This week we have been talking all about telling stories to create relationships, and then using systems to foster those relationships. When we do these things, we create strong connections with our clients and customers and engage in meaningful conversations in order to solve their problems and meet their needs.
But what about when it works? What happens when you experience an unexpected surge in demand? Yes, I’m talking about what happens if you find yourself so busy that you are on the brink of feeling overwhelmed – or perhaps you’re already there. The first thing you need to do is look at what could be causing that surge:
These things are not all good or all bad, but they can happen unexpectedly – and then you’re left asking, “What do I do now? How do I handle this sudden influx of business?” Here’s what I say: The best time to handle the unexpected is before it happens. WHAT? Handle the unexpected before it happens? YES! Because you CAN do it! When you envision what you want for your business, take time to look at what is on the horizon and then ask, “What could get in the way?” and “What will I do when this happens?” Because MOST unexpected things can be planned for – even if we don’t know the specifics. When it comes to an unexpected surge in business, you need to have four things in place. You need:
When you have these four things in place for your business, you’ll be able to handle that surge and grow your business – no matter what unexpected reason brought it your way. Of course, there are still a few things you need to watch out for:
It can be easy to succumb to these pitfalls when you’re busy – but if it happens:
There are very few of us who wouldn’t want a surge in business, but preparation is what will make the difference between handling it well – or it becoming a complete disaster. So, if you’re thinking to yourself, “Bring on that business surge! I’ve got those four things in place, and I’m ready to go!” – FANTASTIC! And if you’re thinking, “Well, I’ve got a few things I need to tighten up to be prepared,” – that’s also FANTASTIC! Being able to see the strengths and weaknesses of your business is a skill to be commended. (And now you know what you need to do!) Because remember: “In life, the only thing that you can expect is the unexpected; the only surprise is a day that has none.” (Yes, that quote is from Joan Rivers – who knew that she was not only funny but incredibly smart, too?!) Please comment below. I would love to hear from you.
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Last week, at the Battle Board workshop, it was SOOOO exciting to see people putting together plans with action steps that are going to serve them well this year.
And it was even more exciting to see the glint in their eye as they realized that hitting the FINANCIAL GOALS they set for themselves CAN HAPPEN. Of course, it doesn’t happen without hard work and effort, but that was one dedicated group – and I know when I check in with them that they will be making some serious progress. The workshop got me thinking about this week’s interview with Joey Held. (Did you catch it? If not, I encourage you to check it out here.) Joey was talking about storytelling as a way to build a relationship with your clients and customers. And Joey’s storytelling ties in perfectly to the strategies people created at the Battle Board workshop. When we bring storytelling and strategy together, we develop a dynamic technique to weave relationships into the sales process so that we can leverage our expertise and experience. Now you might be asking yourself, “How can this be done?” First, set that goal for your business. When you do, you will:
Next, create a clear, documented process for communicating your story in a way that connects to your ideal prospects’ needs. How do you do this? With the Productive Profit System, you’ll have everything you need to help you systemize your profits and relationships without burning out – and isn’t that what you really want? I can’t wait to share this system with you because I truly believe in it. It’s the system I use. It’s the system that so many of my clients use to help them meet their goals – and it is my joy to share it here with you now (no strings attached). You’ll receive a video and map which will explain the Productive Profit System that generates an additional $11,000/monthly with 11-12 hours of work per week and 30 hours of initial set up. (And that’s completely manageable, right? No burnout! No 18-hour days! No missed family time!) If you’re ready to make 2021 a great year financially and have a high-ticket offering that you’re ready to bring to your clients and customers, then the Productive Profit System is for you! Please comment below. I would love to hear from you. If you think that storytelling is only for authors or writers, you’re wrong. Storytelling can be used to promote your brand and your business, which is why the topic is so important for business owners. And Joey Held is the perfect person to discuss what businesses need to know right now about storytelling.
Why is storytelling so important? Think about how many products and services are out there now. With so many different options available, your business needs to be relatable, transparent and inspiring to get people interested in your product or service. No longer can you just start shouting, “Hey! Look at me! Look at this!” You want to find a connection with your clients and customers. And for the most part, that connection can be built by sharing your story, sharing how you got to where you are now, how you started your own business, and the things that you’ve seen along the way. You need to show you are relatable to your clients and customers. For instance, you’re listening to a presentation and the speaker tells you a story of sipping a margarita on top of the Empire State Building. He’s there with multiple billionaires and tells you what a great time they had laughing and eating caviar – and what happens? You immediately disconnect from them. It’s just not relatable. But let’s pretend you have a computer repair shop, and while your life story may not be relatable to your customers, you can share stories from your business. For instance, someone who came into your shop with a malfunctioning computer and they had no idea what they were doing. They were panicking. They were sobbing – and you helped them with the situation. Most people can relate to a story like that – and you and your business create a connection. “How are you currently communicating with your clients and customers? Emails? Blogs? Social Media? Have you made storytelling a part of your marketing plan? Forbes Magazine says that storytelling needs to be a priority in marketing for three reasons:
If you’re constantly going for the “sell, sell, sell” approach, you may find it’s not working for you anymore – and it’s time to make a change.” What should you look for when honing your message or trying to share it through storytelling? Storytelling should aim to either inspire, educate, entertain – or all three. When you tell a story that has one or more of these as the goal, it will keep you from rambling and help you to advance your brand message. Remember, you want to be relatable. This is a huge aspect of brand storytelling. Customers have options for almost any type of business or product they are seeking. Nowadays, they’re going to look for the one that appeals to them the most. Storytelling can lead them to you. It’s not strictly about price these days, but also connection. “Have you ever had a new client or customer tell you about themselves, and then ask you to tell them a bit about you? They probably weren’t doing that as a way of making small talk – even if it seemed that way. They were looking to see if you were relatable, if there was a synergy – because being relatable builds the relationship. And business is about relationships. Storytelling is just another way for you to have a conversation with your customers – and develop that relationship.” How can businesses use podcasts to share their story and help promote their products and services? Doing a podcast is really not that different from writing an article – you just have a platform where you can go more in-depth and share more. Podcasts allow you to go into the details. If you have a podcast with guests, you can start a really nice conversation – especially if the host asks good follow-up questions that help to steer the conversation in a way that allows for stories to be shared. Also, hearing a voice helps to develop rapport. “Storytelling doesn’t just have to be about the written word. Podcasts are a great way to share your story. If you’re thinking about starting a podcast, take a look at this article that Podcast Insights shared: How to Start a Podcast: A Complete Step-by-Step Tutorial.” 3 Action Steps
Be sure to connect with Joey Held on LinkedIn or sign up for his newsletter. Please comment below. I would love to hear from you. The only word that’s coming to my mind right now is: WOW! (And this is really an understatement!)
This week we had our Battle Board Workshop – and it was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! It was a half day of people pouring their hearts and souls into business plans that are really going to work for them! I warned everyone that they needed to come ready to work because we were going to maximize the 4 ½ hours we had together – and everyone brought their A game! (Really A+!) Do you mind if I share a few of my favorite moments?
Just the name “Battle Boards” implies ACTION – but to see these boards come to life! I’m brought back to: WOW! (I know… you would think there’s a better word – but I can’t think of it right now.) I truly hope you have your plans ready for 2021 – because with a plan in place now – you’ll be ready to conquer this year and make it your best! Please comment below. I would love to hear from you. I am so thankful to welcome in all the possibilities of 2021!
While we tackled each of these things head-on – because what choice did we really have – I also think it’s fair to say that we’re excited for 2021 and forging a new way. And even though we’re only a few days into the New Year, I have high hopes that this is going to be a good one! With vaccines rolling out to our frontline workers and those most vulnerable, it brings a sense of hope that things can return to a more normal way of life for us soon. Because… selfishly I’d like to be able to do a few of the things I missed in 2020 including traveling to see my family, colleagues, clients and friends. One of the things that I really missed in 2020 – and it may seem silly or even a bit trivial after the year we had – but I missed retreats. I missed those times away where you can recharge your battery – whether it be personally or professionally. I needed it (you probably did, too) and yet accessing it was impossible while also quarantining. There’s something so invigorating about a few days away – spent with likeminded people – and then coming home feeling like you can take on the world! And 2020 just didn’t allow for it. But I’m hopeful that 2021 will. Retreats are more than just a glorified business vacation. Bringing your team together for a few days outside of the office can do so much for you and for them. You may find that:
2020 didn’t allow for a lot of these things – because we were always holding our breath, waiting for the next shoe to drop. But let’s hope that 2021 does! I know I’m looking forward to going back to The Rookwood Inn for a retreat with my mindset coach, Sensei Victoria Whitfield. (Yes, even coaches have coaches – because I see the value in coaching just like you do!) And of course, there will be a Momentum Activators Program here – because this place is… magical. The setting (located in Lenox, Massachusetts in the Berkshires) is out of this world, and Amy (the most fabulous proprietor) makes this a world-class experience from start to finish. (With spa services and a delicious breakfast – you may feel like you never want to go home! And yes, rest and relaxation is definitely a part of a good retreat!) She has made accommodations to ensure a safe experience for everyone. I just looked at my calendar to see when I’m booked to go here – and it’s not soon enough! If you have the ability this year, book a retreat for you and your team. Enjoy the time together reflecting on the past and looking forward to the future. It will be money well-spent. Please comment below. I would love to hear from you. If you are in business with someone you live with, Amy Lindner-Lesser, proprietor of the Rookwood Inn, Justice of the Peace and the Co-Founder’s Coach shares how to work with those you love.
“I’m somebody who’s gone through all kinds of life transitions. I’m a parent of two adult children, a grandma with 1 more on the way, and a widow. I was a caregiver for my mother and stepfather for the last five years of their lives. I’ve had lots of business experience and personal experience. I’ve run the Inn now for almost 21 years on my own. My husband passed away two and a half years after buying me in, which was something I never expected to be facing. Either single set, single parenting or owning a business and operating it on my own.” You have hit just about every life transition and life experience that one could have, and yet still so upbeat and still so ready to share and help others. Recently, you’ve turned that energy and attention to a new adventure, I would say, but certainly not new to you. And that is, as the Co-Founders coach, and in this program, you are helping couples who are in business together. This is so relevant right now, with so many folks at home, they’re operating their business, there used to be some time when they could escape from all of this joint venturing that they’re doing. But now there’s no space. What would you say to the business owners that are running a business together, living together, loving together, raising a family together and suddenly, there’s no space in the house, there’s no space in the office? “With all of us being stuck at home, or privileged to be at home, people who never work together, are now working together because they’re sharing space. What I found in our first two years of owning the Inn, where we lived here and work together, was that it was really important to have very clearly defined roles. Each of us found what our strengths were, what we would agree to do and what we would let the other person do. This ensured that we didn’t have arguments about whose responsibility it was.” Co-founders, are intentionally in business together. But now that we’re all home, we’re de facto in business together. My husband is working upstairs and he has a paid nine to five job and I’m running my business downstairs, the kids are doing school, just outside of my office door. We’re all in this situation. Defining those roles really clearly is essential. “And clearly delineated spaces, so that you’re not pushing each other out of the way. Make sure you’re not in a corner in the dining room or the kitchen, where everybody is walking through. For those of us used to having an office to go to where we don’t have the interruptions of our children or our spouse, it’s a new game. Find ways to separate. Whether it’s when things get sort of heated, or a decision needs to be made, or somebody’s emotions get out of hand; it’s important to be able to separate physically. You could leave the room, work in a different space, or go out and take a walk. Or it could be running errands. Shopping is one of my least favorite things. But doing it was a way for me to get out and get away from business and have to think about something else. You don’t have to do your business all the time. You can have your own space, you can meet with your customers separately. Having clearly defined spaces and breaks and time are an extension of clearly defined roles.” Is there some missing piece? Something that businesses can be doing that they’re not right now that might help their situation. “For some businesses, it’s not terribly hard to pivot, that there may be ways to take things online. But for many of us, I know I struggled for the first few weeks asking, “How do I take an “Inn experience” where people come get away from the stress and relax?” I could take it anywhere else. So, I developed packages to bring our experience home with you. And those are available online. I think is so important is to find other businesses, either in the same field that you’re in, or maybe even in a completely different field, and collaborate. For me, it is an interview series that I’ll be starting. I’m doing interviews with a lot of the cultural venues, the museums, the theater groups, and the like here. I ask them to tell us where their facility or their venue and give us a secret, something nobody else might know. I am using this as a way to remind our guests that there are still things here when it’s time for them to be able to travel, and it keeps all of us in the forefront. We’ve talked about selling each other’s products on online stores or when we re-open to be able to sell and gift shops. I have been working with more coaches and talking about collaborating by offering retreats here at Inn. We can make the plans for when the environment opens up again.” This is a fantastic time for relationship building. 3 Action Steps
Be sure to connect with Amy Lindler-Lesser on LinkedIn or Facebook. Please comment below. I would love to hear from you. What’s your to-do list look like? Is it a mile long? Filled with things for your business that need to get done? Plus activities for your kids? A few errands you need to run? A commitment you made to volunteer? A coffee meetup with a potential client? And then a few more things that require your attention?
Do you also find that you are suffering from:
According to Scripps Health, if your list sounds a lot like this and you’re experiencing some of these physical signs of stress, then you’re probably suffering from Superhero Syndrome. Yes, it’s just what you think it is! It’s a person who feels pressured to do it all. And if this is you, you may be getting it done, but you’re probably not getting it done well. Because there is a definite difference between doing it all – and doing it all well. And, while your to-do list is long, do you know what else I notice? I notice that there’s no time on that list for you to spend a few minutes focusing on yourself or even taking time to catch your breath. It’s all go-go-go! With no space for anything that may come up (including a glass a water or trip to the bathroom!) So, while I don’t want to add to your to-do list, there are two words I want you to keep in mind this year: delegate and prioritize. Try these on as your two new superpowers. Let’s start with “delegate.” This one can be hard – because like most people, you probably don’t want to give up control. (**Yes, I see you nodding. And I completely understand.**) But delegating is a superpower every successful business owner has in their arsenal, and you can, too. When you are able to delegate, you are able to free yourself up for the tasks that no one but you can handle, or the tasks where you are strongest, or the tasks that are going to propel your business forward. It also allows you to be supported by others who share your vision and will work to make you better. (BTW – If you need some practice in delegating, check out Forbes’ article: “Three Rules for Effective Delegating.” The three rules are easy to implement and you may find you don’t need #3 when you have the right people supporting you!) And then there’s your second superpower – “prioritize.” Now, I LOVE a good list or plan. L-O-V-E. And they definitely serve a purpose. But, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that my list does me no good if I do not spend some time prioritizing things. In December, I spent some time prioritizing the goals on my business plan for the upcoming year – and it felt amazing to have it done. It’s so beneficial to have those goals prioritized and in a form that allows me to easily look at them so I can remind myself what I’m working for. Additionally, each day, I quickly prioritize the tasks that need to get done in my Momentum Planner – and I always start with the “big things.” When the big things get done early on, you set the tone for your entire day. And let’s not forget to balance between the urgent and the important. (It’s really easy for Superheros to think it’s ALL urgent – when in reality – it’s not.) So, are you ready to add “delegate” and “prioritize” to your superpowers this year? How are you going to make it happen? Please comment below. I would love to hear from you. With New Year’s Eve and Day still to come, it’s fair to say that we’re still in the holiday season.
And, while you’ve been busy trying to make the season joy-filled, fun, and memorable – it’s probably fair to say that it brings with it a fair amount of stress. After all, you may have college kids who have descended upon you and are trying to live their college lifestyle while in your space. Or school-age children who have a few weeks of break and are constantly raiding your refrigerator and expecting you to entertain them. Of course, you have work that doesn’t stop because the holidays are here. And let’s not forget about the expectations that we set for the holidays themselves – and they may be even higher this year as you work to make them extra special. It can be a LOT. And the family dynamics can certainly get a little out of whack during these times. Even though we want them to be happy and fun, you can find that there are moments of intentional silence, anger, heated arguments, and tears. Nobody wants the holidays to be like that. In fact, nobody wants any of their family time to be like that. But what it really comes down to is communication. (Isn’t that the basis for most things?) When it comes to family communication, there may be no one who does it better than Jeff Hanson of Dream It. Live It. Jeff is a coach for families dealing with addiction. People turn to him when they see their loved one heading down a path to self-destruction and they can no longer get through to them. He helps them to understand how to open the lines of communication and see the unique traits in their loved one that can allow them to turn the situation around and discover an alternative direction. While you may not have a family member facing addiction, opening the lines of communication within our families is something we probably all want to improve. Opening the lines of communication helps to avoid those feelings of hurt and anger and brings about healing when they do occur. Jeff has put together an interesting and engaging online quiz to help you discover your role in the family dynamic! Try it out for yourself -> “What’s Your Role in the Family?” (Only takes about 5 minutes.) When you get a few of those precious minutes, I encourage you to take the quiz (I took mine!) – it could be a great starting point to strengthen your family bonds and improve the ways in which you communicate with one another. And maybe next year will be a little less stressful when we all gather together again. Please comment below. I would love to hear from you. More and more people are online than ever before, and more and more time is being spent checking out websites, social media, and various forms of online content. Because this is happening, it’s important to look at what businesses need to know right now about thought leadership and content marketing.
Susan Rose is a visibility coach. She helps women entrepreneurs over the age of 50 increase their impact and income in 90 days or less by helping them connect with their audience in a way that increases engagement and builds loyalty. She helps women increase their visibility and become recognized experts, so they can have a greater impact and income by strategically positioning themselves as leaders. What do businesses need to be doing to stay visible to their clients and prospects at this point?You want to be creating content and using your social media to drive people to you and your business. People have more and more time to research you and your business. And they’re doing their research and spending this time deciding if your business is actually the kind of business that they want to buy from or work with. It’s not just enough to post to your social media. And, while engagement is good – it’s also not enough. It’s about demonstrating your expertise through thought leadership types of materials. These materials might be white papers, longer articles, e-books, or things like these. These materials show your leadership – no matter what business you’re in – and will drive people to you and your business. You might provide some education or training for people who are interested in your business. For example, do a webinar or online workshop to answer questions or address problems that people are grappling with. This shows people that you understand what they’re going through and can share answers and solutions with them. It’s really about all the content that is beyond the social media posts. Now may be the time to take a deep look at what you’re sharing on your social media and ask yourself, “Does it really show that I’m an expert in my business? Am I really offering people the materials they need to make an informed decision to work with me?” How do you make yourself/your business stand out online when there is so much out there for people to choose from? It’s probably been said by every marketing person on the planet but know who your target audience is. Understand who this person is. Understand who they want to buy from. Understand everything you possibly can about them. And then “talk” to that one singular person directly and in everything that you do. When you do this, it will resonate with the people you want to do business with. You will be making an emotional bond and an emotional connection with them. You will understand the challenges they are facing. You will understand their journey and how they’re going to evaluate if they want to work with you or do business with you. You don’t want to spend your time trying to talk to everybody. We all know that social media and the internet is flooded with free and/or cheap resources. But do they provide any value? Probably not. If you can understand what your target audience is truly searching for, you can attract them to your business and offer them the solutions they need. What role does emotion play when it comes to marketing?At one point in time, when it came to business and emotions – you did not mix the two. But that mindset has shifted. Emotional does not equal unprofessional. After all, we’re human beings seeking a human connection. We respond to emotion. We respond to beauty. We respond to feelings. If you want people to respond to you, you have to connect with them on an emotional level. Of course, this is not where you share all the negative things that you may be experiencing or get overly personal. But it is about being honest and authentic. For example, it can be about sharing your excitement about a new service you’re launching, why you feel connected to this service, and why you think it will be important to your target audience. Women are often taught to tamp down that emotional side of themselves, but it can be beneficial in business for creating a connection. If you’re wondering if it’s right to share some emotion with your target audience in hopes of creating a connection, start by telling your story. Start journaling, writing it down, or recording it. You don’t have to share it if you don’t want to – but start talking about it. This allows you to filter through it and decide what is appropriate and what might be too much. It’s about building that relationship with your target audience before you even talk with them or work with them. How are you creating a connection with your audience? Are you using emotions and authenticity to do it? Or have you avoided this out of fear that it’s not the right thing to do in business? 3 Action Steps
Connect with Susan Rose at http://susanrose.net/warm-welcome to receive her “Warm Welcome Email Templates.” Please comment below. I would love to hear from you. As I sit here looking at the remnants of yesterday’s Christmas celebration – the stray piece of wrapping paper, a few cookie crumbs, and Christmas cards from friends and family, I am overwhelmed as I think how much I have to be thankful for…it’s beyond measure.
And this thankfulness I’m feeling has me pondering about a word that maybe we don’t use too often…abundance. And do you know what I realized? This feeling I have right now is a matter of mindset. I have chosen to receive abundance into my life – and going forward, I want to have this feeling in ALL aspects of my life – work included. How about you? Are you ready to receive abundance when it comes to your business? Stephen Covey talked about the “abundance mentality” in his best-selling book, “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” and he said that people need to remember there is more than enough success to go around – that you don’t have to see the success of others as a loss for yourself. High fives to Stephen Covey! Because we should definitely be celebrating the successes of one another! But what do you need to do if YOU want to receive abundance into your business? Covey’s first three habits are as good a place as any to start! He says: I like these because they seem to be pointing to the big picture of receiving abundance for your business – for setting yourself up for success. And with 2021 rushing towards us, it’s definitely time to put the plans in place to make it the best year ever! (And these tie in so perfectly with the upcoming Battle Board Workshop on January 5th!) Of course, there are smaller steps to receiving abundance. These are the things you do day in and day out to attract abundance to your business – and your life – and to just feel good. Success shared “11 Ways to Attract Abundance in Your Life” that really capture the things we should be thinking about often to do just that – and they’re all fantastic. While you aren’t going to focus on each of these 11 ways every day – perhaps you can choose 1 to bring to the forefront of your mind each week. This week I’m choosing “Make the most of the infinite possibilities ahead of you.” Doesn’t that sound like a great way to start 2021? How about you? Where are you going to put your focus to receive abundance? Are you going big picture or small picture this week? Please comment below. I would love to hear from you. |
AuthorBeing an entrepreneur and business owner is hard! Once you have your business up and running it's not uncommon to hit a few snags: scalability, staff retention, launching growth projects, getting enough sleep! Archives
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