Marlee Ward
Florida
- 69 comments
- 42 likes given
- 37 likes received
I believe that God has given each and every one of us gifts to use for good and for profit. My goal is to help you figure out how to do that. Faith+Business+Fun
Hey Gini! I love this topic. I'm a BIG proponent of the personal brand myself. Especially for very small businesses. I find it much easier to attract your ideal client, penetrate a competitive marketing, and build a loyal customer base when you integrate your personal brand into your business. I think the key to making it work is to develop a business that while built around a personal brand, could continue beyond your life time. Think Jim Rohn, Apple, Etc.
I freakin' love you on video. You crack me up!
Miss Donina!
So well written and stated. I think this just points to an even bigger problem among the female gender and it's the overwhelming lack of unity. As you said, we already have struggles to overcome by virtue of being women, why the heck do we have to tear each other down? How come we have to hold each other up to such scrutiny? Why isn't there any praise for our individual choices and sacrifices, because we all have them.
It just goes to show that as women, we have a long way to go if we plan to make an impact in this world that matters to us and those we love. Until we can stop focusing on what divides and committing to the beauty that unites us this discussion and it's consequences will only continue.
Bravo Ms. Savvy Sexy Social! Love that your paving your own way and helping others realize they can do the same. Congrats on one year in, and here's to many more on this wild yet fulfilling ride of self-employment. :)
Hi Leslie!
I could go on for ages about what you've shared here. I'll just suffice it to say, I know what you mean and I am with you. I recently took a turn in my content to reflect the true impact my relationship with Christ has in my business and my life. I'm glad Farnoosh shared this post with me, because much like yourself I'm seeking others in online business who share the same passion for faith that I do. Good stuff, Leslie. :)
Tia,
You've done an amazing job here at bizchicks and I feel very blessed to have been given the opportunity to be a part of it. I know whatever the future holds for bizchicks will be incredible, because the creator herself is exactly that. Here's to wonderful, happy, and prosperous New year for you and for the entire bizchicks community!
AllieRambles Thanks for your insight here, Allie. It's nuts how little gratitude is instilled in the culture of businesses these days. I'm convinced that as the marketplace gets more competitive this concept of gratitude will be a major point of differentiation for consumers making decisions.
I'd like to nominate Farnoosh Brock of prolificliving . Farnoosh blogs with passion and commitment to readers - she always gives her all in every post whether it's about blogging, travel, or staying motivated, Farnoosh is definitely a top ten blogger. I'd also like to nominate Ashley Ambrige of tmfproject - Ashley's not only inspirational, but she's really helping people live our their dreams and laughing their way through every minute while reading her work. And lastly, I'd like to nominate tiapeterson . Tia has built and incredible community for women to find solid and sincere support. I've gotten so much out of being a part of the BizChickBlogs community. I think Tia certainly deserves credit for a job well don!
onhighheelzPRMARLdblE Sometimes you just have to create the group for yourself, D! Get out there and make it happen - it WILL prove invaluable to your business growth.
Incredible_Eye_Care So true! Thanks for your comment.
Tia Peterson I'm so glad you enjoyed the post, Tia. I too have tried to do it all and it is not only overwhelming -it's unreasonable. Thanks for sharing your experience here!
Oooo Child! Did you bring it in this article or what?! I was nodding my head the whole time and can only echo your sentiments. I learned the hard way about trusting my intuition, because I've found almost every time I've gone against it, my intuitive hit was right. I will say, though, that it wasn't just hard knocks that strengthen my trust in my own intuition - it was a spiritual thing too. My faith is an integral part of my life and who I am, and when I ignored that I lacked a sense of security when it came to my intuition. Now that I live my life more in tune with my spiritual needs, it's easy to trust my intuition because it's almost always affirmed (or not) by my spiritual guidance too. I bet that sounds woo-woo, but I'm so not woo-woo. I think I'm saying that having a strong foundation on which you build your confidence lends itself to trusting your intuition more easily.
Hi Rebecca!
Thanks for your additional insight here. I agree with your points, but I think they belong in a different segment of the selling process. As you refer to it, "selling" in advertising is something you do before you've made contact with your prospect, and the ever important aspect of asking questions is something that you would do during the live meeting (although they are important once you've made contact too) - Think those things lend themselves to act of getting a sale instead of building trust with the prospect prior to getting into a sales situation. Does that make sense? Nevertheless, your suggestions are spot on and definitely should be part of the selling process.
Tia Peterson Hey Tia, I absolutely agree with Patrick and your point about using your blog to demonstrate your expertise. I view blogging as a marketing tool that helps you establish yourself as an expert in your field. If you're not doing that, you are missing a huge opportunity.
As to doing things differently. I would have scheduled a phone all with them first where I asked the important questions as it related to their needs. Then I would have done some research and followed up via e-mail to give them an overview of what I was offered based on what I learned. If they still had concern or wanted an in-person meeting, I would have offered it to them at that point.
I should also note, though, that now that I've been serving that industry for some time, most of my clients come pre-qualified because they are familiar with my work via the web. Ultimately, I think I had to go through the process to figure out what objections to cover in my web content to begin with.
EvelynBourne@evelynwrites Hi Evelyn, you are spot on with helping for free. I think the best way to approach that is to give what I call the 10% solution. That is you resolve 10% of what they are facing. This way they see that you can help them, they experience results, and they are inclined to hire you for the other 90%. Thanks for your insight here!
I just bought this book based on your review, and being that I serve self-employed professionals, I can never be without insight on how to best help them grow their businesses!
Hey Kirsten!
Fellow 3Ter here, great article! I didn't realize that there was another way to truly "organize" using anything other than a list. Partly because lists work great for me. I'm curious about what kind of productivity personality I have, so I plan to swing by and take your test for sure!
Hi John,
The breathing advice is superb. I notice that many people (myself included) unknowingly hold our breath under pressure or stress. Ironically, it increases the physical feeling of pressure. Tony Robbins shared a great breathing method designed to clear the mind and energize the body that consisted of breathing in for one count, holding it for four counts, and exhaling for two. I find it really helpful.
What I love about this post is that you truly practice what you preach. In my opinion you've mastered this stuff, Lewis. But the great part is - you're genuine about it. A lot of people can read this advice and try to apply it, but if they don't have a genuine interest this advice doesn't matter. Prospecting and networking are two different things and I think you've clearly articulated that difference here.