SuccessHeart: Adventures in Business with Heart!

The Surprising Reasons to Start Your Own Business

2010-07-13T10:21:00.000-07:00

The motivations for starting a business run the gamut from running away from corporate life to running towards making a lot of money. Regardless where you fall on that line, some of the most common reasons people start a business may set them up to struggle if not down-right fail in this effort.

Be My Own Boss

Many people start a business because they are tired of dealing with the vagaries of working for someone—or something like a corporation—else. Unfortunately there is a serious problem with this reasoning. Take a look at the statement: if you’re going to be your own boss that means you’re still just going to be working a job. A different job than you had before, but still a job. Running your business is nothing like working a job.

Take a minute and really consider: I’m completely serious about this. If you want to be your own boss, don’t start a business. Become an independent contractor, a sales person with a route, or something similar. I’ve done all of these well things and made good money at each one. Most people find that the things that drive you crazy as an employee are much easier to deal with when you’re an independent contractor/consultant in the same arena. And in most cases once a project is completed you can move on to something else.

Starting and running a business so much more than a job. You must become more than an employee or a boss. While I love it and believe with all my heart that anyone can learn to be a successful entrepreneur with the right help, each person must answer the important questions about why and how they want to do this type of venture. I took one of my clients through this process and he found out that starting new business actually wasn’t his top priority at this time in his life. That’s HUGE!

So what is a good reason for starting a business? In truth you need three things to make it a success.

The Three-Way StartUp Success Formula

#1 An usual method or approach: Very few completely new markets exist. Most businesses or services are new combination or updated product to handle an existing problem. No matter your product, service, or focus you must have a unique approach to make it work. Since you ARE unique this isn’t as hard as it might seem. Your unique spin on your business however is essential to your success. Even if you’re doing something as routine as being an insurance agent, you must identify and magnify the qualities that make your business different from others around you.

#2 Spending less capital on the startup: If you’re going to succeed, you’ve got to take advantage of every way to save money on the startup process you can. I’m not saying you should cut corners so much people can’t take you seriously. And over and over again I’ve watched people romanticize starting a business and spend money in wasteful ways. You can spend money in literally hundreds of ways that will not increase your bottom line. Don’t do it! Your money needs to go into growing the business not your ego or other crazy things many new entrepreneurs fall into. (My eBook on just how to do this will be out early this fall if you want to get head start on saving money AND starting your business.)

#3 Unique understanding of your market: This one is perhaps the hardest factor to discover and create. Many new entrepreneurs in service businesses don’t know yet what their ideal customer is like. So this may feel like a Catch 22. That’s one of the reasons I offer The StartUp Genius Online Bootcamp. You CAN start this process effectively while learning who your idea customer is. And the standard methods for accomplishing this often slow new entrepreneurs down rather than speeding up their success.

So when you consider starting your business, start with your best foot forward: realize you are NOT the boss and this isn’t just another job. It’s much, much more. Then add in the three qualities of a successful startup to increase your chances of success. There are no guarantees for a startup. If you dream of running your own business, however, you may be guaranteed regret if you don’t ever do it.

Wishing you Success & Heart,

Heidi Sue

What does it take to create a successful startup?

2010-07-09T10:07:00.000-07:00

Startup companies come in many flavors and styles. From solo ventures that power ahead despite the usual odds to dream teams that manage to fail despite the expectations, what do you need to make your startup dream a success?

Here are the key factors for a startup company that will make the bank—or break you in the process.

Ability: Although most people know Einstein’s famous quote that inspiration is 99% perspiration, in reality if you don’t have the 1% spark of some kind of genius there’s nothing build on a goal worth the perspiration. And right now is a great time to take your talent and build on it. Lots of smart, valuable people simply can’t find work.

2010 is a powerful startup environment for this reason. And the same basic idea applies: add to your personal genius strength. Whatever it is about your drive to do this business that is different and unique can be used to attract others with compatible genius you need. In fact, it’s best to work with others who are talented in ways you are not. You can create the phonebook-strength rather than reinforcing only your own abilities.

Entrepreneurial Attitude: Have you ever worked for a company where your co-workers were great and the rules of the company made everyone crazy? Well one of the secrets to creating a successful startup is creating an environment, a way of doing business, which allows entrepreneurial success. Valuing attributes such as creativity, inspiration, discussion, and testing ideas is key to having everyone support you in a powerful way.

Even if you outsource things rather than hiring employees, the attitude you instill into your entire process is still essential. It becomes nearly intangible and in turn gets other people excited about you and your business.

Oddness: The quality of oddness may be the hardest to explain and grasp. The idea encapsulates actions such as choosing and working within an area of the market that is either under-utilized or seen as too risky. You can literally take this in a couple directions. Perhaps you have a truly unique way to work with an existing market or product segment. In fact most innovate products come from updates of something that already exists and taking it in a completely different direction.

An oddity might be doing something this is completely counterintuitive to what’s happening in the market. When you know the rules, break them deliberately and do so in a way that creates success you create a very hot property. And lots of people will observe this and be sure you’ll fail. Is failure possible, of course. It is not however guaranteed.

Instinct: Entrepreneurs and startup companies typically need a lot of help. The question is who do you trust? Too often excitement overrules common sense and gut-smarts. If you’re considering an engagement with someone as a result of your startup, trust your senses. Seems too good to be true? It probably is. Something about this person gives you pause? Resolve that before moving forward. Developing your instincts on who to trust, how much and when makes a huge difference to your success.

What’s the most powerful way to create your startup? Combine these elements into one thing, one dream, one plan. Any one idea shared here increases your chance for success. Combined you move from addition to multiplication. We’re all looking for more powerful results.

Good luck with your venture—I look forward to hearing what you discover as you work these ideas into your startup.

Wishing you Success & Heart,

Heidi Sue

Bootstrap StartUp Secret #5

2010-06-08T09:26:00.000-07:00

Watch Your Cash

If you’ve spoken with me in person, you know how worked up I get about the long-term confusion foisted on New Entrepreneurs through the guise of accounting. So I want to make sure you know this key BootStrap secret.

Just about everyone is going to tell you that you’ve got to set up a complicated accounting system when you start a business. If you’re doing a true BootStrap—small amounts of cash, big amounts of heart, and a chunk of your time, you can waste a lot of time and money chasing your tail on this one. As far as the banking and accounting process what you really need is to closely track your cash. How much is coming in? Where is it coming from? How long can you keep the cash that comes in?

Be as detailed and aggressive with the money you spend. Track in great detail what comes into your business as a result of spending money. If you invest in a marketing campaign, create a specific, detailed way to measure the results (coupon, special offer, etc.). The goal here is to know down to the penny how many customers, how many sales, sales of what size happened because of the money you spent.

Money that you do need to spend on printed materials, hard goods (items purchased to be used in the business but not consumed such as furniture, computers, and such) keep track of how long they last, how much you use them, and if you actually get a result from the usage that grows your business.

Do you believe Internet access at the office is essential? It might be. Then again, for your business, it might not be. Your cell phone might be much more important so a BlackBerry and service might be more valuable than an Internet drop into your office.

It’s important to have an intimate understanding of the money moving into and out of your business. Why and how it moves, what are the cash flow cycles? The more of this information you have the more you can actually control and respond to the rhythms and demands of your business.

My wish for you is that you reach a point with your business that the involved accounting procedures become an asset for your business. You will need the ability to combine accounting information by outbound (Accounts Payable) and inbound (Account Receivable)—and it’s really not more complicated than that at this stage of the game.

Wishing you Success & Heart,

Heidi Sue

Bootstrap StartUp Secret #4

2010-06-08T09:24:00.000-07:00

Deal Effectively with Feelings of Desperation

Your ability to notice and respond to desperate feelings while you’re getting your BootStrap Start-Up going are essential. Because you really are the key element of your business at this stage, your feelings, actions and choices are the foundation of success—or failure. My clients find these tools consistently helpful, so you can have a head start by using these simple steps for handling these kinds of feelings.

First thing to do: Quickly notice your desperate, helpless or overwhelmed feelings. You may be tempted to just work or power through your feelings. You get short-term benefit for a long-term, undesirable impact. You may end up working in counter-productive directions.

What are your “tells” when you feel this way? Even if no one sees it, you feel it and can find the small cues for your experience. Extra fidgeting? A sudden urge to multi-task? Unexpected craving for coffee or sugar? Cranky for no reason? Whatever your symptom, develop the ability to recognize them quickly.

Take a look back at times when you’ve felt this way and see what you can learn so you’re better prepared next time.

Second thing to do: Make a physical change for yourself. When you recognize the symptoms, do something physical to create a mini-break. In the training business it’s called a state-change. All you do is change your physical position—other changes follow.

Kandy Love, my yoga teacher when I live in Florida said, “If you have a problem do a headstand or a down-dog. It’s got to look different from upside.” And it works! Just like deep breathing, these two poses increase blood flow to your breath. So when desperation comes up, don’t just stay there! A la Churchill, keep moving!

Third thing to do: You might be tempted to just jump straight to this one. Sure, you could do that, but I strongly suggest using the first two steps—you’ll get better results when you use them in order.

Ask yourself, “Is this actually true?” For example, you may feel desperate about taking the step to start your business. Maybe you hear things such as you never could do it before, why don’t you just get a job like regular people, you’re too old, you’ll waste the retirement, you won’t have enough energy to do a business now, and many other internal arguments for moving forward.

One way to find out what’s true is to write down all the reasons the next step is a bad idea. Now, ask yourself if each one is true. What could make each panic point true? What makes them less likely to be true?

You’re going to run into a lot of myths on what it takes to be an entrepreneur and what you have to do to have a successful business. That’s one of the reasons I teach which rules to break when during the BootStrap Your Start-Up Program.

Many of those rules simply aren’t true—I’ve been “breaking” most of them for 20 years now. What matters is looking at whatever fears/rules come up and figuring out if a desperate feeling is a warning you should heed or an assumption that just doesn’t apply.

Your goal is be aware that feelings of desperation are normal for new entrepreneurs. And they don’t have to define if you succeed or not. You have choices when you find yourself in this situation. It’s fast and effective to change your physical orientation such as standing up, moving from your desk to a table, or even taking a quick walk get you out of the loop and stimulate nature abilities to be clear and intelligent.

With so much mythology and long-standing tradition, being able to tell the difference between what’s true for you, true now, or just not useful is key.

Wishing you Success & Heart,

Heidi Sue

Bootstrap StartUp Secret #3

2010-06-08T09:21:00.000-07:00

Don’t be Surprised When You Feel Desperate

You might wish or believe that all your feelings about your start-up will be positive. Better to accept they won’t and be prepared when things get bumpy.

I cannot predict when a sense of desperation will strike you. However, I can assure it’s normal and doesn’t mean anything your success or failure. Some feel this way from the beginning. Others find a new contract, raising your rates, or hiring out services trigger the feeling. And some entrepreneurs reach a point of feeling desperate when they are away from the business.

No matter when this strikes you, responding effective is important. Failing to do so has serious consequences ranging from becoming an unhealthy workaholic to giving up on the venture.

Desperate Time #1: During the initial phase of launching the business is a common time to feel this way and be tempted to panic. It might be triggered by the process of preparing to publicly declare the business or shortly after. Either way, you want to be aware this is completely normal for a new BootStrap Entrepreneur to have these feelings.

Desperate Time #2: You might be surprised by this one—many people are. Another time a new entrepreneur may feel desperate is the first wave (and any additional waves) of success. Although this may seem counter-intuitive, waves of success run into whatever you learned about business: can’t be trusted, not for people of quality, etc. So success waves can also trigger feelings of desperation.

Desperate Time #3: Another critical situation may trigger feelings of desperation: the business growing to the point where you need to stop doing everything solo. But the thought of handing off any responsibility to someone new is terrifying. What if they don’t do it properly, just like you? You won’t be as in control and that is scary. How can someone else possibly care about the business as much as you do?

You may find other times or situations that bring up feelings of desperation—these are the common ones I’ve experienced personally and coached my clients through. The good news is you’re human and can use your unique qualities (thank goodness!) that come to ahead.

Entrepreneurs have rites of passage, too. Fortunately, you don’t have to walk the road blind. Tomorrow I’ll share some techniques for handling these feelings when they come up.

Wishing you Success & Heart,

Heidi Sue

Bootstrap StartUp Secret #2

2010-06-08T09:13:00.000-07:00

Make Cheap-Cuts Not Short Cuts

You read during Secret #1 that I suggest you find ways to NOT spend money over all the methods of spending a ton of money on your start-up. I call these techniques Cheap-Cuts™. Short-cut implies not doing it well—cutting corners that won’t show but bring down quality. This is not good for your business. Neither does just completely believing all the advice you hear.

I’m going to share with you today five of the 50 Cheap-Cuts I teach in the The StartUp Genius Online Bootcamp. These are some of the key places you can make Cheap-Cuts and not hurt your business.

Cheap-Cut #1 Do not create the standard, expensive involved website: While everyone expects you to have a website, the majority of those out there do not get you any business. You see, people rarely buy because they stop by your website and read the “About Us” tab, the “Services” tab and since the “Contact” tab is usually the last one, it’s a very rare Internet surfer who makes it that far to actually contact you. Face it, if they don’t contact you in some way, there is no business—just an expensive, typically useless website.

Cheap-Cut #2 Use pre-designed, inexpensive graphics for your initial logo: You can tap lots of resources for this type of solution. On some sites you pay as little as a couple bucks for a download. Use the graphic in a way that matches what you paid for, and I promise you they are not that hard to find or get, as revealed in the BootStrap Start-up Program. The average business that spends a lot on graphic design in the first 2 years wastes all that money. In 24-36 months re-design is needed and you don’t want to spend on this stuff twice at this stage.

Sadly, many first time entrepreneurs get hung up on this one and then don’t spent the money when it’s time. So skip paying twice. Make do with the highest level you can at the start. When the business has created the money, get an expensive art director and design.

Cheap-Cut #3: Do not buy more stuff :At the beginning you are likely to have more tax deductions than income to count against those deductions. There is no point to wracking up a ton of loss over what is allowed for your level of income. Just don’t do it! Use your existing computer. Use as much furniture from home for your office (at home or not) as you can.

Until that income level goes up to offset expenses and write-offs from these purchases, spending on this stuff means it takes longer to make a profit—which is how YOU get paid.

Cheap-Cut #4 Do not buy new stuff: Like using the furniture, computer and other equipment you already have, if you do need to buy more things for the business, buy used. Every town I’ve lived in has had used furniture dealers. Nice ones, not just Goodwill or Salvation Army. I have a solid oak legal filing cabinet in my office today that doubles a printer stand. It was a steal since it was used. Only $125. There’s no way I could get one new for that price. The unit is going to last a long time and I didn’t have to go into debt having an organized work space.

Cheap-Cut #5: Look into leasing equipment you have to get new: While this isn’t my favorite way to handle problems, you may have a situation where this is absolutely the smartest way to go. For example, a business that truly needs a high-volume copy machine or other higher-end office equipment, look into a full-service lease and compare it to purchasing. Often the monthly price will be a little bit higher with the advantage that you don’t have to pay extra for service calls and parts.

If you are used to taking care of everything yourself at home, don’t let that mindset trip you up for your BootStrap Start-Up. When a high-ticket item is unavoidable for your new business, ask for lease options. Upgrading is often easier and changing your mind can be a lot less painful.

As you can see, you can spend less in many ways. Learning from others experience will make or break your first start-up. Just be sure to ask questions about all that advice you’re going to get. I encourage you to keep reading, studying and checking your options for the most effective ways to BootStrap Your Start-Up.

Wishing you Success & Heart,

Heidi Sue

Bootstrap StartUp Secret #1

2010-06-08T09:10:00.000-07:00

Do you want to start a business of your own? Many people do. The most common reason I hear for this not working out is a person’s financial status. Fortunately, you don’t have to be limited by this in most cases. I have personal, repeat experience starting businesses on a Bootstrap Budget™ with success and income as a result..

You see, a lot of the advice out there is all about telling you how to spend your money. I believe it’s more important to find ways to avoid spending money—you want a thriving business not a money monster eating up your cash and savings.

So how do you create a BootStrap Start-Up? A BootStrap Start-Up uses your existing resources and abilities as the pivot point for a powerful beginning. Instead of requiring lots of new equipment and skills, your best bet for your first business is to start with the thing you already know best.

I’d like to share a person example to illustrate. A number of years ago I started my goofiest business so far. I wanted a business that didn’t involve spending hours at my computer and on the phone.

This new business had to get me out of the house and outdoors. After considering some options, I realized there was no professional pooper scooper business in the county where I lived. So I went for it. Most of my friends thought I was a crazy. I already had a successful consulting practice.

The business was crazy in some ways: how many people will actually volunteer to pick up puppy poo for money? For me, however, specific factors existed to make in perfect and not crazy:

· I had real-world experience as the daughter of a breeder and cleaning up after the dogs was one of my jobs at home until I left for college.

· I needed very little specialized equipment: $25 for the little box shovel and rake, a $2 plastic bucket for bleach water, and a couple bucks for bleach.

· I spent $50 for an introductory membership to an international associate of pooper scoopers

· I knew that I needed and how to get the individual regulations on my own

· I already owned a small pickup truck

· I knew people on the HOA of very expensive neighborhoods who were likely clients

Happily, this kind of slightly off-the-wall business is just the kind of thing you can easily bootstrap into surprising success. The risk is pretty low and the potential is often surprising.

What happened--Are you curious what can be accomplished scooping puppy poo? In three months I had enough clients to make $3,000 extra a month and was interviewing high school kids to help out during the busy summer months.

Best of all in less than a year my only competitor who worked in a couple other counties decided to expand her business and bought out my client list for over 300% of the cost to start the business.

This is a great BootStrap Start-Up Success. I highly recommend this type of business for your maiden voyage into professional independence. Many people find there is a lot to learn along the way. Why not start with something possible, accessible, and with as little risk as possible?

The key to a success BootStrap Start-Up is looking at your existing resources and experience with a different perspective.

What have you done in your life that you’re really good at that might never have been a profession or business for you before?

What physical resources or equipment do you already own that could also serve you in a business capacity?

Do you have unique connections (like mine with the HOAs) that can open doors for you ahead of others?

Most of the people I’ve met have at least two of the three factors. Don’t let your BootStrap Success Factors go unrecognized. Tap them for a business that’s well designed for you and success.

Wishing you Success & Heart,

Heidi Sue

How do you stay true to yourself in business?

2010-05-28T15:17:00.000-07:00

Have you ever signed up for a business training program and find yourself mysteriously adjusting your business model and objective to what you see model by the instructors?

If you recognize this experience, be assured it's normal. And fortunately it's not even an unhealthy pattern--it's very human. You also want to be aware that this is part of the process you want to pass through rather than stay there.

You've probably heard that imitation is the highest form of flattery. There's another reality you want to notice: Imitation is part of how you learn. One of the ways you master a new skill is by modeling it--doing it exactly like you've seen demonstrated.

The process starts with enthusiasm, desire and motivation. As a result, you put on the new information like your favorite new outfit. And you wear it and wear it and wear it. You probably did this as a child--or you've watched your children go through that time in their life when that one piece of clothing is essential minute to minute.

What happens eventually?

That items wears out or the person finally grows out of the habit. It's same for learning a new skill or concept. The fastest, easiest way to learn it is modeling exactly what you see. Soon you begin to feel that it doesn't quite fit any more, or it's gotten too worn out, etc.

For a new business owner, the biggest risk is that you spend so long wearing the concept or skill you learn from someone else that it pulls your business and your energy off the center of your intentions. The way to avoid this isn't a big secret. It's just not discussed.

Your Values are the key to completing this process successfully. Just as people review their intentions or affirmations on a regular basis, keeping your values in mind on a daily basis is key. You can quickly compare the details of the new concept or skill you're learning to the essence of you and your business.

When the time comes that it's no longer a match, you can set aside the garment that was a brilliant hand-me-down from someone else and take the best parts with you to integrate in your business, your abilities. Staying true to who you and why you do your work at the same time.

Wishing you Success & Heart,

Heidi Sue

What does bad advice for your start up look like?

2010-05-19T08:16:00.001-07:00

You can find more advice than you actually need about starting a business. In fact, you might find it overwhelming: so much you could read, learn, and study, not to mention everything you feel you MUST do to get started on top of all the information.

So how do you know which advice to pay attention to and which to dump? One of the key skills I teach new entrepreneurs is how to make decisions as if you'd already done this a few times. That way decisions can be made based on the skills from real experience, not just all that advice out there.

And when I find someone who "gets" the fact that not all advice is useful, it really excites me. In fact, I'm so excited by what Dr. Goodwin wrote I've asked to interview her for the Online Entrepreneur Bootcamp that starts July 1, 2010.

Dr. Goodwin wrote a great article, "Ten Tips to Ignore When Starting a Business." I highly recommend investing the few minutes it will take to read her article. Get ahead by reading this brief, pithy piece and get her wisdom for yourself. Her ten tips to ignore (as quoted from her article) when you're starting your business are:

1. Career freedom means starting a business.

2. Don't worry, be happy.

3. Visualize success.

4. If you can dream it, you can do it.

5. If other people can be successful, you can too.

6. You will probably fail.

7. If you feel energized about your goal, you will be successful.

8. You can always go back to what you were doing before.

9. You have had a successful career so far and you'll figure out to be successful now.

10. You will be fine; you just need more confidence.

Dr. Goodwin introduces a common challenge in the startup arena: mythology! The number of myths about starting a business and succeeding may be higher than those told in ancient Greek history. In many cases, these myths are embedded in your personal and social consciousness. What you believe about success and business influences your choices, behavior and results.

I find the doctor's willingness to point out some of these myths inspiring and valuable. If you haven't already opened up her concise article, read it now. Just click here. I guarantee you will be glad you did.

Wishing you Success & Heart,

Heidi Sue Roth

A wakeup call on the importance of NOT spending money

2010-05-13T17:10:00.000-07:00

Friends...

Anyone can discover the difference between growing a business and actually making money.

I've met, and even done a class with a met PJ Van Hulle. Her interactions with me have all been above board. I don't have a personal axe to grind. And she's absolutely right:

"After being forced to declare bankruptcy in the real estate crash, PJ Van Hulle, The Prosperity Queen, has learned first hand that MAKING MONEY and KEEPING MONEY are two entirely different skill sets and has become more passionate than ever about providing people with the financial education they didn’t receive in school."

PJ nails this challenge. And if you don't have experience with lots of money coming in to YOUR business and your pocket, it's a whole new game.

At the same time, this is a great opportunity to highlight WHY I am so strong in teaching you to question all that advice that tells you how to SPEND your money. If you're not taking any of it home, if none of it is going into retirement and other protections, it's time to learn something new.

I want to thank PJ for how she's been honest and great with me personally. And for her honesty about the challenge of the difference between making and keeping money. May her path to mastery of these lessons be as gentle as possible.

And for you, please stop, look, and listen. You can insist on learning these lessons the hard way. Or the easy way. I of course with for the easy path--then you can learn other lessons and come back to teach us what you've learned.

Wishing you Success & Heart,

Heidi Sue

From Little Funding to Fortune 500

2010-05-11T14:55:00.001-07:00

You've "heard" me talk about companies that started with not much money and still made it. Or those that started during another depression and are still around.

Today, I'd suggest you drop by Business Pundit and check out one of the articles there. You can see that I'm not the only one talking about these things.

When it comes to loans, business finance and many other things. you probably feel it's easier to just not deal with it. Fortunately, that doesn't have to mean you're dead in the water.

Check out: "10 Fortune 500 Companies That Started With Next to Nothing"

Find out who they are and where they are now--I'm sure you'll recognize these businesses.

Wishing you Success & Heart,

Heidi Sue

P.S. In case you're wondering...most of these were not started by business geniuses.

Spend Less, Make More: Get Great Graphics for Less

2010-05-11T14:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday!

I've got a great tip for you today--a specific way to spend less on your startup. You see, being a StartUp Genius (TM) means spending less and making money faster.

When it comes to quality graphics, this can be a big challenge. You don't want to just look cheap and cheesy. But spending a couple grand for complete custom design during the first 6-24 months is a waste of money.

So what's a savvy StartUp Genius to do?

Check out great, competitive sources. The market for great images is highly competitive. Some folks participate in "clearing houses" where you can get great deals on images for your marketing materials, your book, or your printed business materials for small prices.

May favorite source so far is Dreamstime.

Search Royalty Free stock images on Dreamstime:

">Dreamstime.com. I'm recommending them today for a couple different reasons.

You get more choices than you can imagine!
You pay based on the size of the image you want to use rather than a single flat fee.
Each purchase includes a certain number of impressions and ways you can use it.
The images are very high quality.
You only need $10 to get started
You'll find this service is easy to use.

I don't make a lot of referrals or recommendations. I'm picky about what or who I put my name on. However, in this case, I've used Dreamstime for my own needs. It's been easy, very affordable and I've gotten great results.

That said, if you want affordable, high-quality images that just don't look like everyone else, check them out. I had over 50 different images to choose from AFTER I narrowed down my search.

Search Royalty Free stock images on Dreamstime:

Enjoy--it's a fun place to wander around.

Wishing you Success & Heart,

Heidi Sue

P. S. Yes, they give me a free design if you decide to be a customer. Since I haven't used up my initial $10 in the past month, you can see my recommendation is simply about getting you to a great resource. I'm not going to retire off any "free image bank!" And it's too good to keep to myself.

HSR

The Benefit of Your Values in Business

2010-05-07T08:31:00.001-07:00

Have you been out in the blogosphere? Listening to the news?

In many arenas the idea of value continues to be a hot topic. Maybe you wonder how weaving your values into your own business can make a difference. Let's take a quick look at some of the ways aligning your values with your business creates benefit.

Energy: Many business owners end up in a situation where a close alignment exists between skills or abilities and the business they chose. However, your abilities are not what create passion and energy for your work. This comes from an entirely different relationship. Feeling burned out? Overwhelmed at work? You may be focusing on abilities and not values in your relationship to your business.
Fulfillment: One of my best friends worked for a very wealthy man for years. She watched as his company launched a very successful IPO, his family bought a real mansion (17 bedrooms!), and experienced many more monetary blessings. At the same time, it was clear that the money was never enough. Similiar to energy, fulfillment or satisfaction must be met by deeper needs and desires than simply accumulation.
Convictions: If your work is not directly connected to passion and values you may find it much easier to nudge the line in what is or is not okay methods for succeeding in your business. Your values lend power to holding the line for your convictions--when business is simply about business and nothing more, the motivation to maintain that line when it's tough is much lower.

No matter what you choose to do for work, the very first question is does it match your values--what matters to you most. Without that clarity you experience everything from it's hard to stick with something to being willing to just do a half-hearted job.

What can you do today to more closely align your values and your work?

Wishing you success & heart,

Heidi Sue

Do you want to start a new business? Think about your options

2010-05-03T12:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday, all!

I just started reading a new marketing book this weekend--I love getting new and old stuff into my thinking. This is a program I bought from someone else, so I'll finish the whole thing and use some of the ideas before going too far into the product results.

HOWEVER! The author reminded me of something I've known a long time and is still little talked about. If you're considering a new business, this an important idea to wrap yourself around.

Many people choose a network marketing opportunity as their entre into running their own business. You can get a lot of up-side from this kind of start-up. Unfortunately, you can also end up with a lot of downsides.

Here's the problem: retailers know that the minimum markup (stop, take a deep breath and really get this) for a decent product is 100%. If you're selling anything that you cannot mark up the price AT LEAST 100%, you're working way to hard to make money. I guarantee you that any store you shop in has this as their lowest bench mark.

My friend was a buyer for a large department store. Most of the things she selected for the store could be marked up 300%-400%. Furniture is marked up this much as a minimum. When you shop for groceries mark up is even more important. The percentage of money a store makes on produce is shockingly low (5% is not uncommon) so they HAVE to make it up on other products. Soda anyone? I worked a couple of fast-food gigs in high school--didn't we all? Back then the cost to make a soda for a customer was 5 cents.

My point here is that most network marketing opportunities don't hand you a 100% profit on what you sell. It goes to other people, other things, and other channels. Unless you are one of those people who can build a quality (aka producing) down-line fast you can easily end up in a loosing situation. Of course, lots of people know this lesson very well.

As you look at your product or service, factor in ALL of the expenses to offer it to clients (time to create, design expenses, web hosting, marketing, etc.) and then add a 100% increase to the cost of the product. You may think this is cruel and unnecessary. Even if you add this much increase, you won't end up taking home 100% of that number. Unexpected things happen. This minimum mark up protects you from loosing money, going out of business, or spending money you don't actually have on the business.

Check competitors prices: and figure out how to make your price work for your success, not just as a loss-leader (a giveaway to get a client). You, your family, and your employees will thank you.

Wishing you success & heart,

Heidi Sue

"Niching Doesn't Work"

2010-04-29T17:20:00.000-07:00

Thanks Suzanne! More room on the non-Niching Bus!
You typically hear in many marketing circles that the first thing you need to do is identify your niche. This terminology of a ‘niche’ doesn’t work for me because it feels very much like, “Find a group of people to sell to.” I’ve found that a better way to identify these people is to ask, “Who needs me most?” We all have a gift to share, so ask yourself “Who needs me and my gift the most?”
This concept is part of what I call ‘authentic marketing’ because it’s got to come from your heart. It’s got to be client-based and heart-centered for it to really work.
When you look at who needs you most and you can recognize what your ideal client is, it’s very important for you to be aware that you shouldn’t work with everyone.
I was once at a networking group and someone asked this gentleman, “So who’s an ideal client for you?” and he answered, “Anyone breathing.” That’s so not the case. If you agree with the fact that you have a unique gift and if you try to use that gift to serve everyone, you’ll quickly see that it’s just not possible. It’s simply not possible.
First of all, you can’t do your job well when you try to spread yourself that thin. You just can’t do everything, you can’t please everybody and you don’t have the skill set and the energy to try to spread yourself that thin.
The second part is that if you can focus on what your real gift is, combined with the people that your gift can be served by, that makes you really powerful.
It’s important to understand these prospects, these people who need you most, and to develop yourself as a perceived expert. Being an expert in your field is something that you really want to work towards not because you want to know it all, but because it is a way that you can make your clients feel comfortable and confident with you.
I have asked clients this question before – “If you need brain surgery and you’re given the choice of two doctors, and one doctor does brain surgery only and he’s really great at it, and the other doctor does hip replacements, knee replacements, and some brain surgery, who are you going to pick?” It is so obvious.
When I ask that question, it’s always obvious to the person I’m asking, but we don’t do that with ourselves and within our own businesses. We tend to ignore the fact that if we were looking for anything else for ourselves – from plumbers to brain surgeons to a designer – we would look for the best of the best that is specific to the area that we’re working in.
We need to really relate that to ourselves, strive to be the best of the best and develop the skillsets and connections necessary to be considered an expert in our area. Then focus on, “Who needs me most?” which will be a more useful guide in developing our businesses than stressing over finding our ‘niche.’
When you spend time delving into these areas as they apply to your business, you too will move past any fears about marketing in ways that feel uncomfortable for you, and into authentic marketing that naturally attracts your ideal clients and builds your business.

In success,

Suzanne Evans
Helping Profession Expert

Tel: (917) 385-1385
Email: Suzanne@HelpMorePeople.com
Web: www.HelpMorePeople.com
Blog: www.SuzanneEvansCoaching.com

P.O. Box 1073
Maplewood, NJ
07040
US

Affiliate Slime Upgraded to the Zombie Zone

2010-04-27T17:08:00.001-07:00

I highly recommend this article. Nathan captures another perspective on launches gone insane.

Want some tips on how to do it differently? Click Here.

Heidi Sue

Feed Your Head--With New Ideas

2010-04-19T14:24:00.000-07:00

I frequently experience tech-envy. Like right now I really miss having a SmartPhone. I was an early adopter years ago when they first arrived. These days, as much as I'd love to have one and believe it would be crazy convenient, my existing phone works just fine. And I've gotten annoyed about eWaste, so I'm sticking with the boring, basic one I got a few years ago before ramping up my Biz Chick self again.

Today, however, is my first experience with CHAIR envy! That's an entirely new experience. (Guess I missed the ruckus over these units last year. Oh well.) You see, I know first hand that keeping your perspective and thoughts fresh is one of the most important things you can do to build your success as an Entrepreneur. Even if you are doing a business that isn't specifically unique to you, you want to have a unique perspective and message regarding that familiar business.

One of the most common mistakes I see when meeting and working with entrepreneurs who have had a business a while is they've lost the ability to see and consider through fresh eyes. This is a deadly flaw for any business. While I advocate choosing a business you're passionate about and is connected to your values, the real point of what you do is your customers. Whatever form that takes. And when an Entrepreneur stops attempting to see through the customers eyes or flat out asking them for their opinion, the result is a cancerous business. You may find that it's a slow-growing form or a fast-growing disease, and the end result is the same.

That's why reading, studying, listening to training that moves you is so important. Fortunately, my partner David is also an avid reader. So I would probably have to fight him to sit in this chair. Heck, we probably need two. Take the best of sitting to read AND storing your books, magazines, and other items in a handy way...and you've got down right brilliance.

Whether you get one of these chairs--please invite me to see it in person in you do--or simply visit the public library, make a plan today for time and focus for feeding your head, your reality with new ideas.

Wishing you Success & Heart,

Heidi Sue

Heidi Sue

What Does Success in Reverse Look Like?

2010-04-16T15:47:00.000-07:00

Have you paid much attention to some of the colorful details of how Richard Branson made his way to success? While I don’t endorse specifically breaking the law, Mr. Branson clearly understands the value of doing things in the unexpected, unendorsed way.

Early on he signed music groups that were controversial and others were unwilling to take risk on. From odd music (have you checked out Baa, Baa, Black Sheep) to obscure musical styles, Branson stepped into places that others were not willing to explore. In fact, professional music probably would’ve told him NOT to take these risks and go to these places to succeed.

And you can see how well it has worked for Branson and Virgin brand, right?

So what places, people, and directions that you are seriously interested in that people consistently tell you won’t work, is the wrong direction, or a bad idea?

Here are a couple of quick tips to figure out if this is true, or not…

· Search the Internet for competitors: if you find none or a lot, those who think it’s a bad idea just might be right. If you find only a few, you could very well be on to something.

· Imagine who might want to buy this “bad idea”—and then go talk to at least 30 people who have the need , problem or pain that this bad idea could solve. Find out if the customers you imagine are actually out there any where.

· Answer this question: “What is the gap, lack or need that will never be filled if I don’t go after my ‘bad idea’?” Then hit the Internet again and see what else is out there and how much different is your idea? When your idea is very different from what you can find, the success potential is huge AND it’s going to be a lot of work to get there. If your idea is some easier, you’re looking at less work to get it in the market and more work to sell enough versions to make a good amount of money.

Once you done all—yes all!—of this investigations you’ll have a baseline sense of where you’re at and if you want to pursue this specific idea. Or put your creativity back on and come up with more ideas.

Here’s to the rule breakers! Tradition has value and so does operating outside the box.

Wishing you Success & Heart,
Heidi Sue

Go in Reverse to Succeed--Start a Business During the Recession

2010-04-15T16:13:00.000-07:00

Starting your business in a recession may seem counter-intuitive. In some ways you’d be right. In others, however, you’d be completely wrong.

One of the things I enjoy doing is seeing when different companies were started as reported on the Wikipedia listings. A quick scan of the years from the Great Depression will show you how many turned into Big Dogs that we all know. I realize your dream may not be founding the next megalithic international conglomeration, and I can relate. That’s not my thing either. What this does highlight, however is that even the worst of times can be a good time to start your business.

One of the reasons this is true is most of your competition is pulling in, doing less, getting smaller. When you find creative, inexpensive ways to promote your business, you can actually acquire customers for less money that during a growth cycle. Statically, the clients who come to you during a down market are very loyal.

In fact, the Challenger, Gray & Christmas report indicated that over 8% of people who were looking for jobs during the 2^nd quarter of 2009 employed themselves: they started a business. Owning your own business has the potential to be like beginning to the famous story: it can be the best of time, it can be the worst of times. And many people, myself included for over 20 years, prefer to make our own version work that rely on others to maintain employment status.

So why do you hear so much about how many businesses fail and how hard it is to start you own business?

This question gets right to the heart of the matter for me. Typical business experts and advisers are steeped in the perspective of the wisdom of Large Business. From structure and organization to priorities and timelines, most of the advice you can get is driven from the definition that being like and getting to Fortune 500 is success.

Imagine if Warren Buffet had simply followed the standard advice about investing and managing money? He has completely revolutionized this reality for those willing to listen.

One of your challenges as a Bootstrap Entrepreneur in this market is NOT thinking and doing like the established methods. Even Einstein told us that the thinking that creates a problem isn’t going to solve it. One of the easiest ways to make this work for you is to go in the opposite direction from all the advice. Most people are going that direction...consider going in reverse.

If you’re considering starting your own business, or you know it’s something you really want to do but aren’t sure how to proceed, take a survey of the standard advice out there. And there’s a ton of it you can get for free!

Once you’ve gotten grounded in the typical stuff, you can be looking for ways that match your heart and dream that allow you to do it in a different way.

Wishing you Success & Heart,

Heidi Sue

Values: The Trust Antidote

2010-04-14T14:11:00.000-07:00

This week I've shared ideas on how to change the selling process. I've suggested things like: "Stop doing it", "Don't close" and other things most people are tired of experiencing as part of the process to get what we want or need.

I realized that all of this continues to tie into the idea of value. What does it really mean to each person?

I ran into this head-on this week. Couple weeks ago I had my brakes repaired. As sometimes happens with an older car (7 years old) fixing one thing reveals another problem. While I wasn't thrilled to learn that my Baja needed more work despite being pretty low mileage, they gave me a quote and I decided to bring the car back after a few days so I could coordinate a carpool solution.

My car went to PepBoys on Sunday night. Monday morning I discovered I had a call authorizing the work. This didn't make sense to me since we'd already had this discussion.

Well, I had just started a trust roller-coaster. They came back and told me the price about almost $250 more than originally quoted. When I balked at the increase, the oddest things came up for the difference. And one thing in particular turned out to be completely unacceptable.

I COULD save $60 off the new, higher quote if I didn't want to pay extra for the warranty. Okay, what did that mean? I had to BUY peace of mind for the parts and workmanship for 12 months. I only got 90 days for free.

Excuse me? You're going to have my car for a day, take about $700 of my money, maybe more, AND after 90 days I'm SOL?

Well, you can probably guess what I said. I told them to put the wheel back on and I'd find someone else who would at least stand behind their work for a year.

This is a problem that is true for our culture right now at every level. Even at the most affluent levels of society, trust is pretty much shot. Time Magazine reports on the study that being wealthy and elite doesn't improve trust (click to read the article).

That's just one of the reasons it's time to stop selling. Stop traditional marketing behavior and a bundle of other things. The most important thing you can do is to do business from your values, your heart and your soul. Demonstrate that you are someone people can trust.

Until trust is part of the equation and potential clients agree they have a need that includes willingness to act, there's nothing to be done.

Value and Trust--the ultimate success combination and the Antidote for market exhaustion.

Wishing you Success & Heart,

Heidi Sue

Another Sales Secret: Don't Talk Price!

2010-04-13T15:51:00.000-07:00

One of the most common mistakes you can make when having a conversation with a potential client, or even an existing customer (remember…not more sales, no more closing!) is to talk price. I see people do this all the time. This is one of the easiest rabbit trails someone can take you down where you are likely to get lost.

Regardless of the temperature of the economy, most people bring up the question of price way too early in the conversation. If your potential client brings it up, be sure this is a pre-signal that they want to end the conversation. You’re being prepped for a good excuse and brush off. When you bring up price before you’re clear about customer need and desire for a solution, you’re running your own pattern (one of a couple) that will make sure the conversation doesn’t succeed.

Please understand, in today’s world for many people right now money really is an issue. When you’re looking for work after months, can’t afford to fix your car so you can get to work, or choosing between food and insulin…money is a real concern and not just an excuse. And in my experience this past year, people who truly want help and find themselves in this problem are usually upfront about their struggles in 1:1 conversations. So when it comes up for other reasons, note that reality and choose to respond in a different way.

What is that different way? Change directions. Don’t engage in this conversation unless both of you are clear about what this person needs, you have something that’s a match and that they this potential customer has a meaningful level of commitment ot make a change. Without these factors, price really doesn’t matter. So change directions from price and ask a question about the previous factors.

“What else do you need to know?”

“How would you describe success?”

Of course, you can also make up your own questions that relate to your service or product. Unless a client or potential client is clear about a need and motivation, there’s no point talking about price.

So let it go. Most of the time when price comes up, it’s out of sync with a positive conversation that builds relationship and success. Spend more time on other topics. The time and way to ever talk about price is when both of you are crystal-clear that moving forward is the best answer. Until that moment, the price conversation is pre-mature. So don't talk price--not until after all the other questions are answered.

Wishing you Success & Heart,

Heidi Sue Roth

Secret #2 No more closing--succeed by opening!

2010-04-12T15:32:00.000-07:00

Do you hear that phrase, “closing the sale” and cringe? Me, too. Personally, I feel like I’m cat with my tail in the door and it’s slamming closed before I can twitch past the door jamb.

This is another area where tradition and let’s face it, self-serving instructors, have worn everyone one out. Just like the long-standing “divide and conquer” tactics employed by many businesses, the ideas behind closing simply don’t fit any more.

How many times do you think you’ll got more business from someone if you “close” them?

Do you like how it feels to be closed or to close on a client?

In reality, the best “sales people”—and I use that term loosely because they aren’t actually selling—are all about keeping things open and flowing. The difference between closing and opening comes from a specific change. (First, get on board with the fact that you’re not selling any more!)

Closing implies that once the deal is done, it’s over. Sign on the dotted line so the Lounge Lizard (who can be male or female) gets a commission. And badda boo badda bing, it’s over. You’re screwed. (Well, how it seems to me anyhow.)

You want to know the truth? Any business or professional that wants to stay open long-term knows that this is actually just the beginning. Getting the contract, the first payment, whatever it is only means someone has trusted you enough to get started with you. It does NOT mean you’ve got a happy customer.

Even the big dogs out there struggle to get this one right. It’s one of the easiest places for you to shine as your small, responsive entrepreneurial self. The initial sale is truly just the opening. It’s buying the ticket to the show. The audience is not yet satisfied. So forget about closing. First of all it’s not actually true: nothing is closing. Second, if you want to make fewer new client-contacts (they take the most energy and cost you the most money) let that first exchange of money be the opening overture to a long, beautiful relationship with a client. Commit to accomplishing Long Term success!

What do you think? Are you ready to stop closing, or even feeling that you need to close a sale? Give up the pressure. What really matters is being open to continue the conversation. That is the most important thing for you as a business person.

There you go…a selling secret that sounds crazy--make your life better and increase the likelihood of success.

Wishing you Success & Heart,

Heidi Sue

You’re SMART if you hate Selling!

2010-04-12T14:29:00.000-07:00

If you have a business of your own, I bet you face the Selling-Gremlin on a regular basis. Do you try...to make yourself pick up the phone? (I know an insurance agent who gained a ton of weight with an oreo cookie award for each person he reached by phone). Maybe you force yourself to get accost people in public. Perhaps you drag yourself to one more useless networking event.

Recognize any of these symptoms? Then you have definitely met the Selling-Gremlin.

I know this challenge personally. In fact, it almost closed my very first business--10 times later I've learned a few things. This is a struggle many professionals face.

You see, you've got great reasons to hate selling. In fact, I am completely convinced that you’re actually SMARTER than the average bear if you really hate selling. You probably have had experiences that led you to this position.

· A pushy car salesperson handled you so badly that you either just walked out of the dealership (even though you really needed a car) or you lost your cool and pushed back. Hard.

· Some marketer called during a rare family meal. And talked and talked and talked—you didn’t even get a chance to say “No!” before a few minutes had passed. So again, you either just hung up feeling annoyed and frustrated or gave the caller a piece of your mind.

· You walk into a department store on a search-and-destroy mission. You needed one specific item: your goal was to get the time and get back to the rest of your life. What happens is down right crazy: you have to struggle through a gauntlet of desperate young sales people who want to squirt you with scents that sound weird and smell worse. It’s like getting through a log jam.

I've personally had all of these experiences and hated all of them. See, here’s the deal. The standard sales practices are all built on older, out-of-date behavior models. You’re tired of them, along with everyone else, because they are designed to work a sale through our survival instincts. The approaches are completed designed to tap our most basic “safe group” behaviors. And the chemistry that comes with this experience in both body and brain are not pleasant experiences.

Fortunately, in the past couple years new studies have come out that support other ways to handle the sales process. In fact, much of what we’ve learned is about NOT selling. Your success, instead, is more about being human, being who you really are.

What you hate is how it feels to be part of that old, outdated sales model. So if that’s what you know about selling, you’re being completely smart to not only hate it but to stop doing it. Your best bet when you present your services or product is be an honest, caring human being.

That’s a relief huh? More tomorrow on the NEW Secrets to Selling!

Wishing you Success & Heart,

Is the Biz Guru Advice Right for You?

2010-04-10T12:13:00.000-07:00

Great article on doing a sanity check for all that advice out there. Definitely worth the time.

Enjoy! Since this is the first weekend in ages when there's NOTHING official on my schedule, I'm logging off and kicking back.

Oh yeah!

Have a great weekend,
Heidi Sue

New Entrepreneurs, Secret #4---Finally!

2010-04-09T16:39:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon, all.

While it's fun to discover what I thought was a blog post is actually an entire book, or at least a large chapter in a book, it's an interesting experience to write and write and write...and know there's more to put down to actually complete the idea. And then create an edit that's useful for others while not 100 pages long!

Here's the first slice of the Kinds of People you need to success as a New Entrepreneur and WHEN You need them!

Secret #4 It’s not just who you know, it’s how and when you tap that connection

Another business truism is “It’s now what you know, it’s who you know.” I agree with that statement to an extent. I suggest you add that timing matters as well. When you tap your connection resources is just as important as having connections!

You need a few different kinds of people around you and your business if you want to succeed. To boost your success potential, be specific about timing your conversations with the various types of people who support an Entrepreneur in different ways.

What matters most is carefully choosing when you tap your personal resources of people and connections. Connecting too soon or too late for different kinds of people you already know is potentially a large factor in succeeding—or failing--as a New Entrepreneur. These are the types and times to reach out:

The Seer: The Seer is another person who can see your vision. He or She gets excited with you, for you and about your dream. You do and will continue to need this kind of support on the journey.

When you need this person: Regular check-ins and support from this person weekly or a few times a month with one or 1x a month with a couple of these people is essential support

The Aggregator: The Aggregator is someone is can actually be a little confusing to have around. This is one of those people who constantly shifts the different aspects or qualities of your venture are gathered up by an Aggregator. You may feel confused by all this person takes in at first. And if you're looking for a good lawyer, consultant or coach, this is who you want. (And yes, that's definitely the kind of person I am.)

When you need this person: At the beginning, regular, consistent contact is key. If you ever feel it would be helpful to have someone keep you on track and maintain your progress, an Aggregator is really helpful to get you doing THE key things not just all the busy stuff!

The Connector: This kind of person has more contacts than you can imagine and when they hear about your business what comes to mind for them first is someone they want you to meet. This person loves to provide introductions and they are priceless.

When you need this person: Connect with this person towards the end of your development/organization phase. Have a clear idea of what you want to do even if you don't know how before approaching the Connectors in your life.

The Analytic: This person gets into the details and frequently it feels like your vision and motivation is being torn apart. As a result, you are probably tempted to avoid them. Don't! This perspective is priceless. He or she finds all the gaps between steps or logic and points them out to you.

When you need this person: Any Analytic that you have in your life is your best support when you need to be sure that business presentation needs to be flawless, clear and persuasive to a point. If you want to make fewer mistakes and spend less money along the way, invest in honoring this person at these key times in your evolution as an entrepreneur.

The Client: The client is a person you know or meet who clearly needs what you offer. If you meet new people who are potential clients, practice listening more and speaking less. Perhaps you have an existing friend who is also a match for your work, Stop there. Let that person come to you in their own time. This is one of the hardest "sells" in the biz, so don't make it harder.

When you need this person: Engage with a potential client once you can describe what you do in less than 3 sentences and who you work with in 2 lines or less. Since the key is listening more, you're not ready for these conversations as a New Entrepreneur until you've started to get clear and concise. So, don't wait--this will change a lot over the first couple of business cycles. Start now and be ready sooner.

The Influencer: The Influence in many ways is a blended person or function. This person may also be strong in any of the previous traits. The Influencer connects you with people, but he or she does it in a completely different way than a Connector. An Influencer brings others along. Perhaps without even being a client.

When you need this person: You rarely have a bad time to spend time with any Influencer you know. For this relationship to work for everyone you need enough organization and confidence to be professional and effective. You do not need to be perfect. You need to have the tools to be ready to accept clients.

There you have it! These are the five kinds of people you need to support you as an Entrepreneur. Of course, as the book grows, I'll record the questions, conversations and tools I've used for a couple decades with these folks to grow my own businesses.

Have a super weekend!

Heidi Sue

Hear about it from someone who's doing it!

2010-04-09T16:33:00.000-07:00

Eric blogged an update about Stage of Life today. Drop by and check it out.

I had the chance to interview Eric a few months ago and am excited to hear the news. Along with his transparency in revealing how and why they've done things the way they wanted to.

Power to the 'Treps!

Heidi Sue

Make a Smart Choice for Your First Business

2010-04-08T16:05:00.000-07:00

Your best bet for your first business will be easier and more successful if you choose something with the following specific qualities. By incorporating these factors you’re your first business, you increase your profit potential while reducing your risk. Those qualities are.

Time-Based Success. This simply means a business that depends more on your expertise and time than on investing in how much stock in storage somewhere. Use your expertise as leverage to keep the cost of being in business lower. The cheapest business I ever started cost me $100. I already owned most of what I needed and the real invest was my time to make it work. In today’s market, time is your most valuable and important commodity.

Focus on Service. Regardless the business you choose, the ability of you and whatever size organization you create to provide personal, top-notch service to people is a make-or-break reality. When service is what you sell, this becomes an even more powerful component.

Expertise is the Valuable Product. The easiest, fastest way to turn an idea into something profitable is to re-frame your existing expertise. While this can be a challenge as we discussed during the first secret, it’s also the kind of business that has your lowest risk.

Profit from Skills instead of Product. This basic concept is to take your expertise and turn it into a system or educational package that teaches others how to master the things you’re the best at.

Overall, you want to choose and design your business for success from the beginning. Starting a business that involves product or stock that you need to store and sell increases your success challenges. Even if you work with a company that has a formula for working this kind of business (say a franchise or network marketing organization) success through product has the potential to be burden and means it takes longer and more money to succeed.

Your first choice in business success is a chance to get your “sea legs" and I recommend an easy sail. Being in business on your own is challenging; you can make the experience easier. You may decide that this isn't that path for you--passion and vision need to come first. And I still recommend doing the lower-risk/higher-return part first!

Wishing you Success & Heart,

Heidi Sue

OOOPS! 50+ New 'Trep Series Update

2010-04-07T15:53:00.000-07:00

I've been editing Secret #4 for tomorrow and discovered there's an entire book hidden in this secret. So here's a heads up. Tomorrow you're actually getting secret #5 and I'm saving #4 for Friday. I need more time with that content to get you the best stuff for the blog and outline the rest for an eBook.

See you tomorrow!

Heidi Sue

Third Age 'Trep Tips: Secret #3

2010-04-07T09:09:00.000-07:00

Secret #3 Spend Your Time and Save Your Money!

Have you heard the saying that that #1 reason businesses fail is not enough money? I’m here to challenge that belief. In fact, you already got a hint of that in Secret #2; in 20 years as an entrepreneur the conventional wisdom about being in business rarely worked.

I’ve watched so many business owners throw money at situations believing this old saw--if they just had more money or spent more money, success could have been obtained.

And I’ve seen the opposite: an entire new software product created and successfully launched without direct, measurable funding.

How is it both of these are possible? The reality is that success has less to do with how much money you have to spend than how you spend it. The first three stages of your business have a common task you must make a high priority: keeping money! This is completely opposite most common advice and business logic out there. Remember that tech boom and bubble? Well the “burst” of the bubble had a lot to do with spending money and not protecting any of it. Most of the companies that burst spent money and did not make any. Sadly, lots of tech ventures still follow this model.

Give yourself the mindset of an investor and you’re more likely to succeed. Treat the money you put into your business as if you are your own Angel Investor.

What do I mean by that statement? Investors do not pump money into your business because they believe in the product or the people. (Just check out how often the founders are pushed out by investors early on so you can get clear on VCs [Venture Capitalists] are NOT in it out of the goodness of their hearts.) While I do NOT recommend putting yourself into a business situation you don’t believe in heart and soul, when it comes to money and success, you also need the ability to step back and be brutally honest.

Most entrepreneurs want more of something and that’s why the go into business. More income, more freedom, more control over their own ideas or life…If you spend your money first you’ll always end up with less.

Spend your energy, your time and your passion first. Back all of that up with your investment capital. Be creative first. Out think the competition first. Get outside your comfort zone first—a long way out! Combine these practices with protecting your cash and capital and you create long-term potential for success and income.

When’s the last time you chose a product or service because of the fancy offices, impeccable art display or expensive ad campaign? There is no need for you to spend like big business to get your own business off the ground.

Other people will tell you this perspective isn’t true. Many business coaches and even experts will insist that lack of money is the primary reason businesses fail. I suggest you go ask people who are or have been in business a while how many times and on how many different things they’ve spent money without any evidence of increased profit or income. You don’t have to believe me. But don’t just assume anyone else is giving it to you straight either. Most business advisors have a vested interest in your slow, expensive progress.

My goal is to teach you to succeed faster and for less money just like I do in my own businesses.

Coming next: Secret #4 It’s not just who you know, it’s how and when you tap that connection

Wishing you Success & Heart,

Heidi Sue

Over 50 New Entrepreneur Success Secret #2

2010-04-06T17:21:00.000-07:00

Secret #2 Thinking Like a Corporation Doesn't Turn Your Business into Corporate Success

Study and observation bring out two distinct ways of thinking about business that can be beneficial for a corporation with a number of employees and a downfall for your start-up. Today, I’m going to share with you those two arenas and how you can avoid making these mistakes in your business.

I want to start with perhaps the most confusing and most time-consuming thought patterns that is useful at an intermediate level of business while really jamming things up early on. And the topic is accounting practices.

Start by understanding that modern business accounting practices serve a variety of purposes. These practices support acquiring hard-good business assets such as machines, vehicles, and buildings with as little tax implication as possible. In addition, these number-crunching techniques are designed to make it easier to obtain these items while off-setting the money spent on the purchase.

Likewise, modern business account practices are designed to off set growth and profit in ways to reduce tax liability. Are these things useful? Of course they are—when you have a business that is actually making you a decent amount of money AND you want to get more out of your business for less tax and more outcome.

So, what can you do? Develop the habit of watching and managing the cash flow of your fledgling business. With the advent of online banking this is easy and near-instantaneous. And that’s a very good thing! Thanks for formal accounting practices, this can be a tricky thing for someone without the training to find in all those numbers. Since this is perhaps the single most important real-money number you need, a checkbook ledger attitude gives you a great foundation to succeed.

You see, what really matters in your business is how much money you get to take home. How much money comes in matter, but if you never get to pay yourself anything, you do not have a business. Some of my clients have heard this definition before.

Until your business is paying you, what you really have is a very successful hobby. A hobby that pays for itself is a brilliant idea. A business actually not only pays the bills for it’s own existence, it also pays you for the time and effort you put into it. A start-up operation does need some time to reach this level; profit rarely happens right away. In my programs I teach you how to reach the level of being profitable faster and with a lower investment. To even have an idea of how that works, you need to watch and understand how cash flows in and out of your business.

Your ability to re-frame your thinking in another arena also contributes to your success. When it comes to branding and advertising, your ability to NOT think corporate directly influences your success at this stage.

Image and branding are a huge investment for a corporation. If that includes a product instead of a service, that investment and need for control is of mammoth proportions. And you’re going to hear a lot of business advice about designing a logo, developing your brand, and unifying your message. Understand I’m not against these business practices—at the right time! Most of the start-ups I’ve worked with and people I’ve coached are not ready for these investments during the first 6-18 months. Some people need even longer to prepare for this type of thing.

What you need the most at the very beginning are paying clients! You need to be out there talking to potential clients, meeting them, hanging out where they hang out, and more. At this stage of the game, your brand, your message starts and ends with you. You don’t need a fancy logo or website at this point. You need face-time with the appropriate people. Since you are the best ambassador for your business, clean, basic, professional looking materials are far more important than anything you can have custom designed.

Why is that?

I’ve watched literally 100s of businesses and professionals spend a one or two thousand dollars in their first year of business only to spend even more 12-24 months later on re-designs and upgrades. At the very beginning they could only make educated guesses about who their best clients would be and what kind of materials those people would like. Its painful to spend early and then need to spend again during the first few years of business to better represent your business to your best clients.

So just don’t do it. Seriously, don’t. Stop now. Get that new business making some money and have some consistent clients before diving into that arena. You’ve got access to lots of affordable, temporary shortcuts (VistaPrint.com is just one).

If you can adjust your success-concepts when it comes to money and advertising from corporate reality to start-up mentality, you’ll increase your chance of success. The opportunity to make money faster with less investment is also a huge plus.

Coming next: Secret #3 Save your money and spend your time at the beginning.

Wishing you Success & Heart,

Heidi Sue

Success Secrets for New, Mature Entrepreneurs

2010-04-05T09:31:00.000-07:00

Are you at least 50 years old and starting, or even re-starting, your business venture? This week I’m going to share with you some secrets for getting your successful business off the ground. Your experienced success as an employee, manager, or executive mean an aware of the pitfalls and benefits of your history is essential to your own successful business venture. This is the first in a series to support and inform your success.

Secret #1 Previous, Experienced success is Both Your Strongest and Weakest Quality

Have you ever considered offering a job to someone who used to for your competitor? If you did, it’s likely you had questions. “Can this person learn our way of doing things?” “What kind of conflicts will come up?” “Will they fit into our corporate culture?”

You are basically in the same situation when you know success in an organization owned or run by someone else. Transitioning to your own business venture means you have both demonstrated successful traits and have no guarantee that you what you know will translate successfully. Just like the employee scenario, you are entering an arena where the success you have already experienced is both your best and worst trait.

Success you’ve already experienced is a powerful indicator that you are talented, capable, and knowledgeable. The challenge you face entering the Entrepreneur Arena is the change from success inside an organization to success being the organization.

What can you do to improve your ability to transition and succeed? Fortunately you’ve got a number of options you can choose—so using the one that best matches your temperament and style is possible.

Michael Gerber, who created the E-Myth series (highly recommended!) suggests dividing the tasks that need to be done into the common categories that actually become departments in a large organization. Even if you’re a solo entrepreneur who gets to do everything, in a sense you create multiple hats and determine the group of tasks assigned to each hat. Then you shift between the different business functions in blocks of time or days. Eventually, you off-load some of these jobs to a Virtual Assistant (my recommendation) or an employee.

Another way to handle this is using a laser-style focus on the immense to-do list that you end up with to start and run your business. At any moment, as, yourself “What is the #1 thing with the most impact right know I can do to move my business forward?” Most new entrepreneurs spend far too much time doing “stuff” and not attending to the key actions each day that will ensure the business succeeds.

Here’s an example, perfect for our early April. This time of year an entrepreneur may have this kind of daily task list:

· Meet with the web designer
· Get missing information for the tax preparer
· Write copy for an advertisement
· Follow-up with clients from last week’s conversations

If this was my list (and my Monday, April 05, 2010 looks a lot like that list) here is how I would prioritize these items. First would come follow-up with clients from last week. Here’s why: Even if I do file my taxes on time, if I don’t have new customers and new revenue coming it really doesn’t matter. I won’t be in business next year or even perhaps next month. So at the first moment of my day, connecting with customers and potential clients is the top priority to move forward in my business.

My second priority is the tax information: now that I’ve contacted as many clients as needed, this becomes the essential action. In this case, failing to file my taxes in a proper and timely manner can shut down my business. Delaying the ad copy and the web site do not immediately threaten my business (assuming your primary source of income is not internet sales—then I’m sure you can figure out how this will all change). And so the internal conversation on what to do next continues.

This is a different internal dialogue from the one that created your success inside an organization. Unless you were specifically in direct, outside sales, it’s likely that administrative items had a higher priority than those than specifically creating revenue for the organization. The organization relies on the paperwork and numbers to see how or if revenue is moving forward supported by the small divisions of actions and tasks within the company. (Or at least that’s the plan!) You want to succeed NOW and stay in business—so your number one focus must be on doing those actions first that generate income for your business and you.

You also want to remember at the beginning that most people find the things they like doing the most create long-term income cycles for the new business venture. This is an important thing to do. However, neglecting those less-enjoyable activities that pay-off in the shorter term guarantees you either go out of business OR you end up spending your hard-earned cash to stay in business. Either way, you increase the likelihood of failure. Even the best scenario from this approach means your business makes less.

Remember as you move forward, your new business is not just a small version of the larger organizations you’ve worked in. Learning to ask new questions and look at your work through different eyes is the key to success.

Coming next: Secret #2 Thinking like a Corporation won’t get Your Business to Corporate Success

Wishing you Success & Heart,

Heidi Sue

Your Values are Marketing Essentials

2010-03-31T11:26:00.000-07:00

The theme of 2010, value, is still alive and well. Conflict around this concept frequently comes up when I'm teaching the "Don't Pick a Niche" Marketing Workshop. The first nmarketing concept each group works on is value. Specifically, what are the values of each person in the workshop and how they are essential to effective Small Business Marketing.

Traditional marketing wisdom focuses extensively on benefits and outcomes. One of the participants last week made the brilliant connection between this focus and and the never-ending pressure in the job market to completely turn yourself into a dissassociated bunch of skills. The next step is to then relentlessly "market" yourself by trying to figure out exactly whick "product" configuration will be purchased by a possible employer.

Most employers also operate from this perspective. I agree that a candidate needs to have the ability to do the tasks of the job, or better yet the ability to learn the additional tasks they don't already have. And there's more.

A first impression happens in 2-3 seconds. This mostly unconscious decision becomes the driver for the entire conversation; driving towards the pre-assumed outcome. Even highly trained individuals struggle to behave differently, in fact most of them fail, regardless knowing how the game goes. Long before an interview conversation gets to skills, the deal is mostly sealed.

The same reality is good and bad news for your marketing. You have a maximum 2-3 seconds to get a potential customer's attention--through some media channels the timing is much smaller. Just as individual values influence clothing choices, vocabulary and attitude about a job, the presence of embedded values will work for or against you.

Why you do what you do; what you love about your work combine to make an important foundation for your marketing efforts. Consider: most consistently taught marketing techniques are out of the loop on the newest, freshest, more empowered ways to communicate with your potential clients.

Blessings,
Heidi Sue

Are You a Niche-Jumper Or Why IS Picking a Niche so Difficult?

2010-03-29T13:43:00.000-07:00

I find this problem a consistent challenge for my clients. I often speak with a client and within a week or two, a new niche comes along that to distract their attention. While you’ll find a lot of reasons people do this, I’ve also found that there is a common, hidden theme to Niche-Jumping.

The concept of choosing a niche is so deeply engrained in the marketing culture that making this choice is considered synonymous with success. This instruction is so extensive that the practice has become a hyper-powered hyperbole.

Here are a couple of examples. You can now dial in your target market so closely that there is actually a practice/concept called “Micro Niche.” And you can purchase a variety of products to help you find one (I don’t endorse or market any of these products specifically and I know they exist). I’ve been wondering when we would hear about the nano-niche and of course, it’s already here.

You want to be aware of three important factors about choosing a niche. How you relate to these realities around Niche Marketing will determine how much you enjoy your business and how easy it is to succeed.

· Niche Marketing is at least 60 years old

· Niche as used in marketing is an out-dated concept

· Niche-jumping is not the problem; it’s a symptom

These factors are key to making sense out of where marketing is and where you want to take it for your personal success and well-being.

Niche Marketing is at least 60 years old. This fact alone is significant. You see, the longest economic waves that have been measured and predicted fall in the 60 year time frame. A 60-year cycle is considered extremely long-lived. A maximum 45 year cycle is much more common. Like any pattern that is experiencing change, hyper-acceleration happens from the building energy that then turns into the crashing crest of the wave.

You do want to be sure you’re solid on the lessons from Niche Marketing: Be ready, be clear, be specific. The second factor around niche marketing is the most meaningful for me.

Niche as used in marketing is an out-dated concept. The way this term is used comes from older models of biology and ecosystems. In truth, the scientists who pioneered this idea do not use it in this way. They have upgraded and updated their understanding based discoveries in how plants, animals and resources actually interact. As a result, the concept of Niche Marketing is embedded with many aspects of scarcity and competition for limited resources. These beliefs have much to do with the problems we deal with in the world. Just as scientists updated the idea of niches over the years as they’ve studied, you have the same opportunity to upgrade your perspective of how to market.

Your experience with the demand to pick a niche reflects these expiring and changing models. As a result, it’s time to meet marketing with a different perspective. In reality…

Niche-Jumping is a symptom, not the problem. Most people have trouble settling on a specific niche for appropriate and little-discussed reasons. Selecting your most appropriate, most favorite clients is NOT about marketing. It’s about heart and soul. While many people are starting to teach this concept, many established coaches and marketing experts don’t know how to make this connection in a meaningful way. This is a change in how business works and what customers want—some of us are ahead of the change, some in the middle and others are catching up.

If you find yourself constantly changing niches, it’s time to back up a few steps. Clarity on your purpose and your values makes “choosing” a niche virtually unnecessary. Your process for marketing, sales and business then becomes a reflection of you.

Experts sometimes say things like “Just pick any Niche and stick with it for a couple months, you can always change your mind.” Of course you can always change your mind, and aren’t you tired of feeling like you’re always starting over? I know I did, before I understood and used these principles.

That’s why I created the “Don’t Pick a Niche^TM” marketing workshop. Your most powerful marketing doesn’t come from putting you or your services in a niche. It comes from knowing how to present yourself and what you do in a way that is appealing and accessible to your clients. The next workshop is on Thursday, April 29 starting at 6:30. Are you ready to stop worrying about niche and get to the heart of the matter?

Most of all, remember, Niche-jumping is a symptom, not a problem. If this is where you are at, you’ve got the perfect cue that it’s time to take a new look at your business.

Wishing you Success & Heart,

Heidi Sue

What do you want to do with your Returnment?

2010-03-23T15:07:00.000-07:00

I ran across this word-play today for the first time. Guess I was slow on Googling this term. My bad. And I love it. I’ve been in serious returnment three years now and didn’t even know it.

Success & Heart Training is literally the result of my taking an early retirement after selling off one of my businesses. I spent five years exploring, relaxing—sailing, what a life! I learned to succeed without working 20 hours a week, stressed out by the demands of Big Business.

I learned my lessons—and ended up completely bored! I missed being in business, doing business. I jumped back into the entrepreneurial world. Now, my inner Kick Ass Business Chick is overjoyed.

(Maybe you're retired but not done working, like this gentleman from Michigan.)

Success & Heart Training is a vehicle for being myself, using all my experience and gifts. And the most fun I’ve ever had doing business in over 20 years. While many would consider me young to be in “Returnment” it is still true. I don’t want to work 50-60 hours a week any more. Heck, in the past I managed to sometimes work an insane148 in a 2 week period. I’m not willing for that lifestyle any more. Are you in Returnment? Find out…you can read more here.

Success & Heart Training is designed to develop relationships, business relationships teaching you how to succeed in Returnment exactly how to do it. Thanks to repeat, entrepreneurial success I have a great foundation to work from. Here’s my very first suggestion:

If you’re getting busy advice from any source, always ask yourself, how might this advice NOT be true? How could this information NOT be appropriate for me and my business?

That’s perhaps the number one skill you need to succeed as someone who with professional success to repurpose that into your own, new venture (whatever your definition of success). I’ve watched so many people spend money following the traditional paths of business coaching and end up with very little except less cash. Like the current round of Chevrolet ads challenging the idea of “Everybody Says,” I encourage you to check and re-check if what you’re being told is true for you and your self-employed dreams. You can read and hear lots of familiar advice; not all of it is true, even less of it may be true for you.

Best wishes planning and creating your Returnment!

Heidi Sue Roth

I’ve been Affiliate Slimed—and I’ve HAD ENOUGH!

2010-03-22T09:27:00.000-07:00

I recently logged on in the morning and found my email box bloated with affiliate offers. In just minutes I saw every kind of song and dance anyone could do in an attempt to get me to spend money through their link and scoop up their bonuses.

Can you imagine being locked in a room with 26 televisions all tuned to a different pitch man? Each one seemed more desperate than the last. Every technique of verbal and emotional manipulation attempted to part me from my money. As you can tell, I did NOT enjoy the experience. Perhaps you had the same experience.

This insane process inspired a number of feelings and responses for me.

· First, I got off a bunch of lists—I’m on a couple hundred for research about headlines, offers, etc. Now, I’ve dropped the “also” run lists and I’m staying on just couple from the top folks.

· I didn’t buy from ANYONE. Again, there were lots of reasons, the strongest being a different purchase was a higher priority. But even beyond logic, emotionally I was fed up.

· I did NOT believe that everyone who sent me a link knew the product and loved in. It was clear lots of the players were only doing it for affiliate payments.

· I felt like something smelled fishy: what smart business person sells their best software when it’s still the best at what it does? I just couldn’t believe this was NOT a business move first and anything else last.

Now, I have nothing to say about the specific product or person who sent this out to hundreds of affiliates. I don’t have personal experience with it, so any opinion I might have is completely invalid. And that’s actually my point.

If you’ve been paying attention at all to marketing and sales information, you realize it’s actually emotions that move forward your potential clients. Dan Ariely spends a over 240 pages demonstration the studies and reality that consumers are NOT rational, despite what many economists and other experts have wanted to believe. I’m very clear that the emotional reactions I experienced to my bloated email account were in no way reasonable. And they were still how I felt—and continue to feel a few days later.

What can you and I learn from this? Here’s what I learned and what I’ve decided as a result of this experience:

1. I had conversations with my own affiliates and learned, the “conversion” rate (sales) per 100 is pretty darn low in this model. If nothing else, it’s because of how people have been treated, and that most individuals don’t want to receive random, pointless emails. “Canned” endorsements are obvious.

2. I really have dropped off almost all those lists. Of the literally hundreds of affiliate offers I received, I clicked 4 because of the headline. I’m staying on those lists and loosing the others.

3. I have completely commited myself and my business model to creating REAL affiliates and partners. If you ever see someone promoting me or something I offer, it will be as a result of first hand experience with the product or program. I am unwilling to accept any “cold” affiliates.

4. I’ve closed down my affiliate relationship with anyone where I lack the same experience. I’m actually a new affiliate for a person who’s services I’ve been using for over a year. Needless to say, I can completely, whole-heartedly recommend her and what she offers.

Folks, it really is time to notice that business HAS changed and continues to change. It is about connection, service, and heart. Instead, many people are still functioning from the hungry wolf-pack model and getting others to circle your wallet in relentless fashion.

You still need the buyer-beware model. If everyone IS doing it, it’s time to ask why and be sure you’re clear on your own WIFM (what’s in it for me) because the odds are high that you may not get quite what you wanted from something that everyone is promoting. They want your money. You want results. If everyone uses the exact same recipe, pretty soon all the results are boring.

Soon, I’ll give you my real recommendation to my new affiliate. And I honestly can’t wait. After my personal debacle being overrun with offers for the same blasted thing, I look forward to making my personal, really-using-it perspective. What I want are partnerships NOT promotions. And if I don't know the product or the person, I may as well be Wal-Mart shoveling over the cheapest stuff from where is the cheapest source. Let's look for marketing opportunities that are being real, being heartfelt and about connection instead of promotion.

Maybe you disagree…great! Let’s hear it! This is reporting my experience, my lessons and decisions.

Agree or disagree, I hope I've given you something to think about. Have a super day! Your alliances say as much about you the other things you do. Choose with care, choose with heart, and always keep the highest good for all in mind.

Blessings,

Heidi Sue

When you let circumstances crack the whip...

2010-03-19T11:39:00.001-07:00

You can end up with serious whiplash and not even notice what you've been missing. And so it's been with my blog posts here. I've been consistently surprised with how much I get myself involved with a loved one's battle with terminal illness. No, not a surprising realm for all the overwhelmed, sadness, anger, helpless and beginning to grieve that are part of the process.

It's how handy this as a place to let myself slide, really lessen my intention and forgot my focus. A way to conveniently loose tough with the other things in my life that really do matter. My work. My clients. My other relationships.

Having really tuned into this personal pattern, it's time to take steps to have room for the rest of my life in the midst of this process! All of me with all of the things going on.

Today, I encourage you to stop by another blog. Regardless your perspective of the dance between history that enmeshes conservatives, liberals and that slippery eel, the truth, it's tough to disagree with this assessment of how it works:

'What they don't usually add is how history is then revised by the politicians, gutted by the church leaders, molested by the power mongers, skinned alive by paranoid militants, poorly codified by the speechwriters and then spun, torqued and diluted by countless mealy "experts" before being shoved down the gullet of unsuspecting youth, where it is partially digested like so much liquefied school lunch meat, only to be wrongly half-remembered later in life by the most insane among them, who then quickly gets his own talk show on Fox News. And lo, the circle of life continues."

During my salad days, I had the chance to dig into some places where the difference between what data we can access is in distinct contrast to what was written under the guise of "history." I'm clear that history is written by the winners. It's no surprise that it flatters that same group or entity.

Agree or disagree, stay informed, stay open. Stay aware. Please go visit Mark Ford's blog and be part of the discussion.

Coming tomorrow: It's time to wash the Affiliate Slime job out of my email box! Find out why...and what we can do to change the reality of partnering for success

Wishing you Success & Heart,

Heidi Sue

Don’t get “Stuck” with Niche Marketing

2010-02-09T15:27:00.000-08:00

Everywhere you turn, you hear the rule about niche marketing making you rich repeated. This ranges from pick a niche so you can have a logo designed to the idea that you’re not really in business until you have a niche market. What if the pressure and approach doesn't improve your relationship with your business and your clients?

I’m here to challenge that wisdom, as you probably already know. Niche Marketing includes some serious sticking points that may indicate it’s NOT your best option. I want to take a quick look at those points today.

Niche Marketing is presented to entrepreneurs and business owners as the fix-all, do-all solution. While I agree we can learn some important lessons from Niche Marketing, it’s a direct reflection of some of things that are seriously wrong with the business and economic model that has failed so gloriously (and mysteriously if you listen to the experts).

This approach to doing business is a direct out-growth of the drive to specialization. From tinkering with genetics to higher education focused on less and less content, business, life, and talent has been driven to focus on increasingly narrow ways. The drive to know more and more about less and less is now THE embedded way for you to also do business. To sustain this model, business must take over and limit access to information, resources, rights, and property.

Another impact of focusing all your efforts exclusively on Niche Marketing is you can miss opportunities. Creative application of skills and services is one of the hallmarks of small business. The drive to niche can make it more expensive to offer your services through multiple channels. You can end up confused by the drive to serve all the customers who move you. Your efforts can get way-laid by the "rabbit chasing syndrome" aka chasing multiple objectives.

Yes, the niche-driven perspective is not a business model I’m willing to enlist wholesale in order to finance my passion and drive. Are there other options?

Yes! There are other ways to work with your business the incorporate the lessons of niche marketing while not being held hostage to the over-specialization of virtually everything in our world.

Surviving the changes that have arrived and continue to present takes something other than what we already have. From Einstein to other great thinkers, we already know that the thought and behaviors patterns creating the problem are not what is needed to solve the problem.

What do the other ways look like? They are personal, customized, connected and flexible. Niche Marketing has become one-size-fits-all. What is really needed is creating a business structure, approach and methodology that specifically matches your heart. The planet, your customers and your well-being can no longer sustain this single-answer, knee-jerk methodology.

Your values and the value you offer is the beginning point. Just like the new Pepsi ad campaign about One Tribe and funding entrepreneurs reeks of marketing ploy cloaked in warm-fuzzies, so is a Heart-Based message driven primarily by Niche Marketing becomes an unclear representation of who you are and why you serve. What if instead of chasing any rabbits you were by the home-base where rabbits would return when they were tired of running!

When it comes to the methods you choose for marketing you and your business, other choices might just be something that serves you better. You and your clients deserve more!

Wishing you Success & Heart!

Heidi Sue

Coffee, Confusion & Coherent Values

2010-02-06T20:24:00.001-08:00

Well, we don't do it very often, but today's errands included a Starbucks stop. It's close to the house, it was only 1 block out of the way on our route...on and on.

And I noticed a funny thing about the cups the coffee came in . Both had printed on them stories about how buying Starbucks coffee was a way to support the Conservation International organization, with the 'Buck buying 66% of coffee beans from sustainably grown sources, specially selected farmers, etc.

I do believe that's a good thing. Unfortunately, Starbucks is still doing stuff that demonstrates responsibility is likely a marketing move--it's primarily a ploy to keep me spending money at their dwindling (yeah!!! ubiquity is NOT a recommendation for quality) outlets. I don't believe any market has actually needed the number of 'Bucks installed--and obviously so as many are now being closed.

Just below this moving story of how important it is that I spend my money on coffee out instead of making it at home (which we typically do at least 6 days a week), is the imprint about how the paper cup was made.

And that imprint is sad. Anyone wanting to be responsible with resources should be embarrassed by it: Made with 10% post-consumer recycled fiber.

What I found so odd is that 30% post-consumer fiber is such a normal, everyday occurance now. Then, add in that how the little insulator sleeve was labeled 60% post-consumer fiber, and it becomes even more confusing.

Here's my confusion: the mis-matched messages from a cup that isn't really helping to save the world, but coffee beans that supposedly are and a brown cardboard sleeve that is saving ghe planet...and my just up feeling it's all about marketing and whatever consciousness is involved focuses on separating me from my pennies and Washingtons.

If you're going to choose that a particular value be part of your business, be consistent. Make sure everything you communicate about that value is as coherent and consistent as you possibly can. Otherwise something as simple as a tall vanilla latte could end up strengthing someone's intention to drink more coffee at home.

Wishing you Success & Heart,

Heidi Sue Roth

Shoe Polish, Cancer, and Business Secrets

2010-02-03T08:13:00.000-08:00

I was polishing my shoes yesterday and I realized this is something a lot of people don’t do any more. It seems more common to just keep wearing them down, getting rid of old shoes and buying new ones. It suddenly struck me that this is also shows up in our business attitudes.

You see, I learned to polish shoes from my father. Dad is currently fighting a cancer that statistically he is unlikely to survive and so I think of him a lot. Every Saturday afternoon he’d collect our best shoes in order to make sure they were well-polished for church on Sunday. Usually he listened to the radio while sitting there with the family footwear spread before him. It always surprised me how happy he seemed while doing this funny task.

He had a special kit with a rack to hold the shoe he was working on. All the different colors of polish, rags, and brushes fit inside this contraption. I can’t even count the times I watched him take our battered shoes and turn them into something shiny and proud. Eventually, I wanted to learn.

Today, I’m incredibly glad I did. Four years ago a bought a pair of Frey boot-clogs after wanting them for at least 5 years and probably even longer. I love those boots. The tread is barely worn after all this time, but the leather needed some attention. I also worked on a pair of shockingly-comfortable pumps I bought last summer. Finding cute, comfortable heels is a trick! So when I find them, they are really valuable to me.

And in today’s market, I don’t want to just wear them out and have to replace them. I definitely want them to last. Not to mention I love both pair of shoes I worked on yesterday.

Polishing those shoes let me realize how often I teach clients to really see and use what they already have, who they really are to improve their business. I feel sad and frustrated when I see people desperately trying to make business ideas that are a complete mismatch for their core values and reality.

The number one reasons businesses fail is that people choose the wrong business. This is a greater problem even beyond the common-quoted fact that businesses fail for lack of money. And you know what’s even tougher? To have an idea, product, or service that is true to your core, but you’re attempting to realize that gift through a business structure and style that isn’t as good as match.

I had the privilege to talk to a great, inspiring man about 2 weeks ago. He has amazing, new, powerful products to bring to the world. And when we met, he was stuck in figuring out how to create the manufacturing process for his first product. At one point in the conversation, I just asked him to stop for a minute.

Not once did he describe how his dream was to run a business from R & D to delivery. His dream is to have the product and present it to people. He’s a dynamic spokesperson WITH ideas—and he even has clients who want his products waiting, waiting, impatiently waiting.

One of the results of this conversation was helping him experience permission and desire to structure his business in a way that fulfills him! It didn’t have to look like a traditional product launch…and in reality this guy doesn’t have time for that as he already has 3 more products designed and ready to prototype. With more coming unless I miss my guess.

So we come back to polishing shoes. Nine times out of ten I find my already clients have exactly what they need: they simply don’t know how to frame or re-frame what they’ve got in a way that works for them and is marketable. Too often the “good stuff” gets pushed aside or thrown out. When all that’s really needed is some time to discover the goodies tucked in a closet because someone thought it looked a little worn. Once this idea or thing is re-purposed, polished and put to work again, the gap is filled.

Are you ready to find out what things in your business have been set aside that could be pillars of power and success? Then let’s talk!

And if you’ve got some scruffy shoes around, consider getting out that tub of polish and an old rag. You might be surprised how much you enjoy the process.

Wishing you Success & Heart,

Heidi Sue Roth

SuccessHeart@gmail.com

Fear as a Reflection of the Cost Mentality

2010-01-28T12:01:00.001-08:00

Many entrepreneurs deal with the mentality that perfection and exactness are essential to success. I had the opportunity to hear about this extensively from one of my local, favorite businesses and the owner today. Thankfully, our relationship is very much based on my being a friend and customer, so listening and connecting is what it’s really all about.

If you find you’re ever trapped in the model of doing it all yourself even when you have support staff to do things for you, it’s time to check into fear motivations.

One of the confusions from the cost-measurement model as the only way to assess your business is to encourage fear of failure. Who in this market can afford for anything to not work? Actually, you can't afford for things to be perfect.

For a small business, the fear imposed by this as the primary assessment model can lead to micro-management and over-investment in doing all the work in your business. If you’re sure you are the only one who can do it right, you likely have a subconscious belief and fear that it’s got to be perfect for success to happen. The cost-measurement model can support attention to negatives and eliminate your ability to notice what is working

The most disturbing part of this pattern is how a person can end up focused on all the things that didn’t go well and totally miss what IS working. And the loss from this pattern is almost immeasurable.

If you find yourself in this place, one of the negatives is that undermines confidence, both your own and the person who deals with your expression. This creates a setup where someone learns to stop listening to you and you reinforce your ability to not value what is going well. Everyone’s satisfaction drops, along with everything else.

You reinforce your focus on what’s not working in your business, what you’re unhappy with. This simply guarantees more of what you don’t want. And in reality the best way to improve your business, your life, is to expand what is working well.

So if you find yourself in this pattern, amp up your awareness and discipline to work the well-known “good news sandwich.” Tell what’s good, describe opportunities for improvement, and close with more what’s good.

Perfectionism is a habit that limits you and your success. Notice and change this one for a happier life and stronger business!

Blessings,

Heidi Sue Roth

The Idea of Value can be just plain Confusing!

2010-01-26T16:25:00.001-08:00

I was speaking with a respected and wonderful colleague today. We are working on doing some business together in a way that's definitely a win-win. He and his business have skills I don't and the opposite is also true.

One of the things that was reinforced for me during our appointment is simply how hard the concept of value is for most of us to wrap our minds around.

Inherent value, a worthiness that exists simply due to existence, is a concept that receives a lot of lip service. Sometimes in religion the idea is espoused, occasionally you hear the idea in political or social realms. Typically the idea is followed by something so antithetical to the reality of value that the words get completely lost in the actions and admonitions that follow.

Here's a personal example--with names changed to protect all of us!

I have a long-term friend who chose to make some radical changes in life. These changes had medical, social, familial and financial impacts. Many people were touched as result of these choices being made and followed up on.

As a result, I got a chance to really decide if and why I'd remain friends with this person. It was not an easy wrestle. My life was one of those that got rocked from trust to finances as a result of the choices and changes.

I realized that how I felt about the choices wasn't even the point. My disagreement or agreement with them wasn't what was really getting tested. My perspective was being tested to find out if I valued this person as an individual apart from what what said, done, or intended. Since I don't have children, perhaps I came to this late or simply needed this situation to gather this lesson. I discovered that the only way I could be true of myself was to continue as this person's friend even as choices hurtled the person down paths I couldn't see or understand.

Regardless anything else, this individual had inherent value simply by existing.

You know what shocked me the most? A number of people close to me were adamant that what I needed to do was break off all contact. What was the BEST thing to do was to never see, speak or even email with this person ever again.

I was beyond surprised. I was shocked. After really wrestling and doing a lot of soul-searching to reach my decision, I felt blind-sided by the opinions. This was explained to me with everything from bible verses to quoted psychological principles.

As a result, I felt really sad that what had been a pivotal process and learning seemed inaccessible to some of the people closest to me (blessings be not all of them). And I felt so confused over the demand by others to change my mind regarding the value of a single person and my relationship to that decision.

No doubt it's just as confusing to being working with the idea of experiencing your own inherent value! The inherent value of the planet and the resources of our world. We've lived in a cost-centric, humanity-serving model for a long time.

I'd ask that while you commit to making this change in mindset and awareness in your life, that you also be gentle with yourself along the way. It's not about always getting it right. It's not about righting all the wrongs NOW! This is beyond a shadow of a doubt about increasing your ability to recognize and experience value apart from the measurement of consumer cost.

It's okay for this to be a two-steps forward, 1 step back process. If anyone says it will always be forward momentum, it's time to be a bit more skeptical. That's probably hype and not authenticity.

Blessings,
Heidi Sue Roth

Coaching business from a radical, maverick perspective

Betrayed by Untouchables (Rant Warning!)

2010-01-22T09:40:00.000-08:00

Is there a way we can impeach Supreme Court members?

I realize that impeachment implies there was an election previously. Still, I don't know about you, but I'm feeling completely betrayed. Any illusion that remained that those appointed to the Supreme Court had the good of the people or the country in mind has been ripped away.

The frightening part is how this is so in line with the theme--and primary conflict--of 2010 and I believe even beyond.

What value does a group of elite individuals with the power to drastically change the quality of our live offer each of us? There is no effective way for the populous to communicate with this separatist-organization (and I do realize not everyone on the highest court bench in our nation agreed with the action to overturn the limits between business and politicians) but even those who voted against the measure remain untouchable. Even in their disagreement they are completely insulated from the experience of helplessness and pointlessness such action has created.

We have no way to communicate with them.

We have no immediately effective way to address this situation--THEY must approve the test of any legal change we manage to convince the benefactors of this action to enact upon themselves. And yes, I find that an unlikely event. Do you imagine any politicians have lost benefits or pay while the governments they operate have ceased paying salaries and benefits to employees or recipients? (Personally, I find this inappropriate, abusive and a bad way to do business!)

We have no reasonable means through which to divest ourselves of this travesty of how we want OUR country, the business reality in OUR commonwealth to be conducted.

When those who hold the keys to the kingdom so forgot what matters to those who live in that kingdom (don't you feel more like a serf or peasant these days?), the potential for outrageous change grows.

Do I hold with violent change? Completely, absolutely not. Do I sense the potential for that path increasing around me? Sadly, I do.

When it comes to value, those who claim to "lead" have little or no value to the average person at large. They are entrenched in their patterns and simply have lost the ability to really see, understand, or feel our reality. They have divested themselves of any value they could offer us.

What unique value do you have that you offer your clients? Will you commit today to keeping your focus on value rather than on only on cost?

We have already paid an inestimable cost for corporate personhood taking over the business reality of the world. The value offered no longer exists--and any costumes used to gloss over this truth are gone. As a friend and previous business partner would say, a pig in a dress and lipstick is still a pig. Clearly the pig have decided to stop dressing up and just let it all hang out (with my apologies to the porcine population who are actually amazing, smart creatures).

On a day when I feel sad about our future, committed to myself and my clients, I continue urging you to relate to value in every aspect of your life. Not simply the cost to acquire and offer goods or services.

Wishing you Heart & Success,
Heidi Sue Roth

Do you have the Biz Bras you need?

2010-01-19T10:41:00.000-08:00

One of my new business friends just put up a great article about the connection between bras, friends and success in business. I soooo loved the headline that I'm brining my version to you.

Remember when women's undergarments were called "foundation garments"? Well, how are the foundation garments for your business?

Check out Aimee's article: http://ezinearticles.com/?id=3576479

And get some great tips on how to create a better foundation for your success.

Blessings,

Heidi Sue

Playing the Numbers...

2010-01-18T12:54:00.001-08:00

Some days it's good to remember that being is business is often a numbers came. Talk to enough people, you get new clients. Make enough offers, someone says yes (and I completely agree--no expect!--all of us to learn how to do this better, with more heart, and NOT fall into the slimy used-car salesman attitude; that will put your numbers in the dumps).

Often, those great ideas for new services, new ways of doing things get lost in the fear of not getting it right. From kindergarten to having a job, the training to do things the right way, or get the right stuff is intense! As you know very well, normal people do not make history, so it would appear being right will just make you more normal, not any more successful.

As I've been offering the free workshops--last ones this year!--on "Don't Pick a Niche"(tm), I can tell you I've gotten a wide range of reactions. One person even said he's coming, but he might want to through bricks at me. I suggested foam yoga blocks; that one everyone can probably survive the experience and stay positive. Am I being deliberately in-your-face with the title? Of course! Do I believe that picking a niche won't necessarily make you a success? With all my heart! There are so many reasons Niche Marketing is passe. Check out the live workshops (1-31 or 2-6) for your best learning experience, or get in on the TeleSeminar 1-30 so you can at least cover the bases (register at www.ManagementRefugee.com).

And while you're at it, take a quick look at how often a seriously successful person failed! http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2010/01/unrealized-projects.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+typepad/sethsmainblog+(Seth's+Blog)

Have you seen any Tim Burton movies? Bet you never thought about how many you didn't ever see...so head on over to Seth Godin's blog and find out just how the opportunity to fail is one of the keys to success!

Wishing Success & Heart,

Heidi Sue

Can we choose something other than Shock as motivation to change?

2010-01-18T09:00:00.001-08:00

I was lead to The Shock Doctrine through Raj Patel's latest book. I'm about 100 pages into Ms. Klein's frightening book (lots of documentation so it might just be terrifying as this isn't stuff to just dismiss), and last night I noticed how much the idea that shock or extreme experience is required for a single person, let alone all of humanity, to change.

And my question is, can't we make another choice? I've seen this in persons who struggle to heal from a horrible illness or disease. I can't tell you the number of people I've met who try all the "main stream" stuff and get nowhere. Then finally begin exploring the alternative world basically out of desperation.

The most amazing part of the people I've met, and others have reported the same thing, is that 90% of people will do 90% of what will bring them health and healing. Only 10% of the people who seek to be week will do 100% of what is needed. Can you imagine? You're 90% better than you've felt in perhaps years and you absolutely refuse to do the last 10% that will make it unlikely you ever have to be this sick again.

And you refuse.

Well, I have to admit, I've seen the same issue when working with my clients. People often don't commit to the last couple steps to complete the transformation of their work. And this brings me to my point:

Perhaps as s species and for our planet, what we really need is to learn how to make choices and changes BEFORE it all comes tumbling down! Seriously, how messed up do you need something to get before you will take action to make a difference?

I think of a couple different points with this. I have a long-term friend who only buys a lottery ticket when the jackpots are insanely hight. Since I basically don't play at all, it's not something that really makes sense to me. What I tease this person about is that every one and their dog is buying tickets so whatever tiny, tiny change there is to win, has become completely insignficant. Add to it, really, an average American Family making maybe $100,000 between both people couldn't make any real change with ONLY a couple million dollars? Even if you took home only $500,000 heck, one could pay off a mortgate, create college fund, etc. (And yes, I'm completely aware the average winner is worse of in 12-18 months; that's something else completely).

What I'm pointing out here, is our belief and assumption that only big changes have value. This is such layered in our culture, that I have a strong feeling it's time to question this underlying assumption. Look at the news: big problems, big box office, etc. is what gets time.

Compare that with the well-documented reality that someone who looses weight slowly with smaller changes is more likely to maintain that weight-loss than someone who crashes it off.

So why must we insist that only big changes and big problems are worth our attention? How much more will you accomplish if you make one small change every day?

It's truly time to question our addiction to "shock" and the belief that this is what really makes change.

Choose one small change you can make each day and maintain for 30 days in your business. Track what you gain, and test it! You don't have to believe me. I suggest you try it though. Apply some of that scientific method to your own situation. Change one variable, notice the impact and decide to keep the change, add more, or let it go.

Begin reducing that cultural addiction to big impact is all that matters.

Wishing you Success & Health,

Heidi Sue

IS there something Better than Free?

2010-01-15T10:57:00.000-08:00

When you really dive into research, sometimes you make interesting discoveries. I’m integrating a long-term (1 year) test into my business model reflecting one of those discoveries.

Do you know what happens in the brain when you, or I for that matter, make a decision? One of the challenges is related to the threshold reality.

Body workers, trainers and healers have known for a very long time—long before modern science proved it electronically—that muscle fibers need to reach a certain level of activity before the entire muscle responds. What this means is that the messages to move must reach a certain level of concentration before an action happens. Much like a liquid solution balances across a membrane based on chemical saturation levels, an action of your muscle literally happens when enough individual fibers have been recruited to overcome stasis or inertia.

Turns out, a similar process happens in the brain. Enough tiny reactions of various types must accumulate in brain tissue before a decision is made. Regardless whether is a decision for, against, or something else entirely, the process is the same.

What’s really interesting in these studies is how there is a plateau between risk and threshold. There is not a 1:1 relationship between what a person risks when making a decision and what level of change must reach a certain level before change happens (aka making a decision).

Okay, now you may be wondering…so what and who cares? This has the potential, as studies continue, to give us a greater understanding for why people frequently connect greater value to something they pay for versus something they get for free. Basically, it takes just as much internal effort to choose something that’s free as it takes to choose something they would pay for. BUT the payment may create a greater need for rational activity (very little of the decision process is from the reasoning centers of the brain)—or the post-decision justification process.

You know you’ve done it and you’ve heard others do it! Some people call it Post-Purchase Anxiety or Sticker Shock. That time of re-living the decision experience and using different parts of the brain to assess the situation based on logical or rationale.

With this being the leading each of scientific learning about the tiny physical realities of decision making, it appears there is very little difference between “free” choices and “paid” prices. So in 2010 I’m testing the model that there IS something Better than Free.

The introductory classes and Teleseminars already scheduled (until February 6) are the last free ones I’m doing this year. For the rest of 2010, these events will be hosted for a nominal fee ($5-$10).

There are even more reasons why: You know that feeling when you do a free session or consultation that is the pressure to make a sale, get a customer, get a commitment? My clients and I have found that when an event covers the basic cost of offering—materials, renting the space, etc.—we can do an end-run on this feeling.

It’s just easier to be neutral on the outcome because my initial investment in the process is covered.

So far, the small steps I’ve taken in this direction are generating a positive response such as double the registrations! I’ll keep you posted on if or how this changes business development. Instincts matter and I look forward to seeing how my instincts on this change and the scientific data combine.

What in your business might actually be better than free?

Blessings,
Heidi Sue Roth

Is ROI actually an expression of Inherent Value?

2010-01-14T17:39:00.000-08:00

A quick update on the idea of value.: I had a great conversation about this topic with a consultant this week. He talked about how he communicates value to his clients and about specific projects. The approach he described is effective, common, and still not really about value.

He uses one of the common ROI (return on investment) computations to speak to his clients about the value of the project. It’s normal in these conversations to use the word value as an accessible concept to frame what a customer will invest in a solution and what they will get for that investment. To express this in a simple manner it’s:

Monetary Gain from the Benefit – Cost of Investment = Net Return on the Effort

Basically, this kind of calculation shows if the money spent on the project will generate more output than it cost to implement the change. And this is commonly called an expression of value. Unfortunately, value isn’t actually part of the equation. If you “reduce” down the elements, you get two numbers that reflect money spent vs. money earned. So what is really being quantified is the inbound cost of the process and outbound money generated by the process. Even if you take ROI up a level and quantify over all how much money the change will generate in the company over the long term, you’re still a long way from any real meaning of value.

ROI remains a binary equation, even if you put multiple calculations in front of the net return of the entire process. Until we can articulate and experience value apart from cost calculations, we are still buried in the mindset and behaviors that have brought our finances and society to this point.

This brings me back to the reality that to truly survive, thrive, and impact the economic reality of our world, we’ve got develop a relationship with value. This is highlighted by how the non-monetary perspective of value is listed later in the dictionary: “8. import or meaning; force; significance: the value of a word.”

In contrast the definitions of the word cost really hone in on the ways we constantly frame all the realities of being in the world:

1. The price paid to acquire, produce, accomplish or maintain anything.

2. An outlay or expenditure of money, time, labor, trouble, etc.

3. A sacrifice, loss or penalty.

I encourage you to begin framing your time, energy, and passions through the “latent” meaning of value instead of cost.

Don't Pick a Niche OR Master the New Marketing Economy Workshop--NEW MATERIAL

2010-01-06T14:19:00.001-08:00

Good Afternoon!

New workshop dates are open effective today. And the best news is that I already have new information for you. Can you believe that between 12/20/09 and 01/30/10 there's already MORE?

Well, there is and I'm bringing it to you in our next workshops.

Here's the lowdown on the new dates:

Two new dates for the Live Presentation (if you can be here live, I highly recommend it. You'll get to see these new ideas in action for greater impact!)

Sunday, January 31st from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM in Sebastopol, CA

Saturday, February 6 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM in Pleasant Hill, CA

Give me a call at 707.228.3958 or email me at SuccessHeart@gmail.com to register for either event.

But if for some reason you just can't be there in person, I'll present the concepts during a TeleSeminar. While this honestly isn't my first choice for you, I'd much rather you get this information in whatever format we can put together than miss out completely.

Saturday January 10:30 AM to 12 PM Is the Teleseminar

You can sign up for the TeleSeminar at www.managementrefugee.com.

Reserve your spot and get the Seminar Information from the website.

More to follow!

Heidi Sue Roth

The Wave continues to build...are you ready?

2010-01-04T11:46:00.000-08:00

One of my consulting friends and peers has really felt how the Marketing Reality has changed.

In fact, George also honed in on how most people aren't even getting what has changed and how. Obviously, Mr. Moskoff can tell something is up!

Take a minute and visit his posting about one of the aspects of Niche Marketing that is worn, weary and NOT helping your business. http://www.highperforg.com/2009/12/for-new-year-be-yourself-upset-experts.html?showComment=1262634329009_AIe9_BHUZmwhPsBynz1cEY5vvnvACsReEMBd169s1cobXOpciZ4x_g20o346QguY0ydNop1m7tmT9pnuOWVGgZ4oTix_nshofxr7KwKEgIV0W46KpfJx0tbsb6s-uSthPMV2CDq4TDI70VesiqvtUaJMcKGO1NYUjg_hlrg6hJB2bNEiOBP0ZAx60cSi-EYoBwT_GSD9CGjjd8IYs063Fk4mO0JtsaQVVbRn2nFf2hv7L_4MRznHNJ2Shqb5EiuX1CBr_ImbxgSL#c8242238676703114882

George absolutely nails how most of us feel about these things today.

You may remember that a few months ago I challenged you to ask other professionals how they react when they know that elevator/snap/30-second commercial is approaching as an insert into a conversation. I asked this question for over 2 months. This was a casual pole--and over 90% of the folks who have been in the biz for a few years admitted they don't even listen any more.

So I'm with George--just stop! Stop saying things people no longer want to hear simply because the "experts" tell us to. If it's not true to your heart...you're better saying nothing and simply asking the other person a question.

In our culture, the question "What do you do?" has taken on the same meaning as the greeting, "How are you doing?" Very few who ask the question actually want to know, and we've all learned that the expected response is "I'm fine" regardless what's true.

So are you willing? Are you willing to go against the grain of all the experts out there and stop answering the questions, "What do you do?" and even better, stop asking it?

I trust you will seriously consider it. At the very least, you'll be moving a small step closer to the New Marketing Reality.

Watch tomorrow for the announcement for the New Marketing Reality introductory class that is going to be repeated in January and February. The first, select group really enjoyed the debut and we had a super time. There's even more information that the first time through and more detail on what's going on and what's changed. See ya tomorrow!

Heidi Sue

Create Powerful Results in 2010—Tap into the Theme for the Year

2009-12-31T11:41:00.000-08:00

The theme or focus for this next year became clear over the last few months. As I’ve delved into research on how to market and do business in different ways for the upcoming, critical 18-24 months, this concept and change presented over and over. It’s revealed itself in conversations about personal development, business success, and how the world is changing.

So while you’re setting your intentions and creating your plans for the coming year, you can increase the effectiveness of everything you do by tapping into this powerful theme.

How do you do this? Start by asking yourself what is the difference, to you on a personal level, between cost and value?

We have been socialized, raised, and trained for a cost-oriented world and mindset in most developed countries. And most of us are weary of this process, the orientation to evaluate everything on a cost basis.

So what’s the difference? The measure and process of cost is all about the scales. Is the amount of money spent in balance with what one receives as a result of the investment? Does the energy expended justify the results (or the reverse)? And here lies the fatal flaw: every exchange is evaluated on the basis of what comes in and goes out. This conflicts with the idea that people, services, or raw materials have an inherent value.

Perhaps the best example of this comes out of the current effort to translate the concepts of Buddhist Economics into practices that are not tied to any given dogma. One of the problems in our global economy and recovery is that we do not have a value for raw materials, specifically for those non-renewable resources.

Business can tell you to the penny what it costs to obtain those resources (mine, refine, cut, shred, etc.). And no one has effectively assigned a value to the raw existence of the resources. This means we have no idea about the value of is lost or consumed by removing them from their current state. So we’ve got an economy that revolves around the process of consumption and gives no credence to the value of something existing before it’s consumed.

Now you may be wondering how the heck that has anything to do with how you do business and plan for 2010. Let me make the connection—it’s essential for your survival in the market in 2010 and beyond.

This cost-analysis reality has seeped into education, family values, social structures, and even religion in the developed world. We have completely lost track of the essential value of virtually everything.

Is any human being actually a renewable resource? Absolutely NOT! Every individual is unique—even identical twins are not 100% identical in their lives and selfhood. So the disconnect is the need to experience individual value of self apart from any other measurement.

What is a single human life worth?

What is the potential of any single individual worth on its own and to the entire spectrum of humanity?

And what is the worth, the value, of your inherent gifts and your commitment to bring them to rest of humanity?

The measurement of cost is breaking down. How quickly each person connects with individual value and the value of what we have to offer is the keystone to succeeding in the immediate future. You have heard that “People don’t care what you know until they know how much you care.” Knowledge as a benchmark is another way to calculate cost. While it’s true that people need to know you care, what’s even more essential is YOU need to KNOW WHY you care and what you care about. THAT is how you establish value.

"Value Added" has been a sales concept for a long time. The idea of adding value to close the sale, to get the customer is just a regular thing that is done in business. It's time to realize that this is really the cart pulling the horse. Instead of adding value: BE value!

You cannot create more value than you experience for yourself. (Others can create incredible value based on what you offer, but your experience of satisfaction and service is directly related to your own perception of your value and the value of what you do.)

So if you want your goals and plans to be incredibly effective in 2010, determine what you value and why—and make experiencing that reality a daily priority for your success and service.

Have a blessed New Year. With all my heart I wish you Fulfilled Success for 2010.

Heidi Sue Roth

What is an "Anti-Niche" Website?

2009-12-08T12:45:00.000-08:00

That's what I'm hear to answer for you today. Not only what it is, but why and how this happens. I found a blogpost Eric Thiegs wrote that led me to the deliberately non-niched website (that's Eric enjoying his daughter in the picture). He gave me a gracious, generous interview...check out how two guys instinctively responded to the changes in the market reflecting the problems with Niche Marketing.

Sometimes need, fortune, and brilliance converge

That’s exactly what happened for Eric and Joe, the founders of stageoflife.com. I had the opportunity to interview Eric after reading a blog post he wrote about being an Anti-Niche website. As my experience, research, and intuition all point at the ongoing need to discover marketing success beyond niche marketing in the New Economy, I was excited to speak to Eric by phone.

The site, StageOfLife.com, came into being based on the experience of Eric’s wife trying to conduct and create her own meta-searches. This was shortly followed by Eric hearing how other companies wanted meta-lists of potential costumers—and were willing to pay handsomely for them but they didn’t exist at this point—along with the decision to not make their brain-child website small, “niched” silos. Instead, the founders have them open to curiosity and potential investigation for individuals in specific stages of life with the ability to look at other transitions "sub-sites".

The website and their approach is impressive; I was surprised how long I spent simply visiting different channels. I went way over my “budgeted” time to check out the site before our call. Eric recognized a couple of important factors; this realization is one many Start-Ups and service-oriented businesses can use.

“I told Joe we’re going to spend all of this time to the niche, but we find out that college [age group] is just crazy and we should’ve put our resources in a different category. We’re going to be fighting for market share, it makes sense to do only one site.” Their decision to not chose a single age-group or life transition has created interesting affects. “It’s hard to [write] SEO this broad” Eric revealed honestly.

In the same vein, the visual identity of the site was a challenge. Finding images that would communicate across ages and stages without being inaccessible for any given age group was a hurdle. They tapped into custom artwork that reflects another change in taste that’s also at the beginning stages of becoming a wave: custom artwork rather than custom photographs.

The website reflects the newest, quietest trends in marketing. Best of all, this reflection is created for the best reasons: the need of the product, market and vision for the website. It’s not an artificial decision created to establish a niche or carve out one more sliver of marketing communication in a saturated arena. The art, the cross-transition design and meta-information approach create an amazing opportunity for website guests because they are a perfect match for the objective.

The real message of not immediately picking a niche market is to be true to your mission, your objective, and your reason for being in business. As a new business, choosing a niche too soon may very well be a waste of time and money.

Many new businesses discover they have a website, graphics and printed materials that end up not being a match for the actual market. Many business coaches will tell you that you have to create these things to succeed. I’m here to tell you that times have changed: niche marketing it not the foundational truth it used to be. Niche Marketing is part of the landscape, not the map. StageOfLife.com demonstrates this change beautifully.

And others, like Eric and Joe, have noticed that being too specific too soon is not always a recipe for success. Stay tuned! More interviews highlighting success apart from the message of Niche Marketing are headed your way.

Wishing you Success & Heart,
Heidi Sue Roth

The Next Year's Economy--how can you make it during this time?

2009-11-30T15:04:00.000-08:00

Welcome back! I don't know about you, but the holiday time was very tasty and way too much! Mom fixed our favorites and lots of things she only fixes occasionally. Even just a bite of each was a lot.

And as the year begins to wind down, maybe you're asking yourself how will I survive next year? As things move further into the New Economy (and make no mistake it IS here regardless what any pundits have to say we have not and cannot return to business as usual) are you wondering what qualities and tools you can use to do better than simply survive?

This post marks the beginning of a series about people who are using the principles and qualities of the New Economy to succeed. Keep watching for ideas you can use, and doorways to even deeper instruction on how you can translate these concepts directly into YOUR business! Today, I'm highlighting an article that shares tools and patterns that have the power to take you beyond just getting buy. Kirstin Olsen is an author, consultant, and national opinion-maker as she works with powerhouses such as Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Kennedy School at Harvard University among many others. She has written an article about the skills New Learners need to do well in the New Economy. Guess what? They are the same skills you need as an entrepreneur in this market that is fresh, different, and waiting to recognized for it's existence.

Are you ready to learn what you need to succeed during the next year and beyond? Now's the time to consider how the same old advice IS NOT working. Once again, I saw multiple posts and releases today re-iterating the same old ideas. There ARE other options.

I know you're ready to new ideas, other directions and greater success. Here's a great place start. Please visit Ms. Olson's article--her New Learner tools are just what you need to be a successful New Economy Entrepreneur. http://www.sfwmag.com/career/new-learners-for-the-new-economy/

Wishing You Success and Heart,

Heidi Sue Roth

Pick a Niche...You'll be Rich. Is that True?

2009-11-18T12:46:00.001-08:00

There's a saying that goes something like this "Pick a Niche and you'll be rich, without a niche life's a...beach." (I'm sure you get the drift of the saying.)

Is that actually true? This is an interesting business marketing rule that seems to beg to be broken. Over the next weeks you'll find information here regarding what's really happening out there in the market place regarding niches and niche marketing. These articles are the result of interviewing people who are out there and really working their businesses in this changing economy and market. You're hear what they've experienced and learned about niche marketing and their business.

We can already see the contrast around us: Coca-Cola (TM) is basically a non-niche product even if you include the sub-products for different demographics and tastes. Then consider the bomb of New Coke: an example of channel breakout failure! Contrast that with something like cordovan colored Kiwi shoe polish. The group of people left on the planet who polish their shoes on a regular basis and own cordovan colored shoes is definitely a more specific group. Apparently the market has room for both.

Over the next weeks I'll bring you the ideas, experienced perspectives, and new concepts to find your way through the changes that are already sneaking into the Niche Marketing world. That way, you can be ready instead of surprised by these shifts.

Blessings,
Heidi Sue

Handling Niche-Market Exhaustion & Frustration

2009-11-17T15:19:00.000-08:00

What do you do if you feel frustrated with either being part of someone’s niche market or trying to create your own niche market? It seems every person and product on the planet is trying to either gain a new niche, carve out a smaller niche for their own existence or just stick you into a niche. And yes, I agree, it can be really exhausting.

Start here when you go into negative experience or reaction on Niche Marketing: look to where this idea came from. The concept of niching as a marketing tactic that was taught and spread around the planet is about 60 years old. You won’t find a solitary event that indicates the advent of Niche Marketing. And in fact, when you really look into, people were practicing this kind of business approach for perhaps 100 years before that. What changed 60 years ago is that the approach of Niche Marketing became a business methodology that became accepted, expected, and taught as marketing success.

So it’s only reasonable that this methodology is getting stale. Nikoli Kondratiev discovered most economic waves have approximately a 60 year lifecyle (with fluxations of a bit longer or shorter). His calculations are incredibly accurate—even though other theorists are exactly sure why and continue studying this affect. On many levels, Niche Marketing is due for a change. So if you feel tired of being niched or working on your niche you’re in good company!

Once you understand that this type of thing works in waves, the next step is being aware of where the term even came from. It really comes from biological and ecological studies. The basic idea refers to the ability of living things to adapt in such a way that they optimize their usage of natural resources.

If you look at the research of how a biosphere interacts, you’d discover niching is different species tapping resources at different levels: right at ground level, say a foot off the ground, and others at even more different levels. In this way, there is greater distribution of both the resources and the species.

This is the problem and the solution. If an environmental shift of even small proportions occurs, any hyper-adaptations literally become the quality that drives a species to extinction. If you saw the movie “March of the Penguins” you saw this reality played out on the screen. Regardless of who or what creates that biosphere change (I do not endorse humanity wasting resources and continuing to abuse our own planet), a highly-specialized organism is at risk during changeable environments.

Yes, your business is an organism and can be viewed as its own entity—even if you have not incorporated to attain the defined legal status of entity. You don’t have to look very far in the business world to see this problem playing out around you. Right now you’re seeing the ongoing hyper-segmentation of marketing simultaneous with the failure of the long-standing structures created by this process.

How do you survive, or even thrive in the confusion? The most important point is one you’ve already heard from me. Be clear about your heart: why do you what you do? What is your passion? Check each and every activity in your day against this benchmark.

Does this specific action move me towards or away from increasing my passion? Even if you have things on your schedule that are not 100% about your passion and purpose, how can you be with each thing so that you do align it with some aspect of your divine drive? You can learn from just about anyone and nearly anywhere…how can this next experience be of benefit to your calling?

The other way to thrive in this arena is noticing when niching works and when it doesn’t. For example, you receive a marketing communication and you are part of the niche: do you like how it feels or not? What can you learn about how this person communicates niche?

Perhaps even more valuable in this shifting economy, when you experience niche marketing and you don’t like it—why not? What do you wish was different about this communication or experience? How can you adjust your communication to reflect what you learned?

With all the change-waves working in the world how we market is die for an upgrade. I’ll keep you posted as those changes make their appearance known! And get started now learning how to thrive during the change-cycles.

Wishing you Success & Heart,

Heidi Sue

Are you making yourself an unhappy entrepreneur?

2009-11-11T14:16:00.000-08:00

Good Afternoon!

If you've been watching you know that when I find useful information I believe it's only fair to pass it on. Today, I have an article I highly recommend. You may look at the title and go, what? That's not for me--I'm not buying a business. I still suggest you download & read the article. Since it's not very long, so you've got double-the-reason to get this information. If you're into reverse engineering or at least willing to consider the concept, you'll learn what to avoid so you don't end up an unhappy entrepreneur.

This article highlights quickly and specifically some of the common pitfalls you can meet on the Entrepreneur Path. While Dr. Hollerbach writes from the perspective of someone buying a business, she describes the situations that are serious problems whether you stand on the seller or buyer side of the transaction. And often, if it's your business with these problems, learning see them clearly can be very painful. Each big "OUCH!" on this list has a direct connection to something you don't want to do in your business.

The article is from the Taku Group. How to Not Buy a Business--Unless You like to Overpay for Risky Businesses with a Cloudy Future. In the article you'll learn three basic arenas where you need to be well informed and specific symptoms of when you don't know enough.

You absolutely need to know:

The real cash flow in your business based on appropriate accounting principals
Market conditions that relate to the value of your business
How personality impacts the success of your business

WHY are these things valuable to you?

The cash flow situation is basic survival. If you don't know, you're lost without a map in a dark, lonely place. You could end up without a business, facing bankruptcy, or worse with perhaps no idea how you got there. In addition, borrowing money and managing credit become an impossible thing. Please don't let that be you.

The situation with market conditions is far reaching: if you stay on top of how and when things move you can make changes before it becomes a painful problem. Minimum wage changes are a great example. Not preparing for this kind of adjustment can be devastating. If you only have 1 or 2 employees and you rely on them extensively, something this small can bring a small operation to it's knees. Likewise, someone new may come into your market segment--knowledge may not be direct power today but being informed is clearly how you can choose a powerful direction!

The personality piece is the least obvious to most new business owners. I cannot tell you the number of small businesses I'v watched struggle with this factor failing to achieve additional success and growth. Your successful business may be a big boost to your sense of self. Most people who grow something from nothing to any level of success heavily invest their own blood, sweat and tears (and money). Or maybe you and a key employee have done so. If you want more time off, want to reach more clients, or simply want to make more money, you must sidestep the reality of a 1 to 1 relationship between you and your business.

Shifting or maintaining your internal, personal reality so that your business is NOT your identity is a large key to succeeding. Furthermore, it's the path to finding your way to more free time along with more focus on what moves you. If you are sure your business cannot survive without you, you're right! That model is not sustainable for anyone. Just as Dr. Hollerbach's article reflects how hard it is to deal with this kind of business owner during a sale, I promise you it's hard for everyone else to deal with your lack of separation between the business and your personality on a daily basis. Just as a hyper-involved parent suffers when a child breaks free, you're setting yourself up for hardship and more likely failures if this is the only way you know to relate to your business.

So? Are you going to download the article? Of course you are: Go on! Have a great day! Dr. Hollerbach's style is easy to read and direct. You'll find it well worth your time.

Wishing you Success & Heart,

Heidi Sue

Asking, and Receiving an abundance...

2009-11-06T15:10:00.001-08:00

Are you doing the asking you needed to develop and maintain your business? If not, I want to inspire you with what's possible when you ask.

I recently had the opportunity and challenge to ask some people for assistance with a variety of projects and challenges currently on my plate. As a very independent female who enjoys feeling competent, asking for help is not one of my native virtues.

I have been completely blown away by the responses when I have simply asked. Each contact involved being very honest about the individual challenges. Likewise, to be okay with myself, I had to own that I needed help and acknowledge that there was always the potential to be told no--and be committed to not holding anyone emotionally hostage if they did say no.

What happened? Blessing beyond anything I imagined and the resulting magnitude of gratitude I feel at all the different ways people have said yes, they want to support me. Consistently, my network has been over-the-top amazing.

So what could happen in your business if you just asked for the opportunity to support someone with your work? With your gifts?

Did you ever think that by not asking to serve someone, they are missing out on the opportunity to co-created their growth, healing and well-being?

I continue to dare you to ask. No, I double-dog dare you!

Ask you you can serve. Ask how you can support. When someone describes their need for exactly what you do, ask if you can tell them a little bit about working with you.

Ask and you shall receive is true. Ask and you shall serve is just as valid.

Have a super weekend!

Heidi Sue

The Power of Your Truth

2009-11-05T16:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Thursday!

Is anyone else out there having an interesting week? Last week I had the opportunity to meet some very unexpected financial impacts. Sometimes breakups are messy and surprises might happen.

I bet you've experienced unpredicted money stuff at some time in your life, too. Like grief, there's a process to owning and accepting these events. When you're willing to learn, money is the perfect reflection of your life lessons. Whatever money-reality stubs your toe is a pattern that happens elsewhere in your life. (You can bet I'm looking closely into this for myself as this experience unfolds.)

And there's still something that's true. The power of your SuccessHeart is still available, still real-- even in the midst of these experiences. I know it beyond a shadow of a doubt. It's happening daily in my life--nearly every hour.

I've written before about tapping into your mission for life, your calling for your work to the deepest extent you can. Your ability to feel and articulate your mission is a direct reflection of your success. It's impossible to under-estimate the value and power of doing this.

How do I know? Because I have both witnessed and experienced how people respond when the vibration of your work is a match for their needs. When's the last time you had conversations in less than 24 hours and found that 4 people took the next step in working with you? This may be setting up an appointment for a follow up, making a down payment, or whatever the next step is. Does this happen because I'm so great at conversations? Sure, I've got some skill in that area--and that's not the deciding factor. People don't buy a sales pitch. They want the connection, the support, the quality of the conversation.

You can create that just like I can. You may need to master some skills to get where you want to go. But crazy, mad skills without the focus, without the heart behind your work creates stress for you, your body, your life. You've heard and watched many people who had success and no heart some day come to their senses!

Have you found your core calling? The deepest reason for doing what you do?

If not, come one! Find it--and find an amazing door to changing your life, the lives of your clients and increased success.

Have a great night!

Heidi Sue

The “Give Up” Test

2009-11-04T12:10:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, a quick and “dirty” test can get you started on an amazing journey. Today, I challenge you to do the short-version of The “Give Up” Test^TM. While I use a more developed form of this tool for Life-Purpose coaching, the short-version is great, too!

Until you’re pushed, you may not have any idea what you would or would not give up. This experiment came from a year when I had anemia so bad I could hardly do anything. I’d sleep 13 hours a night and have to rest after even the most basic tasks. Choosing what to include and what to leave out of my life at that time was a huge surprise. The things I was completely unwilling to give up were an unexpected revelation. Now that I’m recovered, I’m still creating more room for those things in my life that I discovered I literally couldn’t live without. Testing what you’re willing to give up is a short path to honing in on your passion and by correlation, your success.

The quick and dirty version of this is to write a list: include everything you want to do and everything you feel you need or have to do. Once that’s done, go back to the top and consider the first item on your list. Would you be willing to give up this item if you can have anything else? If so, is that something else on your list? If not, add it to the bottom of your list. Compare those things again. If you could actually have the thing you prefer, would the impact of giving up this other commitment or dream be worth it? Are you willing to pay the price for giving up this one item on your list?

Each time you cross something off the list as worth giving up for another item, put a hash-mark next to the item that “Won” the competition. (It’s fast and easy to simply use the four-lines with a diagonal line counting system we used at kids.)

Work your way through the entire list until you get down to a noticeably smaller list. Don’t stop until you’re down to no more than ½ of what you started with. It’s even more valuable if you can give up all but a ¼ of what you started with. Now, the deeper part of this process comes out. Begin to decide which if any of the remaining items you are willing to give up and deal with whatever the impact giving up this thing would create, in order to keep something else on the list.

Your first thought may be you’re not willing to give up anything that remains. Keep going. Until you’ve compared each item on the remaining list to every other thing left and found you’d actually feel heartbroken, depressed, or incredibly sad to loose an item, don’t give up on the process. Instead of thinking about really hard, focus on how feel when you imagine not having or achieving this item. Thinking may just take you in circles here. Feel your truth!

If you’re like me, you may find that there is still more on your list than seems like it will fit into your life. That’s okay. Look at how much more is possible when you notice what matters to you the most? Those activities, dreams, or wishes that leave you feeling devastated when you contemplate not having them in your life bring you that much closer to connecting to your passion, your mission, your calling.

What are you willing to give up so you get what you want? The real secret is how much of what you want is hiding behind all the extra stuff that is just routine or not even that important.

I dare you! Do less of what you think has to be done and more of what you’re called to do!

Blessings,

Heidi Sue

P.S. Drop me an email if you want a complete version of The “Give Up” Test^TM

Define what you want to Create your communication

2009-11-03T12:59:00.000-08:00

Have you cross-pollinated the focused techniques of Internet Marketing? Regardless who you read or listen to, the basic idea is that every email, every page, every communication should point the recipient to one action. Focus on the specific step you want your reader to take.

This is also true for business communication in general. If you go into a meeting or a telephone conversation without a specific result in mind, that’s exactly what you’re going to get! Nothing specific—or more likely you’ll get nothing at all. The principal of pick an outcome and plan to create it is another TOP Success Strategy. (No, I don’t know how many we’ll have at the end of the cycle, so wait for the summary article!)

Most of us are so busy we don’t have time to drive aimlessly through our business activities. Sure, hop in the car and cruise around for a break, out of curiosity, or because you’ve got a great convertible. When you’re aimless about your business activities, you pay the price, but it gets worse than that. Your clients pay the price.

People want value. They want help, impact, results. Curiosity with a purpose is completely different than just wide open curiosity. If you’re not honed in on results, clients vote with their feet, their pocketbooks.

I want to be clear that sometimes the result or outcome you’re focused on is simply continuing the conversation. Say you meet someone for the first time and you’re not sure if they are a good match for your service as either a client or a referral partner. The reason to have the conversation is obtaining permission to keep talking. So adapt your questions and responses accordingly.

As the conversations continue, maybe your objective becomes signing someone up for a program or package. You’ve found out they have a need you can meet and they are someone you’re actually willing to work with (work is more fun when you have clients you like to work with). So once again, you focus your curiosity and conversational skill on creating the experiencing of both the need for and the outcome of working with you.

If you don’t know what outcome you want while connecting with this person, it’s easy to be distracted, to communicate in a way that confuses your listener, and undermines your desire to serve.

The next time you’re going to pick up the phone or enter a meeting, pick one thing you want to get out of the process. Even if you have smaller goals, articulate out loud or on paper that single over-arching objective of the event. Then focus all your attention on listening for clues regarding that objective and responding to questions that also lead that way. Let the others wait, rest or fade away.

In this world of information overload, choice proliferation, smaller resources, and compressed time, your focus will be appreciated and may very well make the difference between moving forward with a new client or treading water until you’re exhausted.

Pick your single objective for each encounter and then design your actions and words to move in that direction. You might find out the other person or people don’t agree: information just as useful as getting what you desire. Whether you need to make a list for the event or can hold it in your head, choosing a single outcome is a fast, simple way to boost your success.

Wishing you Success & Heart,

Heidi Sue

Riding the Wave

2009-11-02T15:56:00.001-08:00

Transition is the name of the game right now. Some economic indicators seem to be good news. On the other hand, some social patterns seem less inspiring. And even while the whiplash of news and information progresses, miracles and tragedies both happen on a community level.

So our current climate begs the question: Can you ride the wave? Even more pointedly, WILL you ride the wave?

Just about everyone I've spoken with over the past couple weeks has been in the midst of confusing, simultaneous experiences. "Yeah!" for one moment, and then crushing, "Ooww!" the next. When transformation of anything is happening quickly, we have the opportunity to dance with the unknown. Will the next thing lift you up? Will it drop you low? What can you do in response? How will you choose to authentic, strong, flexible? What does it mean to support your clients when you ride the maelstrom?

There is not a single answer to give or factor to calculate in this environment that's true for everyone. Except for one thing: how commited are you? How dedicated are you willing to be?

If your work and your professional independence are not a match for your core, SuccessHeart calling, this trial by extremes may reveal that mis-match. Accepting that and changing accordingly is completely appropriate.

On the other hand, if you know beyond a shadow of a doubt what your work is and that how you do that work is equally important, you get to explore the depths of your commitment, willingness and ability to trust Source to catch you when the wave crests over you. Those tumbles can be intense with lessons learned that have the potential for unimagined transformation.

Is money a challenge? Transform your relationship to it and see everyone respond in kind.

Is taking care of yourself a challenge? You can learn to value yourself and your gifts to create another kind of transformation wave.

Are you tired of doing a familiar dance with a long-term-relationship? Decide to change your steps, the music or both.

Or notice and ride your own wave of transformation.

Regardless, the question is will you show up with your board and other gear, and commit to the process of exploring riding the waves of your own life?

Or will you stay on the beach, just talking about surfing. The real test of success is heading out and picking yourself up again. The more waves you ride, the more likely you are to succeed. It's time to enjoy the economic wind in your hair, the sting of social expectations in your face, and the sense of your own feet and balance on the board of your experience.

Can you ride the wave? Will you ride the wave?

See ya' out in the surf...

Heidi Sue

Asking Questions--A TOP Success Strategy

2009-10-30T14:22:00.000-07:00

I read this article yesterday and couldn't wait to share it with y'all! Some of you may know that one of the things I teach and preach is that you've got to be able to ask the right questions of the right people. This is a make-or-break ability for anyone who wants to be successful individual. It's even more important for entrepreneurs and service businesses. When you don't sell "hard products" like a retail operation asking questions is the best way to get data about what is really going on, not just what you think is going on.

It's how you build, make and receive referrals. Asking questions is how you can figure out what to offer to do for your clients next!

So I'm tickled to feature this article by Suzanne Evans, Professional Help Expert

Remember, You Have to Ask!

One action you can implement immediately to help more people and make more money this month is to ask. It seems basic, just ask! It is so often overlooked. Have you asked for more business? Have you asked for more clients? Have you asked people to work with you? It's really fundamental.

The first thing I'd encourage you to do in asking is understand what you're asking for. What do you want your clients to look like, to be like? What is an ideal client? Get clear about that and know what you want from a client.

Also, just how do you know when you have it? If you're going to get really clear about what you're going to ask for, say, "How will I know when I'm standing in front of or speaking to the person that's right for me?"

Honor the value of the connection between you and the client. To ask for business, to ask a client to work with you, to ask a stranger if they're interested in Reiki or coaching or whatever it might be, you have to have a real respect and honor to the connection and relationship between you and the client.

Then the second part is having a plan for asking. "How am I going to ask? Where can I go to ask?" Take that vision that you worked with in part one and apply it to the plan. This is really key. What we don't ask for we never get. What we don't seek out never comes to fruition for us.

It's very powerful to ask for clients and business. A lot of people get scared about it. They say, "I don't want to ask. I just want people to see my value and come to me." Do you value yourself? If you're afraid to ask, I don't think you do.
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Asking is such a powerful tool, because it allows the potential clients to know about you. That's number one, because people have to know that you’re there to work with you. But more so for you, it leverages the value of what you do, because you share it with others and you ask of them to take a part in your services, your gifts, how you help people.

So make a mini goal for yourself in the next couple of days, "How many people will I ask to work with me, or ask to have a complementary session, or ask to come to a complimentary seminar?"

Also, realize what you're asking for. Sometimes you're asking for a complimentary session. Sometimes you're asking for someone to be a client. It's all very relative, because certain things are going to be easier for some of you to ask for. Some of you may just be asking for them to be on your newsletter or on a mailing list. Decide what you want to ask for. See what feels comfortable to you and really ask for that.

Now here's one of the really important factors in asking. After you decide how and what your goal is and where you're going to ask people for business, be aware that it needs to be continuous. I don’t want you to just spend an afternoon and go, "Okay, I'm going to go ask 10 people. That's my goal, then I'm done." I want you to constantly and consistently ask.

Just focus on the asking, because it will prepare you for always being free and open to ask for business. That will serve you for years and years. You'll automatically start attracting clients.

If you ask for business, if you ask for the opportunity to share your gift with someone, you will automatically, consistently and immediately see a shift in your business.

--Suzanne Evans

http://www.helpmorepeople.com/

Whenever I receive Suzanne's Ezine, I get a chance to read her helpful tips and enjoy being in communication with someone who "gets" doing business from heart. This came from Suzanne's Ezine...get your own copy of her great ideas by visiting her website at http://www.helpmorepeople.com/

Are you ready to get a jump-start on honing your skills in asking questions? Drop me an email to find out if I have any openings next week for 1 of 5 complimentary, 20 minute coaching sessions. You can get started on asking questions that help you and move your business forward.

Either way, the next time you go to ask a question in a business setting (or personal, it works there, too!) choose first what you'd like to learn by asking, then frame your inquiry so it fits that purpose.

Good luck exploring your reach by asking,

Heidi Sue

Down Economy...Up Opportunity

2009-10-30T08:22:00.001-07:00

You've got to wonder when large media outlets feature growth opportunity for small business if either something has changed, did they realize that doom and gloom weren't selling magazines, or did someone else finally notice how many businesses that started during the depressions are still here and those that succeeded did so in huge ways?

Take a look at just one list and if you haven't considered it before, this can be a real eye-opener. One of the things that commonly happens, and this is even more common in small business, is pulling everything in and down. Do we need to in some areas? Definitely! And activities that reach customers actually need to be increased! In most cases, your competitors are going to be doing less to reach clients. The perfect time for you to reach even more--and be set for an even greater explosion when the upswing begins.

So here are some top-tips for launching or expanding your business in a squeeze-economy.

1. Talk to your existing clients! Find out what they love about you, your service, etc. And find out what they wish worked better. Jump on the band wagon to fix the things they don't like. Then, find more people like your existing clients as they are more likely to love you, too!

(Most of you know you want to find clients like the ones you have--and I can't tell you the

number of businesses who completely forget to ask their current resources. In my book,

that's criminal. That's the same has having someone hand you a bar of gold and you make it into gold flake to pu on your hamburger when you can barely afford groceries. Okay,

soapbox going away now.)

2. Identify the least expensive way to reach that target market--ask yourself 5 times how can I do this for less money?

(I know, this is another one that seems obvious, and still most people over look this. For

example, you're an insurance agent and you want to reach more renters--fast sales cycle, smaller claims, and a small percentage will become long-term clients who buy houses, have

kids, etc. It's probably LOTS less expensive to take whatever mailing piece your company has and get a version of it printed for you by your local printer on less expensive paper and leave off your picture. Then, each day, take a one-hour walk for lunch and drop off the door hangers in appropriate neighborhoods or spend time calling on leasing offices. And go back to the offices at least once a month, build that long-term relationship.

3. Create less overhead in your operation. This is a case of reverse engineering "follow the money."

(Take a day or two trace, in great detail, exactly where and how many places a dollar goes

after it comes into your business. How many people have to "handle" that dollar and in how many ways? Eventually, how does that dollar get spent? What steps can be shortened or even eliminated? Can you set up some things to be handled automatically? Start looking in the nooks and crannies of your process to put the profit-squeeze on your cash flow. )

4. Do a lateral comparison: This refers to shopping a complimentary or auxiliary business to your own. Instead of shopping the competition, look for services or providers who are "next door" to what you do.

(Look for what you like about their business, marketing materials, and how or if it might

appeal to your key customers. This gives you ideas on how to connect with those key clients

in a greater way and tells you who might be good referral alliances for your business.(

Spread your wings, entrepreneurs! It's the perfect time to power up your courage and intention so you can serve more people during this time when we so desperately need to support each other!

Wishing you Success & Heart,

Heidi Sue

The Failure of Judgement

2009-10-27T09:19:00.000-07:00

I found a friend and colliege's blog this morning. What a gift. I strongly encourage you to check it out at: http://www.sexorientationtruth.com/blog/post/2009/09/28/Live-Without-Judgment.aspx. And I'm going to riff a bit Constance's topic.

She so nails how stuck we are in the 1 or 0 culture and language. We just insist that everything is a yes or no.

And it's not! So often when dealing with businesses and coaching entrepreneurs the essential element is teaching them to see the space between the single two options that are usually the focus. Should I have my own business or practice, or work for someone else? Should I keep my business open or close it? Should I have a home office or rent space?

Take for instance, any decision you need to make today. Place one option in your right hand, now extend that arm out to your right side. Place the other option in your left hand, and extend that arm as well. Now focus on one hand and quickly look to your other hand, that other option. Look back and forth between the options a few times, moving your focus very quickly.

Now this time, move your attention slowly from one hand to other and SEE! Notice! everything that is between your hands. You can probably see the floor, or the room, or maybe a ray of light passing by. There's a wealth of potential between the options.

Here is where wealth, success and real problem solving exist. "Yes" and "No" turn out to be lacking in creativity, in juiciness, and in choice. Most of the times when faced with this kind of 1 or 0 choice we don't want either one! So fulfillment comes from the mix in the middle.

Consider the options and opportunities you might be missing when focusing on only two options in a situation. Slow down, feel more and look for the other choices that are likely to have been invisible before now.

Wishing you Success & Heart,

Heidi Sue

How do you get Passion and Inspiration to combine?

2009-10-26T16:34:00.000-07:00

I’m just back from a great weekend with my own business coaches. I had a great rollercoaster ride during The Leverage Your Genius weekend with Jessie and Sharla. And it got me wondering: Are you willing to tap into your passion and inspiration? If so, what's your personal key?

This is the second time I’ve spent a weekend in their group coaching program where the inspiration that downloaded was just as huge as the content they downloaded to the participants.

And this is exactly the powerful results that happen when passion and inspiration intersect. Thanks to the weekend I spent with them a couple months ago, I launched a training course last week that actually starts on Thursday. That weekend also inspired another course that debuted this weekend and will start after the first of the year. I’ve never met a service that didn’t have income hiding in the nooks and crannies that escaped my awareness.

It can be tough to find the income-streams in our own work simply because you’re so buried in it! And usually the easiest, most obvious things that make a quick return aren’t even hard to implement. They are just hard to find because we’re so used to seeing our work just the way it is.

Well, this weekend turned out to be no exception. With presenters like Mike Hill who completely blew out any idea of what a big business is to the brilliance of Linda Clair Puig, Leverage Your Genius gave us access to genius I didn’t have before. At two different times when someone was presenting the curriculum, I realized I can create two more products that will support my peers and clients in earning more money even faster and with less effort. The best news for me personally is that in both cases it’s information and skill I’ve had for years—and wondered what the heck I’d ever accomplish with all I’d learned.

Now I know! My dad taught me that if something truly interests and inspires you, you should do it. He said there was no way to know how God would bring it all together in the future. And while I certainly don’t claim divine intervention on my behalf, I love the feeling of OH! I can use what I’ve learned in an unexpected way to help other people.

At least one of those new options will be a super bargain and will be out before the end of year. There’s some midnight oil in my future and I’m actually excited about it!

Do you have a place, person, or thing that illuminates the intersection of your own passion and inspiration? Whatever it is that does this for you…be sure to spend some time in that way to boost your success, your potential, your joy, and the fun of doing what matters to you most!

Wishing you Success & Heart,
Heidi Sue