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Archive for Marketing

5 Business Savvy Ways to Reach More Customers by Creating Valuable Partnerships

By Tim Davis · Comments (0)
Thursday, January 26th, 2012

Most business owners don’t need more leads, they need better partnerships. Let me begin by explaining what a partnership is and why they are so valuable to your business.

As a typical business owner you can only reach so many prospects in a given day. There are multiple ways to accomplish this and can include phone calls, emails, social media and seminars. Each method you choose is going to take some time and have a varying degree of results.

But I suspect you are like many business owners and want to reach as many new, red-hot, willing to buy customers as fast as possible and out of all of the strategies forming a strategic partnership is the fastest way for you to hit your goals.

The concept of partnerships is not new; however, most people don’t approach the right partnerships and when they do, their approach is not welcomed.

What you DO NOT want to do is randomly “friend” people on social media like Facebook with your only intention being to get at their friends list for your own personal gain. Most people don’t realize it, but savvy marketers know when you are pulling these types of shenanigans. Worse yet is when people “tag” you in a post so that is shows up on your wall when they haven’t asked permission.

So how can you create really strategic, valuable and profitable partnerships in an ethical way? Here are 5 steps that you can use right now.

  1. Identify people with whom you would like to form a partnership – make a list
  2. Discover what is important to them right now. Are they promoting a project, product or event?
  3. List out ways you can bring value to them right away. It could be a cross promotion, blog post or even video highlighting their services.
  4. Look in your own network for people who may already have a close connection with your perfect partner. Ask for warm introductions.
  5. Once you establish a meeting don’t bombard them with partnering. Find out more, build a relationship built on trust.

If you take the time to use these steps, you will be able to identify and connect with the right partners that can take your business to a whole new level.

I will be talking about partnerships at Personal Branding Mastery in Nashville on February 10th, 2012. If you want to learn more, click here to find out about our event!

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Categories : Marketing, Networking
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What Motivates People to Share Your Blog, Tweet or Facebook Status

By Tim Davis · Comments (0)
Tuesday, January 17th, 2012

If you know what motivates people to pass your content on, you have a much better chance of getting them to keep doing so in the future.

Why is it that people are willing to continually pass on content from certain sites to friends, while not at all for other sites?

These are some of the main factors in play when it comes to why people pass on certain pieces of content.

Thinking Emotionally Rather Than Logically

Really great marketing gets people to take action by having them think emotionally rather than logically. For example, if a video gets someone really shocked and outraged about some political position, they might post that video on their Facebook wall without necessarily double-checking any of the facts in the video.

It wasn’t necessarily that the video presented shocking facts, but the fact that they managed to get the watcher in an outraged emotional stage.

If you can get your content to really get people fired up, they’ll often be much more willing to pass it on to their network.

 Wanting Their Friends to Have a Good Experience

This principle is very basic. It’s the same reason why we recommend restaurants and movies to friends: we just want them to have a better experience.

If you create a website that helps people in a certain industry do things faster and cheaper, there’s a good chance your content will get passed around simply because people want their friends to have a better experience.

To make this process easier, it often helps to have “sound bite sized” pieces of information. For example, if you run a website about how to repair your credit, instead of having someone just pass on your website, it’s much easier for them to pass on an infographic specifically about how to repair your credit before buying a home, if they had a friend who’s on the verge of buying.

 You Helped Them; They Want to Help You

Have you ever had the experience of getting such great customer service that you wanted to return the favor? For example, you go to a restaurant whose service is so spectacular that you feel like you want to bring more people to their establishment just because you want to help them out.

If your clients get the sense that you’re really looking out for them and that you really care about them, they’ll often be willing to return the favor.

Ordinary service doesn’t elicit this kind of loyalty. But if you provide exceptional service, this kind of marketing can be one of the most powerful marketing tools in your arsenal. Many viral campaigns work just based on using one of these principles. A few of them activate all three principles and really take off. Which ones make the most sense for your business?

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Categories : Marketing, Social Media, Uncategorized
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How Information Products Build Your Personal Brand and Attract Customers – Part 1

By Tim Davis · Comments (0)
Friday, January 13th, 2012

Information Products Make YOU the EXPERT!

Are you addicted to information products? Many people around the world are. They’re quick and easy, they help us solve problems in our life and they’re a great way to gain education and knowledge without having to leave our homes.

Additionally, they’re instantly accessible. We can download a workshop, book or expert interview and read it or watch it on our mobile devices, from our couch or while sitting in the waiting room at the doctor’s office.

Information products have become immensely popular and are one of the best ways to build your Personal Brand!

Because of their popularity information products also have the ability to serve a number of business building functions.

Information products can:

Just looking at what an information product or products can do for your personal branding is enough to make you want to get creating, right? Before you begin creating an information product, however, it’s important to determine your ultimate goal.
What Do You Want Your Information Product to Accomplish?

This is the first question to answer. Once you have the answer to this question, then you can move onto the actual product creation process.

So…what’s your product’s goal?

Take some time to contemplate the answer. Look at where your business currently stands. Are you looking for more traffic? Do you want an introductory product in your sales funnel? Do you need to add a top level product to your sales funnel? Do you need to build an opt-in list?

Action Step – Start with your goal first. Write down what you want to accomplish with your information product.

Want to know more? Join me February 10th, 2012 in Nashville for the Personal Branding Mastery Conference! I will show you the exact blueprint to make YOU the Go-To Expert in your business!

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Categories : Leadership, Marketing, Personal Branding, Sales, Uncategorized, video, video marketing, Writing Your Book
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3 Reasons Every Small Business Owner Needs to Create Their Own Information Products

By Tim Davis · Comments (0)
Thursday, January 12th, 2012

Every business owner, sales professional and service based pro I meet is looking for a way to stand out from the crowd, build their personal brand and attract their ideal client. The challenge is always – what is the best way to make that happen?

Years ago when I was owned my mortgage company I was faced with the same problem. How could I get people to see me as the Go-To Expert™?  As I looked around, observed and studied experts in other industries I realized that there were certain items they had that created a distinct separation and branding for themselves.

They had written their own books, recorded their own audio products and even had podcast of their information. In fact I recently watched a video interview with Seth Godin where he spoke about the move to the information age. Everyone is looking for relevant information that solves their biggest problem and someone is going to provide that info, will it be you?

There are 3 Big Reasons that every business owner needs to create their own information products.

  1. It Builds YOUR Confidence. Confidence is the one area every business owner needs to succeed. Without confidence, there is not a system in the world that will improve your sales
  2. Credibility and Influence with your target market. Providing relevant informational content in the form of audio, white papers, books etc will gain you credibility with your audience.
  3. Attract your ideal client. Informational products, when put together the right way, will attract your ideal client to you.

I learned this lesson years ago with my first audio product, How to Buy Your Dream Home in 7 Steps. It was a huge hit and I received a lot of business as a result.

Want to know more and find out how to stand out? I am going to be hosting a 1 day seminar, Personal Branding Mastery™  in Nashville, TN on Feb 10th 2012 where I am going to show you the exact blueprint for creating your own informational products that will explode your sales! Find out more by clicking here.

 

 

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Categories : Marketing, Personal Branding, Sales
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The Two Essential Abilities Needed for Success in Sales

By Tim Davis · Comments (0)
Monday, November 28th, 2011

Are sales people born? Ask 10 people and you will get 10 different answers.

So rather than debate whether or not sales people are born, I want to focus on two abilities that I believe are critical to success for sales people. There are numerous systems, checklist and strategies for selling, but as I have discussed before, if the sales pro lacks confidence, the systems simply will not work – I don’t care who created them.

So what are the two abilities critical for success?

#1 Like-ability. Very few coaches and trainers address the issue of likeability, probably because it is uncomfortable to tell someone that they are not like-able. Be that as it may, the reality is that if you want to really succeed in sales, then you need to be likeable and the best way to be likeable is…

  • Be genuinely interested in people
  • Ask questions about the thing they like to talk most about – themselves

#2 Market-ability. I write, speak, coach and train on Personal Branding, but it doesn’t work the same for everyone. Some people are just more marketable than others and that normally comes down to their personality. When it comes to marketability, I have found the following makes the difference

  • An out-going personality
  • Being genuine
  • A sense of humor
  • The desire to give value and help people

So there you have it, the two abilities that will really make your sales career skyrocket.

 

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Categories : Marketing, Sales
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My 4 Step Formula for Rapid Growth in Your Business

By Tim Davis · Comments (0)
Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011

Many of my regular readers know that I have recently published a children’s book, Squiggly’s Race to the Ark. The other day I was talking to a friend and he asked me what my plans were to market and promote the book.

I thought for a minute and said, “I’ll just use my rapid growth blueprint™. It has worked for every business and launch I have done as well as what I teach my coaching clients.”

Needless to say, he was intrigued and asked me what exactly was my Rapid Growth Blueprint™? I agreed to write a blog post describing my blueprint, so here it is, complete with a picture :)

STEP 1: Find your biggest fan! This part is critical. You need to find a customer FAST! who thinks that your product or service is the best thing since sliced bread. I really mean it. Having the right fan is critical to making the rest of the formula a huge success.

STEP 2: Cut a deal with them! Do whatever you need to secure them as a client. If you need to cut your price, offer a discount or give some added value, don’t hesitate, just do it. Why? Because it will be their testimonial, that will propel your business and attract more customers than any other advertisement you could possibly do.

STEP 3: Get testimonials – Pictures and VIDEO! This is what you really want! Why? Because future clients believe and trust testimonials. They are the social proof that you provide stellar products and services. But don’t just get any testimonial, get a video testimonial and pictures with you and your happy customer. You will be able to use these on your website, and in other future marketing materials.

STEP 4: Use the testimonials to get new clients. Don’t get shy now! Use the testimonials EVERYWHERE! Blog about them, share them on social media and include them on other materials as well. Wouldn’t it be cool to put them on your business card? Think outside the box!

 

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Categories : Business, Marketing, Personal Branding, Sales, video, video marketing
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The #1 Reason that Keeps Speakers from Getting Paid to Speak

By Tim Davis · Comments (0)
Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011

So you have this burning desire to be a speaker, right? So much so that you jump at the chance to speak regardless of if you are getting paid or not…am I speaking to you?

I understand because I would go speak for free just to be able to speak because I love inspiring, encouraging and adding value to people until I realized the one big reason that I wasn’t getting padi to speak…

I wasn’t asking.

Sounds simple doesn’t it? If you don’t ask, then why would anyone pay you?

Sometimes we make business complicated when all we really need to do is just ask. The biggest reason that most speakers don’t ask to get paid is that they are afraid. If you have a great message and deliver great content, then you are entitled to be compensated.

If just one person takes one idea and it changes their life, what is that worth? No one could even come close to putting a price tag on that kind of information, so if you want to get paid to speak, learn to ask. It really is that simple.

 

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Categories : Marketing, Speaking, Uncategorized
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5 Profit Producing Rules of Business I Wish I’d Learned Earlier

By Tim Davis · Comments (2)
Monday, November 21st, 2011

Regardless of your business, there are some standard rules, that when applied correctly, produce amazing results, loyal customers and piles of profits. Some of these rules may come easy, while others you may need to work for some time to completely master, but when I look back over my business career, I wish I had someone shake me hard enough to get these through my thick skull.

  1. The #1 Rule: Be willing to walk away. You really don’t “need” every deal. Have the confidence to walk away from customers and deals that just don’t feel right or fit your business plan.
  2. If you have to drag them in, you have to drag them through. Customers that want to dictate terms and tell you how to run your business are neither profitable, nor do they send referrals (and if they do send you a referral, they are just like them) Don’t spend time trying to sell someone. Give them the features and benefits and let them make a choice.
  3. Confidence is everything. Without confidence, there is not a plan, checklist, or strategy in the world that will work. When it comes to gaining confidence the rules is – “Do whatever it takes to build your confidence”
  4. Get momentum FAST. My business coach, friend and mentor, John Maxwell calls this the BIG MO. It can be hard to get and even harder to keep. Momentum can change the outcome of a ball game and can change your business, so do whatever you can to get momentum FAST!
  5. Become a master marketer. You can be the best at your business, but being the best does not mean you will create customers or profits. Make sure you learn all you can about marketing, because the best marketer will outperform the best in your business everyday and twice on Sunday’s.
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Categories : Leadership, Marketing, Sales
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5 Steps to Take if You Want to Become a Paid Speaker

By Tim Davis · Comments (2)
Friday, November 18th, 2011

Several time per week I will get an email asking me how I got into the speaking business and how anyone can become a paid speaker. The short story is that I literally fell into the speaking business by accident. At the time  I was introduced to the speaking industry, I had no idea how much I would enjoy being a speaker.

Knowing what I know today, I wish I had been introduced to the speaking business years ago, because I absolutely love being a speaker! Recently I wrote a post about a dear friend, Denai Vaughn who tragically passed away unexpected in a traffic accident. Here life was cut short, but she was passionately pursuing her speaking career, so I would suggest that if you really want to become a paid speaker, get started now. Don’t wait, life is too short.

That being said, let me offer 5 P’s that you need to consider to get started as a speaker

  1. Positioning. Simply put, if you want to be a speaker you need to position yourself as a speaker. People need to know what you do, so start letting them know that you are a speaker.
  2. Platform. A platform is simply what you are know for. Do you speak about Leadership, Sales, Marketing? Who is your target audience? Right now I am booking speaking opportunities for my new children’s book, Squiggly’s Race to the Ark. While I am currently speaking to children, I am developing a platform of business principles I learned from writing a children’s book that I will eventually be promoting to the business community.
  3. Packaging. Your marketing materials, including your website should package you as a speaker. I talk about packaging in my book, Personal Branding Mastery.
  4. Products. Having your own products such as audio programs and even your own book will accelerate your speaking career.
  5. Promotion. 20% of speaking is the actual speaking. 80% of your time and energy needs to be devoted to marketing your speaking business.

I believe that, regardless of your business, speaking is one of those skills that is necessary to master in order to build influence and bring in more customers. If you work on the 5 P’s, you will find that can actually get paid very well to speak to large audiences. If you have the heart of a teacher and a burning desire to impact people’s lives, then speaking could be the career you have been looking for!

If you would like for me to write more post about becoming a paid speaker, leave a comment below. If you have a question, I will answer that as well. The more comments, the more post :)

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Categories : Marketing, Personal Branding, Speaking
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The Top 15 Ways to Build Your Email List

By Tim Davis · Comments (0)
Thursday, November 17th, 2011

Email marketing can be profitable for any business, no matter what kind of product or service you offer. It is significantly cheaper than other advertising methods and, if done right, helps build loyalty and trust with customers. As a result, you generate more sales and more profits!

The foundation for successful email marketing is a targeted, permission-based email list. Marketers call contact lists their ‘goldmine’ because it can generate much of their sales revenue. If you’ve built up a list of opt-in subscribers that are qualified and interested in what you have to offer, then you’ve completed the first step and are on your way. Now it’s time to ‘mine’ for gold!

Below you’ll find several list-building and retention ideas that will help you get the best results from all your email marketing activities:

  1. Provide useful, relevant content. Your visitors will not give you their email addresses just because they can subscribe to your newsletter free of charge. You have to provide unique and valuable information that will be of interest or use to them.
  2. Add a subscription form to every page on your website. Make sure it stands out so it is easy to find. If it doesn’t look cluttered, you may want to include more than one on some pages. For instance, if your opt-in form always appears in the top-left corner of your site, you may want to add one at the end of your most popular articles.
  3. Add subscription forms to your social media pages. Make sure that you don’t waste this valuable source of revenue opportunities. Integrate your sign-up forms with Facebook and more!
  4. Make it easy for readers to sign up. The more information you request, the fewer people will opt-in. In most cases, a name and an email address should suffice. If it’s not necessary, don’t include it here. You can always survey them once they’re customers! We do recommend that you provide a link to your Privacy Policy however.
  5. Publish a Privacy Policy. Let your readers know that they can be confident you will not share their information with others. The easiest way to do this is to set up a Privacy Policy web page and provide the link to it below your opt-in form. (Note: If you don’t have one, put the words ‘privacy policy generator’ into a search engine and you should be able to find a suitable form to use.)
  6. Provide samples of your newsletters and Ezines. This lets potential subscribers review your materials before they sign up to determine if it’s something they’d be interested in.
  7. Archive past newsletters and articles. An online library of past newsletters and articles is both appealing and useful to visitors and builds your credibility as an authority. In addition, if your articles are written with good SEO techniques in mind, they can increase traffic to your website through enhanced search engine positioning.
  8. Give gifts subscribers can actually use. Offer an opt-in bonus for joining your subscriber list! Write an ebook or provide a PDF business report, or even hire a programmer to create downloadable or web-based software. But don’t limit yourself to offering gifts to opt-ins. Give them out when your readers fill out a survey, provide a testimonial, success story, or a great product idea. Let them know when they can expect the next gift offer. Everyone likes to get something for free! And if you pass out ‘goodies’ throughout the year, your subscribers will feel truly appreciated − and that’s good for business!
  9. Ask your subscribers to pass it on. Word of mouth is a powerful viral technique that works great with email marketing. If your subscribers find your content interesting, amusing or informative, they’ll probably share it with their friends. This can be a great source of new customers, so make sure to remind them to ‘pass it on’.
  10. Let others reprint your newsletter as long as the content is not modified. If you’re happy to share your content with the universe, then why not! Many webmasters and newsletter publishers are actively looking for high-quality content and, if they reprint your newsletter, you’ll get new subscribers, and more traffic and links pointing to your site.
  11. Include a ‘Sign Up’ button in your newsletter. If you’re using plain text instead of HTML, be sure to provide a text link to your subscription page. You may feel that this is not required because the subscriber is already on your list, but remember that readers will forward your newsletters to others, or reprint them online. Make it easy for them to subscribe!
  12. Add a squeeze page. A squeeze page has one goal − to acquire opt-ins and build your list. Think of it as a mini-sales letter to go along with your subscription or opt-in gift. It should feature a strong headline and a couple of powerful benefits that should make subscribers salivate to sign up! Once created, use a service such as WordTracker to find hundreds of targeted keywords, and promote your offer using pay-per-click advertising from Google, MSN and Yahoo. Now that should make a splash!
  13. Include testimonials on your squeeze page. This is crucial. Put one or two strong testimonials from satisfied customers on your squeeze page. This can be in any format, but you may find that multimedia (audio or video) is more ‘believable’ and inspires more people to action. To further enhance believability, get permission to use actual customer names, locations and/or urls (Don’t use ‘Bob K, FL’). Add a note inviting others to participate. After all, it’s free publicity!
  14. Blog religiously. Blogging is a great way to communicate with prospects and potential customers, and creates a nice synergy with your email marketing. Be sure to include your newsletter sign-up form on each page of your blog. You can start a free blog at Blogger or WordPress.
  15. Post on other blogs. Post thoughtful comments and information on similar blogs with a link to your squeeze or opt-in pages. Also comment on others’ blogs through trackbacks. In most cases, your comments will be posted on their blogs with a link back to your site. This is an easy way to generate new traffic and subscribers, and get your brand out there!

I use Get Response for my email list. You can find out more about them by clicking on any of the links in this blog post. Those links are my affiliate links, so that means that should you sign up for Get Response, I may receive a commission.

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Categories : Email Marketing, Marketing, Personal Branding
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