by guest blogger, Michele PW

Internet Marketing not your “thing?” Never fear — 3 Tips to Help You Succeed with Internet Marketing

The Internet — it’s a dream come true for entrepreneurs. I mean, what other medium in the history of the planet allowed you to start a business from the comfort of your home and with little to no marketing budget sell your products and services anywhere in the world?

Alas, the problem with dreams is you have to wake up eventually. And when you do, it all comes crashing down with a thud. Which is exactly what happens when you put up your first website and start to get an inkling that maybe this isn’t as easy as you thought it was going to be.

So you do your research. You start learning everything you can about Internet Marketing. And you do what “they” tell you to do.

And it’s STILL not as simple or as effortless as what the “gurus” say. Maybe you’re still stuck at your current revenue goals and you know you could be making more. Maybe you feel uncomfortable or “icky” around your marketing. Maybe you agonize over every negative email and feedback you get. And maybe you feel like there MUST be a better way.

Well, never fear — help is here! Read on for 3 tips to help you get more success with your Internet Marketing strategies.

1. Pull up those big girl panties and get some business training.
Look, I get it. You started your business for all sorts of reasons that have really nothing to do with owning your own business. You wanted freedom, to provide for your family, to not have a boss, to get your message out into the world, to make a difference. None of those reasons started with the words “I love business.”

So, it only stands to reason you have little to none training or experience in business. And if that’s the case, why do you think this is somehow going to come naturally to you?

Learning to run a business is like learning to do any skill. And if you learn to run an effective, profitable business, then you’re more likely to put Internet Marketing in its proper place, which is…

2. Internet Marketing is a tool in your marketing toolbox, it is NOT a business model.
There’s a certain amount of confusion around this whole Internet Marketing thing, that this somehow is a business model rather than a collection of strategies. Now, while it certainly CAN turn into a business model, that’s not a desirable situation. Typically, when that happens, your business has turned into a “launch after launch” model, which is highly stressful on a number of levels (not to mention it’s not terribly sustainable for the long term).

If you view your Internet Marketing as simply another tool in your toolbox, then your mindset changes. It’s just another tool — nothing more, nothing less. Certainly nothing to agonize about. And now you can focus on using that tool correctly.

Which leads me to my third point…

3. If there’s a part of Internet Marketing you really struggle with, take a good hard look at it.
One of two things will most likely happen — either you’ll see the reason you struggle is because you have a block around something else, and if you want to fix it you work on the block. Or you realize this piece is just not going to happen — either you really hate doing it or maybe you feel like it’s not in alignment with you or your business. Now, if it’s the latter, you’re going to either have to find another way to get the same results or you’re going to have to accept the consequences of not doing it.

But how do you know which it is? If it’s a block or something else? And if it’s something else, how do you make that choice to do something different? And how do you know what the consequences even are before it’s too late?

Here’s a free resource you’re welcome to check out:

“Why EVERYTHING You’ve Been Taught About Marketing on the Internet Will NOT Work for You and What You Can Do To Turn it Around.”

Be sure to let me know what parts of this post (and of the free report) resonate with you!

Internet marketing is a strategy… I want to help you make it a successful one.

image by Mike "Dakinewavamon" Kline

My recent post on staying relevant struck a chord deep within myself and others. What’s important to remember about this is to find something that works for you, meets a pertinent need in the market, and makes money.

That’s just a little aside. What I really wanted to share is how writing a sales page gave me a huge blast of insight and opened up my voice in a way that I really like.

The sales page is geared towards people who want to work with me but either a) don’t want to commit to long term mentoring, b) only have a single question they want my insights on, or c) want to do something short term with me before committing to something bigger. Staying relevant is always a big topic, so it’s very timely.

I’m not selling a program with 4 modules and a Q and A call, I’m not selling a live event with 3 days of seminars and X deliverables… what I’m offering is actually more about the potential of a business, the vision of a business owner, the power of being in the spotlight, and a strategy to get there.

So out of my fingers a series of statements started to flow. By the time I was on the 3rd bullet point, it felt like a manifesto. A vision. A dream I have for you. And no, I’m not trying to get all metaphysical or squishy on you, but there really are some people in this world who can see beyond what you can see for yourself and help you make money with that. I’m one of those people.

This is what came out:

Here’s what I want for your business:

• I want it to be profitable and abundant.

• I want you to be the voice people listen to… not just another noisy, yakking marketer.

• I want your competition to vanish into the ethers… at least in the minds of your ideal clients. You should be the only one on their minds. True love at its deepest.

• I want you to stand strong, tall, and proud as the expert that you are. No slouching…

• I want opportunities to fall out of the sky and into your lap. Maybe you’ll sustain a bruise from pinching yourself (“Is this real?”) but you’ll survive. And you’ll be happy.

• I want you to say “NO” to not-so-ideal-clients and feel great about it… because you’ve got plenty of other prospects and you only work with people who make you smile. No more Mr./Ms. Wrong.

• I want you to march to the beat of your own drummer and feel the freedom of moving forward with a creative idea.

• I want you to be relevant in the market, in the eyes of your clients, and in your industry.

Maybe you’ve tried programs and coaching in the past and you’re hesitant to dive into a big commitment… maybe you’re not sure if you want to settle down with me.

From that point, there’s a call to action (ie, instructions on how to hire me) and information on how long this will be available.

I like this because it’s clearly a vision for YOU (if you’re my ideal client, this is where you self-identify and nod a big YES). It’s an accurate reflection of me and my style (creative, never seeing the impossible, championing you all the way, humorous, a tad sassy/flirty).

If you’re interested in the offer of working directly with me, this really is a good one and is limited so take action now. Here’s the link to the page to secure your spot while they last.

I’d also like you to look over those bullet points and share (in the comments below) which of those is the most important to you right now. Whether you’re already doing it or aspiring, we’d all love to hear your thoughts.

Are your ideal clients clamoring for YOU?

A few years ago I was backstage at a big event, hanging out with the other speakers and (as we often do) talking shop. One speaker, a well known internet marketing expert, said something to me I’ll never forget.

The topic had to do with the directions our businesses were taking. She was adding in a big dose of social media training and consulting to her mix, along with other online visibility strategies. Then she peered at me with a slightly nervous look and confessed, “Well, you’ve got to stay RELEVANT!”

Stay relevant.

The fear in her eyes told all. But, both she and I knew she was right.

The dictionary definition of relevant is “bearing upon or connected with the matter in hand; pertinent: a relevant remark.” It’s all about what people need NOW in an ever changing world of tactics, strategies, and solutions.

The good news is, you don’t have to go into fear mode to address staying relevant. It’s an ongoing job of seeing where you are, where your prospects are, what the winds of change are blowing your way, and of course where your passion is directing you.

In business terms, you can break it down in a few ways.

1. OFFERS: Is what you’re offering solving an immediate and pressing problem your client faces? Are your offers matching their needs TODAY?

2. MARKETING: Are you using the best tools to reach your ideal clients?

3. MESSAGE: Are you wording things in such a way that prospective clients stop, look, and swear you’re talking DIRECTLY to them?

4. NETWORK: Are you hanging with a relevant network? Are your connections connected to the right opportunities for you?

5. PERSPECTIVE: How are you keeping a perspective on all the changes swirling about? This might mean having a mentor in your life to help you see what you can’t see, following people who are on the cutting edge, or somehow being tuned into what’s shifting around you.

Important Note: This isn’t about jumping on the latest fad or changing yourself in a way that doesn’t suit you. Relevance and Flightiness are not interchangeable! More often than not, it’s a simple tweak to one or more of the areas outlined above that can save your business and keep you on the map.

So where do you go from here?

This is what I do:

• I stay awake. Awake to what’s happening around me, awake to what’s bugging me in marketing, awake to what’s overused and overhyped. To me, that spells “go the opposite way” and I high tail it out of any party that’s feeling clone-ish.

• I never walk alone. Maybe you can operate in a vacuum, but not me. I need other professionals working at a high level to serve as sounding boards, trouble-shooters, idea machines. That’s why I mentor others, that’s why others mentor me.

• I take risks. Entrepreneurs love taking risks and trying new things. Sometimes they pay off, sometimes they don’t. But like the Lotto, you can’t win if you don’t play.

• I keep it fun. If it’s not fun, I won’t do it. I want to find the coolest way to stay relevant and build buzz for my biz. Maybe that means I throw out a shocking title every now and then, maybe it means I drop something I’m known for (bye bye social media consulting!) Find what makes it fun for you.

Make staying relevant your mantra for this year’s business plan. For those of you looking for a personalized intensive, talk to me about private coaching. Take this step if you’re ready and serious about your success.

As always, I’d love your thoughts on this topic. What are your concerns about relevance? Does this topic strike a note with you?

Born with the gift of hospitality, I fell in love with the art of leadership in my teens. Leadership is influence — nothing more and nothing less. As a small business owner, leadership can be the difference between a waiting list for your services, and happy, successful clients, or just eeking by.

Ask yourself, where are you headed? Who is following you? Are you going someplace worth following?
Sometimes it’s just a little tweak, sometimes it’s a major overhaul of where you are but change is part of being a small business owner.

Unfortunately, many people aren’t sure where to start. Through my years of working with success minded entrepreneurs, I’ve narrowed it down to 7 key areas to guide unprecedented success. I’ve seen so many businesses try and fail, but with a simple refocusing onto these 7 steps, lives have been changed. Failure to have these 7 areas in place will cost you up to 21 hours a week, and tens of thousands of dollars a month. Can you really afford that?

1. Create a Written Plan

Know what you want and why you want it. Then, write it down!

2. Know Thy Personality

Be aware of your strengths and understand how your personality affects what you want and the process of getting it. Identify the 5 traits that are your strengths and what make you uniquely you AND identify the 5 traits that get in the way of your success. If you aren’t sure, ask someone close to you what they would change about you if they could. You may be surprised. Then, choose one action that you will work on to move you towards being the best version of you.

3. Create powerful Partnerships

Invest in what you do best and network the rest. Create powerful partnerships through shared interactions. Create a board of advisors who can help you see the blindspots you might be missing or the strengths you need to tap into.

4. Presence

Understand how your physical image affects getting what you want. Hire someone to help you look great, even if you think you already do. Be present to life’s miracles, lest you miss out on living your life to the fullest. Have an attitude of gratitude and be grateful for the challenges as well as the opportunities. And, choose to be kind over choosing to be right. Employ the 15-second rule.

5. Set Your Priorities

Identify where you are spending the best hours of your day and ensure that you are in alignment with your values. Are you REALLY walking your talk? Your priorities will reveal what you truly value.

6. Chart Your Progress

Evaluate! Evaluate! Evaluate! Examine your P&L statements, and spend time identifying what is working and what is getting in the way.

7. Invest in Personal/Professional Development

Life-long learning is critical to your success. Leaders are readers, and learners are earners. What will you do to further develop who you are to get you closer to your definition of success?

In a changing world, what are you investing in or doing differently ensure that you get the results you want in business and in life?
May you experience incredible success as you choose to lead yourself personally and professionally in a manner that inspires others to do the same!

Lisa Marie Platske, creator of the Leadership Success Summit

About the author:
Lisa Marie Platske, President of Upside Thinking, Inc and creator of the Leadership Success Summit is an award-winning entrepreneur and dynamic inspirational speaker/trainer, known for her contagious high energy. In addition to conducting seminars throughout the U.S., she works one-on-one with coaching clients on her “Gateway to Greatness: Million-Dollar Make-over” 7-step leadership process. Client results include tripling their income, and up to 3 “extra” hours in their day. She is the author of Designing Your Destiny: Achieving Personal and Professional Success which has been hailed as “life-changing” by clients and colleagues alike. Her most recent book, Connection: The New Currency was released in August 2011. Visit Lisa Marie live by attending the annual Leadership Success Summit and put her 7 Pillars to work in your business and life.

Out of the mouths of babes

I recently hosted two fabulous clients here at Casita Nancita (aka my house) for a private in-person retreat. For a full day we hammered out a solid plan for each person to follow and created a take-action-now revenue path that will continue to bless them with cash flow and great clients. They’re already successful and awesome, but we’ve now taken them each from good to great.

That evening, my daughter found the flip chart and markers still out and decided to have a little “workshop” of her own. If you want to see a great marketer in the making, please watch this. But also, ask yourself: If a 9 year old gets what makes for great marketing and online visibility, then you better know your stuff too!

Click here to view the embedded video.

I’d love your comments below (and yes, feel free to tell me what a great mom I am for raising such a creative child, I eat that up like candy). Or simply tell me what you’re doing to keep your marketing easy to understand and easy for customers to take action.

Be Not Afraid of Visibility

As a spokesperson for getting more visibility for you and your business, I’m often asked questions from people who equate “visibility” and “online visibility” with loss of privacy.

The fear is that everyone will know your every move, that whatever you put out will be up for public scrutiny, and that someone somewhere will call you out for the fraud that you are. (Not that you’re a fraud, but you’d be surprised how many experts harbor that innermost fear).

Be not afraid, my child.

Consider this your “talking off the ledge” chat with me. Trust me, I’ve done this plenty of times and perhaps I should have some kind of Visibility Hotline set up because I address this matter (discreetly) so often with clients and in casual conversations. Today’s the day to bring this to the public eye.

So here goes,  in handy point-by-point format so you can print this out and put it under that “In Case of Emergency Break Glass” kit. And it’s only 3 points so I know you won’t forget.

1. You’re not Oprah, Brangelina, Will and Kate.

The paparazzi are not interested in trailing a consultant who offers marketing advice to start-ups. Nor are they looking to camp out in front of the house of a professional speaker who does keynotes for the retail industry. One of the first fears of getting more visibility has to do with loss of privacy. Unless your name starts with Oprah, I wouldn’t stress over this one. Get out there- the world isn’t nearly as obsessed with you as you are. (And I say that in the nicest way possible)

2. You’re Not a Fraud

I’ve had clients with advanced Ivy League degrees, perched high atop the expert pantheon of their industry, come to me and distress over not being as qualified as the person 1 rung above them. The fear is that they’ll say something that someone will refute, leading to the demise of their reputation and overall humiliation in their field. The defense response is to not say anything, to play it safe and to live meekly under everyone else. If you’ve not gone through the VIVA Formula, then I suggest you do that right now. It’s a simple 4 step process that will help you see that YES you’re qualified and NO you don’t have to worry about being a fraud.

3. You Can Be Selectively Visible

This is the true gem to hold onto. The reason why visibility scares so many business owners is that they feel it’ll become a runaway train. However, when you’ve carefully crafted your message to solve a specific problem for a specific audience, then you’ve found a niche. My first rule for a niche is that there has to be mutual love between you and them. In that mutual love comes understanding. They get your jokes. They love your stuff. They think you rock. If you haven’t done any work recently on ideal clients, go read this post and watch the video NOW. This makes all the difference in the world. You don’t have to be everything to everyone… just be a LOT to a few and you’ll reap the rewards.

Remember: the world wants and needs what you have. The solution your business provides is medicine for the people. Don’t worry about what others think, if someone will criticize you, or if you’re not as smart as the next person. If you’re solving problems for people, working honestly and ethically, leading with your heart, and attracting ideal clients then your reputation will pave the way for high visibility.

Ouch.

Ugly review after ugly review filled the page, with some pretty bad horror stories. And yes, these horror stories did leave an impression on me and this business.

I’m a huge fan of Yelp and often write reviews for the businesses I patronize. Yes, I’ve sent in a few zingers (hello, Sonic Drive In), but most often sing the praises of the businesses I love.

Smart business owners will keep a watch on their Yelp reviews and do what they can to remedy things, but more often than not these reviews spark other negative reviews and soon it’s a feeding frenzy of folks hellbent on one-upping each other’s bad reviews.

This can spell death for any business.

Whether it’s on Yelp or a comment left on someone’s blog, here are 4 tips on what to do in case you get a high dose of online visibility via negative remarks. And if you’re not monitoring your business online, you better get started.

1. Stay calm, People are Watching

The worst thing you can do is go into a tailspin of reactions, even if someone is “speaking their truth” while going for your jugular. Sites that have review components get huge traffic, that’s why I keep finding Yelp pages instead of a business’ website when doing an online search. The frequent updating of content tickles the Google gods and in return they list the sites high on a results page. So in other words, these pages get LOTS of hits. If you lose your cool, go into victim mode, rant and rave like a lunatic, just remember you’re performing said tantrum in front of EVERYONE. And if you think a bad review makes you look bad, well, just you wait. You on the rampage will be what people remember and I don’t think that’s the kind of viral phenom you set out to be. So take your deep breaths, detach if you can, call a friend… get your emotions under control before you respond.

2. Agree

The best way to counter negative feedback is to find something to agree about because it neutralizes the situation. “I’m sorry you had a bad experience and I agree, that is unacceptable.” Something along those lines. It’s not an invitation to prove people wrong, that only makes things worse. If they’re really wacko and have said crazy things, you can still take the high road. “Sorry you had a bad experience, clearly your situation is the exception as our customers generally rave about our service and food”.

3. Offer

If you have a way of contacting people who’ve posted a bad experience, offer to make things right. Give them a free something, apologize, let them know you are aware of their concerns and are fixing things. One time a bank lost my loan application and sent me a huge (I mean HUGE) Harry and David gift basket with an apology letter. The Sonic Drive In I so righteously blasted contacted me on Yelp and offered me a free meal. I wasn’t looking for a freebie, but it made me smile and lose some of the anger. You have to be careful with this step, because you don’t want to be accused of buying people off. But if it’s a gesture to give you a second chance, I don’t see anything morally questionable in that.

4. Release

It’s easy to hold onto things and stew in the juices of resentment. I’ve seen people take extreme measures and practically change their entire business model simply because of one negative piece of feedback. At some point you just need to release it. Believe me, there are people in this world who thrive on the attention they get when they whine. I’m sure it’s rooted in a childhood issue, I’ll let them take that to their therapist. But unfortunately, they run rampant with frivolous lawsuits and bitchy reviews and drive the online world crazy. Try to find the learning experience, then set it free.

We can’t control every aspect of how the public perceives us, but if you know how to react when something negative occurs, you’ll end up coming out stronger and better. There can be a smidgen of gratitude said for these negative experiences, in that they get us to think and practice our best behaviors. So if someone smears you online, follow these steps and move on.

What are your thoughts? Have you ever had to defend yourself publicly or deal with criticisms in a public forum? I’d love to hear what you have to say.