When I see self-employed professionals drag their feet in sales and marketing to different cultures, or if they're having a difficult time developing client relationships even though they're marketing, it's usually a sign that they have an deep seated fear, as opposed to procrastination. Read this article to help you get past the fear, and get connecting with clients, either locally or globally.
"How do you handle your fears?" I was asked that question once during the question and answer portion of my tele-seminar. The question stunned me, because I recall asking that same question to a female entrepreneur who owned over a million dollars worth of assets. Recovering quickly, I acknowledged that many 6 and 7 figure earners pass through a series of failures to get to success. Through trial and error, I have since adopted the same philosophy.
So let me ask you this, do you often stop your sales and marketing because of anxiety, and didn't know where it was coming from? Have you experienced a fear of failure, fear of success, or a fear of rejection? I don't think I know anyone who's not experienced some form of fear of rejection when marketing themselves, especially to a different gender, or a different culture. I think it's inherent in many of us. Problem is, it holds us back from doing what it takes to follow up with prospects and to get clients. And it's got to stop in order fill your practice to capacity and make this year the wealthiest year yet.
What does fear do? Well, fear keeps people from closing the sale, from writing that book, from asking for testimonials, from collaborating with strategic alliances. You've heard me say this before: if you don't market today, you won't have clients in three months. Then your small business has really become just a hobby.
Now, my business mentors have shown me that there is more to getting clients than the outer game of marketing. There's also an inner game of your mindset and beliefs, your paradigms. If you don't deal with the paradigms, then you'll keep making the same money you've been making for years to come. Now I prefer to take more time off, while attracting more clients and makeing more money. Why would I want to work 50+ hours a week on my own business, when I can do that at a corporate job?
So, I went on a search by talking to self-employed (6 and 7 figure) champions to find out how they became masters of their emotions. Here is what I've found... most business coaches and motivational speakers would lead you to believe that success or failure in your business is totally dependent upon your goals. While goals are essential and a person cannot be truly successful without them, there are many people who have goals and still do not have enough clients to fill their practice. The goal was never the problem. The real problem lies in their motivation. Unfortunately, this concept is only understood by two or three people out of 100.
Understanding your Motivational Gap, the gap between your business vision and your reality, is the key to freedom and will guide you down the right road towards your ideal clients, and to a bright future.
I've broken down the Motivational Gap into a series of steps, so that when done in sequence, it will help you eliminate the fears that hold you back from marketing with local and global clients in a big wildly wealthy way. Here's what you do:
1. What truly motivates you? Think of a client situation where you were highly motivated and would have been an excellent role model for others to emulate.
2. Describe the vision or dream of how you want your business to look, and of the results you really want in your business.
3. Describe where your business is now.
The gap between where you are versus where you want to be is what creates the motivation. Goals that are too small create very low or no motivation and yet goals that are too big seem impossible, thereby making it difficult to create any energy. To reach your client and revenue goals, you need to be motivated by the gap!
Do the exercise above immediately. Take an afternoon, and really work through what motivates you. Soon, you'll notice that you will start attracting more clients than before, taking advantage of opportunities, doing joint ventures, and getting better results in marketing. That immediately equals more results, and in my experience, financial freedom and being able to live the life you really want.
Kim Schott, your Global Client Communication Expert, is the author of the Keys to Client Communication System, the step-by-step, paint by numbers client attraction program to attract more clients in less time. To receive your weekly how-to articles on consistantly attracting more local and global clients in less time, visit http://www.SchottCulturalConsulting.com
Monday
Wednesday
Connecting With Customers
Why exactly do clients buy from you? What is the full value of your product/service to your clients? Learn why these are a must know for you to bring in continual waves of new clients.
I just got off the phone with a friend of mine. Business is up he said, but he didn't know why. I asked him a few questions, but the more we spoke about it the more concerned I became.
"What do you mean, you don't know why they're buying?"
"We never know why they buy," he told me.
"Never?"
"Nope. They just do."
My friend thinks he knows what is great about his product. They believe they understand it's applications, they just don't understand what drives sales.
And there's something else - it has to do with pricing and profits.
Since they don't really know why customers buy from them, it follows that they don't understand the full value customers get from their products. So they don't know what to charge! They discount to make sales - since they don't fully understand the customer's pain points - and that means - they always leave lots of money on the table.
When times are tough - and many people are feeling squeezed these days - there is tendency to panic. Who wouldn't? The economy, the financial markets, and now - terrorism. I read where a group of psychiatrists saying the country was on the brink of a nervous breakdown!
That's certainly not what I want for my customers! Is that what you want for yours?
I think this question can be a profitable one. What do you want for your customers? I started thinking about this and came up with a few others for you to ask yourself.
Why do you want to serve your customers? What do you love about your particular customers? Are they perfect customers? If not, who would be? Describe them.
Case Studies and the Value Proposition
So I began thinking about my friend's sales problem - which brought me to thinking about a favorite topic of mine - the value proposition. Not in the sense of your USP, but in the sense of - what is the value of your product (or service) to your customer?
In other words, what is your product worth? How much - in money terms - does your customer save or earn when they use whatever it is you sell? Can you quantify that?
If you can't, well - you need to. It will make it much easier to sell.
But it's too complicated - we can't really say what they get from it.
No wonder you have trouble selling when times get tough. If you knew what it was worth, and it was worth more than you were selling it for, you'd have customers lining up pounding on your door for it.
You have to go out and do case studies. Exactly why did they buy. Exactly what is the application. Exactly how much more did they earn because of it and how did they earn it. Or, exactly how much did they save because of it and how did they save it. Get five or six of those and you'll be able to build a return-on-investment case for any prospect, and damn the economy. Which brings me to one last thing - the holy trinity of repeat sales.
Up-sell, Re-sell and Cross-sell What is your best possible source of revenue right now, bar none?
Your existing customers, right? Of course - they always are. Which means you should have a regular program to stay in contact.
What are you doing about repeat customer sales? When was the last time you contacted each customer, and made them an offer of some kind? What - you're waiting for them to call you?
Conclusion: You've got to contact your customers. Under any pretext, for any reason.
Why?
To solidify and maintain your relationships, and reconfirm why you want to do business with them. To understand your value from their perspective. And lastly, to make sure they are being served properly and to sell them everything they need.
-Paul Lemberg
Paul Lemberg's clients call him the "unreasonable (http://www.paullemberg.com) business coach" because he insists they pursue goals and take actions far outside their comfort zone, creating results including sky-high profits, stellar revenue growth, and greater life satisfaction. Paul is the President of Quantum Growth Coaching, the world's only fully systemized business coaching program designed to help entrepreneurs rapidly create More Profits and More Life. Guaranteed.
I just got off the phone with a friend of mine. Business is up he said, but he didn't know why. I asked him a few questions, but the more we spoke about it the more concerned I became.
"What do you mean, you don't know why they're buying?"
"We never know why they buy," he told me.
"Never?"
"Nope. They just do."
My friend thinks he knows what is great about his product. They believe they understand it's applications, they just don't understand what drives sales.
And there's something else - it has to do with pricing and profits.
Since they don't really know why customers buy from them, it follows that they don't understand the full value customers get from their products. So they don't know what to charge! They discount to make sales - since they don't fully understand the customer's pain points - and that means - they always leave lots of money on the table.
When times are tough - and many people are feeling squeezed these days - there is tendency to panic. Who wouldn't? The economy, the financial markets, and now - terrorism. I read where a group of psychiatrists saying the country was on the brink of a nervous breakdown!
That's certainly not what I want for my customers! Is that what you want for yours?
I think this question can be a profitable one. What do you want for your customers? I started thinking about this and came up with a few others for you to ask yourself.
Why do you want to serve your customers? What do you love about your particular customers? Are they perfect customers? If not, who would be? Describe them.
Case Studies and the Value Proposition
So I began thinking about my friend's sales problem - which brought me to thinking about a favorite topic of mine - the value proposition. Not in the sense of your USP, but in the sense of - what is the value of your product (or service) to your customer?
In other words, what is your product worth? How much - in money terms - does your customer save or earn when they use whatever it is you sell? Can you quantify that?
If you can't, well - you need to. It will make it much easier to sell.
But it's too complicated - we can't really say what they get from it.
No wonder you have trouble selling when times get tough. If you knew what it was worth, and it was worth more than you were selling it for, you'd have customers lining up pounding on your door for it.
You have to go out and do case studies. Exactly why did they buy. Exactly what is the application. Exactly how much more did they earn because of it and how did they earn it. Or, exactly how much did they save because of it and how did they save it. Get five or six of those and you'll be able to build a return-on-investment case for any prospect, and damn the economy. Which brings me to one last thing - the holy trinity of repeat sales.
Up-sell, Re-sell and Cross-sell What is your best possible source of revenue right now, bar none?
Your existing customers, right? Of course - they always are. Which means you should have a regular program to stay in contact.
What are you doing about repeat customer sales? When was the last time you contacted each customer, and made them an offer of some kind? What - you're waiting for them to call you?
Conclusion: You've got to contact your customers. Under any pretext, for any reason.
Why?
To solidify and maintain your relationships, and reconfirm why you want to do business with them. To understand your value from their perspective. And lastly, to make sure they are being served properly and to sell them everything they need.
-Paul Lemberg
Paul Lemberg's clients call him the "unreasonable (http://www.paullemberg.com) business coach" because he insists they pursue goals and take actions far outside their comfort zone, creating results including sky-high profits, stellar revenue growth, and greater life satisfaction. Paul is the President of Quantum Growth Coaching, the world's only fully systemized business coaching program designed to help entrepreneurs rapidly create More Profits and More Life. Guaranteed.
Saturday
Can You Hear Me Selling Now?
Your marketing message is tied directly to your brand, your identity. What are you doing each day to clarify your market position? Are you truly connecting with your marketplace?
What is the sales message that you and your company are attempting to deliver to the marketplace? Is it uniquely yours, focused and delivered with clarity? Are you cognizant of whether it is indeed the same message that your customers and prospects are actually hearing? Are you truly connecting with them or simply going through the motions?
Your marketing message is tied directly to your brand, your identity. What are you doing each day to clarify your market position? Do you sometimes get in your own way? It's been said that "What you are doing speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you are saying." Is that true of you? Your company? Are you busy doing the inconsequential or are you busy adding value to your products and services for all to see? Is your marketing effective? If so, how are your resulting sales?
Verizon's successful ad campaign featuring New York City actor Paul Marcarelli has struck a rhythmic chord with the marketplace in general, regardless of product boundaries. "Can you hear me now?" has become an everyday term, generic, identifiable with everyone who uses a cellphone. USA Today reports that "their Can You Hear Me Now? guy is, in reality, the personification of a crew of 50 Verizon employees who each drive 100,000 miles annually in specially outfitted vehicles to test the reliability of Verizon's network." Interesting!
"Our casting specifications called for an everyman with something quirky or memorable about them. We looked at over 1,000 people" says Marvin Davis, VP Advertising, at Verizon. Those now infamous horn-rimmed glasses are Marcarelli's actual spectacles! His appeal is universal.
"We're not the low-cost provider. We're not the most aggressive with promotional deals and headset giveaways. Our brand message is important, because the market recognizes it's a higher-quality service. People are willing to pay more to get more" says Marvin Davis, Verizon's VP of Advertising. That is their message, and it comes through loud and clear.
Verizon's creative message succeeds for them on several fronts:
1. It connects well with their target audience.
2. Is delivered by an everyday Joe that most people can easily identify with.
3. Is short, sweet and memorable!
4. It makes sense.
5. Their service works.
Can the same be said of your branding and marketing efforts? How well is your message being received? Follow Verizon's lead and watch your sales soar!
Daniel Sitter, author of both Learning For Profit and Superior Selling Skills Mastery, has garnered extensive experience in sales, training, marketing and personal development over a successful twenty-five year career. Read his blog www.idea-sellers.com
What is the sales message that you and your company are attempting to deliver to the marketplace? Is it uniquely yours, focused and delivered with clarity? Are you cognizant of whether it is indeed the same message that your customers and prospects are actually hearing? Are you truly connecting with them or simply going through the motions?
Your marketing message is tied directly to your brand, your identity. What are you doing each day to clarify your market position? Do you sometimes get in your own way? It's been said that "What you are doing speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you are saying." Is that true of you? Your company? Are you busy doing the inconsequential or are you busy adding value to your products and services for all to see? Is your marketing effective? If so, how are your resulting sales?
Verizon's successful ad campaign featuring New York City actor Paul Marcarelli has struck a rhythmic chord with the marketplace in general, regardless of product boundaries. "Can you hear me now?" has become an everyday term, generic, identifiable with everyone who uses a cellphone. USA Today reports that "their Can You Hear Me Now? guy is, in reality, the personification of a crew of 50 Verizon employees who each drive 100,000 miles annually in specially outfitted vehicles to test the reliability of Verizon's network." Interesting!
"Our casting specifications called for an everyman with something quirky or memorable about them. We looked at over 1,000 people" says Marvin Davis, VP Advertising, at Verizon. Those now infamous horn-rimmed glasses are Marcarelli's actual spectacles! His appeal is universal.
"We're not the low-cost provider. We're not the most aggressive with promotional deals and headset giveaways. Our brand message is important, because the market recognizes it's a higher-quality service. People are willing to pay more to get more" says Marvin Davis, Verizon's VP of Advertising. That is their message, and it comes through loud and clear.
Verizon's creative message succeeds for them on several fronts:
1. It connects well with their target audience.
2. Is delivered by an everyday Joe that most people can easily identify with.
3. Is short, sweet and memorable!
4. It makes sense.
5. Their service works.
Can the same be said of your branding and marketing efforts? How well is your message being received? Follow Verizon's lead and watch your sales soar!
Daniel Sitter, author of both Learning For Profit and Superior Selling Skills Mastery, has garnered extensive experience in sales, training, marketing and personal development over a successful twenty-five year career. Read his blog www.idea-sellers.com
Friday
I'm on Entrepreneur Magazine's Blog!
I am so excited! I was featured on the Weekend Entrepreneur Magazine blog today!
Author Michelle Anton interviewed me and posted the story on her site. I am thrilled to be able to share my story with aspiring entrepreneurs.
Thanks to all my readers, students, and customers for all your support in making be still & knit a success.
I'd appreciate your taking the time to stop by the blog and add your comments about your experiences with me and be still & knit! If you would like your business featured there, please leave the details about it in your post. Michelle moderates all comments, and if she likes your story, then you'll get a chance to interview with her.
Please let me know if your business is featured!
Abundant blessings,
Lisa
~º~º~º~º~º~º~º~º~º~º~º~º~º~º~º~º~º~º
Lisa Akers
be still & knit, llc
Classes and clothing for children and the women who love them.
lisa@bestillandknit.com
www.BeStillandKnit.com
(303) 345-7620
Tuesday
Is Your Networking Working?
Small business owners attend networking events to get clients. Much of the time, it doesn't work the way they anticipated, and they often give up before really determining why it didn't work. They move to a different group and are destined to repeat the same mistakes.
First of all, let's talk about networking basics. In order to get the maximum bang for your networking buck, join a group where your target market gathers and keep showing up. That means to go to every event you can possibly attend over and over so you can build relationships with the other members and they grow to trust you. You are not just looking to get clients directly from the group though; you want them to refer others to you, so that relationship is very important. Also, you need to stick with it for at least several months (depending on the frequency of the meetings), bringing the same consistent message.
There are several basic reasons why networking might not work for someone and here they are:
1. You're networking with the wrong people
2. You're doing it wrong
3. It's just not a good group for you
Determining what the problem is, is the first step.
Here is the biggest clue that it is not you – if you are networking at more than one place regularly and getting clients at the ABC group, but not at the 123 group, it's probably not you. If you have been regularly attending 123 for at least 4-6 months, take an objective look at why it might not be working for you.
If the other members of this group are not in your target market, and they also do not share your target market, that could be the problem. You could be the best dentist on the planet, but if you're marketing to the "Proud False Teeth Wearers Society", it isn't going to work for you! Cut your losses and leave!
Occasionally, it's just not the right place. Maybe the members' occupations or hobbies are not remarkably different than the ABC group, but you're just not getting any business. It could be that they are very cliquey or disorganized. Maybe there is already someone there with the same business as yours who is getting all the referrals already. Don't swim upstream all the way – just find another group.
An important message to get from this is – it's not personal. Nobody in the group is out to get you; they don't even know you. Don't beat yourself up over it – it's not you.
But what if it really IS you? What if networking doesn't work for you no matter where you do it? Maybe you just aren't doing it right. Here are the most common mistakes I see over and over:
1. No clear target market – there is a woman in one of the groups where I network who sells a skin care line. When she introduces herself and her product line, she closes with "…and my best client is anyone with skin!" That does not help me figure out whom to refer to her. Does she really want me to refer every living being I've ever encountered? Clearly communicating your target market – as though you are painting a picture with your words – is the best way to get referrals. The reaction you're going for is this: "Oh my gosh! That's me/my sister she's talking about!" Would that happen with a target market of ‘anyone with skin'? Never. The more specific you are, the more likely you are to get a referral.
2. Unprofessional – people, dress up. There are a few business owners who really don't have to wear a suit or other professional attire, but not many. For example, fitness instructors, contractors, artists, etc. - it is expected that they will not be in a suit. For everyone else, dress up. In fact, it is ok to over-dress – err on the side of caution. I know a woman who owns a wig shop. She always wears a pretty dress and full makeup, like I would wear to have cocktails with a friend. During her 30-second intro, she changes her hair once or twice! It makes quite an impression. For most people, wear a little makeup and comb your hair. I suggest you actually have a hair style! You will be judged – dress appropriately.
3. Too many hats – no, this is not another style issue – I'm talking about people who are promoting more than one thing. MLMs (multi-level marketers or network marketers) are the most frequent offenders as they are not only trying to sell their product, but also promoting the business opportunity. Just pick one thing and stick with that consistently. If you mention both every time, the other members don't know what to do for you – don't make people try to figure stuff out or think too much because they just won't.
Conduct a return on investment analysis periodically – once a month at least. Look at the time and money you're putting into your networking and ask yourself if you're getting a positive return on your investment. If not, you need to figure out why before you quit, but you may need to quit. Many people don't want to stop going to the meetings because they paid a big annual fee, but if they continue going they are only continuing to waste more time and money. Make it work, or get out.
Audrey Burton is a practical Small Business Coach. She eliminates your business overwhelm and gets you motivated and excited about your business! To sign up for her free, monthly email newsletter, visit her site: http://www.TigressCoaching.com.
First of all, let's talk about networking basics. In order to get the maximum bang for your networking buck, join a group where your target market gathers and keep showing up. That means to go to every event you can possibly attend over and over so you can build relationships with the other members and they grow to trust you. You are not just looking to get clients directly from the group though; you want them to refer others to you, so that relationship is very important. Also, you need to stick with it for at least several months (depending on the frequency of the meetings), bringing the same consistent message.
There are several basic reasons why networking might not work for someone and here they are:
1. You're networking with the wrong people
2. You're doing it wrong
3. It's just not a good group for you
Determining what the problem is, is the first step.
Here is the biggest clue that it is not you – if you are networking at more than one place regularly and getting clients at the ABC group, but not at the 123 group, it's probably not you. If you have been regularly attending 123 for at least 4-6 months, take an objective look at why it might not be working for you.
If the other members of this group are not in your target market, and they also do not share your target market, that could be the problem. You could be the best dentist on the planet, but if you're marketing to the "Proud False Teeth Wearers Society", it isn't going to work for you! Cut your losses and leave!
Occasionally, it's just not the right place. Maybe the members' occupations or hobbies are not remarkably different than the ABC group, but you're just not getting any business. It could be that they are very cliquey or disorganized. Maybe there is already someone there with the same business as yours who is getting all the referrals already. Don't swim upstream all the way – just find another group.
An important message to get from this is – it's not personal. Nobody in the group is out to get you; they don't even know you. Don't beat yourself up over it – it's not you.
But what if it really IS you? What if networking doesn't work for you no matter where you do it? Maybe you just aren't doing it right. Here are the most common mistakes I see over and over:
1. No clear target market – there is a woman in one of the groups where I network who sells a skin care line. When she introduces herself and her product line, she closes with "…and my best client is anyone with skin!" That does not help me figure out whom to refer to her. Does she really want me to refer every living being I've ever encountered? Clearly communicating your target market – as though you are painting a picture with your words – is the best way to get referrals. The reaction you're going for is this: "Oh my gosh! That's me/my sister she's talking about!" Would that happen with a target market of ‘anyone with skin'? Never. The more specific you are, the more likely you are to get a referral.
2. Unprofessional – people, dress up. There are a few business owners who really don't have to wear a suit or other professional attire, but not many. For example, fitness instructors, contractors, artists, etc. - it is expected that they will not be in a suit. For everyone else, dress up. In fact, it is ok to over-dress – err on the side of caution. I know a woman who owns a wig shop. She always wears a pretty dress and full makeup, like I would wear to have cocktails with a friend. During her 30-second intro, she changes her hair once or twice! It makes quite an impression. For most people, wear a little makeup and comb your hair. I suggest you actually have a hair style! You will be judged – dress appropriately.
3. Too many hats – no, this is not another style issue – I'm talking about people who are promoting more than one thing. MLMs (multi-level marketers or network marketers) are the most frequent offenders as they are not only trying to sell their product, but also promoting the business opportunity. Just pick one thing and stick with that consistently. If you mention both every time, the other members don't know what to do for you – don't make people try to figure stuff out or think too much because they just won't.
Conduct a return on investment analysis periodically – once a month at least. Look at the time and money you're putting into your networking and ask yourself if you're getting a positive return on your investment. If not, you need to figure out why before you quit, but you may need to quit. Many people don't want to stop going to the meetings because they paid a big annual fee, but if they continue going they are only continuing to waste more time and money. Make it work, or get out.
Audrey Burton is a practical Small Business Coach. She eliminates your business overwhelm and gets you motivated and excited about your business! To sign up for her free, monthly email newsletter, visit her site: http://www.TigressCoaching.com.
Sunday
Networking & Business Advertising - Soft Sell or Hard Sell?
Imagine being able to reach 1000s of business people for the fraction of the cost associated with general advertising. Well now you can use online networking platforms dedicated to businesses.
Many online platforms have dedicated areas where business people can advertise their services for free once they are a paying member. In Ecademy we have Marketplace which was a lot more powerful when the adverts were shown on the front page than it is now.
The best way to start on these sites is to participate in the discussion on the blogs page and slowly work your way towards advertising your wares in their marketplace. There is nothing worse than to join a site, plaster it with adverts for a few weeks and then leave never to be heard of again!
The worst thing you can do is to advertise your business in areas that are designated for blogging only. In Ecademy we have the Blogs area where it is OK to talk about business and non business related issues but is frowned upon by the members when they create what is known as a "blogvert" - in essence this is a shameless plug which makes almost no attempt at hiding the advert for their products.
Most of these sites promote "soft selling "as opposed to "hard selling" tactics.
In a nutshell what this means is that when you join do not blast your proposition to each and every member but rather try and entice them into asking about your business and what you can do for them. Do not be too pushy or manipulative. Realise that most people who join these platforms have also got businesses and that they will be trying to make contacts with potential buyers as well.
I believe in the theory of random connections. Basically what I mean by this is that one should not purely base their networking on the basis of potential business but rather focus on making decent connections and contacts. Strive to help other people and you never know who might in turn return the favour... if not now maybe in many years to come.
The art of online networking is to not to expect too much too quickly. The benefits will accrue over time and many years. Some people make the mistake of trying online networking for a few weeks and then giving up because they did not achieve any positive results. It takes time to build trust amongst other members especially the long serving ones who have seen many new people come and go.
I first tried my hand at online networking in June 2006 and quickly realised that normal rules of business do not apply. The best way to enjoy yourself on these types of platforms is to try and make friends. Business will come later... and rest assured it will come if you participate in the blogs and clubs.
Be enthusiastic and helpful, listen and join in the discussions but beware... do not let online networking take over from normal day to day business chores that still have to be carried out. It is far too easy to change networking to notworking!
Do you know any other platforms that allow businesses to advertise their wares? How has your experience been so far of business networking platforms? Have you got any tips for "newbies"?
Naz Daud is the Founder of the CityLocal Internet Business Franchise Opportunity. http://www.citylocal.co.uk http://www.citylocal.co.uk/frontend/franchiseinfo.php?cityid=79 http://www.ecademy.com/account.php?id=120141
Many online platforms have dedicated areas where business people can advertise their services for free once they are a paying member. In Ecademy we have Marketplace which was a lot more powerful when the adverts were shown on the front page than it is now.
The best way to start on these sites is to participate in the discussion on the blogs page and slowly work your way towards advertising your wares in their marketplace. There is nothing worse than to join a site, plaster it with adverts for a few weeks and then leave never to be heard of again!
The worst thing you can do is to advertise your business in areas that are designated for blogging only. In Ecademy we have the Blogs area where it is OK to talk about business and non business related issues but is frowned upon by the members when they create what is known as a "blogvert" - in essence this is a shameless plug which makes almost no attempt at hiding the advert for their products.
Most of these sites promote "soft selling "as opposed to "hard selling" tactics.
In a nutshell what this means is that when you join do not blast your proposition to each and every member but rather try and entice them into asking about your business and what you can do for them. Do not be too pushy or manipulative. Realise that most people who join these platforms have also got businesses and that they will be trying to make contacts with potential buyers as well.
I believe in the theory of random connections. Basically what I mean by this is that one should not purely base their networking on the basis of potential business but rather focus on making decent connections and contacts. Strive to help other people and you never know who might in turn return the favour... if not now maybe in many years to come.
The art of online networking is to not to expect too much too quickly. The benefits will accrue over time and many years. Some people make the mistake of trying online networking for a few weeks and then giving up because they did not achieve any positive results. It takes time to build trust amongst other members especially the long serving ones who have seen many new people come and go.
I first tried my hand at online networking in June 2006 and quickly realised that normal rules of business do not apply. The best way to enjoy yourself on these types of platforms is to try and make friends. Business will come later... and rest assured it will come if you participate in the blogs and clubs.
Be enthusiastic and helpful, listen and join in the discussions but beware... do not let online networking take over from normal day to day business chores that still have to be carried out. It is far too easy to change networking to notworking!
Do you know any other platforms that allow businesses to advertise their wares? How has your experience been so far of business networking platforms? Have you got any tips for "newbies"?
Naz Daud is the Founder of the CityLocal Internet Business Franchise Opportunity. http://www.citylocal.co.uk http://www.citylocal.co.uk/frontend/franchiseinfo.php?cityid=79 http://www.ecademy.com/account.php?id=120141
Friday
22 Tips to Use at a Networking Event
Networking events have been part of the business and social scene for as long as anyone can remember. For many people, they make a trip to the dentist seem fun. For others, networking events are enjoyable, but because of who they have to spend time with, they wish they had scheduled a visit to the dentist.
Regardless of your feelings on the subject, when attending an event, it's important to have the perspective that your goal should be to help others first. Unfortunately, it's an old cliché that is often left at the door. The next time you're headed to an event, keep in mind the following simple, helpful rule: after it's all said and done, you want to have earned the right, privilege, honor, and respect to be able to meet with them again. This is not a license to sell yourself, but an opportunity to build a relationship.
- When you arrive at a networking event, avoid gravitating to people you know. You should initially thank the host and then immediately find someone new to introduce yourself to. This will help keep you in the right frame of mind as to why you came.
- Stop selling and start listening! When you meet someone for the first time, use it as an opportunity to get to know them. Don't try to sell them anything. Rather, begin to establish a relationship.
- Keep your business cards in the breast pocket of your coat, a shirt pocket, or in an outside pocket of your purse so they are easy to access and in good condition.
- When giving a person your card, personalize it by hand writing your cell number on it. This will cause the recipient to feel that they are receiving something special.
- When giving or receiving a business card, be especially careful when dealing with people from outside the US as many cultures treat them with very high regard.
- When receiving a card from someone, take a moment to write yourself a note on it such as where you met. If you do this while you're still talking to the person, it will help convey your sense of personal connection.
- During the course of a conversation, use the other person's first name two or three times. People always like to hear their own name and it will help you to remember it when the discussion is over.
- Rather than telling a new contact all about yourself, spend your time asking them questions. It's amazing how much you'll learn!
- After you meet someone for the first time, use the back of their business card to jot a note about something you learned from the conversation and the date and place you met them. Recording the information will give you something to talk to them about the next time you see them.
- Connect with the person you're talking to by tilting your head as you listen to them. It is an effective body language technique which communicates that you're paying attention to what they're saying.
- When a person is talking to you, be sure to look directly at them. Giving a person full attention with your eyes will encourage them to share more.
- When giving someone eye contact, remember it's not a "stare-down" contest. Give the person 3 – 5 seconds of eye contact and then look away briefly before returning your focus to them again.
- The best location to network is by a high-traffic area such as a main door, the bar, or near the food.
- Never approach someone if they are walking towards the restroom or if they have a phone in their hand. Wait until they have returned to the networking area or put their phone away.
- After the person has shared something with you, ask them another question about what they just said. This shows that you're paying attention and that you care about what they're telling you.
- Always keep one hand free to allow yourself to shake hands with people. This means that you shouldn't eat and drink at the same time. Remember, you're there to network, not eat a full-course meal.
- As a way of demonstrating your networking skills, introduce each new person you meet to at least one other person.
- Never try to barge into a group of 4 or more people. Come along side of the group, but do not attempt to enter into the discussion until you've made eye contact with everyone and a minimum of two other people in the group have said something.
- Do not approach two people who are talking, as you may be interrupting an important discussion.
- Initiate conversation with someone who is standing by themselves. They'll be happy to have someone to talk to them and, as a result, will many times open up with valuable information.
- When you meet someone for the first time, you have 48 hours to follow up with them before they will completely forget about meeting you.
- A networking event is not a time to see how many business cards you can acquire. Rather, it is a time to develop a few relationships that have potential.
Mark Hunter, "The Sales Hunter", is a sales expert who speaks to thousands each year on how to increase their sales profitability. For more information, to receive a free weekly email sales tip, or to read his Sales Motivation Blog, visit http://www.TheSalesHunter.com
Regardless of your feelings on the subject, when attending an event, it's important to have the perspective that your goal should be to help others first. Unfortunately, it's an old cliché that is often left at the door. The next time you're headed to an event, keep in mind the following simple, helpful rule: after it's all said and done, you want to have earned the right, privilege, honor, and respect to be able to meet with them again. This is not a license to sell yourself, but an opportunity to build a relationship.
- When you arrive at a networking event, avoid gravitating to people you know. You should initially thank the host and then immediately find someone new to introduce yourself to. This will help keep you in the right frame of mind as to why you came.
- Stop selling and start listening! When you meet someone for the first time, use it as an opportunity to get to know them. Don't try to sell them anything. Rather, begin to establish a relationship.
- Keep your business cards in the breast pocket of your coat, a shirt pocket, or in an outside pocket of your purse so they are easy to access and in good condition.
- When giving a person your card, personalize it by hand writing your cell number on it. This will cause the recipient to feel that they are receiving something special.
- When giving or receiving a business card, be especially careful when dealing with people from outside the US as many cultures treat them with very high regard.
- When receiving a card from someone, take a moment to write yourself a note on it such as where you met. If you do this while you're still talking to the person, it will help convey your sense of personal connection.
- During the course of a conversation, use the other person's first name two or three times. People always like to hear their own name and it will help you to remember it when the discussion is over.
- Rather than telling a new contact all about yourself, spend your time asking them questions. It's amazing how much you'll learn!
- After you meet someone for the first time, use the back of their business card to jot a note about something you learned from the conversation and the date and place you met them. Recording the information will give you something to talk to them about the next time you see them.
- Connect with the person you're talking to by tilting your head as you listen to them. It is an effective body language technique which communicates that you're paying attention to what they're saying.
- When a person is talking to you, be sure to look directly at them. Giving a person full attention with your eyes will encourage them to share more.
- When giving someone eye contact, remember it's not a "stare-down" contest. Give the person 3 – 5 seconds of eye contact and then look away briefly before returning your focus to them again.
- The best location to network is by a high-traffic area such as a main door, the bar, or near the food.
- Never approach someone if they are walking towards the restroom or if they have a phone in their hand. Wait until they have returned to the networking area or put their phone away.
- After the person has shared something with you, ask them another question about what they just said. This shows that you're paying attention and that you care about what they're telling you.
- Always keep one hand free to allow yourself to shake hands with people. This means that you shouldn't eat and drink at the same time. Remember, you're there to network, not eat a full-course meal.
- As a way of demonstrating your networking skills, introduce each new person you meet to at least one other person.
- Never try to barge into a group of 4 or more people. Come along side of the group, but do not attempt to enter into the discussion until you've made eye contact with everyone and a minimum of two other people in the group have said something.
- Do not approach two people who are talking, as you may be interrupting an important discussion.
- Initiate conversation with someone who is standing by themselves. They'll be happy to have someone to talk to them and, as a result, will many times open up with valuable information.
- When you meet someone for the first time, you have 48 hours to follow up with them before they will completely forget about meeting you.
- A networking event is not a time to see how many business cards you can acquire. Rather, it is a time to develop a few relationships that have potential.
Mark Hunter, "The Sales Hunter", is a sales expert who speaks to thousands each year on how to increase their sales profitability. For more information, to receive a free weekly email sales tip, or to read his Sales Motivation Blog, visit http://www.TheSalesHunter.com
Tuesday
Ethical Networking For Home Business Success
Networking is obviously an essential part of network marketing. Every successful network marketer knows this to be true. Although networking is such an intricate part of network marketing, the two terms are not synonymous. However there are many similarities. Both rely heavily on people skills. Both require people to confront their fear of talking to other people. Both carry with them the risk of rejection. Both also carry with them enormous opportunity. And to some people, both are considered dirty words.
Of course people that consider networking as something that is 'not done' don't understand what networking is really about. The same can be said of people that think network marketing is something that is beneath them.
Many people think of networking as a way to get connected solely for their own advancement in life. In that respect a person might feel that it is unethical or not noble to network. This line of thinking stems from the idea that advancement will always come at the expense of someone else, that success in life is a zero-sum game.
These people often look at network marketing from the same perspective. They think of profiting from other people 's efforts as something that is negative and not fair to them. In reality, successful networkers will tell you that it doesn't work that way at all.
Networking doesn't have to be at anybody 's expense and the business of network marketing doesn't reward anyone for taking advantage of others. It actually rewards people for helping other people to succeed. In that respect, it may very well be the most ethical business model in the world today.
A lot of the negativity around networking can be explained by the different types of networkers. Some can be considered 'hunters', moving in for a quick kill, after which they move out again. They often operate without regard of the other person 's interest and because of this they will enjoy the fruits of success for only a limited period of time.
Often it will not take long before people find out what 's really driving the hunter. Once they see that he or she is only looking after his or her own interests, their willingness to interact with this person will quickly evaporate. By contrast, truly successful networkers are often 'farmers' who spend a lot of time sowing and nourishing their relationships, instead of just focusing on reaping.
They invest in their network, they energize their network. They use their network, but they never ever abuse their network! And their network knows this. A true networker will always keep the interests of others in mind. That 's why working with a true networker is so enjoyable. Networkers are often very likeable and as such people like to interact with them.
Networking is a skill that is essential to all businesses not just network marketing. Although network marketing differs in many ways from the more traditional forms of doing business, the importance of networking is just as prevalent. If not more so.
A network marketer that doesn't know how to network will be out of business in no time. Network marketing is first and foremost a people 's business and this implies that the ability to effectively work with people is absolutely critical. This is why successful network marketers are extremely adept at networking.
Many have found out over time that developing this skill can pay off in many areas outside their network marketing business as well. Business owners who have started a home based business on the side often apply their enhanced networking and people 's skills in their traditional business with great success. For some network marketers this spin-off has earned them more money than the income from their network marketing business itself.
So whether you are in network marketing or in a more traditional type of business, don't underestimate the importance of becoming an effective networker. And if you really want to master this skill you may find there is a lot to learn from good network marketers. So if you happen to know anybody that fits that description, try and benefit from their knowledge on the topic. It will surely help you network your way to success!
Discover Kevin Sinclair 's system for making profits regardless of whether anyone joins your network marketing business.
Of course people that consider networking as something that is 'not done' don't understand what networking is really about. The same can be said of people that think network marketing is something that is beneath them.
Many people think of networking as a way to get connected solely for their own advancement in life. In that respect a person might feel that it is unethical or not noble to network. This line of thinking stems from the idea that advancement will always come at the expense of someone else, that success in life is a zero-sum game.
These people often look at network marketing from the same perspective. They think of profiting from other people 's efforts as something that is negative and not fair to them. In reality, successful networkers will tell you that it doesn't work that way at all.
Networking doesn't have to be at anybody 's expense and the business of network marketing doesn't reward anyone for taking advantage of others. It actually rewards people for helping other people to succeed. In that respect, it may very well be the most ethical business model in the world today.
A lot of the negativity around networking can be explained by the different types of networkers. Some can be considered 'hunters', moving in for a quick kill, after which they move out again. They often operate without regard of the other person 's interest and because of this they will enjoy the fruits of success for only a limited period of time.
Often it will not take long before people find out what 's really driving the hunter. Once they see that he or she is only looking after his or her own interests, their willingness to interact with this person will quickly evaporate. By contrast, truly successful networkers are often 'farmers' who spend a lot of time sowing and nourishing their relationships, instead of just focusing on reaping.
They invest in their network, they energize their network. They use their network, but they never ever abuse their network! And their network knows this. A true networker will always keep the interests of others in mind. That 's why working with a true networker is so enjoyable. Networkers are often very likeable and as such people like to interact with them.
Networking is a skill that is essential to all businesses not just network marketing. Although network marketing differs in many ways from the more traditional forms of doing business, the importance of networking is just as prevalent. If not more so.
A network marketer that doesn't know how to network will be out of business in no time. Network marketing is first and foremost a people 's business and this implies that the ability to effectively work with people is absolutely critical. This is why successful network marketers are extremely adept at networking.
Many have found out over time that developing this skill can pay off in many areas outside their network marketing business as well. Business owners who have started a home based business on the side often apply their enhanced networking and people 's skills in their traditional business with great success. For some network marketers this spin-off has earned them more money than the income from their network marketing business itself.
So whether you are in network marketing or in a more traditional type of business, don't underestimate the importance of becoming an effective networker. And if you really want to master this skill you may find there is a lot to learn from good network marketers. So if you happen to know anybody that fits that description, try and benefit from their knowledge on the topic. It will surely help you network your way to success!
Discover Kevin Sinclair 's system for making profits regardless of whether anyone joins your network marketing business.
Sunday
A Virtual Caffeine Boost for Your Business Marketing Strategy
Television commercials, newspaper advertisements, and radio announcements have long served as the staple mediums for business owners to reach potential customers. The rise of the Internet has made an entirely new form of communication available to the masses. Blogs, websites, emails, news feeds, and podcasts can serve as a virtual jolt of energy for your business marketing endeavors.
Article marketing is one of the few marketing methods that seamlessly made the leap from paper to screen. Business owners have long sought potential publication opportunities to gain exposure. Before the Internet, however, most of these opportunities were in local newspapers and magazines that had limited readership. The Internet has made the possibilities for business owners to reach customers limitless. New websites, newsletters, and email subscriptions are born everyday, offering an infinite amount of promotional niches.
Article distribution services have proven to be particularly successful in connecting business owners with content publishers. "The Internet is all about content," says Chris Ellington, CEO of Article Marketer. "Content publishers are hungry for information that will engage their audiences. By providing this, our authors are making immediate and lasting connections.
These connections offer an entirely different marketing opportunity. Businesses can reach their target market through social networking rather than traditional advertising. Publishers can find exactly the kind of content they are looking for, and the Web becomes a real tool to connect readers worldwide.
That satisfaction experienced by both writers and the content site owners has propelled the article marketing business to World Wide Web success in recent years. Darryl Hupfer, Managing Director of Actuate Companies, LLC, a Boston-based marketing group with extensive article marketing experience proclaims that "writers publish an article or two, then publish one or two a week, from that point forward. If this process wasn't successful in generating sales and profits, we'd note an obvious decline in the number of articles published. That 's simply not happening. We anticipate that article marketing will continue to expand as digital content demand increases. It 's a great media opportunity, and national media is seeing the impact and the results."
The response from the national media has solidified what the experienced article marketing experts have long proclaimed: article marketing is one of the few ways a business owner can gain legitimate exposure for a company without making a considerable financial sacrifice.
As the article marketing pioneers continue to credit business success to their article marketing campaigns, more novice and seasoned business owners have increasingly begun to subscribe to this method of promotion. Resulting from this phenomenon is the explosion of available content. Paralleling the increased output of content is the demand for such content in the form of newsletters, websites, and other publications.
Content site owners, entrepreneurs, and consumers alike benefit from the surge in article marketing efforts. While business owners enjoy increased site traffic and sales, consumers are offered quality information on myriad subjects without spending a dime. The more voices willing to share information about subjects they are truly knowledgeable about, the better. Everybody wins!
Article marketing will likely continue to see success in the caffeinated colloquium that is today 's business market. The Internet is here to stay and as long as there are potential customers using it, there will be companies marketing to them through article publication.
Jackson Summerford is a marketing guru, and the so-called "Possessor of All Marketing Knowledge." He holds court at his blog, Summerford Sums It Up. He also frequently contributes his expertise to Article Marketer, a highly popular article distribution service.
Article marketing is one of the few marketing methods that seamlessly made the leap from paper to screen. Business owners have long sought potential publication opportunities to gain exposure. Before the Internet, however, most of these opportunities were in local newspapers and magazines that had limited readership. The Internet has made the possibilities for business owners to reach customers limitless. New websites, newsletters, and email subscriptions are born everyday, offering an infinite amount of promotional niches.
Article distribution services have proven to be particularly successful in connecting business owners with content publishers. "The Internet is all about content," says Chris Ellington, CEO of Article Marketer. "Content publishers are hungry for information that will engage their audiences. By providing this, our authors are making immediate and lasting connections.
These connections offer an entirely different marketing opportunity. Businesses can reach their target market through social networking rather than traditional advertising. Publishers can find exactly the kind of content they are looking for, and the Web becomes a real tool to connect readers worldwide.
That satisfaction experienced by both writers and the content site owners has propelled the article marketing business to World Wide Web success in recent years. Darryl Hupfer, Managing Director of Actuate Companies, LLC, a Boston-based marketing group with extensive article marketing experience proclaims that "writers publish an article or two, then publish one or two a week, from that point forward. If this process wasn't successful in generating sales and profits, we'd note an obvious decline in the number of articles published. That 's simply not happening. We anticipate that article marketing will continue to expand as digital content demand increases. It 's a great media opportunity, and national media is seeing the impact and the results."
The response from the national media has solidified what the experienced article marketing experts have long proclaimed: article marketing is one of the few ways a business owner can gain legitimate exposure for a company without making a considerable financial sacrifice.
As the article marketing pioneers continue to credit business success to their article marketing campaigns, more novice and seasoned business owners have increasingly begun to subscribe to this method of promotion. Resulting from this phenomenon is the explosion of available content. Paralleling the increased output of content is the demand for such content in the form of newsletters, websites, and other publications.
Content site owners, entrepreneurs, and consumers alike benefit from the surge in article marketing efforts. While business owners enjoy increased site traffic and sales, consumers are offered quality information on myriad subjects without spending a dime. The more voices willing to share information about subjects they are truly knowledgeable about, the better. Everybody wins!
Article marketing will likely continue to see success in the caffeinated colloquium that is today 's business market. The Internet is here to stay and as long as there are potential customers using it, there will be companies marketing to them through article publication.
Jackson Summerford is a marketing guru, and the so-called "Possessor of All Marketing Knowledge." He holds court at his blog, Summerford Sums It Up. He also frequently contributes his expertise to Article Marketer, a highly popular article distribution service.
Thursday
The Most Popular Social Website
Submitted 2008-02-27 09:26:21
One of the most controversial and used website is Facebook which is based on social networking. It started in February 2004 and constantly expanded up to 60 millions of users as it has today. It began to be used by students from different colleges in the U.S. and is now used in many countries and people can choose various kinds of social groups, from school to the place of employment or a certain geographical region. It is meant to be a social utility that helps people to interact with other people by joining different participating networks. When it comes to Facebook's popularity, its traffic ranking increased vertiginously from 2006 to 2007 and now it is the most popular website based on social interaction.
The site has a wide variety of functions: its users can post videos, photos or notes they write and show them to their friends. More and more persons use Facebook as a mediator between them and their friends. Sharing all kinds of things such as photos and links allows people to know each other better and to communicate more. The users mainly use Facebook because they can share their interests with others in an easy and friendly way. They also benefit from various privacy settings so no one can see their information unless they want that. Although there were some scandals related to the security one has when using Facebook, people still trust the website and enjoy its offers.
For using this website, people only need an email address in order to register, then they choose a network and they get connected with the people around them. This way, anyone can know a lot of people from the place they work, they study or from the region they live in. Facebook offers to people many applications that make users to be very delighted about using this website. The option for users to control who sees their information and what they want to share with others give them the trust they need fo using such a website. Their profile can contain anything they want from videos to journals and articles.
Although Facebook has an increasing number of users, critics don't agree with the existence of such a website mainly because of the privacy aspects. Studies showed that it is majorly used by young people who post personal information without valuing their privacy. A study showed that children don't understand the fact that other people besides their colleagues can see their information and some of the users don't even know that they can benefit from privacy settings. People usually think that they only share their personal information with their friends; however, a huge number of people can access their profile as well because the users don't think about using the privacy setting. Whether you want to use such a website or not, there is one important thing for you to keep in mind: privacy is one of the most significant things for us and we must realize that. Facebook is a great website just as long as you really share your profile only with the ones you know well.
Matthias Zeitler has recently launched his first Facebook application. Biotrend provides users with their own daily horoscope and biorhythm. http://apps.facebook.com/biotrend
One of the most controversial and used website is Facebook which is based on social networking. It started in February 2004 and constantly expanded up to 60 millions of users as it has today. It began to be used by students from different colleges in the U.S. and is now used in many countries and people can choose various kinds of social groups, from school to the place of employment or a certain geographical region. It is meant to be a social utility that helps people to interact with other people by joining different participating networks. When it comes to Facebook's popularity, its traffic ranking increased vertiginously from 2006 to 2007 and now it is the most popular website based on social interaction.
The site has a wide variety of functions: its users can post videos, photos or notes they write and show them to their friends. More and more persons use Facebook as a mediator between them and their friends. Sharing all kinds of things such as photos and links allows people to know each other better and to communicate more. The users mainly use Facebook because they can share their interests with others in an easy and friendly way. They also benefit from various privacy settings so no one can see their information unless they want that. Although there were some scandals related to the security one has when using Facebook, people still trust the website and enjoy its offers.
For using this website, people only need an email address in order to register, then they choose a network and they get connected with the people around them. This way, anyone can know a lot of people from the place they work, they study or from the region they live in. Facebook offers to people many applications that make users to be very delighted about using this website. The option for users to control who sees their information and what they want to share with others give them the trust they need fo using such a website. Their profile can contain anything they want from videos to journals and articles.
Although Facebook has an increasing number of users, critics don't agree with the existence of such a website mainly because of the privacy aspects. Studies showed that it is majorly used by young people who post personal information without valuing their privacy. A study showed that children don't understand the fact that other people besides their colleagues can see their information and some of the users don't even know that they can benefit from privacy settings. People usually think that they only share their personal information with their friends; however, a huge number of people can access their profile as well because the users don't think about using the privacy setting. Whether you want to use such a website or not, there is one important thing for you to keep in mind: privacy is one of the most significant things for us and we must realize that. Facebook is a great website just as long as you really share your profile only with the ones you know well.
Matthias Zeitler has recently launched his first Facebook application. Biotrend provides users with their own daily horoscope and biorhythm. http://apps.facebook.com/biotrend
Tuesday
Liability Insurance...does your business need it?
Let me start by saying that I am not an insurance salesperson, nor do I have any connection to those who are. I get nothing in benefit from writing and sharing this.
I have just signed my first business liability insurance policy. I really didn't think that I needed one, but after my business started growing, I realized just how much I do need insurance. In reality, if you are running a business, you need this insurance. The cost will vary widely, but here's some questions for you to consider:
1. If you conduct business in your home, and a client trips and falls during an appointment, who pays for the medical bills? (Hint: it's not your homeowner's insurance)
2. If you sell products and someone is injured by one, who pays to defend you and your company in the lawsuit? (Hint: it's not your direct selling company)
3. If you hold parties in someone's home and apply product to their skin, and they have a severe allergic reaction, who is responsible for their medical payments? (Again, it's not your company!)
4. If you accept credit cards and one of your clients has their identity stolen, who pays when they sue you?
5. If you exhibit at events and your booth falls down and crashes through the table of antique teacups behind you, who pays to replace them? (It's not the event planner or the exhibit space)
6. If you advertise something and it turns out to be false (do a google search for Airborne cold remedy), who pays the class action lawsuit?
7. If you take your jewelry display to a customer's home and it falls over on their child, injuring them, who pays for the medical bills or the negligence lawsuit?
Consider these risks as you conduct your business. Liability insurance can usually be had for under $500 a year. It's a low price to pay for the reassurance that a customer won't be able to wipe out your business and personal assets in a lawsuit.
Remember, that while your product may not be at fault and you may not be at fault, you still have to pay the lawyer to defend you in court. That could be $10,000 or more. Your company may defend you against a product suit, but your personal negligence and your business conduct is all you. Take a look at business liability insurance now. Your future may depend on it!
~º~º~º~º~º~º~º~º~º~º~º~º~º~º~º~º~º~º
Lisa Akers
Be Still & Knit, llc
Classes and clothing for children and the women who love them.
lisa@bestillandknit.com
www.BeStillandKnit.com
(303) 345-7620
I have just signed my first business liability insurance policy. I really didn't think that I needed one, but after my business started growing, I realized just how much I do need insurance. In reality, if you are running a business, you need this insurance. The cost will vary widely, but here's some questions for you to consider:
1. If you conduct business in your home, and a client trips and falls during an appointment, who pays for the medical bills? (Hint: it's not your homeowner's insurance)
2. If you sell products and someone is injured by one, who pays to defend you and your company in the lawsuit? (Hint: it's not your direct selling company)
3. If you hold parties in someone's home and apply product to their skin, and they have a severe allergic reaction, who is responsible for their medical payments? (Again, it's not your company!)
4. If you accept credit cards and one of your clients has their identity stolen, who pays when they sue you?
5. If you exhibit at events and your booth falls down and crashes through the table of antique teacups behind you, who pays to replace them? (It's not the event planner or the exhibit space)
6. If you advertise something and it turns out to be false (do a google search for Airborne cold remedy), who pays the class action lawsuit?
7. If you take your jewelry display to a customer's home and it falls over on their child, injuring them, who pays for the medical bills or the negligence lawsuit?
Consider these risks as you conduct your business. Liability insurance can usually be had for under $500 a year. It's a low price to pay for the reassurance that a customer won't be able to wipe out your business and personal assets in a lawsuit.
Remember, that while your product may not be at fault and you may not be at fault, you still have to pay the lawyer to defend you in court. That could be $10,000 or more. Your company may defend you against a product suit, but your personal negligence and your business conduct is all you. Take a look at business liability insurance now. Your future may depend on it!
~º~º~º~º~º~º~º~º~º~º~º~º~º~º~º~º~º~º
Lisa Akers
Be Still & Knit, llc
Classes and clothing for children and the women who love them.
lisa@bestillandknit.com
www.BeStillandKnit.com
(303) 345-7620
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