Friday, September 5, 2008

Today Only: Kim Klaver's Book 1/2 Off...

In her blog post today, she talks about the need to know your buyer persona profile, a concept she got from David Scott...

Here's the latest in the world of marketing and PR...

Instead of just selling your product or business by describing its wonders, you focus on the person who's a likely fit...no, not everyone. One way marketers do this is by creating a buyer persona profile.

"A buyer persona profile is a short biography of the typical customer, not just a job (or product-kk) description, but a person description...The buyer persona profile gives you a chance to truly empathize with target buyers, to step out of your role as someone who wants to promote a product and see, through your buyers' eyes, the circumstances that drive their decision process.

"The buyer persona profile includes information on the typical buyer's background daily activities, and current solutions for their problems. The more experience you have in your market, the more obvious the personas become." ~~Scott, the New Rules of Marketing and PR...

She suggests that we can start with ourselves. And thus, look for and sell to people just like ourselves. Her book helps you write a script telling your own story in a way that doesn't sound like a sales pitch.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

I'm Going to Write A Book in 60 Days! Join Me?

I stumbled across this information about the Messenger Network and I really like what they're about, which from what I can tell, is helping people who want to make a difference get their message out there so the world can find out what they have to offer. This guy, Robert Evans, has designed a whole program around that concept.

The part I'm interested in is the 8-week book-writing workshop! I can't wait to get started, although I must admit I'm nervous about it, too.

Here's what he has to say about it...

"This program teaches you how to write this kind of concise and personal content, inspires you to stay excited and focused on the journey and destination (completion) of the book, and offers accountable opportunities to follow through with the group over this 8-week time period." ~~Robert Evans

Write a mini-book in 60 Days!

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Born to Organize?

I have a friend who loves to watch Mission Organization! Loves it!! Me, not so much.

And even when I told her about my scrapbooking business, her interest was in organizing her photos. And, of course, I can help her with that but it strikes me that she could probably enjoy helping others get more organized.

So just in case there are others who might be interested in what would be involved in becoming a professional organizer, I thought I'd share this blurb I found in a newsletter I saw...

Were you Born to Organize?

Then you'll benefit from my new book of the same title! Whether you're taking the first step toward becoming a professional organizer, or you're enhancing your already-established career, this book may become your favorite business resource. You'll walk through phone intakes and client assessments; prepare for hands-on organizing sessions; understand your clients' clutter tendencies; discover affordable, business-boosting marketing ideas; learn how to connect with clients and offer stellar service; prepare for the NAPO Certification Exam; and so much more. Born to Organize is a compilation of all my experiences, business knowledge, marketing know-how, and passion for organizing. I hope you enjoy it!

Now available at Amazon.com.

Just click here: Born to Organize: Everything You Need to Know About a Career As a Professional Organizer

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

The Secrets of Women Who Work from Home

Working from home doesn't have to be just a dream. You can do it by selling crafts, sewing, giving shopping advice and more. Find out how these women like you have done it, and how you can too!

Article here.

Are You Ready to Start Your Own Business?

The Qualities You Need to Start Your Own Small Business

Statistics tell us that over 45% of small businesses fail within the first two years of starting up - on the other hand, millions of self-made business owners have gone on to become millionaires. So what do you need to become one of the successful ones?

Don’t worry if you don’t have everything it takes. Training can develop many of the so-called essentials. All you really need to know are which ones are your strengths and which are your weaknesses. Here are some traits you’ll need. It’s up to you to decide if you’ve got them, or if you’ll work on getting them.

-Common sense - If you’re not sure whether you’ve got it, ask your family. It’s the ability to make sound judgments about all manner of life issues. It can be a combination of past experience and knowledge and will help you get to the core of a problem by simplifying it.

-Specialized knowledge of your field - It’s no use jumping into something about which you know nothing. Most successful business people have gained much valuable experience in their trade well before they went into business for themselves. You don’t have to be a top expert, but having some background and a willingness to learn will help you along the way.

-Self-confidence - When you start out in small business, the buck will usually stop with you. You are the one who has to make difficult decisions and wear the consequences. This is not always something you either have or don’t have. You may have it in one area or situation and lack it in another. Training will help you to get it.

-The ability to get things done - This is actually self-discipline. It’s no use deciding to take the day off because it’s sunny and the surf’s up. There are things requiring your attention and if you leave them they won’t get done. On the other hand, it’s no use being on the job if you fritter the time away on menial talks that should be delegated.

-Creativity - Sure it’s been done that way since Adam, but there could be a better way to do it - one that will save you time and money. Creativity also helps you stand apart from your competition.

-Ability to lead - Do you get along with others or is there a long line of dissatisfied staff, customers, clients, friends and relatives behind you? Your ability to lead and get people to do great work is paramount to your success in business.

-Self-reliance - If you can’t rely on yourself, whom can you rely on? You need to be able to set goals and do whatever it takes to reach them. Sure you’ll have others under you - eventually, but many small business owners need first to rely on themselves.

If you want to start a small business, go for it. If you need a little help online the way, considering starting with a direct sales opportunity. There are many companies that will allow you to sell their products and provide training along the way.

You can get some help deciding which opportunity might be for you right here.

And here's a quiz from iVillage that may help you evaluate your readiness to get started.

I took it and here's how I scored...

Most Likely to Succeed...

You have a solid plan. Just remember, success doesn't come without work. You need to think specifically about your plan of attack and how you're going to pull together the idea, the customers and the financials. Learn the step-by-step process for starting a successful home business with these tips for coming up with a home business that works, getting ready financially and marketing your services or products.

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Spiritpreneur & Mompreneur

I am a married mom and a healer, working from home in several capacities, hoping to start a community of women who want to start a home-based business using spiritual principles, like the Law of Attraction, for instance, to create and build it. My goal is to offer support, community, healing and practical information.

Here's one piece of advice I found helpful, just to get us started...

"Top Start-up Strategy: Allow yourself enough time to get everything ready before you open for business. Whether your company is online or in a store, potential customers will turn away from unfinished or sloppy preparations. Coming up with a business idea is exciting -- it generates a lot of energy. Channel that energy into planning and preparation."

from Diane Lille