"Paris" in Vegas

Don’t I wish that the picture on the left was the real thing. I was in Las Vegas at a friend’s 50th birthday party. I’m not a gambler, so my Vegas recreation is hotel hopping, people watching, spas and shows.

Le Reve Show, c'est magnifique!

I have to admit, this picture was part of the inspiration for a new program I’ll be launching this summer called My Motivacation™ – 6 Sensory Destination Adventures that Build Your Business by Nurturing Your Soul. I’m sooo excited. If you want to know more, visit this link MyMotivacation.com

As my work has evolved, I’m discovering what I consider to be the true key to business success…and it happens waaaayyy before you start with strategies and tactics…My feature article “Can’t move the needle on your revenues?” is for those of us who work so hard, care so much, but can’t seem to get traction. Often we’re trying to build in the wrong places.

The personal note, as always, comes from some personal experience I’ve had and this time, I’m learning to embrace all of me by not, “…fighting the funk“

Please remember that I love to get your notes or messages. Let me know  what you’d like to see more of in the newsletter.

From,

Karyn and Elvis with Love!

I have to say, that each year at this time I have the same sensation – that the fall just seems to evaporate. It seems like it was just August and now it’s almost November!  Which means that it’s time to start planning for 2011.

Save the date because Wednesday, December 1^st I’m going to host a virtual 2011 planning program from noon – 1:30pm CST. Thisprogram is designed to look at the key variables in running your business and prioritizing them so that you will struggle less, earn more and enjoy the process. I’ll send an eblast with all the details!

One of the key variables that we’ll be reviewing on the planning call is your positioning in the market. If you want to get a jump on that, register for my upcoming teleseminar,

“Is how you introduce your company closing the door to new business?”

Learn the 5 BIGGEST MISTAKES entrepreneurs make when they introduce their business.

Please, be my guest at this program. Click here to register

Invite your Quirky Bits to work

The things that make you uniquely you, should not have to be checked at the door when you’re on your way into the office. In fact, I propose that those quirky bits combined with your core values, joie de vivre and expertise, can create a powerful brand personality; if you let it.

More and more today, consumers are making their purchasing decisions based on quirky things (AKA not price). Are they sustainable? Do they give back to the community? I love their packaging….

So let your personality fly. The days of purely transactional purchases are over. Consumers have so many choices that they can afford to choose based on a quirky feature. So give them one. Decide what you want your “special thing” to be; that thing that you do with gusto, excellence and flavor.  Is it answering the phone on the first ring? Is it delivering your product with half a dozen oatmeal raisin cookies as a thank you?

When you allow what’s unique and joyful about who you are to be present in your business, the energy of the business changes and your customers will feel it. Respond to it. Want to be around it more. You don’t have to believe me, just try it for a month. Then let me know how it went.

Q: Karyn, you talk about claiming a niche. I understand the concept but I don’t want to cut myself off from potential sales by focusing on one group.

A:  You are always the decision maker with respect to your business. So of course, do what feels right to you. However, if you want to reduce your costs, close sales faster, and have more energy, a niche will help you do it. It reduces distractions and focuses your actions and how you use your resources. No more scatter shot. In the end, do what feels right.

Put your money where your mouth is, offer a guarantee.

Do you offer a guarantee? If yes, fabulous.  If no, why not? Guarantees are one of the best ways to neutralize objections to purchasing your product. The higher the price of your product or service, the more valuable your guarantee becomes.  Guarantees do a few things for your potential clients and you…

For your customer a guarantee demonstrates:

1)      Product/service integrity

2)      Your willingness to build a relationship with the customer

3)      Confidence in your work

For you a guarantee inspires you to:

1)      Show up for  your customer

2)      Commit to the quality and deliverable you’re trying to sell

3)      Build your own confidence

There are a few types of guarantees that you could offer:

• A Value guarantee, “If you don’t feel that this is worth every penny ….”
• A Results guarantee, “I promise if you_(i.e. follow instructions)_______ then _(result)______”
• A Performance guarantee, “I promise you’ll experience/receive ______”

Pick one, put yourself out into the world in a bolder way,  and then close a few more deals.

Here’s mine if you’re curious.

Follow the smart celebrities

image:AP

The Huffington Post posted an article today called, “The Most Unexpectedly Profitable Celebrity Businesses” .  What they cited as the secret to celebrity business success is what we love talking to you about here at Beyond Blind Spots. These celebs found their success by:

• broadening their personality and artistic vision into the world of consumer brands,
• pursuing what they know best and/or,
• blending no-nonsense branding with a an inspiring penchant for philanthropy

Lessons to live by.