Archive for the ‘How-to Tips’ Category

A No Strings Attached Gift For You – Info Product Angels

August 17th, 2010 Vicki Flaugher

Feeling joyous and generous today and wanted to share something I am especially proud of.
This is a 6 week telecourse that I created with my dear friend Jen Blackert as the Info Product Angels. Yeah, we were playfully spoofing Charlie’s Angels and we had a …

Scope Creep, Boundaries and Business

August 9th, 2010 Vicki Flaugher

As a consultant, I find that much of my time spent in business is about drawing boundaries. If I set a project based price, which I typically do, I have to drive to the original project deliverables and protect against what project managers call scope …

To Know Your Customer, Walk a Mile in Their Shoes

August 3rd, 2010 Vicki Flaugher

This week I am focusing on entering a new niche in my marketing consulting. It’s a high end business to business niche and I want to really know my customer. So, I am seeking out and enjoying luxury experiences.
I have scheduled a facial. I will …

Do You Run Your Business in Silos?

June 21st, 2010 Vicki Flaugher

Running your business in silos is a common symptom of larger corporations, but I’ve discovered recently that it is an attitude that runs rampant with entrepreneurs too.
What being “siloed” means is that each functional group – marketing, engineering, sales, finance, R&D, customer service – are …

Sales Tip: Fear Based or White Hot Pain Relief?

June 17th, 2010 Vicki Flaugher

Many internet marketers, and often salespeople in general, use a heavy fear based method when trying to close sales.  I’ve railed about it before, but that’s not the purpose of this post. In fact, after reading “A Good Hard Kick” recently, I have actually come …

How Venture Capitalists Think – A Good Hard Kick in The Ass

June 15th, 2010 Vicki Flaugher

Many entrepreneurs don’t have a clue about how venture capitalists think – even me, who has likely poured over hundreds of books on business, start ups and entrepreneurship. I read a great book recently that really shoved opened my eyes and, true to the title, …

Your Online Communication Schedule

June 8th, 2010 Vicki Flaugher

So…
You’re loving your followers on Twitter…
You’re building friends on your Facebook fan page…
You’re working your Linked In groups…
You’re visiting relevant niche focused influencers’ blogs and commenting with keyword rich verbiage that links back to a specific page to continue the conversation…
You have an opt-in on …

Choosing Your Pro Bono Work Carefully

June 3rd, 2010 Vicki Flaugher

Pro bono work is a great way to build your skills, increase your business visibility, and give back to your community. Donating your time and business acumen to a non-profit or a social business start-up can bring great satisfaction, great connections, and can build your …

Testimonials and My Yelp Experience

May 20th, 2010 Vicki Flaugher

By Vicki Flaugher, CEO
SmartWomanGuides.com
Recently, my sweetheart added his massage business to the review site Yelp and asked his massage clients to post their testimonials there.
Kevin has mostly been off line with a very loyal, nearly 100% referral and repeat-business client base for 15 years. I …

What Bad Internet Marketers Have in Common With Pedophile Priests

April 12th, 2010 Vicki Flaugher

I know it’s a tough statement to suggest that bad Internet Marketers have anything in common with pedophile priests. I have friends who have experienced the ravages of pedophilia, who have had their trust broken, their bodies and minds violated and damaged, and more. …