Monday, January 19, 2009

Changing the Direction of Business

It's time for a change. We have heard this alot during the election last year but this has nothing to do with that. This has to do with my business. I have spent the last three years trying to identify a way to bring in a modest income in hopes of replacing the income from my previous employment.

Three years ago I made the leap from employee to self-employed. A large leap for me since I was the bread winner in the family. Make sure and note the word was. From that time I have not been the bread winner nor am I today, but am extremely happy with everything that has happened in that time, the failures and successes.

This being a new year I have decided to change the direction of my business away from small business coaching more towards online and offline marketing. This past year I spent the majority of my time learning internet marketing and ways to increase traffic to my websites using search engine optimization.

With change creates a need for a new image, perhaps a new business name. I haven't decided on that yet. I had already been in contact with a printer about new business cards but had not designed what I wanted as yet so luck with have it when I was checking my Google reader and a blog I follow, Blogohblog.com, is having a contest to giveaway free business cards; 1,000 quality business cards for the winner. I want that winner to be me!

If you are like me and are in need of business cards, check out the requirements to enter the contest at Blog Oh Blog. Good luck to all that try and thanks to Blog Oh Blog for hosting.

Friday, January 9, 2009

Learning Internet Marketing and How To Make Money Online

Last year in February I became an intern of an internet marketing guru, Terry Dean. I was excited at the prospect of learning internet marketing and various possible ways of making money online. The intern program was so beneficial to me in just starting me in knowing some of the directions to head.

This past year I made a little money online but not enough to break the bank, if you know what I mean. It wasn't that I didn't learn anything, I did, but when you learn you have to apply. I think I got overwhelmed at the various sources of information and just came to a standstill.

I purchased programs I haven't completed, I've downloaded files that if I could remember what each were for and listen to them I would probably learn a whole lot more. But one thing I did do that I am still doing today that has been the biggest help to me was join Terry Dean's Monthly Mentor Club.

The first thing that I liked about is the fact that it is not an online newsletter. This newsletter is mailed to you. Normally 11 pages long with detail after detail of what to do and how to do it. He gives you step-by-step instruction on how to succeed in this online world. And again, I hold it in my hand not view it on a screen.

I joined in June of last year and when you join you get bonus items. As I stated before the online world is easy to get overwhelmed so I admit I haven't listened to them all. We made a move in September of last year so I canceled my subscription for a month and missed the newsletter so bad that as soon as I landed in my new homestead I renewed my membership.

Don't just take my word for it, here is a copy of a comment left on Terry's blog about his newsletter:

I subscribe to over 6 different print marketing newsletters, and not one of them even comes close to yours in terms of “showing you exactly what to do”. (And let me just say that the December Adwords bonus revealed the best, most advanced tactics on Google Adwords I’ve ever heard.)

When your newsletter goes out, I check my mail daily in anticipation of when it arrives. When it does come, it’s opened, read, highlighted, and put beside my desk for an immediate action plan.

Dr. Michael Beck


I hope it was okay to use his comment as I saw it as a great testimonial to an awesome monthly newsletter and also an opportunity to let my readers know that what I am stating is agreed upon by others.

If you are trying or struggling to learn how to make money in the online world or just have an interest, you should try his newsletter. It is only $20 a month (well really $19.95). I throw that away just buying junk magazines.

The catch is (this is why I am sharing the information/newsletter with you now) it is only that price through January. In February it is increasing to $29.95 but his current members stay at the lower price. So if you are on the fence about subscribing check out his page and it will tell you more about his newsletter and the many benefits. Click here to learn more and subscribe!

Disclaimer: All the links are affiliate links. I only become an affiliate to products I trust and this is one that I truly believe in.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Creating Your Elevator Speech for More Business in 2009

We are into our first work week of 2009 and if any of you are like me it is time to jump back into the networking groups, meetings, luncheons, and other venues that may bring more possible clients and business growth. This is not one of my favorite things to do, (networking, yuk!) but it is necessary.

I have been at these events so many times and they will go around the room and give you an opportunity to introduce yourself. I cringe at some of the introductions, so poorly delivered and definitely unclear on what they do. And then it comes my turn and I deliver a non-educating 30 second description that no one would have a clue to what I do. Tomorrow is a new day and I plan on delivering an introduction that makes people search me out wanting to learn more.

So how I am going to do this? Well, I have an online mentor, Terry Dean, who helps me to learn online marketing and how to apply the skills in the offline business world as well. In a recent blog post of his he wrote about creating an effective elevator speech.

Terry list step-by-step how to write an elevator speech and gives examples that will help you while you create your own. I will be using his tips to give my 30 second speech in the next couple of days. I highly recommend you checking out his blog post if you lack the expertise to get your message across effectively.

To read it for yourself follow this link: Create Your Elevator Speech by Terry Dean