Pity parties are nothing new. In fact, we do it all the time and I'm guessing that you probably go to many... you know, you get together with some friends and you'll bemoan the state of your industry. No one understands what we do and how we can help them. Companies are always spending less and less on the services I have to offer. I only get called in to sort things out when it's too late. Then they expect me to work miracles. Why don't people plan ahead?
Then you'll despair at the how much stuff you've got to do and how little time you find in each day.
Though this letting off steam is probably good for your blood pressure, having a moan without taking any action can become habitual and bad for your business. Our pity party will help you let off steam [productively] and then show you a way to move forwards.
Ok, are you ready? You need to be in the right frame of mind for this to work properly, make sure you're really feeling the pain and stress, get yourself a big sheet of paper, some colouring-in pens and let's get started.
The first thing we'd like you to do is consider this statement: "It's a pity marketing can be difficult for my business. This is because..."
Then write down as many reasons as you can think of as quickly as possible. Don't find ways to solve these problems yet, just list all the pities you can think of.
Just write down as many problems as you can. Share your best (or worst) ones with us using the form on our website... www.leanmarketing.co.uk/pityparties and we'll give you a recommendation.
These are the limiting beliefs that stop you from being great at marketing your business. By getting all these "pities" down on paper we can begin to address them.
So, have you done it? Have you completely dumped all your pities onto a page? If so, read on, if not - do it now! Really, this only works if you put ALL your pities down on paper - you must try really hard, I know it's difficult ;-)
Struggling for ideas? What about: time, money, resources, lack of knowledge (yours and potential clients), fear of rejection, don't know what to measure, can't decide what to do next...
Now, I want you to stand up - and go and find a mirror (take your pity party with you!) Stand in front of the mirror and read through all your difficulties, challenges, problems. While reading each one aloud, really feel the emotion that comes with it. Feel the despair, the fear, the rejection - go on really feel it - let your shoulders droop and the corners of your mouth turn down. Now, say out loud, keeping that feeling of pity with you, "I want your business".
That's what your prospective client sees!
Ok, if you're not laughing by now then you really are in a sad state - give us a call ;-) For the many of you who see the funny side of this exercise, let me assure you there is hope! You can change all your pities into parties, with a few simple tools.
Now for the serious stuff. From our extensive research with coaches, trainers and consultants like you we've identified that most of you will be finding challenges in the following areas:
* How to fill the pipeline with highly qualified and relevant sales leads
* How you move the professional relationship from FREE to FEE
* What are 'they' really buying and how much are you really worth
* What next? Creating financial independence, growing without the need to get bigger, staying a chapter ahead.
So, how did you do? Are you like most other professional, expert service providers? Let us know your pities, we want to hear your feedback.
If you find you are similar to other people, then what's the pity? You're all at the same party, enjoy! Here are some f'ree tools you can use straight away to get the party in swing:
1. Clear out your marketing clutter with a detox - Lean Marketing Detox
2. Get your business card in shape with our Card Shark Ebook - Card Shark
3. Download the Pipeline and use it - send a blank email to leanpipeline@aweber.com with "Send Me The Pipeline - I'm Pitiful!" in the subject line!
4. If you're reading this and working for someone else, then maybe it's a pity you're not going it alone yet - get the "Prisoner of Work Escape Manual"
5. If it's a pity that you've never got enough time to write really good articles for your own eZine then you can use any of the growing number of articles provided on the Lean Marketing Press website
And, in the words of Bono, if you still haven't found what you're looking for, try the 450 page, full on marketing Toolbox at www.leanmarketing.co.uk/toolbooks (it's guaranteed for 5 years - longer than most people stay in business for!)
Speak Soon,
'Dangerous' Debbie Jenkins
debs@debbiejenkins.com
(c) Copyright 2005 debs@debbiejenkins.com
SUMMER CAN BE SLOW FOR BUSINESS
But don't let that get in the way of your success.
This is the ideal time to work on your business
rather than in it. Get 2 F'REE eBooks and prepare
for more success with less effort here...
debs@debbiejenkins.com
I'm wondering if... You Know Other People who should be reading this too? So do us all a favour (they get 2 free books - we get a new subscriber - you get to look good) when you Pass On This link... debs@debbiejenkins.com
same day cleaning service Des Plaines ..Great question!Freeing your time is an indisputably key element in... Read More
Many small companies work very hard to get new accounts.... Read More
One of the critical success factors for service-related businesses is... Read More
Remember those drawings from science class of how a lever... Read More
As I am preparing for my attendance to the CoachVille's... Read More
Who is responsible for maintaining the business relationship?Nurturing a business... Read More
Everyday, customers and business owners are bombarded with billboards, logos,... Read More
Why do you need an account plan?When you first decide... Read More
Many investors and business ethics professionals are calling for more... Read More
Q: I really want to start my own business, but... Read More
A common hazard faced by new entrepreneurs is a lack... Read More
In my previous article, Step 1, your challenge for the... Read More
Free money! Receive up to $25,000 that never has to... Read More
In the 2003 Auto Laundry News Survey it was determined... Read More
The FTC, Federal Trade Commission, is considering modifying the franchise... Read More
Everything starts with a business plan: If you don't have... Read More
The Workers' Compensation situation in this country is unbelievable. Why,... Read More
Sexual Harassment is a disturbing part of employment life in... Read More
Why are we over regulation the franchising industry, what purpose... Read More
A cluttered world of marketing communications diminishes the ordinary. The... Read More
If you don't know what a Virtual Assistant (or VA)... Read More
1. Everyone Makes A Difference ? Despite not letting him... Read More
While I was hard at work last week, an everyday... Read More
When working from home, it is usual to find that... Read More
Are the promoters and consultants destroying the market for Reverse... Read More
home cleaning services Mundelein ..Did you know that satisfaction is the number one emotion... Read More
If you are a motorcycle detailer and need to expand... Read More
What is the Big Race all about when it comes... Read More
I started working with another new client last week. He... Read More
Each day we hear of companies entering the franchising industry.... Read More
Incorporation in Nevada has become an attractive option for savvy... Read More
Back when I owned an inventory-based business, one of my... Read More
You have spent considerable time pulling your business plan together,... Read More
There will come a time in your business where you... Read More
There are both fixed and mobile detailers. Consumers often will... Read More
-- The One Pager Shortcut Series --An effective and compelling... Read More
The start of a new year is a time for... Read More
Large corporations use employee manuals to both educate employees about... Read More
Q: I will be retiring this year at age 60... Read More
Due to the over regulation in the Franchising Industry and... Read More
In general, all of us know how to accomplish the... Read More
Most small businesses will not even try to advertise on... Read More
Every home business has the same problem of how to... Read More
Having a successful business means also having a good working... Read More
Tap these treasures of ideas. The best money you can... Read More
Let's face it, we all tend to get stuck in... Read More
Here are seven ways for owners of small businesses to... Read More
The FTC Franchise Rule maybe changed, as the Federal trade... Read More
If you own a mobile truck washing, pressure washing or... Read More
Here's why 'WHY' is such a profit-making marketing trigger."Stop taking... Read More
Small Business |