Duct Tape Marketing

Facebook is another in a long list of social networking sites. There's MySpace, LinkedIn, Ryze, etc.   

Certainly too many to join and keep up with AND run your business at the same time.   

Indeed I am guilty as charged. I must confess that no matter how gloomy the weather is or how bad the news is I make a conscious effort to go out everyday and do something good for myself and for other people, strangers and friends alike.

There is no such thing as waiting until you are in a better time financially or personally to be able to do good for others. Your ultimate success and personal and professional growth comes from you being able to generously and openly give things of value, whether it is your time, expertise or money. You should always be open and willing to share it with those who are in need at that time.

The latest rage among internet or online-focused businesses is the high level (over $10,000/year) coaching or mentoring program frequently referred to as “Gold”, “Platinum” or “Diamond” programs – it seems that almost everyone has their version of one.

These can be amazing programs.  I fully believe in them based on the below and have participated in several (do the math here) over the past few years and am in one now.

I’ve seen, and had, huge and amazing leaps made and I’ve seen people on the verge of bankruptcy and everything in between as a result of joining these programs.

Some move forward exponentially and others end up overwhelmed, frustrated and broke.

So why the vast difference in experiences?

There are several things you need to consider before joining a high level program:

1. Can you afford the program?

While this seems like a simple question, it’s really not.  You need to play with the numbers and ask yourself, “If my income remains stable or drops, can I afford this program?  How will I pay for it?”

Remember that “paying for it” includes travel to and from retreats, hotel stays, meals and funds to implement ideas and new strategies as well as the program fees themselves.

You may choose to take out a new credit card, remortgage your house, etc. – it’s always better to have a backup plan and not need it then need it and not have it; especially as many of these programs require full payment even if you have to leave the program.

2. Why are you joining?

If you’re joining expecting to reach a million dollars in Month 2 of the program, you’ll want to reassess.

You want to know your goals and planned outcomes for the program before joining and ask the program host if they’re realistic given where you currently are in your business.

3. Is this the right program/coach for you?

Do your research.  Do you resonate with the person offering the program?  Do you like her?  Could you see yourself sitting down for a cup of tea together and having something, other than business, to talk about?  Are her morals and integrity in line with yours? 

Is her vision for the program in alignment with your anticipated outcomes?

4. Is now the right time?

Before spending oodles of money on a program to take you to the next level. . .and beyond, do you have the basics covered?

Do you have a team to support you?  Do you have a website/blogsite?  Do you have an ezine newsletter going out, at the very least, twice a month? Do you have client follow-up and retention processes?  Do you have paying clients?

In effect, do you have the systems and foundation in place in order to get the most out of the program?

5. Do you have the time?

These programs take time: time to travel and participate in retreats, time to implement, time for group and 1-on-1 calls, time to assist others in the program (mutual support is critical in a successful program) and time to generate the revenue to pay for it all.

In order to get the most from your participation, you’ll want to ensure you have the time allotted.

If you’re unsure about any of the above, you’ll want to schedule a quick call with the program host to go over your situation before you sign on the dotted line.

My Request to You

Before joining any high level coaching program, put down the sales page or letter, print out this article, grab a pen and notepad and answer each of above with complete and total honesty.

For the past 5 years, Sandra Martini has been showing self-employed business owners how to get more clients consistently by implementing processes and systems to put their marketing on autopilot. Visit Sandra at http://www.SandraMartini.com for details, compelling client testimonials and her free audio series “5 Simple and Easy Steps to Put Your Marketing on Autopilot”.

In this day of technology and the dreaded recordings, insuring that you maintain a professional image is crucial to business success.

How you come across on the phone, through your website, on a plane or at a networking event directly impacts how others (read "potential clients") perceive you and your business. Especially if you ARE your business.

Here are a few tips for maintaining a professional image in all that you do:

1. Dress for success and act the part.

If you need to attend an event or may otherwise come into contact with potential clients, you should dress for success. This does not mean you need to wear a suit, but you should be well-groomed and your clothes should fit you properly. I try to dress in the Corporate equivalent of "business casual" when going out. This insures that I am *ready* to meet with someone should the occasion arise -- even on a plane. :-)

On a flight to Los Angeles last year, I was jotting down some thoughts to clients when the gentleman sitting next to me complimented me on my diligence and said that my boss must be pleased with my dedication. I thanked him and said I was. We proceeded to have a great discussion and he has since referred many leads to me.

2. Make the telephone work for you.

Whenever possible, answer your phone during business hours. It is so rare these days to get a "live voice" that your caller will be immediately pleased.

You should also sit upright or walk around while on the phone in order to inject energy into your voice. Before every conference call, I do a few jumping jacks and toe touches to get the blood flowing again; I am much peppier as a result.

3. Underpromise and overdeliver -- always.

There are multitudes of companies out there and it's pretty easy for clients to change who they do business with. In maintaining a professional image, you want to do what you say, when you say it (or earlier!).

The old saying of "underpromise and overdeliver" has never been more true than it is today. If you can give added-value to your clients, do it. This holds true for any committees you are part of, nonprofit groups you join -- in all situations, you want to be known as someone who always delivers.

4. Read and reread

I read and then reread everything I send out. Whether a quick email or a longer note, you want to be professional in your communications. You want your clients/potential clients to focus on your message, not on your misspelled words or poor grammar. It *really* does make a difference.

Always remember, the first impression is often a lasting impression and that people do business with people -- not with faceless entities. When people think of you/your business, you want it to be in a complimentary manner.

For the past 5 years, Sandra Martini has been showing self-employed business owners how to get more clients consistently by implementing processes and systems to put their marketing on autopilot. Visit Sandra at http://www.SandraMartini.com for details, compelling client testimonials and her free audio series “5 Simple and Easy Steps to Put Your Marketing on Autopilot”.

It's the question you are asked most often, but how much thought have you ever given your answer?  Learn a powerful re-frain to create more clarity and strengthen your business results.