Debra Kasowski

4 Smart Ways to Nurture and Build Business Relationships

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Business is not business without prospects or customers. Business is all about relationships and how you can serve others with your message, mission, products, and services. I learned long time ago that you need to build these relationships before jumping in and sharing some of your products and services. Business relationships are built on trust and rapport also known as the “know, like, and trust ” factor.Social network

Many people go wine and dine and even schmooze at networking events but never follow up with the people they meet. There is more to networking than the food and drink. You want to build and nurture the relationships almost like courting. It is important for you to have strategies in place to nurture your relationships. Strategy and not schemes. Strategies are intentional plans of continuing to build relationships to you understand how to serve your audience and the persons in relationship with learn what you do, what your needs are and how they may help you as well. Relationships take time to build. They say it can take 7-9 touches or interactions with someone before they will do business with you. There are many smart ways to make them happen!

Business Relationship Building Strategy #1 – Get to Know Your Audience

Getting to know your audience begins with active listening and paying attention. Think about the information they like, share, or pin on social media. Develop a dialogue online and ask a question to learn preferences, likes, and dislikes.

Small Action Step

Send a direct message on social media to someone you have conversed with in person or online asking them about their business goals and how you may support them. Another idea you may try is blogging about a recent book you read and asking others for their feedback on the book or what books they would recommend.

Business Relationship Building Strategy #2 – Follow Up Phone Call or Send an Email (BUT do NOT hide behind the computer)

Follow Up is the key to business success. You can do this with a simple phone call or an email referring to your meeting or follow up on the discussion you had. Perhaps you promised to send them some information or you agreed to check your calendars to meet for lunch or coffee and you were just following up. Ideally, follow up should occur within 24-48 hours. Life are busy – try to make your follow up timely.

Small Action Step

Call the last person you met at a networking event. Arrange to meet for lunch or coffee to learn more about them and the business. Always come form a place of service first. You may want to do business with them or you may keep them in mind for someone who does.

Business Relationship Building Strategy #3 – Send Nice to Meet You or Thank You Cards

Send out “Nice to Meet You” or “Thank You” Cards to people you have just met or people you have done business with. How often to you get mail from someone you have just met or you have done something for? Most people tend to say not too often. I know that this practice can change your life. Not only does sending a card make you feel good, you will make someone else’s day.  I use a distribution service called SendOutCards. I can send small tokens or appreciation or gifts.

Small Action Step

Purchase 5 Thank You or Blank Cards and write out a heartfelt message in a card to the last 5 people you had interaction with. They may be some you met at a networking meeting, a member of your team, someone who provided you with exceptional customer service, or someone who has made a big impact in your life.

Business Relationship Building Strategy #4 – (ONLINE) Write Content Rich Articles for Your Audience

Article marketing is a great way for others to “get to know your voice” and learn about how “you think” about the world. There are many article directories that you could submit article to. Ezine Articles and Self-Growth are two directories I submit content to.

How to articles are some of the most searched for forms of content.

Small Action Step

Write an article about something that people often ask you about. I bet this will be pretty easy as you already do this naturally. What are 3 tips or words of advice that you have recently given someone? How do you explain it to them?

Business relationships are key. Although some social networking can be done on the computer it is best to get out there and do some face to face communication, so people can get to know like and trust you. Are you in!

I would love to hear your comments about how you nurture your relationships. Leave your comments below.

 

5 Foolproof Ideas for Driving Traffic to Your Website

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I know many women entrepreneurs who thought they would build a website and the traffic would come.

Guess what?

No one came, unless you count their mother.

Courtesy David Castillo Dominci/freedigitalphotos.com
Courtesy David Castillo Dominci/freedigitalphotos.com

If you do not let anyone know who you are or tell anyone what you are doing no one is going to find you!

You need to develop a plan or strategy so this awesome global tool makes you really global not taking up a page in the galaxy of internet pages.

In order to drive traffic to your website, you need to create compelling valuable content which inspires, educates, or entertains. You need to be able to solve a problem that your potential client has. You may even compare and contrast different approaches to a problem and how you and what you offer would be the solution your audience is longing for. Content can come in many forms such as ebooks, special reports, or teleclass series. Keep the content fresh and up to date.

You may have even attempted a few things but have not really seen a bang for your buck!

I hate to be the bearer of bad news – you cannot dabble on Facebook or Twitter and expect a huge following.

You need to be focused on your audience and consistent with your message.

Take a good look at what they want, what they need, and how you can deliver it to them.

Here is 5 Foolproof Ways to Get Going:

  1. Article Marketing. This technique is by far the most cost effective marketing tool you can use. Write or outsource your writing (if it is not your fancy). Ensure your article is content rich and you assign keywords and phrases in which your audience would search for content. Your author bio should have a call to action directing readers to your website. Article marketing sites like Self growth and Ezine Articles are great places to get started and position yourself as an expert.
  2. YouTube. Video marketing is one of the most powerful marketing tools on the internet today. Video increases your ranking in the search engines. Again, you should be creating video that inspires, entertains, or educates. Many people are watching more on YouTube than they are their own televisions. A call to action is essential at the end of your video and in your video description. What do you want the viewer to do after they watch your video? Repurpose your videos and put them on your website or blog. Traffic comes from a variety of places – help serve them better by being accessible.
  3. Irresistible Opt-In Offer. What are you willing to give someone in exchange for their name and email? How will you serve them? A free audio, video series, ebook, or special report may be just what you internet savvy entrepreneur is looking for. You want to provide value so they will come back for more.
  4. Social Media. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram are social networking tools that are not going away. Learn to use and leverage them in building relationships, sharing your products and services, educate, inspire, or entertain. I have made numerous connections and created opportunities by connecting with others on social media.
  5. Word of Mouth. No matter what is going on in the world, word of mouth is still the most powerful marketing tool and now opinions and information via this method can come in the form of video, audio, and social media posts. This is why customer service excellence plays such an important role.

There are many ways to drive traffic to your website, I would love to learn some of the methods you use. Comment below.

If you have not downloaded the Resolutionary Breakthroughs to Profit and Prosper, go to The Millionaire Woman page NOW.

 

6 Powerful Reasons to Take Decisive Action NOW

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We can all come up with an excuse as to “why” today might not be the right time or place to take action.

I am tired of hearing excuses from people with so much potential to make positive change in the world. Many sit on the sidelines just waiting for life to say “Hello, it’s your turn.” These people have worked hard long hours yet continually postpone their success. Why?

Time stops for no one.

Why wait?

“The possibilities are numerous once we decide to act and not react.” – George Bernard Shaw

You may even challenge my reasons for taking decision action – NOW but that’s okay. That is my intent! When you question, thoughts and beliefs you can gain a whole new perspective and – even get out of the rut you may have found yourself in. Life is way too short not to do something!

  1. You have been getting the same results and feedback over and over. It is hard to gain momentum when you have hit a plateau and you are not going anywhere. This is a time when it is crucial to examine your results and feedback. Discover what is working and not working? Do a little bit research of current best practices. Better yet, get your creative juices going and innovate. 

    Courtesy of stockimages/freedigitalphotos.net
    Courtesy of stockimages/freedigitalphotos.net
  2. You Get What You Put into Life. If you are not taking action with 100% effort, you cannot expect to reap 100% results. You need to plunge into your goals and dreams with heart and passion. Make 100% commitment to achieving them.
  3. It is your life SO do something about it. There are 7 billion people on this planet – who are you going to give your power to? Do not wait for the knight in shining armour, the damsel in distress, or the silver platter handing you success. It’s your life so take control and take 100% responsibility for your actions.
  4. The right time happens when you make the choice to make it so. There never seems to be a right time or place to get what you want. Make the right time your time. You are in control of your choices. Plan, prepare, and decide.
  5. If you decide to quit, you let the competition win. Nothing spurs me on more than rehearsing this statement in my head. Do you really want to give it all away? You have come so far; your success may be a result of your next action. Are you willing to let it all go for temporary defeat?
  6. What you know means nothing unless you do! You can have all the knowledge in the world but nothing really happens until you apply what you learn. 

Now is the perfect time to chart your course and take action. What is your reason for taking massive decisive action TODAY?

 

 

5 Surefire Strategies to Prepare You for Success

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I remember watching the Oprah Show one day when she had featured a product that she fell in love with. I believe it was a type of soap if I recall. The company was featured another time to share what happened after the show. Phone calls started pouring in and the product sold like crazy. The owners stated it was welcomed, however, it was challenging to keep up. Nice problem to have.

The lesson here is…

Are you READY for your success to arrive?

What do you need to do to get ready for the success that you wish to achieve? 

  1. Get Super Clear. Your success starts with knowing exactly what you wish to achieve. Otherwise, you will not recognize your desired results.
  2. Develop Your Plan. Write out your plan, systems and processes. This is your “Operations” manual – the strategy of achievers. Do you need to outsource to a virtual assistant? Can you accept a credit card? Do you have a return policy? You may need to build your team so that you have the infrastructure in place to be ready for the influx of sales!!!

    Courtesy Scott Chan/freedigitalphotos.net
    Courtesy Scott Chan/freedigitalphotos.net
  3. Increase Your Knowledge Base. Do you need further training, courses, or education to increase your competency or establish your credibility.
  4. Build Your Network. Business growth begins in your backyard but you need to start thinking on a global scale. Do you have a website? Guess what you are global? Use social media to build relationships – you never know what opportunities will come your way.
  5. Read great books. I can tell if someone is on the road to success by looking at the type of books and magazines they read. Some people have not picked up a book in a very long time. Try reading a biography of someone like Mary Kay Ash, Steve Jobs, or Henry Ford not only will they inspire you with their stories but success leaves clues! Look for them. Better yet, download audiobooks or play CDs in your vehicle during your commute times or transition times (like when you are sitting in a doctor’s office or waiting during your child’s music lesson.) Not only are you utilizing your time more effectively, you are growing and learning. Make sure you take at least one lesson from each book that you will apply to your life or business.

You need to be PREPARED to reap the rewards! What if Oprah called tomorrow? Would you be ready?

Stop Goal Fretting and Get into Goal Setting

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“Learn from the past, set vivid, detailed goals for the future, and live in the moment of time over which you have control: now.” – Denis Waitley

 

Do you go into a panic frenzy of goal fretting when asked to set goals.? Do you catch yourself starting to list all the reasons you should not set goals maybe you have hear of some of these excuses:

  • Why should I set goals? I will not reach them.
  • I set goals last year. Nothing happened. (Did you take any action? No. Well then…)ID-10096420
  • I just get frustrated, anxious, and sweaty just thinking about them.
  • No one can tell me if I am on the right track or not.
  • My goals are dreams – lists of the best case scenario should they come to be.
  • I do not feel I need to sacrifice anything to reach my goals.
  • I have too many goals to list.

Do you see the trend? Have you caught anyone saying these things? How successful are you right now or the people who say these statements?

Are they where you want to be?

Reasons while you may fail at reaching your goals:

  • Lack belief in yourself, otherwise known as, self-doubt
  • You do not have an actionable plan or strategy to make it happen.
  • No deadline.
  • Do not want to step over your defined comfort zone.
  • Goal set is not realistic or not achievable.
  • Too many goals set and you feel overwhelm.
  • You do ask for help or share your goals. How can anyone help you if you do not let them know how to help or what your goals even are?
  • No way to measure whether or not you have met your goals.
  • You do not have an emotional connection or investment into your goals. Either they are not that important or you are living out someone else’s dream. Be careful mediocrity and apathy could set in.

where is my life goingRemember new beginnings can start anytime you decide to make a fresh start – not just at the end of the year with New Year’s Resolutions. Most of these resolutions are doomed to fail by January 15th for many of the above reasons.

Do not be a statistic.

I want you to succeed.

 

Here are actionable steps you can start taking to stop goal fretting and start goal setting:

  • Set goals that challenge and motivate you. Step out of the comfort zone even if it is a little bit. Try something new.
  • Ensure your goal is important to you and you have an emotional vested interest. (WHY is it important? WHY NOW?)
  • Write down 2-3 goals you would like to achieve in the next 3 months. Set 1-2 big goals you would like to achieve during the next year.
  • Ensure your goals are realistic and achievable both in skills, knowledge, and resources available to you.
  • Share your goals with someone you trust. Let them hold you accountable if they see you getting off track.
  • Determine a way that you can measure your outcome or results so that you know you have achieved your goal.
  • Breakdown your goals into smaller action steps. The more detailed and clear you are about where you want to go, the more likely you will achieve it.
  • Learn from the past, prepare for the future, but celebrate today!

I would love to hear about some of the goals you have set for yourself. What are your goals? Do you have a dream?

Feel free to join me on December 18th, 2013 at 11 am MST for the Goal Setting & Motivation Teleseminar . Take a Quantum Leap into 2014!