Many times, when people answer a question with “I don’t know”, it’s more of a push off than a real answer. They don’t want to think about it right now, they don’t want to commit, or perhaps they don’t want to be held responsible for the fall-out from the answer.

But, done right, an honest “I don’t know” can be one of the most powerful entrepreneur tools available.

By getting in touch with the place inside of you that holds no judgment, or decisions, or prejudice, you can experience a world of creativity and insight that isn’t available to know-it-alls. By being willing to be vulnerable enough to ask a question instead of always being the one to answer it, you can open yourself up to new possibilities, innovative ideas, and – dare I say it – out of the box thinking.

The key to experiencing the power of a true “I don’t know” moment is rather straightforward – you have to be willing. And, you might have to practice a bit. So, to help you practice accessing that perfect intersection of creativity and inspiration, here are some tips:

Embrace the Value of Mistakes

Most people don’t like making mistakes, but they seem to have no problem forging ahead with their ideas and doing whatever might seem right instead of admitting they don’t know. They are more afraid of being embarrassed about seeming ignorant than they are about going right ahead and proving in action that they are!

If you make peace with mistakes and instead see them as the natural process of learning lessons, the pressure to seem like you know something instead of sitting with “I don’t know” for a bit will ease up. Once you can get past the automatic impulse to “do something” (even if it’s not the right something), the closer you will be to discovering the actual right something to do.

Make Asking Your Mode of Operation

Again, asking another to help you can perhaps feel demeaning, or seem unprofessional, or maybe – heaven forbid – reduce your credibility. But, really, the most successful people in the world, in business and in life, all ask questions much more of the time than they do nearly anything else.

Think of the added benefits of asking from a marketing point of view – it shows that you care about others, it shows you are more focused on them instead of yourself, it allows you to have up to date market data, and it helps you communicate that you are approachable. Even if you don’t want to ask a real, in the flesh person, at least have an open enough mind to entertain others’ opinions from books and training materials. Two heads ARE better than one.

Accept that Vulnerability is Attractive

How many people flock to help a person who knows everything? Nearly no one! People help others that need help. You can pretend you know everything, build a persona of invincibility, and you can have coffee by yourself. Or, if you’re willing to accept that vulnerability is attractive, you can easily draw in others who have much to offer you. Asking questions (and sincerely listening to the answers) can be a tool you use to allow others the saving face to come in and offer their help.

It’s nice to fantasize about being a well-respected guru who has people traveling from all over the world to seek their counsel, and maybe some day you will be that. But even the most famous of spiritual leaders, enlightened political figures, and a host of wealthy, famous people often greet those travelers with a question – NOT an answer.

We can all learn something from others around us, both the known and the lesser known genius minds among us, as well as the ones living now and throughout history. But, lessons don’t get learned if we aren’t already in a state of “I don’t know”, so get there are fast as you can!

Together, we are stronger!
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman

follow me on Twitter: SmartWoman

Some of the most inspiring women in this world have what I call a “hidden light” syndrome. They have so much to give, so much creativity to share, and they don’t let others know about it. They shy away from the spotlight and are hesitant to be out front. They keep their brilliance a secret.

For those of you who are actually introverted, I am not pushing you to change your basic personality. I am classified, per all the psychological personality tests I’ve taken, a gregarious introvert. I know it sounds like a oxymoron, but it’s how I feel. I am able to interact fairly easily with someone once I get to know them, but I get energized being in small groups or by myself. Large crowds don’t work as well for me. I enjoy solitude and quiet time. I am a recovering recluse, too, but that’s a different story. What I mean to emphasize is that being an introvert is not a disease or a mistake. If it’s how you are, fine. Feeling shy or introverted is ok.

But, if you are actually not shy but are playing shy and hiding because of a lack of perspective and self-confidence, I am begging you to stop it today, because, contrary to some social programming, hiding isn’t noble. False humility is not honorable, hiding your gifts does not make you more pure, and pretending that people should simply read your mind and know how fabulous you are is a losing business proposition.

Harsh words, I know. I’m sorry if they pinch. But, let’s come to terms with the difference between arrogance and confidence. You don’t have to go out into the market place and hype yourself all up, making inflated promises, hawking your wares like circus goods. You do have to state, with an aware sense of service, what benefits you provide and how your unique expertise can help your clients.

Yes, there is a fine line between being enthusiastic about what you do and how you do it and pushing too hard with empty promises. That’s the key – the word empty.  If you can actually do what you claim to do, it’s not empty. It’s not dishonest so you don’t have to approach it like it’s dirty. The thing to remember is that the more people who know about you, the more your message gets proliferated, the more people you can help. It’s not a popularity contest but rather an opportunity to serve more, to do more good. Good PR is not about satisfying your ego – it’s about reaching people who need you.

How can you help create better PR if you are not yet comfortable with being in the spotlight? Here are some tips:

1.  Ask for testimonials from your clients and other professionals.

Let others speak the words that you feel are too egotistical to say yourself. It’s a great way to be in touch with your previous clients, maybe get some referrals, but also to let someone else toot the horn for you. Ask for feedback on your service, your expertise, your creative problem solving, your pricing, your unique offerings. It might surprise you just how powerful reading that feedback will be for you. It’s touching to know that you affect people’s lives and it’s a very effective marketing technique to use on your website, in your newsletter, in your promotional materials.

2.  Hire a copywriter.

The best marketing includes keywords, benefits, to the point copy, plus graphical emphasis like bullet points and short, direct sentences. Instead of being hindered by a lack of confidence, a hired gun will have a 3rd person, more objective viewpoint to start with. Most copywriters will work to pull out of you everything they can use to featue you in the best light. Let them. Find someone who understands your vision and where you want to go in your business and let them work their magic with words.

3.  Practice.

Sending out press releases or developing a strong introduction ditty (your “elevator speech”) can be a challenge, but it does get easier with practice. Devote some time to learn about promotional strategies, ask your social media network for advice, read some books. For PR opportunities, visit HARO to start offering yourself up as an expert to media. The media is hungry for new points of view and have a 24/7 news cycle to fulfill. Develop a decent PR release using this Press Release Builder template, and just do it. The funny itchy feeling will go away and you will get more business.

Please know that I have every confidence that you deserve to be recogized for your greatness. Hiding just isn’t the answer, so reach out, speak out, and let your light shine! Today, ok?

Together, we are stronger!
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman

follow me on Twitter: SmartWoman

I asked my friends and people I trust and like to provide me with some free opt-in goodies for you as a gift. Yes, you might have to provide your email to them, but these are all I have opted in to and love. You can always unsubscribe if you’d like – I’ve never had a problem when I do that. These are meant to give you a tasty sample of how these amazing people could help you.

Some items have a deadline to participate, but most do not.

To go to each website, just click on the beginning link of each listing.

• Blake’s 51 Birthday Gifts: I have had so much fun with this one! All free stuff and a wide variety of fun and incredibly useful things. Seriously great. I am still enjoying the presents he sent.
• Rebuild Your Virtual Business: Free teleseminar coming up on Jan 7th, free no-opt in Internet Myth Busting report, and more! I love these two women – great advice!
• The Attraction Diva: Free ebooks on how to attract more wealth and success into your life from Jen Blackert.
• Create Your Own Reality: 3 mp3 audios to assist you in creating more money, success, and love in your life by Nan Akash.
• KaNani Self-Care Products: Free 15 minute meditation audio to renew your spirit (just click on the link to the right hand side of the page), plus listing of several other of her favorite advisors who also offer interesting free gifts.
• The Art of Seeing the Divine: Transformational booklet to help you move from stuck to success.
• 10 Action Steps to Take: 5 page report the help you market your business with practical how-to steps for blogging, participating in forums, and finally taking action. (go to the opt-in box on the upper right corner to get her report)
• Deborah Dunn, licensed relationship therapist: Sign up for Deborah’s newsletter and post a comment on her blog and receive a free 20 min.phone consult with her. (expires Midnight 12/31/08)
• DotComSecrets Zero to $100 Million Contest: Free training and a charity drive, with the opportunity to win a Corvette and help kids in third world countries.

Here are some goodies I’ve offered on SmartWomanGuides.com before, but just in case you missed them, I wanted to highlight what is already available to you.

• Eldon Taylon Choices and Illusion Bonus Offer: Book launch bonus offer that I participated in. There is a bonus gift for you, just for clicking on the link and reading his inspiring special offer.
• “Building a Business Not a Blog” e-Book: I adore John Cow and he gives very straightforward information here in the 140 pg offering. I use it and I love it.
  
• Your Internet Cash Machine Sampler: Written by Jillian Coleman Wheeler and Joe Vitale (excerpt created by me), this 50 page e-Book takes out select juicy parts of their book on online marketing so you can learn and grow your own business from it.

I intend to continue adding free resources here, so bookmark this page as your favorite and please return frequently. I promise it will only grow and be even better every week!

Happy New Year to all of you and best of success in 2009!

Together, we are stronger!
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman

follow me on Twitter: SmartWoman

If you’ve ever attended a social gathering during holiday season or election time, controversy very likely arose. Whether it be the latest political scandal, the definition of marriage, or the meltdown of the US auto industry, if your family or your beloved circle of friends is like most, someone (maybe everyone) is likely to disagree on something (maybe everything).

The common wisdom is you never talk about sex, religion, or politics in polite company. The media gets a pass somehow on talking about these things – and get paid big bucks to do it – but we’re supposed to refrain because we might offend someone.

I’m here to tell you that, in marketing yourself, avoiding controversy is not always the way to go.

I’ve always been opinionated but in a business environment, I’ve tended to not engage in controversy because I was afraid of tarnishing my reputation or perhaps saying the wrong thing at the wrong time to the wrong person. Also, some people are just plain mean when they debate and I didn’t like that. I didn’t want to be mean back, so I stayed on the sidelines, above the fray.

One of my favorites on Twitter, @CoachDeb, asserts that jumping into the hot button conversations is a way to engage your audience, to get noticed. She is very good at engaging her audience on social media sites like Twitter and I feel I am less than good at that, so, with her suggestion, I decided I would go for it. I tried some things, and they worked, so I thought I could share some simple guidelines for you shy readers out there that are interested in giving controversy a try.

1.  Attack the issue not the person

Name calling will fly, but you don’t have to do it. In fact, seek out individuals who argue issues, not attack  you, and reciprocate in kind. There are many people out there who enjoy a healthy debate and it’s a mental exercise rather than an opportunity for a “kick the dog” venting on another human being. It’s fun to them to stretch their mind muscle and they like to see other people’s passion. Find those people and engage on an issue.

If you end up getting attacked by someone aggressively rude, disengage and say why. I would say something like “I’m happy to debate issues, but name calling’s not needed here”.  If they don’t back off, stop talking to them, block them, unfollow them, whatever. Don’t back away just because someone gets passionate, but don’t take the bait to be rude yourself. Remember that in complex issues, sometimes you (or someone else) may feel two ways about one subject. Allow yourself and others the room to be complex, complicated, and conflicted. We all are torn about something – at least the person is admitting it when they express seemingly mutually exclusive views. I’d give them points for honesty.

2.  Show your emotions, speak your logic

It’s ok to express your emotions in your controversy style. Be authentic, but if something peeves you, say so. If you have to couch your irrationality in terms of “My mind tells me this shouldn’t bother me, but __________ really makes me mad!” then do that. Or, you can just say, “_____________ makes me mad.”, without apology or equivocation. It’s your choice on how forceful you want to be. Be honest in your feelings but express them. People interested in engaging on controversy basically need to see your heart. If you have the heart of a lion, let it roar! Don’t let your emotions rule you, but don’t stuff them either.

The other component of this is that you can and probably should include logic. If you have facts, figures, and examples that highlight your point of view, feel free to use them. Many traditional debaters (especially men) expect you to honor logic over feelings and will use logical fallacies to twist the argument. They see an argument as a test of skill on the activity of debating in addition to the actual debate of the topic at hand. If you want to engage with that type of debater, learn some tricks, or find a more gentle debater to engage with in the beginning. Logic only goes so far for me, as I think many things are decided by irrational emotion and I use that as part of my argument. There is enough inconsistency in our world to find examples that are on the opposite side of anyone’s arguments. Statistics are a fools game, as numbers can be applied in many differing ways. Don’t get trapped in logic, but use it as often as you can in your debates.

3.  Take a stand for what you truly believe in

I have had some interesting debates about poverty, unemployment, and personal liberties. Those are things I have strong feelings about and a well-developed personal viewpoint on. I believe that food and shelter are a right that belongs to each and every one of us, regardless of whether we have a job or not. There are many who think you have to earn your right to food and shelter. It’s a hot button issue. Ultimately, no one wants someone to be homeless, but the means toward the end is what is at issue. By speaking up about my feelings on this issue, I have attracted attention from other like-minded people as myself. By broadcasting my own believes and positions, others who want companionship in that same position and lifestyle gravitate toward me. Without revealing my view, those people may not have known that I was one of them.

You will find many who take a “devil’s advocate” point of view, who take the opposite side of an argument, especially the most unpopular side of it, just to get a rise out of you, just to create controversy. They either get juice out of pushing buttons or they enjoy the chase. Regardless, if you decide to do that, keep in mind that it demonstrates a certain personality trait and if that trait is not accurate, don’t engage that way. It’s one thing to be passionate about what your heart tells you, it’s another to be a jerk who simply likes to argue. Who would you hire? Probably not the jerk.

By keeping in mind that we are engaging in the social media environment as a marketing tool, as a way to reveal our truest, most authentic, and transparent self, you will make the best choices on how to conduct yourself. Everything you say speaks to who you are, including your willingness to stand up for what you believe in. Simply staying on the sidelines doesn’t show your fierce loyalty to quality, or your determination to give great service, or your confidence in your ability to make choices. By engaging in honest, human controversy and being willing to show who you are, you are steps ahead of someone who prefers safe to real. Get real and have fun with it. It will reap rewards for you.

Together, we are stronger!
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman

Follow me on Twitter: SmartWoman

I am part of a blogging experiment of sorts, Bloggers Helping Bloggers, initiated by Chuck Westbrook. He started a campaign to get high quality, but less famous bloggers noticed and, being that it’s a SmartWoman article of faith that together we are stronger, I bought in. Great idea to help each other, right?

Chuck made his first blog selection and it’s a wonderful choice: Zoe Westhoff of Essential Prose

Zoe is a young American writer, living expat in Thailand. She talks about creativity and how to avoid over planning yourself out of it. She discusses taking action, taking leaps of faith, to do what you love – to let your purpose loose on the world. She uses strong vocabulary with poise and skill. I am thoroughly enjoying reading her blog and am grateful to Chuck’s work to feature Zoe. It is enriching me and I believe it will enrich you too.

I would ask you to go visit Zoe’s blog, Essential Prose, and check out what she’s doing. If you like what you see, here are some ways to help promote her:

• Tweet it out on Twitter -not on Twitter? Sign up today! My user name is SmartWoman – I’ll follow you there once you sign on.
• Profile her on your blog – encourage your readers to check Zoe out.
• Recommend Zoe’s blog in your newsletter. If you didn’t know about her, your readers probably don’t either. They’ll appreciate the fresh information.
• Be inspired by one of the topics Zoe writes about, create a blog post about that, and reference her.
• Write about Chuck’s efforts on your blog
• Read Zoe’s blog and let it touch you in a needed area of your life – we all need creative support
• Hit all your other social media site and promo her there

Why would you want to do all these things? Because highlighting others feels good, sure, but also, it gives your own readers/clients value. Sharing your spotlight and influence increases your credibility as an expert and authority power point. By providing useful information, you become the go-to source of interesting and helpful stuff, and that in turn makes others want to be with you more and want to share you with their friends.

All good leaders recognize others. All successful business people tell others about the people they meet that are worth knowing. Like a private recommendation to a four star restaurant, these tips will lead you to resources that you didn’t have previously. It also provides you more depth and breadth of reach, as once you know someone, they know you, too, right? Like that old commercial, they tell a friend, who tells a friend, who tells a friend, and so on.

By going to Zoe’s blog and posting comments to the posts that you feel are relevant, your website link will be seen by all of the individuals who are participating in Chuck’s campaign. You could also be one of the blogs that Chuck chooses to feature in the future. Imagine thousands of individuals reading your blog every day and telling others about you. What could that do for your business? For your life? For your faith in continuing during difficult times? I bet, quite a bit. So, another advantage of promoting Zoe and Chuck is that you get to feel the warmth of their flame. Your associations get noticed too.

If you aren’t into Zoe’s blog, find a way to promote someone else in your life. Profile your clients on your site, refer a friend to another business person, talk someone else up to a stranger. Your network and your net worth will increase. It’s good for all of us.

Together, we are stronger!
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman

Follow me on Twitter: SmartWoman

Tonight, I am kicking off the next teleseminar series called Passionate Marketing Makeover.

Session #1 is about reviewing what you currently have set up for your business as well as reviewing what systems you need.

Here are a list of the systems we’ll be covering:

• Sales systems

New leads

Sales scripting

Activating old leads

Upsell/downsell

Customer service

• Adminstration systems

Accounting

Business model

Web maintenance

Personnel

Investments

• Communication systems

Email

Snail mail

Follow up

Managing CEO access

• Referral systems

Referrals as part of your sales

Referrals as part of your marketing

Developing a referral culture within your business

• Marketing systems

Online

Offline

Networking

Affiliate program

• Growth systems

Joint ventures

New products

New markets

Leveraging your expertise

Personal development and the value of mentors

This should give you a little taste of what we’ll be discussing…

If you’d like to sign up for the weekly sessions, it’s very affordable and fun. Click here: Passionate Marketing Makeover Series

Together, we are stronger!
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman

follow me on Twitter: SmartWoman

by Vicki Flaugher, CEO of SmartWoman Guides

Today I had an interesting and educational experience. One of the great bloggers I follow on Twitter introduced a friend of his to the community. This friend is apparently well-known by many but, unfortunately, not me. But, since I trust the blogger who recommended him, I went to go check out the newbie’s profile. But I was foiled – the newbie didn’t have a profile! Gasp!

In an effort at brevity, I joked that the newbie’s Twitter profile was a little slim – no website link, no bio, nada. Just his name and a picture (which was a nice picture, admittedly). Frankly, I didn’t want to have to google the newbie to find out about him. Maybe I’m too focused on instant gratification, but well, fair enough, maybe I am. The web is all about instant info and ease and convenience and I’ve bought in.

One of my other Twitter buds messaged that this newbie was already so well known that he didn’t need to create a profile to get followers and he was busy. Wow. Not only did I still not know about this newbie (who now I wanted to know about even more, since he’s so busy and great) but now I felt like an outside, the only one left in the world to not know who he was just on his name and picture. The big capital “L” for loser felt squarely tattooed to my forehead.

After a moment of being stunned, the conversation got me thinking - are you ever so big that you don’t have to introduce yourself? You can guess my answer – a resounding NO.

Being focused on beginners, I try to be aware of the idea that there are people who aren’t living in my personal world, who don’t live in my bubble of experience. Like meeting people who’ve never heard of Twitter, or who have never purchased anything online, or don’t know what RSS is, it’s easy to think that maybe they’ve just been living under a rock. That’s not very kind or compassionate and it’s a bit foolish from a marketing point of view. It gives the impression that you don’t care.

I know that the Twitter newbie does care and I do imagine that he’s quite busy. I also do not hold him responsible for the response others give me about him. I’m guessing the lack of profile is either an oversight or perhaps an indication that it’s time to outsource some admin tasks. We’ve all been there. We’re all human. No one, even the highest of high, always gets it right 100% of the time. No biggie. The issue comes when you don’t fix it when you find it.

What I’m hoping you pick up is this: You grow your business by getting new clients and getting the established clients to buy again. Don’t forget your new clients. They don’t know you and they want to. Make it easy for them to do that without embarrassment or extra hassle.

Must go now – time to go double check all of my profiles!

Together, we are stronger.
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman

When I started my “30 in 30″ project on Sept. 1st, I set out to create a new revenue stream every day for 30 days. At first, it seemed so daunting, but I knew if I could get the flow going, it would pay off. And, although I have quit reporting it on the post, it continues. It’s working.

My hesitations before I started, ones you may relate to, were many. One, did I have it in me, the creative juice to come up with that many ideas? Two, would my focus on revenue distract me away from my passionate mission? Three, would it work to actually bring in more revenue, or was it a silly exercise in busy-ness?

I can tell you that it has been working, solidly evidenced by the fact that I had “inbox” money waiting for me from an overnight sale from one of the streams I set up. Cool. And, several readers have suggested that I create an e-book about it as one of the streams, so that others could have a step by step guide to doing it too -more on that later this month – yes, I am doing it. In the meantime, pre-release of that upcoming e-book, here are some simple ideas to maybe get you started adding revenue opportunities to your online presence too.

1. Affiliate products

This is where you sign up with a company to be a commissioned sales person for their products. The process is normally free (I don’t join any that aren’t) and the company normally provides banner ads, links, email templates, and just about anything else you need to promote a product. You fill out your contact info and they give you a unique affiliate ID# which is embedded in the code they provide you. They do most of the heavy lifting on the set-up.

You can promote affiliate products as simply as doing a book review and including a text based link on the book title that leads to your Amazon.com affiliate link. Subtle, helpful, and easy. You can find products that you use that you can recommend in good conscience and add a link to those, or review them in a blog post. It’s important that you don’t just sell things to sell them, as your customers will hold you responsible for their experience. Only support things that you believe in and you’ll be fine.

2. Sell something you are already doing for free 

If you have a talent of writing, for example, then put a price on that and offer it. If it’s congruent with your overall business model, offer introductory services that will allow you to get a customer and collect a fee to start a relationship with them. You don’t have to charge full market price on it, especially if you only offer it for a limited time or to a restricted access audience, but quit giving your talent away.

Think of it as positive cashflow advertising. Normally you pay to advertise. This way at least you collect a little something and you give your potential clients a sample taste for a sample price to allow them to get to know you and your work. If you continue to develop other offerings that leads that satisfied client to the next level, you can stand to make quite a bit on that lifetime relationship. Start charging for what you already are doing for free.

3. Repurpose and re-release previous material

First off, please understand that I am not suggesting that you recycle poor quality work. But, just because a product you create isn’t made from completely new ideas today doesn’t mean it’s not useful. Sometimes, packaging together material into a kit, perhaps adding an update to bring it all together, is very profitable. Making an audio recording and/or a video demonstration of a pdf report you created works great. Pulling together a series of blog posts into a book or special report can be successful.

The main idea is that you understand that because it’s old to you doesn’t mean it’s not of use to someone’s audience. As an expert, we sometimes get jaded that our beginning material doesn’t speak to our evolving audience, but just remember that every day a new beginner is born and they need help bridging their knowledge from zero to where you are. Even if you do not attract a beginner audience, find someone who does and let them sell it for you. Share some of the money and you’re set.

I hope some of these ideas will spur you to get creative. Use what you already have, the things you already believe in, and the things you already do to lead you to fun and easy ways to generate revenue. Even if your main goal is to communicate/educate rather than make money, you still have costs to pay. Get some help with that by giving more and sharing more. Besides, you can always choose to give any money generated to your favorite charity. It’s so needed and so worthwhile!

Together, we are stronger.
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman

Follow me on Twitter: SmartWoman

I am challenged by making small talk. When I go to social gatherings, I have to force myself to circulate, introduce myself, and keep a conversation going past “What do you do?”. I find that I want to go deeper, to get to the know the person more, to move past social niceties and really talk about something meaningful and real. So often, social networking events seem pitchy and fake, and I just don’t enjoy that.

I know there are books about networking, and I’ve read many of them, but I have not yet gotten over the discomfort of the whole thing. Earlier this year, I decided I would do it anyway, get myself out there, and simply connect. I’m here to say, it’s been so totally worth it. And, since I know I am not the only one who faces this challenge, here are some tips that I use to make it all work.

• Be willing to go alone to the event.
  It’s easy, especially if you’re nervous, to use the person you already know, that comes with you to an event, as a crutch. Make the mental note that your new friends, the ones you don’t know yet, are there waiting for you. Being alone at a party also attracts the kind people, the ones who naturally reach out to others, to come say hello to you. Those are the types you want to meet.
   
• Ask questions.
  You don’t want to come off as an FBI secret agent interrogator, but when you don’t know what to say, ask a question. Getting people to talk about themselves is flattering and will give you further information on what you can talk about next. Notice the words a person uses, the speed of their speech, their preferences, but don’t ever quit listening to what they are saying. Hear them with directed attention. Don’t just be formulating your next question. Really care about the answer and you will garner friends. And, when they come back with their own questions, be ready to talk about something interesting, memorable and personal. Be transparent, and talk about things you value. Your business card has all your business info on it – people need to meet YOU. Let them get to know you.
   
• Attend physical meetups of your online social communities.
  Be sure to have your social media contact info on your business card. Give people who know you via email, Twitter, Facebook, forums, and other social online communities a way to connect your online persona with the real live you. My name is Vicki Flaugher when I introduce myself at gatherings, but I am SmartWoman online. Connect the dots so people will realize who you are. The ability to make a deeper connection more quickly and easily is just one more reason to have a current picture on your online profiles, too. I’ve been recognized in public from that and I had an immediate rapport with the person who recognized me because of our online history together. Because of that, we didn’t have to start from square one building our relationship further.
   
• Connect with connectors.
  One of the easiest and fastest ways to build a stong network is to seek out and meet connectors, people who are the center of influence for a larger group. Mavens who naturally facilitate connections for others can be an amazing resource and are usually personable, easy to get to know, and extremely helpful. It’s in their blood, and it’s something they do naturally. If that doesn’t describe you, then make friends with a maven. They will do some of the heavy lifting for you in making great connections. One word of caution: Don’t try to be friends with people you don’t like. If you don’t click with someone, even if they have thousands of uber powerful friends, don’t force a relationship. It will come back to bite you and you will end up on a black list somewhere. Let your natural energetic attractiveness help draw the right individuals to you – it will feel right, you’ll enjoy the interaction, and it will work. If it doesn’t, there’s a good reason. Move on to someone else. Your perfect connector is out there.
   
• If there’re not any events happening, host one.
  One of the best ways to network is to host an event. People seek you out to thank you, they introduce themselves, and they appreciate your service. You don’t hardly have to reach out at all, and you can use the guise of checking on your guests to interject yourself into smaller group conversations. Do this skillfully and you will begin being seen as a connector, and others will be drawn to network with you. Working the mojo from both angles is very effective. Giving to others, being charitable with your time, being willing to host an event, will come back to you in goodwill.

I  hope these tips help you. If you have others, please post them in the comments section.

Together, we are stronger.
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman

follow me at http://twitter.com/smartwoman

Everyone knows that it’s important for people to know who you are, to see your website, to understand what you do. But, how do you get more eyes on your business? How do you attract interest in what you do? And, how do you make sure that the eyes you’re attracting are the ones that will likely be interested in what you offer and likely to want to continue with a longer term relationship with you and your business?

One way is offering bonuses for book launches.

Let’s start the explanation from the publishing author’s point of view. Basically, in the newer approaches to book publishing, authors are creating launch websites and generating “buzz” around their book releases with bonus packages. They solicit free bonuses and offers from other like-minded people, individuals who provide products and services that would be of interest to their target audience. The idea is that when you purchase the book, you also get all this free bounty as a thank you gift, as a bonus to your purchase. It’s an inducement to buy, as you often get hundreds or thousands of dollars worth of stuff if you lay down $15 for a book. Sweet deal, right?

Here’s an example of Joe Vitale’s The Attractor Factor launch, active now:
Joe Vitale’s Attractor Factor Book Launch Bonus Page

If you were a spiritual topic author, like Joe Vitale in the above example, you would want to include bonuses from people who offer spiritual focused products – meditation, life purpose, coaching, etc. You’ll notice when you look at the listing of people he has and the description of what’s offered, that they are in alignment, congruent with his message. This is important to consider. You will have more success, both as a publishing author, and as a bonus provider, if the bonuses are attractive to the book’s target audience.

Here’s another example, this time of Eldon Taylor’s Choices and Illusions release, active now:
Eldon Taylor’s Choices and Illusions Book Launch Bonus and Charity Event

Same idea on congruence with Eldon’s choices. You wouldn’t necessarily add something about, say, automobile repair for this crowd, right? Well, maybe the Zen of Motorcycle Repair, but you get the point.

To find people who do book launches, look to publishing houses, publicists, agents, authors, and the promotional houses that run the book launch campaigns you see. It’s easy to google to get a list once you start looking. Asking and offering is the key. (I’ll make a to-do note to myself to list the ones I know of here at SmartWoman Guides, ok?)

Now you might be asking at this point, “How do I make money giving my products and services away?”. You do this by developing a list of people, via email, who are interested in what you do and what you have to offer. Like going to Sam’s Club and sample tasting some of their treats, these potential clients get an opportunity to experience you, to get to know you, to decide if they’d like to go forward in learning more about you. Once you have this list, you can promote yourself to them on what’s termed the “back end”, presenting compelling offers that you believe are of interest to your audience.

Some words of caution here: Don’t hold back on your free offering. This is your first impression chance to seduce your customer. Don’t give away something that’s worthless, or not a good reflection on you. Free doesn’t mean low quality. You want to give high quality as a good faith offering to a future relationship. Give with an open spirit, a generous mindset and make it something juicy, something you’re proud of selling, let alone giving.

Also, don’t innundate your new prospect with pitchy, pushy sales follow up after they’ve signed on. Treat this new relationship just like you would a new friendship, because that’s what it is. Everybody knows what happens to psycho stalkers – people call the police on them, not buy stuff from them. Be gentle, be consistent, and continue to build value and trust. Soon, you’ll have a solid base of loyal fans who love what you do and recommend you to their friends. That’s when the money starts rolling in!

Together, we are stronger.
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman

follow me on Twitter: @Smartwoman