Two Tip Tuesday... My Business Tips

This morning on the Classy Chic 'n Elite Network on Ryze, Shelly asked the following:

When it comes to drumming up local business in your own area or neighborhood...how do you get out there and do that?

What are your 2 best tips for marketing your business locally in your own backyard?

Here is my reply:

My number one tip is to Be Visible! People do business with people they KNOW, LIKE and TRUST. Notice the first is "KNOW" - they gotta know you before they can like you and trust you. I have built a 27 year old business because I am visible in the community. That means I attend networking events whenever possible (you can find lots of free events just by looking in the local calendar section of your newspaper) and by joining groups that share the same values and customer base as I am looking for.

My number two Tip is to Get to know the local media. You can do that in a couple of ways, by writing letters to the editors and the authors of columns you read regularly and you can check out events you know they will be attending. Another way is to volunteer for the Publicity or Public Relations committee of an organization in which you are involved. The person who connects with the press to get the word out about events and projects the group presents becomes the one the media remembers.

I have a list of over 300 local media because early in my career this is exactly what I did. The best part is that when the media leaves a job to go to another, they take their rollodex with them and you become a part of their "circle." Many times the media has called me to recommend someone I knew for a story they were writing and on more than one ocassion, my business was mentioned in that story because of my willingness to promote others to reporters when they call.

And Chris Carroll of Direct Sales Talk echoed what I wrote and included the following comments:

You Have to be involved in the community, whether thru the Chamber and/or a local non profit and that does not mean paying dues. That mean being out there working the functions and meeting people.

Media is another key part. You all know I got a big front page spread on my new biz and trust me it was only because I knew the reporter.

IMHO, it doesn't have to cost a lot of money to market your company, just a little time and effort and willingness to put yourself out there.

Happy Tuesday... Celebrate the Earth today and ALWAYS!

Heidi Richards Mooney

Winning Without Intimidation

I’m a big fan of Bob Burg and all he does. He is the guru of goodness, the king of kindness and one of the thought leaders that I eagerly listen to and learn from. Among his many publications (including Author of Endless Referrals and The Go-Giver) is his ezine Winning Without Intimidation. Winning Without Intimidation is the Internet magazine for people who believe in getting what they want in all areas of their life (people, relationships, things, sales, money, etc.) while helping others to feel good about themselves. Each issue is filled with excellent advice for all aspects of our lives.

This week Bob talked about "The Law of Receptivity." According to Bob, “This Law discusses our belief that receiving is a natural result of giving and, at the same time, continued and effective giving is a natural result of receiving. And, that to focus on only one part of the equation while ignoring the other is counter-productive for you and everyone else.”

Here’s an excerpt from the April 15th issue:

“Our excellent company bookkeeper - Trina - came in for her periodic "rescue mission" and was doing her thing when I noticed the pen she was using. It wasn't a particularly fancy pen but I liked its design and told her so. I then asked her where she bought it. She replied, "Oh, here, take this one; I've got plenty of them."

I said, "I can't take your pen." She asked, "Why not?" I replied, "Because it's your pen." She said, "So what? I've giving it to you." I countered, "No, I wouldn't feel right taking your pen."

She then said the following words: "Bob, it's a very simple, two-step process: One, take the pen. Two, say "thank you."

Wow - here I am talking about being willing to receive, yet I wasn't allowing someone else the gift of giving. Amazing how we teach what we need to continue to learn.”

There are always great lessons to learn or relearn and each issue includes resources and personal intros by Bob. I highly recommend subscribing to Winning Without Intimidation, today!

To begin receiving Winning Without Intimidation into your inbox, send a message to mailto:wwi@aweber.com.

Tell Bob Heidi sent you.

Clutter Distracts us From the Beauty in our Lives

On Fridays on HER Mastermind Network Ann Rusnak (The Time Diva) moderates Beauty, Books and Balance Day. Last Friday she talked about "Spring is the air... time to get rid of winter clutter. Clutter distracts us from the beauty in our lives." Ann asked the group to share our tips on decluttering and organizing.

Here's what I wrote:

"I don't know about the rest of you but I buy way too much makeup! and the funny thing is I hardly wear any. Mostly eye makeup because my eyelashes are so pale.

Recently I decided to go through that pile of makeup sitting under the sink. It was a good thing too! I found some beautiful eye-shadows I haven't used yet and some that I don't have any idea WHY I bought them.The first I put in my makeup drawer to start using and the second I got rid of. Unless they were new and never used I threw them out and the new stuff I am donating to Suited for Success in Miami.

I also have quite a collection of lipsticks - it seems I have a fettish for buying them (and putting them away to one day use). I try them on and find out they really aren't my shade.

How many of you have bought lipsticks only to find out they just were'nt you? I counted 37 that I will never use.You might say to yourself thats a lot of lipstick to throw out! When you figure the average lipstick costs anywhere from $5 - $9 each it comes out to about $250!

Here's my thoughts: When you get rid of those things like lipsticks, eyeshadow and even clothes you think you might one day fit into, you free up space in your closets, your cupboards or drawers and in your Mind. And I believe the space you are taking up in your mind might be the most important to release or unclutter.

The subconcious is a powerful thing - that which we hold onto takes away energy from things we could be concentrating on that will bring us positive rewards. Clutter causes overwhelm, anxiety and even depression. When you unclutter those things in your life taking up space you will find it amazing how much better you are able to concentrate and take on new tasks, learn new things, expand your mind. Try it and see for yourself!

The other benefit of getting rid of those things taking up space are all the other beautiful things you can put in their place. When I cleaned out my makeup, I went out and got a new facial microdermabrasian kit as a reward! Now all I have to do is open it and start using it :)

Have a great day... and more!

Heidi