this topic seems so over-cooked you can put a fork into it… and this is the very reason why it continues to be a stumbling block to success, because not enough attention is given to niche-ing, and becoming specialized in who you serve.

 Do you have your own position? (you own a category in the market)

Which drawer do you fit in?  Carve out a specific position that you can own in your market.  Is everyone else a “6-Figure” coach?  Then find a new position!  (I am revealing my new position shortly.)

 Do you know what you’re selling? (results, outcomes, feelings, values)

Know for sure what people are buying from you.  And, it’s not writing services, marketing help, or a website.  It’s something MUCH more important to your ideal client!

 Do you know what you stand for? (your unique philosophy, a manifesto)

If I’m not speaking my mind, and having a few people unsubscribe from my list when I get on my soapbox, I know I’m being too “plain vanilla.”  Don’t be afraid to be yourself, and take a stand for what you believe in… and what is possible for your clients and followers.

 Do you do business with, hang out with, and learn from influential people?

You are who you spend time with.  Learn from successful people, model them.  You are silly if you don’t.  (Okay, I’m speaking my mind here.)

 Do you have a great 30-second infomercial?

Don’t be “Ms. Bore Me Some More” or “Mr. Yackety Yanderson”.  Tell a story about you, and how you help so it is memorable to your audience.   

 Do you know if you’re an exotic truffle or an everyday Hershey’s bar?

What brand personality and perception do you want to put forth?  Are you beer or fine wine?  Speak, dress, and ALWAYS be the part when in public, even when shopping on Saturdays when you might run into someone who knows you.  “Live your brand!”

 Do you get fan mail? (do people let you know how much they love your work?)

The more “Yeses” you have, congratulations!  You’re probably easily attracting people who want to work with you.  People seek YOU out, rather than you having to chase after them to become a client.

Have more “Nos”?  Then, you have some work to do to create a glittering, attractive brand persona that attracts your ideal client.

Once you “glitterize” your brand, you’ll find that marketing becomes easier, you’ll market less, and you’ll get more business because you stand out in the spotlight!

I am REALLY excited about a *BRAND NEW* program I am creating that will help your brand stand out in the SPOTLIGHT and get noticed, so clients come to you — and you can stop chasing after clients once and for all! (YEAH!) 

5 Keys to Avoid Program Launches that Fizzle

Have you ever poured your heart and soul into a service or program, offer it to your peeps, and then no one  (or hardly no one) signs up? 

Program launches that fizzle are painful, frustrating to bear, and leave you strapped for cash.

Why does this happen?  In this article, I will share with you 5 key mistakes solo entrepreneurs make with their launches that causes them to fall short of their program launch expectations.

1. Thinking too small.

A big mistake is to think too small, and pour a lot of energy and time into launching, say, a $37 e-book.  You’d have to sell many e-books at this investment level to create any significant cash flow.

Many people are wooed by what they hear about generating thousands of dollars of passive income “while they sleep” by selling an inexpensive information product online.    The truth is, to generate a lot of income from an information product, like an e-book, you need a MASSIVE number of people on your email list.

For someone with a list on the “small end,” there’s simply not enough critical mass to generate significant sales.

For example, with a list of 1,000 people, and a generous 5% sales conversion rate that yields sales of 50 e-books, an entrepreneur would create sales of just $1,850.  With a launch every 45 days, this is hardly enough to build your security, freedom, and wealth.  And, it simply isn’t worth the time and energy that goes into a launch this small.

What should you do?  Make sure your launches are worthwhile, financially, to you.  Set a Bold Money Goal for your launch.   Also, if you have a smaller list (fewer than 1,000 people), consider offline methods to market, and promote your programs and products.  A very powerful strategy is to hand-select people, and invite them into a conversation with you about your offering.

2. Thinking too big.

This can happen when a solo entrepreneur NEEDS to generate cash, and plans on “this one big launch” to save them financially.  The mindset here is one of desperation, and is a total energy drain, because they’re “betting the farm” on this one launch.  Too high or unrealistic expectations WILL most likely set you up for massive disappointment.

First, make sure you create a launch you can energetically “step into.”  What I mean by this is if your biggest launch to date enrolled 5 people, steer clear of setting a goal of enrolling 40 people in your next launch.  It’s just too big of a leap, and may be disappointingly unrealistic.

What you can do, once again, is set a Bold Money Goal for your launch.  Think about how much money you want to make.  How does this number feel energetically to you?  Is it a stretch for you, but still seems doable?

Also, look at your current price point of your offering.  How many sales would you have to make to reach your Bold Money Goal?  For example, if your Bold Money Goal is $5,000, and your program is priced at $297, you’d have to sell 17 units.  Does this seem doable to you?

If you priced your program at $997, you’d have to sell only 5 units to reach your Bold Money Goal.  Keep in mind it’s just as easy to sell a high-priced program, as it is a lower-priced one!

3. Not solving an urgent problem.

The problem here is no one’s buying, because there’s simply no demand for the program and product you’ve just poured your heart and soul into.

It’s critically important that you create programs that are a SOLUTION to a PROBLEM your clients urgently have, AND are willing to invest money to solve this problem.  To get right down to it, they want YOUR solution more than they want their money in their purse.

You can find out what problems your target market is suffering from by conducting email surveys; asking them directly in emails that you request they respond to; one-on-one conversations you have with them; “R&D” free teleseminars; customer feedback after they buy, etc.

4. Focusing online before it’s time.

This goes back to the “smaller list” issue.  If you depend entirely on email marketing to fill your programs, you’ll probably be disappointed because your list size isn’t large enough to create your sales goals.

With a smaller list (fewer than 1,000 people), make sure you reach out to current clients, past clients, and anyone else who has ever expressed interest in your programs and services, first, before depending on an online launch to fulfill your goals.

5. Not having a well-thought-out launch strategy.

Even if you do have a sufficiently large list, a launch strategy that’s not well planned will be a disappointment.  It’s important to have a launch sequence that carries through all the activities you must do to have a successful launch.  A launch isn’t necessarily complicated, but, it IS involved, as there are a lot of “moving parts” and multiple activities happening at the same time.

For example, for a successful program launch will need to—

  • create a launch calendar
  • offer a free preview teleseminar call to announce the program
  • write and post a teleseminar opt-in page
  • send emails to promote the teleseminar to your whole list and those who’ve already signed up
  • schedule strategy sessions (1-1 conversations)
  • to write articles about the topic and submi them to article directories
  • advertise your teleseminar on seminar posting sites
  • create Tweets and post them on twitter, Face book, and Linkedin
  • blog about your topic
  • send follow-up emails after the preview teleseminar
  • plan a strategy to deal with launch lulls after the preview offering and launch end date
  • Decide on offline promotional activities

All these activities have to flow and dance together in harmonious movement to be effective and profitable for you.  Before your next launch, set a Bold Money Goal, and really think about how you’re pricing your offering.  Then, put your launch plan into play to generate maximum sales, and create a lucrative cash flow stream.

5 Reasons Why You Must Create a Signature System

I created my Signature System, “7-Step Easy-to-Implement R.E.S.U.L.T.S. Marketing Success System,” two years ago to help solo entrepreneurs create their own marketing plans fast.

The precursor to this system was my “90-Minute Marketing Campaigns that Work!” system, which started out as a 30-page booklet with worksheets that I sold for only $20 at speaking events.

What is a Signature System?  It’s the process you already take your clients through, to solve a problem, packaged into a highly marketable, step-by-step system they’ll want to buy.

Remember, your clients are not buying “what you do” (such as consulting, coaching, mentoring, healing, teaching, or palm reading).  Your clients are buying a SOLUTION to a problem they URGENTLY want solved.

Having a system helps them solve their problem easier, and faster, rather than having to figure out each and every step on their own.  You’ve already done most of the work for them when offering your Signature System!

Here are 5 reasons why you must create a Signature System to support both  your clients, AND you and your business:

1. Your clients LOVE systems.

Having a system convinces your clients you understand their problem, and you have the solution all figured out.  Having a step-by-step system makes solving the problem seem very doable to your client, which is extremely important to help them decide to buy.  Your clients want fast results and shortcuts to solving their problems.  Having a Signature System provides this to them.  With a system, you’ve already done the work for them – so they don’t have to.

2.  Your Signature System sets you apart in an overcrowded field.

I hear all the time from my clients, “I don’t know how to differentiate what offer from everyone else.”  Well, a Signature System is the PERFECT way to set yourself apart, and be unique and different from everyone else offering your type of services.  Your Signature System belongs to you and you alone.  Your system is a fabulous brand-builder for your business!

3. Having a Signature System makes for easier, faster sales.

When information is presented in an organized, step-by-step, easy-to-follow and understand format, clients quickly “get” what it is you offer.  And, more importantly, how your system can help them solve their specific, urgent problems.

There is incredible value in “handing over” a process in which you’ve done most of the work for your client, which saves them time, money, and helps them get results faster because they’re not “blundering around” trying to figure things out on their own.

4. Your Signature System can be “bottled and sold” at different investment points.

From just one Signature System, you can easily create three or four more lucrative income streams at different price points.  This helps to boost cash flow, transitions you out of working only with 1-on-1 clients (who you LOVE) so you can help MORE people, frees up your time, and gets your wonderful work out in the world in a larger, more impactful way.

5. A Signature System gives you instant credibility.

When you look at your peers who’ve created a Signature System, how do you view them?

I admire people who organize their creative genius into a package that will help me!  Without fail, every system I’ve invested in has helped clarify for me “what” I needed to do to move my business forward.

Do I think these coaches are awesome?  You bet!  People will look at you in this same way, too, when you offer them your expertise “bottled up” into a system that will help them.  And, you’ll get more business from them, too, because once a person invests with you one time, there’s an 80% probability they’ll invest again.

So, start creating your client-attracting Signature System that provides a step-by step solution that solves an urgent problem your clients will happily pay for, and provides you the opportunity to add lucrative, multiple streams of income into your business, increasing your cash flow and income.

In the upcoming launch of my Divine Essence Business School, just ONE of the things you’ll create is your Signature System  and multiple-streams-of-income business model. To find out about this EXCLUSIVE group, reserve your “seat” for the No-Cost complimentary telecourse training call series beginning May 18; PART 1: “5 Simple Business Shifts That Can Easily Double Your Income in the Next 12 Months” and  PART 2: “5 Inner Secrets to Create Your 6-Figure Business That Leverages Your Feminine Power and Essence.” Register for the free  calls at http://bonitarichterdivineessence.eventbrite.com.