Five Powerful Ways To Grow Your Online Biz

by Martha on April 23, 2012

PinExt Five Powerful Ways To Grow Your Online Biz

There are more online businesses now than ever before!  It seems so many people are looking for the shortcuts and I have to say: It takes time.

Having said that, there are some steps you can take to speed up the process.  Here are 5 ways to grow your online business faster than the norm:

  • Coaching. Without a doubt, this is my number one favorite way to jumpstart a business and get it moving forward at a fast rate.  Why?  Because a coach/mentor has already done what you are trying to do, made the mistakes you don’t have time for, and makes sure you stay on the right track.  A little advice here:  Talk to their students and make sure they are achieving fast results before you spend your hard earned money!  Here’s the program that worked for me:  Portable Empire Coaching
  • Outsourcing. Yes, I know you have a limited budget, but surprise! It doesn’t take a huge bankroll to begin outsourcing.  Start with things you don’t like to do or take up way too much of your time.   Check out Fiverr first. (All projects are $5.00) Then head over to eLance for larger ones.  You’ll find your day goes much faster and easier if you leave the nonessentials to someone else!
  • Webinars. Host a webinar teaching what you know or better yet, host a webinar for someone else to teach a new concept to your audience. People are hungry for information and are willing to take the time to learn.  Schedule these at the same time every week and watch your customer list grow!
  • Social Media. You knew this one was coming!  There’s no way to grow at a rapid rate without using it.  Go ahead,  put up that Facebook Page, create your killer profile for LinkedIn, find customers on Twitter, and pin your blog posts to Pinterest.  The list goes on and on.  But one thing’s for sure.  It works and it works fast!  (if you need help in that area, sign up to work with me!)
  • Stay focused.  If there’s one way to sabotage your own online success, it’s with lack of focus.  You know the drill. You must set goals, have a way to measure your growth, and keep your mind focused on what you are trying to do.  It’s so easy to get distracted with all the bells and whistles on the web, but with clear goals in place and a good grasp on what you are trying to accomplish, the focusing part should get easier!

The point is, there are no short-cuts to online business success but there are powerful ways to shorten the learning curve and make it quicker and easier.  Why not take advantage?

Peace,

-Martha

{ 20 comments }

Are You Getting Swallowed Up In Facebook Groups?

by Martha on April 19, 2012

PinExt Are You Getting Swallowed Up In Facebook Groups?

Facebook groups have become the new happening place for social interaction.

The social site itself is a great location to make connections, but for deeper group conversations or bonding, the groups are the bomb!

Not all groups are created equal.

Groups are set up for various reasons.  To utilize this social outlet best, be sure the group’s “reason for being” is a good fit for your own goals.  Some are great places for open discussion on a topic, while others are simply a place for bulletin-board type information.  Many groups center around sharing each others content, while others are a place to promote your products.

Follow the rules!

When joining a group, chances are, there are some rules.  Be sure you know what is expected of you before you make the decision to stay in.  If you are looking for a group to help you promote your business, make sure that’s allowed in the group’s guidelines.  If not, you could find yourself being reprimanded or even tossed out!

Too much of a good thing?

Sometimes, yes.  Here’s where the rubber meets the road.  Just like any other place people congregate and hang out on the web, the groups have the distinct pleasure of being fun.  So much so that before you know it, you’ve spent way too much time commenting, hanging out and whoops, your day is gone!

Add to that, the numerous groups that are adding people right and left without their permission (apparently this now the way FB is operating, not group admins), and you can easily get swallowed up in the groups before you know it!

It’s getting crazy out there!

Sometimes it can feel like the wild, wild west online.  There’s so much going on and so many people to meet.  You need to pick and choose. Only join groups that are beneficial to your goals.  You might want to consider putting restrictions on the time you spend there.  Be focused, set a timer and if you want to get anything done in your business, stay out of the chit-chat groups! Also, leave the ones that have drama.  Not worth your time!

Now, go out there and find groups that support what you are trying to do and don’t get swallowed up!

Peace,

-Martha

 

 


 

 

{ 26 comments }

What Is A Blogging Voice and Why Do You Need One?

by Martha on April 10, 2012

PinExt What Is A Blogging Voice and Why Do You Need One?

bigstock D Your Voice Crossword On Whi 31349309 300x228 What Is A Blogging Voice and Why Do You Need One?Do you know who you are?

Come on.  When was the last time you looked in the mirror and gave it some thought?

OK, I’m not here to talk about your deep, self-discovery journey, but it does somewhat go hand-in-hand with finding your voice.

Your blogging voice, that is!

You see, if you are really serious about your blog, you have to know who you are, why you are writing, and talk to your audience in your very best “you” voice.

Whaaaat?

I guess we’re talking about authenticity again.  Becoming real to your readers.  Think about it.  Unless you are going to blogs for information only (I’m talking textbook here), why are you drawn to the blogs you regularly visit?  Two words.

Their voice!

They deliver the info in a way that resonates with you, draws you in and makes you want to come back for more.  Sort of like a good friend who tells you to pull up a comfy chair, shares a luscious story that you were waiting to hear and gives you a warm pat on the back before you leave.

Am I right?

Your own blogging voice should be filled with your own story your own “take” on things, your own opinions, quirkiness, and humor.  The authentic “you” voice is peppered throughout your content to make it unique and interesting.

For example . . .

Anybody can (and so many do!) write a blog about social media, blogging, online marketing, etc. (my own valuable topics) but nobody can say it like I can!  And, I’m not being a braggart, a big-head, or anything of the sort.  I’m pointing out that nobody can express their thoughts in exactly the same way as I can.  It’s just simple math.  There’s only one of me.

There’s only one of you too!

Take your blogging seriously and don’t just regurgitate what everybody else is saying.  Put your spin on it.  Be controversial on occasion, speak your mind, let people into your world!

That’s what having a blogging voice is all about!

It’s not contrived.  It’s not artificial.  It’s not bland.  It’s writing like you talk.

It’s showing your audience your human side, your personality.  Hey, a few warts never hurt anyone!

Your blogging voice is you and you already have that!

Use it!

Peace,

-Martha

 

 

{ 39 comments }

Online Credibility: Do You Have It?

by Martha on April 6, 2012

PinExt Online Credibility: Do You Have It?

Online Credibility.  It can happen at lightening speed and it can be torn down just as fast.

It goes hand in hand with Reputation and you need to take it seriously.

My own method . . .

I have built my online presence around being credible.  I pride myself in being a person known for dishing out good, clean, helpful, researched information.  If I recommend a product, I’ve used it.  If I recommend a website, I’ve gotten value from it.  If I create my own products, I want the expectation of my customers to be that they know  I’ve worked diligently to make sure that product  doesn’t hit the marketplace until it does what I say it will.  And more.

Think of credibility somewhat like a first impression.

Once it’s online, you really can’t take it back!

Every time we put a product into the marketplace, every time we post a blog about a certain subject, every time we answer an e-mail or send one out, our credibility is on the line.  At least, that’s what I always keep in mind.

Know the secret bullet!

If there’s one “secret” to everything you do online, it’s tell the truth.  Don’t ever be caught in a falsehood.  For example, when I take on a one-on-one coaching student, I teach them what I’m doing to be successful.  I teach social media because I’m already doing it.  I teach how to make money online because I’m already doing it.  A few years ago, I wasn’t an expert in those subjects so I wouldn’t have been credible.

Get the picture?

You can’t be an expert in something you don’t know about and haven’t actually done.  If you’ve never secured a customer from using social media, you won’t be too credible trying to be a social media manager. Make sense?

Is there  a measuring stick?

You bet!

It comes in the form of recognition, awards, testimonials, etc.  The measuring stick is what others are saying about you.

Social Proof.

That’s what awards and accolades are all about.  It’s someone else giving you their seal of approval. Think “Good Housekeeping” here!

How do you get it?

By being connected with people.  It’s just that simple.  Your recognition for your work will come from others.  Are you a product creator?  Then ask  your customers for a testimonial.  Put it on your site or your sales page.  (I’m actually revamping and compiling my own as we speak!)  Are you a social media diva? The proof is in the pudding.  Are you being followed around and connected with like crazy?  Then your credibility is probably close to stellar.

Here’s the thing. . . .

Your credibility is being built right along with your online presence.    If you are writing consistently great blogs, people will notice.  If your articles are worth their weight in substance, they will begin to appear all over the net.  If you are joining groups within your niche on Facebook and LinkedIn and are adding value, people will take notice.  If your coaching students are bragging about the money they’re making, you’ve probably got great credibility.

It’s NOT brain surgery!

It’s really not difficult to build your credibility on the web.  Continue to put out good information, great products, and always be helpful to others.  Say what you mean and mean what you say.  Be sure your products always give more value than your customer pays.

Your credibility will grow just as your web presence does.  If everything you put out on the web says, “buy my stuff, buy my stuff,” then you are a long way from establishing credibility.  Credibility comes with the know, like, and trust mantra.  You build this over time by taking daily action.  AND, it builds through others.

It’s been said that one sour customer can ruin your credibility.  Why?  Because, especially in this day of internet speed, everyone is connected.  Their bad experience with you or your products will be told to their network and it spreads like wildfire.

Can you say “viral?”

Credibility, good or bad, can become viral.  Chances are, you trust the people you continue to learn from.  My guess is you also never forget the ones that took your money and provided nothing in return.  Right?

We all need credibility.  You know what to do.

Be credible and enjoy your rise to success!

Peace,

-Martha

{ 32 comments }

Spring Cleaning Your Way To Online Success

by Martha on March 27, 2012

PinExt Spring Cleaning Your Way To Online Success

messydesk 2 300x300 Spring Cleaning Your Way To Online SuccessSpring has sprung in most parts of the United States and with spring, I always think about spring cleaning! Yes, if you’re like most people, just the mention of the words “spring cleaning” will produce a big fat groan, but don’t you agree there’s something a little magical and motivational about clearing out our space?  Whether it’s to make room for more stuff and to just live in uncluttered surroundings, it does have its rewards!

Here’s a few places where you might be inclined to start:

  • Your computer.  Whaat?  I know.  It’s full to the brim with digital products, freebies, and information that you’ve collected but have never and will never use.  You know I’m right.  Start deleting!
  • E-mails. If you’re like I am, they start piling up pretty fast, even if you have a dependable system for getting rid of them.  Here’s an idea:  If you haven’t opened the e-mail and it’s over a week old, delete.  If you have saved it but haven’t looked at it in six months (or longer), delete.  Get going!
  • Your workspace.  This should go without saying but hey, I know how papers, book, and ideas can pile up.  Toss anything that isn’t really needed.  And, don’t pretend like it all is. It’s not and you know it!
  • Your brain.  This one can be somewhat tricky, but well worth the time spent.  I’m talking about mental clutter. You know what it looks like:  unnecessary thoughts, worries, and feelings that often impede our ability to get our work done!  Guard what you are willing to put into your mind. I feel so strongly about mental clutter that I produced an audio several years ago to help people get Rewired!
  • Your circle of friends.  Ok.  I know you have a full circle of adoring, positive influences in your life and don’t need help here.  I’m just saying, if there’s anyone in your life that is constantly feeding negativity into the mix, you need to try to sweep that person right on out of your awareness. (if it’s a permanent family member, my condolences!)

Now, step up to the plate, clean out your clutter, and get on the business of having a business!

Peace,

-Martha

{ 26 comments }

← Previous Entries

Next Entries →