best little sales training in Texas.. and beyond

Go here now to learn more:

http://www.webcastsnow.com/

re: A fantastic way to make more sales and convert more prospects into clients...
http://www.webcastsnow.com/

Many of you know I promote this... because I LOVE IT!

Face it, most sales training consists of a lot of "RAH RAH RAH", empty platitudes, and warm and fuzzy storytelling.  Either that, or it is STUCK IN THE 80's, showing you how to "sell them on the benefits and features" of your product or service.   99% of all sales and marketing training out there never addresses the crucial issue of HOW people buy (versus the usual WHY people buy spiel)                     Understanding how the human brain processes information and makes decisions is a crucial skill that is missing from most sales training programs... When you take and USE Jim Fortin's Mind Authority training,  you will become a better persuader and influencer which will in turn.. Help you double...even triple your sales closing percentage Help you become better at live presentations Give you a powerful advantages of those still stuck in the 80's I could tell you how awesome Jim Fortin's Mind Authority Network training is... but I won't. Instead, I want you to experience it for yourself by getting a no-cost-no-pestering-you SAMPLE of the kinds of video trainings Jim does.  When you go to this site and enter your accurate information, you'll receive, over the course of the next few days, links to some short, but effective training sessions from Jim Fortin. After you've watched them, you'll see just why thousands of business owners and sales professionals just like you are embracing this revolutionary approach to persuasion and influence. Go here now and http://www.webcastsnow.com/

5 things my cat taught me about:love, life, and yes, even marketing..

re: rest in peace, my dear Cinder Lee..

On Tuesday, October 16th, I lost one of my very best friends in the world...my cat, Cinder Lee.

Now, some will say, "He was just an animal-get over it!"

To these people I simply reply "Until you bond with an animal, and learn what they have to teach you, you will never, ever understand my grief.  And perhaps you will also miss out on a critical part of your own humanity"

In the midst of  all this sadness, however, I was able to see past the tragedy of the accident and reflect a little on the life lessons taught me by my "lovepuff."


Everything I Need to Know In Life I Learned From My Cat


...live simply and enjoy life more...


1. A belly full of food , a warm bed, and a loving someone to scratch those hard-to-get-to places... pretty much all you need to be happy.

..stop trying to be something you aren't...

2. Be who you are and don't let people try and change you.    Good natured to the core, Cinder would indulge my daughter's attempts to dress him in tie-dye T-shirts and red bow ties, and our efforts to treat him like a little person.

However, he knew and understood that he was a CAT; a special and extraordinary cat no doubt, but a cat just the same. 

He was happiest doing the things that cats do, enjoying the taste of a freshly-caught mouse, scratching up the trees outside, digging in the garden.  He was who he was.. no more, no less.

Are you being honest with yourself and others and showing your true face to the world?  If you aren't- you are likely never  going to feel satisfied.  Be who you are and thrive.

...take time for yourself

3. Life is demanding, it's true, but you must take time for YOU.    In his position as "prince of the house" and nurturer to the strays that kept landing on the property, I am sure Cinder had a profound sense of duty.  But, he also knew that every pride leader needs to take some time-to nap in the sun, to yawn, share a treat with your people, scratch a tree or two, or spend an hour grooming.

don't forget to spread some love around-every day...

4. We take nothing from this life except the love we have for others.  Not a day went by that Cinder did not share his loving heart with our family.  By rubbing his scent on us, "kneading" our clothes, giving little cat kissies, or doing his famous head butts, Cinder let us know that he loved us as much as we loved him.

As people, we often take the ones we love for granted, forgetting that none of us is granted even our next breath- it is a gift from God.   Tell someone you love them every single day.  You'll be surprised at how much your life begins to change.

no cat is an island ...

5. Be independent and self-sufficient and dependent and needy at the same time.  Cinder had achieved, in his brief two years on this earth, what I think is the perfect balance between independence and recognizing the need for others.

Some people see independence or dependence as one or the other propositions.  But, through Cinder I learned that it is OK to need and want to be with other people, while at the same time retaining a measure of independence and self-sufficiency.    In fact, it is for that reason that we were created- to be light and warmth for others, to share burdens and lift weights off the shoulders of those bowed and broken.

I am not sure I have fully learned all of these lessons and the countless others that I learned from "Mr. Fluffytoes."  But, he managed to plant them in my heart and their successful achievement is a worthy goal for me, something which helps me, hour by hour, overcome my sense of loss.

I am bereft, lost... in need of the balm of God's love, the love that sent Cinder into my life and the love that I am positive now envelopes and comforts him.

I know he is sitting right now beside the throne of the Almighty with a full belly and that little cat smile on his face.   He understands all that was hidden from him before,every mystery is revealed, every ache and pain gone away, every bad memory erased by healing love.

Maybe he looks down at me now and says "Don't cry.  I am waiting for you here.  We have some head butts to catch up on."

Your Referrals... Automated!

re: find out your favorite actor's "Bacon number" and much more!

Journey to the center of the Challenge...

re: chance to see what I am trying out..

Dear Readers...

Automated webinars...a blessing AND a curse...

As many of you know, I have been doing webinars for a long, long time.

Until recently, however, I have resisted the idea of putting those webinars on auto pilot via automation software.

For one thing, software I tried was often clunky and difficult to use, resulting in a lot of frustration and wasted time.

For another, I always felt that I could actually create more action and sales on a live webinar than on a recorded one.

Now, though, I am testing out an easy-to-use, inexpensive suite of tools that allows me  to put lots of things on autopilot.

I will tell you about this shortly.  In the meantime, though, see this in action by going here:

http://imlivewebinar.com/Challenge

http://www.smartguy.com/register.asp?sponsor=968

All the Action in Grouchland

Replays and Live Shows In Grouchland

re: upcoming events you don't want to miss...

Hey all: I have been a busy little bee lately, putting together yummy marketing MOCHAS for small local businesses... and online entrepreneurs all over the place. I hardly have time for myself these days...

I'd love you to join me on some of these presentations... it helps to have your input and feedback and, you might even learn a thing or two... or connect with some like-minded folks.

Here are some upcoming webinars you DON'T WANT TO MISS.. Here are two FREE webinars rated E for everyone:  


What is The $25 Million Dollar Challenge and Why Should YOU Do It? Wednesday, Sept 19th
7PM Central 5PM Pacific and 8PM Eastern

https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/607803336

What Is the $25 Million Dollar Challenge and Why Should YOU Do It? - Morning session will be on THURSDAY, Sept. 20th at 11AM Pacific, 1PM Central, and 2PM Eastern

Register or learn more at

https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/620648752


You can learn even more about this program by opting in to Bill Nissen's website and getting his series of video emails.

www.visalusforall.comhttp://www.visalusforall.com

Low-Cost Class: How to DO A Successful Golf Event for Lead Generation, Step by Step




Happy marketing and keep checking here for more great free and low-cost events

Visalus For All-Anatomy of An Automated Campaign

re: rocking it with an automated online campaign

www.visalusforall.com

by Tammy de Leeuw
Visalus Promoter
Grouchy Marketing Lady


In the marketing world, cliches abound.  One of the most oft-repeated cliches is

"The fortune is in the followup."

Yes, it's trite...but SO VERY TRUE. 

When I talk to my consulting clients about what they feel is their biggest weakness when it
comes to client acquisition, 99.9% will, heads bowed, admit that it is lack of follow-up.

In fact, many of these same clients spending hundreds, even thousands of dollars to get prospects, don't have any idea on how they are going to convert those leads to clients. 

Their basic mindset is something along the lines of  " well, if they don't become clients right away, then  they will never be interested.  Following up is waste of time."

The reality is...if you aren't following up with your clients, then you are missing out on a lot of people who, once they get to know you via blog posts, videos, emails, webinars, etc., will eventually listen to your message.

And chances are... if they listen they will become your customers or clients at some point, even if they don't make the decision as quickly as you'd like.

That's why having an AUTOMATED drip machine working for you is so important. 

You're busy... we all are.

And it is ever-so-easy to use that excuse when you let things and people slip through the cracks.  

Since many sales and relationships often don't happen until the 9th or 10th "touch," having a system of constant contact and outreach makes tons of good sense.

Check out what I did for one client..

One of Visalus' top ambassadors, Bill Nissen, and I are in the process of putting together a 60-day plus drip campaign, including videos, video landing pages, and video thank you page.

I'll be honest- putting together an automated drip campaign takes A LOT OF TIME in the beginning.  However, once it is done... your only job becomes to drive traffic to it and KEEP driving traffic to it.

A well-designed drip campaign acts like a good water filter, filtering out impurities and bad tastes (fakers, takers, and others who will never, ever buy from you) and leaving the fresh water (viable leads) behind for you to enjoy.

If you want to discuss getting your own custom drip campaign started... then be sure to give me a call M-F
at 925-776-4368

Talk soon!

Grouchy

How to write reviews that bring YOU business...

re:YELPing Hands...


by Tammy de Leeuw
"The Grouchy Marketing Lady"

If you are like most business owners...
You are taking a hard look at your budget for the coming year..
And looking for inexpensive, yet effective ways to get the word out about your business

One thing you can do that has the power to create new conversations leading to relationships AND solidify existing ones is learning how to write informative reviews on YELP.

Now, creepy YELP business practices asides, you can still harness its' incredible search engine reach and help your clients get found.  Not only can you create loads of good will by accurately evaluating local businesses, especially those with whom you already do business...

You can also subtly promote your own business within the review... 

For example: a typical property/casualty insurance agent might have 200 or more business clients.  It's always a good idea to keep business in the family, so.. be sure to (1) patronize your business clients whenever possible (2) write reviews about your experiences

The same goes for establishments with whom you WANT to business.

Say you sell widgets to restaurants and you really, really want to add Steve's Fried Chicken and Biscuits to your list of clients.  Doesn't it make sense to become a regular, HAPPY customer of Steve's...get known by the management and employees, etc?

Once you've done that,and found a couple of Steve's menu items that you really like...Then you need to write a useful, informative review on YELP or SmartGuy or both.  You can also add reviews to Google Local and other directories.

Tips for Writing Reviews

1.Be SPECIFIC.  The more accurate details you include, the more helpful the reviews.DO THIS:
   "The highlight of my experience at Steve's is the golden, fluffy-as-clouds biscuits, enhanced by a dollop of
      creamy butter and a little local honey." NOT THIS: "Steve's biscuits are very good."
      
2. Offer "insider" information.   Let people in on the special information you know about this business.  WRITE THIS:

"Steve's has many "secret items" not found on the regular menu.  I like the SPECIAL NUMBER THREE- which is broiled chicken legs with spicy peanut sauce."  NOT THIS: "You can order many off-the-menu items at Steve's."


3. Discuss best times to go, parking, long lines, etc. DO SOMETHING LIKE THIS: "Steve's is located right next to the SuperPlex Movie Theatre so parking can be a challenge, particularly on the weekends.  I have learned the best time to go without parking being an issue is Wednesdays from 11AM-9PM.
NOT: "Parking sucks, be prepared."

4.Avoid giving too many stars.  If your reviewed business or service really, really merits it (and ONLY IF) give the business the highest rating.  Otherwise, it is best to give 3's or 4's.  Why? Because when a ratings site (Yelp in particular) notices that every business you review is 5-stars, your credibility as a reviewer is undermined. 

If the client or prospect questions you as to why you didn't give 5 stars, tell them the truth: "The more honest I am with reviews, the fewer HIGHEST ratings I give, the more powerful and effective my ratings are (and the less I look like your schill!)"

5.Be honest...but fair.  If you have a bad experience at one of your clients' businesses, be sure to:
1. Accurately evaluate the cause of the incident (ex: not enough employees working, equipment malfunction, weather, etc.)  2. Give them a chance to fix the problem before you write a review. Mention the issue casually to the owner without sounding accusatory or critical.  "Steve, I noticed you were really shorthanded Saturday night when I came in.  If you are looking for reliable help, I know a couple of college students who are looking for work."  3. Give a second chance before reviewing.

Never, ever write a review unless you have tried the establishment at least twice with identical bad results.   While you do want to be honest, don't review any of your clients' businesses unless you are sure you can honestly give at least 3 stars.  If you publish a bad review you are apt to lose a customer and make an enemy, which is the opposite of what you are trying to do.

6. Do include YOUR BUSINESS website URL and phone #.  This will help the business easily identify the fact that it was you who gave them the glowing review.  Also, if people who read the review wonder who you are.. you might get a lead from them as well.

A little-used technique which I have found that WORKS is to include the URLS for video reviews you have done, videos you have taken of the business in action, or their own informational videos.  Lots of people don't realize you can put hyperlinks (http:) inside your review.  So, if you have, let's say, a FOOD BLOG and you have more info on Steve's or some videos or photos, whatever.  You can say something in your review to that effect.  Be SURE to include the full URL


7.Be humorous and entertaining whenever possible.  If your client is a funeral home or a crime scene cleanup company, this may not be do-able.  For all other businesses, however, you should aim for maximum information, entertainment, and a chuckle or two.  Check out my own YELP review for my new dentist.


http://www.yelp.com/biz/brentwood-smiles-dentistry-brentwood#hrid:lyNu1JLu4PNg5x1K5_3f4w

Even a negative review can be softened somewhat by the use of irony and humor.

I had a horrible customer service experience at a local food place. (third poor experience and it wasn't a charm!) so I wrote a little review to vent my frustration. Remember, don't do this for client and prospect businesses: they WILL see it and they probably won't be too pleased.


http://www.yelp.com/biz/orale-orale-mexican-restaurant-brentwood-2#hrid:Vi6JachoZe69MxFqsyy20w/src:self

8. NAME Names.(first name only, however) Was your waiter excellent?  Cashier more helpful than usual?  Staff able to answer your every question?  WRITE THIS: "Steve's cashier, Mindy, was polite, smiling, and extremely efficient. 


9: Be a regular contributor and invite your clients to follow you on YELP.  Easy to see why this is a great idea for everyone!

10. Give your reviews "legs."  Make a copy of every review you do and place into a file folder.  When you find other local review sites, you can then copy and paste your review into that site as well.  Saves you time!