Warm Leads Tapped Out?  What next?  

We all know what a cold lead is:  The contact won’t budge.  Or worse, hangs up!  You know what a hot lead is:  The contact is eager to know more.  Hooray!  Warm leads, however, need more support before making a decision.  That support could mean getting an opinion from a friend or researching the item online.

Lead Generation Builds Businesses  

You have a number of ways to build your business by turning warm leads into hot leads.  First, learn your customer’s needs and desires—a very powerful force.  Then show how your product meets them.  Start questioning:  Clarify issues; address concerns; present benefits.  Finally, don’t be shy and ask for the sale.

If you market your business online, present yourself through newsletters, blogs, e-mail contacts, and social media.  By building a relationship, a warm lead gradually feels more comfortable with you and your offerings.  The effort also keeps you top of mind.

If you market through networking, be a good listener.  At events, subtly identify the quality of a lead; engage your contact without being salesy.  Offer solutions and help, not products or services.  On any leads you make, follow up quickly.

If you make cold calls (I dread them too), prepare your presentation so you can quickly deliver a value-laden pitch. After you identify a warm lead, maintain contact without being overwhelming.  Consider offering a discount or coupon and add a sense of urgency.  It just might change a warm lead and into a hot one.

Action Steps

• Identify the needs and desires of your leads.  Emotion is a huge factor in making any sale.
• Build relationships. In the end, it pays off directly or indirectly. Your warm lead may even refer you to a hot lead.
• Stress benefits, benefits, benefits.

It is the essential component to creating financial freedom and living the lifestyle you desire.  I chose network marketing &  real estate investing for my automated income streams…however,  there are various strategies – franchising, traditional business, coaching, consulting, royalties from music or movies, the stock market, book sales, affiliate and internet marketing…plus many more.

I had the opportunity to speak to a group of Entrepreneurs and Business Owners on the subject of Strategies for Financial Freedom and here’s a quick one minute clip on leveraging from my full 20 minute talk.

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More of the video to come in the next blog!  I look forward to your comments and/ or questions on how leveraging can create your automated income.

Looking for financial peace of mind?  Start here with my FREE tools - click here.   

Next.  Book your appointment with me for a FREE private coaching call - click here.

It was when we returned to Canada after living an amazing life in another country!  Here’s the thing…I got very used to 3 years of afternoon siestas, sea side air, long relaxing lunches, authentic Italian cuisine and the luxury of not working for the first time in my life. This was the taste of the balanced lifestyle most people only dream of!  However, now that I was back, reality set in and it was now time for me to figure out how to create my own wealth. 

With the idea of entrepreneurship turning over in my mind, I had to ask myself 2 key questions.   How could I earn the same kind of income that I did in my corporate sales and training position?  And more importantly, how could I work far less than the 60 hour work week that came with the job?

Well, it’s interesting…when you put things out to the universe, people and ideas start to show up in your life – I was introduced to a wellness company that offered independent sales rep positions, working from home which allowed me to be there for our kids – a real dream come true!   I investigated it further and was pretty impressed with the company and the people I would be working with, so I embarked on this new venture.  In a very short period of time, even without knowing anyone in Ottawa, I managed to create a very significant income building a solid customer base and a dynamic sales team.

Was it super easy to accomplish?  Not at all. It took thinking, planning and action, but it is extremely rewarding and fulfilling.  Even with the learning curve and new skills to develop, I knew I found my passion.  What’s cool…is that this new way of earning income was actually residual income coming in month after month, because I did the work upfront.

I decided to take a portion of this recurring residual income and put it toward my first real estate income property. Shortly thereafter, I purchased another property and then another and another….which is now a 2 + million real estate asset portfolio.   Here I was, a self taught investor, providing quality housing for people who needed to rent in good locations.  It seemed hard to believe…but creating wealth was happening!   

Between my residual income business and my residual income real estate investments, both continue to grow in value and in equity.  As a life long learner, I studied Robert Kiyosaki’s cashflow quadrant and my goal was to be on the right side – the B & I quadrants – where freedom and wealth are created.  Click here to see my quick video on how I became mortgage free, doubled my net worth and went over to the other side.

Here’s the thing…the reason I share my story with you is that if I can do, so can you!

If you’re serious about creating your wealth and you’d like 30 minutes of FREE advice to get you inspired, email me and I will make time for you.

As well, I am excited to be speaking on this topic on March 16th at Your Stage - click here to register.  And if you miss that, stay tuned for my upcoming webinar, Creating Your Wealth scheduled for April 4th!

Make sure to grab one of my favorite tools – Your Net Worth Spreadsheet at my FREE tools page!

Don’t forget to leave your  comments – I want to hear how you intend to think, plan and act on creating YOUR wealth!  

So how do we do recognition?”

With these two celebrations, I was totally surrounded by so much love and recognition from my husband, my children, family and  friends that I cannot begin to tell you how blessed I feel.  I voiced my appreciation to my kids and they remarked, “Mom, you always recognize us, so we just automatically do the same”.  And the cool part, is that I watch them doing it all the time in their own interactions with others. The point is that we can all benefit from more recognition!

Dave Ramsey says,“the first rule of recognition is to simply bother to do it”.  That means actually getting into the habit of catching people doing something right!

I decided to put it to the test this week.  I was looking for some advice on printers, since I had to replace my ‘good old faithful’ one I had for many years.  The sales associate at Staples Business Depot I was dealing with was pretty darn good.  He gave me all the benefits and answered my challenging questions very well.  I decided to wait a day or so and also check out the competition.  They were OK, but not at the same knowledge and service, so I decided to go back and check it out again at Staples.  This time I had another sales associate and not only did he give me excellent product knowledge and service, after the purchase, he even offered to take it out to my car.  I made sure to recognize them both by emailing the Store Manager and she was thrilled to hear it…and so were they:)   This was one of many times I used the power of recognition this week – it’s been a blast!

In his book, Dave talks about how “people yearn for acceptance, approval, appreciation, attention and affection”.  It’s all part of our inner makeup and the better we get at giving recognition, the more we will receive.  This was so clear to me this week as I focused on recognizing people wherever I went or when on the phone.  As I gave out lots of compliments and became genuinely interested in people, the more interest they took in me and what I do.   I know you know this, but it’s easily taken for granted as we get caught up in our day to day stuff.

The really cool part is that when you recognize your team, your family and friends, it is the catalyst to success in your business and your life.  This is definitely not complicated, it’s just a matter of paying attention to the details.

Tom Peters says in Search of Excellence, “people are lifted up and inspired when they work for something bigger than themselves.”

Zig Ziglar says, “people say motivation doesn’t last, well neither does bathing, that is why we recommend doing both daily.”

So…have some fun and start recognizing more people…you have the power!

It’s the new year and this is when 95% of the population decide to make an effort on being healthier.  But the sad part of the story, is that by Jan 20th…they often give up.

When it comes to your busy schedule, how often do you find yourself forgetting to eat or to even drink water?  And do you feel like exercise never really gets on the agenda?  Do you ever find yourself tired in the middle of the afternoon or falling asleep at your desk?

Instead of making a resolution for your health this year…what about making it a revolution!    For me, eating healthy and working out regularly 4-5 times per week is part of my weekly routine.  Even when I travel, I make sure to switch to my ‘health and wellness on the go’!  Here’s the thing…it’s not as much work as most people think, it’s really just a mindset.  It’s a matter of making small habit changes over time…and sticking with it.

When you stay healthy physically and mentally, your business will be healthier too!  What do I mean by that?  It’s about balance…your body, mind and spirit need to be rejuvenated on a regular basis.  Without regular attention to your health, your business can suffer.  Here are a few tips to keep you healthy and positively impact your business building at the same time.

1.  eat healthy as much as possible…even if it means small snacks through the day…sorry guys…this does not mean…drive thrus!  Prepare on Sunday for the week ahead.  And for quick meals, most grocery stores carry healthy food to go.

2.  go to bed at a reasonable time…quality sleep ensures you keep up with the demands of both, your personal life and your daily business activities.

3. get moving…find a regular exercise routine that works for you!  It might be going to the gym, yoga class, team sports, running or walking…but it’s gotta be right for you.  I have a home gym, so I can choose when I work out!

4.  try meditation…even a 5 -10 minute time-out can do wonders for your energy level and bring you fresh ideas to your business building.  Guided meditation really works best for me!

5.  get social…make a point of getting to know people…it does not have to be all work related…a friend’s nite out or social event can do wonders!

6.  don’t forget to tap into your sense of humor…getting work done is serious business, but it does not mean you cannot have fun in your business environment.

I hope these few tips help you get going for 2012.  Think revolution and involve others! Feel free to check out an easy and simple health challenge that includes nutrition, exercise and coaching all in one, called the e84 Challenge.  Who knows, it may be exactly what you’re looking for.

Go for it…make this an amazing new year of 2012!  Wishing you all the best personally and professionally!  

You Can Have More (Much More!) Money in Your Pocket

Here’s today’s number one  strategy for tax reduction:  Take advantage of the deductions that you are legally allowed to claim as the owner of a home-based network marketing business.  In the normal operation of your business, you use your home and car and are required to travel and entertain. That entitles you to deduct a portion of those expenses:

• Home costs, including maintenance, utilities, and insurance
• Vehicle costs, including gas and repairs
• Entertainment costs, including dining with clients and attending meetings
• Travel costs, including trips to conferences and trade shows

Use my tax estimator tool to figure how much money you can save.  See how you can actually cut your tax bill in half!  Now all you need is the business of your dreams.

Getting Started Is Easier Than You Think

Like starting any business, starting a home-based business takes some time and risk.   But because of the support mechanisms that are available to help network marketers, it’s far easier to start a network marketing business than to start a traditional bricks-and-mortar business.  And you can keep your regular job in the process.

In addition, you don’t need a big investment.  In fact, the money you save from the tax deductions alone will more than cover your start-up costs.  To learn more, read my article  “The Real Secret of the Rich.”

Count the Benefits (Then Start Counting Your Blessings)

Once your business is up and running, you not only qualify for some great tax deductions, but you can also reap many more benefits:

• More money in your pocket
• More time to do the things you love to do
• Increased self-confidence and sense of self-worth

But putting more money in your pocket through tax deductions and earnings from your home-based business are just the beginning (link to website).

Let Me Take You to the Next Step

You Can Become Financially Free in Five Years

Yes, I can show you how to be financially free in just five years.  I did it, and you can too.

Well, I just got back from my primary company’s quarterly event in Tulsa, Oklahoma and what an amazing event!  If you don’t get out to business building events, you could be missing out!       

Here’s the thing.  It’s easy to fall into a slump in your self-employed/ home business.  It requires lots of self-motivation to keep your business active, energized and profitable on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.  I have found there to be incredible power in business building events.  They are designed to get you moving and turbocharge you into more action.

So here is why I believe they work and why you need to get plugged in:  

1.  You get to experience the big picture!  In your own hometown, its a local view rather than a global view.

2.  You will tap into remarkable leadership training!  And get motivated by the amazing success stories.

3.  You get to network with like-minded people!  And some will even become life long friends.

4.  And of course, you’ll absolutely have no choice, but to have some fun!

5. And depending on the location, you get to travel to cool places (as a business expense)! 

So plan NOW and invest in yourself by attending a big event at least once or twice a year.  I have made a commitment to attend quarterly events so my thriving business grows well beyond my wildest dreams!

My next big event is Feb 16-18, 2012 in Dallas, Texas.   How about you – when is your next big event?

There is an easy formula called F.O.R.M. that I love to use.  It can be used when you meet someone for the first time, or when you meet someone you have known for awhile.  Show genuine interest and ask them specific questions, like the ones I have shared below.  Think of this as the #1 key differentiating factor in your success formula for a healthy profitable business.

Family – ask about their family.  Most people love to talk about this part of their life.  Maybe, it’s where they grew up, or their kids, or their significant other or their family pets.

Occupation – ask what they like about what they are doing.  Don’t forget to ask what they don’t like about their job.

Recreation – ask what they do for fun?  What are their favorite activities?

Message -  once you know the above, bring in your message and invite them to learn about what you have to offer.

It’s a natural progression – find out about them, what they are all about and how you can help them get to where they want to go.  And, believe me, this can be done in just a few minutes.  This formula works.  Try it…practice it…and you will see amazing results.

Let me know your thoughts and how I can help you develop the skill of building relationships and using FORM to get results quickly.  Contact me today!  I would love to help you achieve the level of success you are seeking!

The bottom line is, people do business with people they know, like and trust.   But, how can you build those relationships quickly in this age where we are bombarded with sales & marketing overload. And when we build those relationships, how can we leverage them?

Picture this.  You meet someone at a networking event and before you know it, they are starting to pitch their business to you.  You begin to feel negative towards them and totally resist their offer. If, on the other hand, they would have taken the time to get to know you, it would start to cultivate the relationship.  Here are a few ideas to get the KLT Factor working for you.

Get Them to KNOW You

It starts with being visible. Don’t be the best kept secret. You need to be in front of people. So, start with your community.  Attend networking events targeted to your business.  Start conversations on line – get to know them first and do not pitch them.  Start to make positive comments on blog posts that are complementary to your business. Use a ‘stay in touch’ tool for email marketing.  Start speaking at local events and get the word out that you are in business.

Get Them to LIKE You

First thing to know is that not everyone will like you.  The key thing here is that you are not trying to market to everyone. You need to know who you are marketing to so that people will start to like you because of what you are communicating.  First impressions happen here, so a pleasant personality will make a big difference.  You want them to become your biggest fans who will promote you and refer you to their network and beyond.  To get them to like you, the most important thing you need to do is – be your authentic self.

Get Them to TRUST You

We know that people buy from people they trust.  This part of the KLT factor means that you have to be consistent in what you do and your prospects should understand what you do and what your business is all about.  If you miss this step, you may lose a potential customer.  Talk about your business to at least 2-3 people/ day and make sure you are communicating your message in a compelling way to evoke interest.  Stay in touch with your prospects and customers, always providing value in your communication.

Remember, developing your Know Like Trust Factor starts prior to the selling process.  If you take these ideas, I guarantee you will build lasting relationships that will improve your bottom line and create long term sustainable growth for your business.

I would love to hear from you, so make sure to add your comments below!  And if you need some help with this, take advantage of my 30 minute complimentary consultation by sending me a quick email.