The BoomerBizCoach Tested and Approved Tool That Makes Online Business Success Doable

It's hard to have an internet business when you don't know anything about Web design. That's one reason I always used someone else's site. But canned sites don't always work well - it's hard to compete when there are 1000 other sites identical to yours. And hiring an outside web designer had some advantages, but I didn't have the control I liked (card carrying control freak here!) and when my designer just up and quit and disappeared, I was left with nothing. Luckily I found SBI!

SBI! is the only all-in-1 step-by-step system of process-and-software that delivers thriving businesses. No other purchase is necessary. Everything you need is already included.
Spam check tool? It's in there. Want to publish an ezine? SBI! has an ezine publishing tool. Autoresponders? Included. Form creation tools? Already part of the package. Plus some of the best analytical and statistical tools available to help you optimize your site to create a growing, profitable business.

How do I know SBI! works? My site, Boomer Business Ideas, is powered by SBI! And even though I know nothing about HTML or web design, and I am not an SEO expert, the traffic to my site increases daily - simply by using the tools available and following the techniques and advice provided by SBI!.  The process is simplified to such a degree that success (i.e., profits, not the mere presence of a Web site) is achievable even for a beginner.  And the Action Guide presents a step-by-step process, presented in both written and video formats. All you have to do is follow it. Really!

You are probably already asking what all of this costs. I'm sure you are thinking it must cost a fortune. Well it doesn't. It is completely affordable, regardless if you use the yearly or monthly payment option. Add the 90 day guarantee and you simply cannot go wrong.

Yes, there are easier ways to build a Web site. However, online profits require more than just having a collection of Web pages. SBI! includes all the tools and a proven process required to build a long-term, profitable e-business.

Why build another site that gets no traffic? Or put yourself at the mercy of someone else having control of your vision? Or add one more canned site to the hundreds of thousands already out there? Build your own ebusiness with Site Build It. You know if I can do it, ANYONE can do it!

This is the part where I am required by law to tell you that I am not only an SBI! owner, I am also an affiliate. So if you do click here to find more information and decide to purchase SBI!, I will receive a commission. Thanks!

Network Marketing Tip of the Week - Overcoming Objections

I've found that there are three big objections that frequently come up when I show prospects my network marketing business overview.


1. I don't have the money.

2. I don't have the time.

3. I want to do it but I can't right now.

This is assuming everything else fits. They have the need and I have the opportunity that can help them. They like me and trust me and we are both excited about the possibilities. But then an objection bomb falls. So what do I do? First of all, it's important for me, the professional, to understand the nature of the objection. And the first fact about all three objections is that they almost always aren't true. Almost every time. They are just excuses to cover fear and uncertainty. For instance: I don't have the money now really means I'm afraid to spend the money without knowing I'll really get it back. What if I fail?

I don't have the time now really means I'm not sure I want to give up time I spend on other things unless I'm sure this will really work.

I'm not ready or able now means I'll never really be ready or able because I'm afraid to take a risk without proof that I can do this.

During my Navy career, part of my physical training was an obstacle course. And one of the obstacles was a ten foot wall. The reality was that the wall was ten feet high. I remember thinking I'd never get over it. It was too high. I'd fall off and hurt myself or embarrass myself in front of my shipmates. And then our company commander told us that it was time to go over the wall. And he really had no interest in our reasons why it was impossible. "It's a ten foot wall. Now go over the wall." So we put our heads together and in just a few minutes (no kidding!), amazingly to me, we found a way to get over the wall. And this is exactly how a potential business partner looks at working with you. They see a fee, a commitment of time and a challenge that they have never faced before - a ten foot wall. So the immediate knee-jerk reaction is to panic and start making excuses. And the worst mistake you can make is to let them.

"Yes,that wall is too high. You're right, it's impossible to get over. I understand how hard it is, so let me call you back in a few months and see if you're ready to get over the wall then." I promise you, they won't be ready. Again, assuming the work or project is right for them and they will gain a real benefit from working with you, then it is simply irresponsible to buy into their excuses. You are definitely not serving their best interests if you "just let it slide."

So what do you say instead? You tell them the truth:

"This is something you really want to do, right?"

"Yes it is"

"And if we do this, you agree that it will make a huge difference in your life, correct?"

"Yes, it will."

"Then I'd like you to make a commitment to move forward. And when you do that, we'll work together to find a way to pay for it (or fit it into your schedule or get past your uncertainty). Are you willing to do that?"

"Well, I'm not sure. What if I can't pay for it (or find the time or get past my uncertainties)?" "Let's do this: You make the commitment and I promise we'll find a way to make it work. The worst that could happen is that things will get delayed a little while. But I know when you make the commitment, we can make it happen."

"OK, let's do it!"

Will it always go like this? Can you use this script verbatim? What if they accuse you of pressuring them? What if they tell you never to darken their doorway again? All I can tell you is that if you make the commitment to take a stand for the truth about the difference this opportunity will make for your prospects (and don't back down when they make excuses), you will have a partner who puts themselves completely in your hands and produces a magnificent outcome. Give it a shot. What's the worst that could happen? !

The Impact of Good Graphic Design on Your Business

Creating Your Brand Logo and Graphics Theme

by Terri aka PopArtDiva aka The Martini Diva

"Dress shabbily and they remember the dress. Dress impeccably and they remember the woman." ~ Coco Chanel

You might be wondering what a quote about fashion is doing on a post about graphic branding and logo design, but this quote speaks appropriately to the visual impression your graphic design leaves on a client. While it may be unfortunate that we are judged by our appearance, it is a fact of life. The attractive is always more appealing to humanity and, fair or not, we treat the less attractive with discrimination.

This can be said for your branding graphics as well as for physical beauty. While superior graphics may not boost your bottom line, it is a fact that messy, badly designed, amateur "shabby" graphics will leave your clients with a negative impression of your business.

"A picture is worth a thousand words"

What makes a good logo? Well, that would depend on who is being asked. Graphics, just like any other art form, are a subjective experience in many ways. What one person likes, another may not.

In creating graphics for your business, "like" is not as important as "effective" and your visuals must be effective! There's no way to tell you what will or will not work for your business brand, however, there are some basics to consider:

1. THE LOGO DESIGN: Clean, crisp design lends itself to readability and multi-tasking. Your logo will be used for everything from a tiny little quarter inch avatar on social media to, possibly, use on clothing, stationery, signage, bill boards and maybe even a jumbotron! Create a busy, cramped logo with delicate lines and it won't be readable at all the sizes you may eventually require. When developing your logo, view all design options in a multitude of sizes for readability and impact.

It's not important that your logo contain an image of your product or service, it does not need any representative image at all. It's more important that your logo be clean and simple enough to be memorable and recognizable!

Get an original logo designed exclusively for you by a professional. You may be tempted to use some cheap clip art when creating your business logo to save start up costs. Don't. Not only could your design be used by many others who might then impart a negative impact to that design by bad business practices or products, but these are too generic for an effective logo. Additionally, on the technical side, these are not available to you in high resolution or all the formats and sizes you will need. BUT, the most important reason for an original logo design is this: Without a unique logo designed by a professional for your business alone you are throwing away your "memorability" and your chance to be recognized by one simple image!

You are not going to save money, in the long run you are going to be spending a whole lot more! Yes, you must build your brand before that image becomes completely associated with you and you alone, but you are going to build your brand anyway so why waste all that work on a sub-par logo design? Then, when you finally feel you can "invest" in a professional, unique, memorable logo, you will have to expend a lot of time (and money as you reprint every business card, sign, letterhead, envelope, shirt, whatever) imprinting your new design on your brand! A logo and graphics theme is an investment every smart business includes in their start up costs. Hire a professional. No, your next door neighbor's high school art student child is not a branding professional anymore than that clip art site is.

2. YOUR GRAPHICS IMAGERY: Your graphics theme includes background colors, headings, fonts, logo on headers and mastheads, layout style and other elements of all the media you will be participating in. This includes the web, business stationery, signage, media and more. You want your overall graphic style to be representative of the type of business you are building as well as the personality (image, brand) you want your business to project. If you're selling hunting boots to manly men it's probably not wise to choose a logo featuring a delicate flower and a theme featuring the color pink and a script style font. Let's face it, "delicate", and "flower" do not in any way relate to hunting, not does the color pink conjure up the hunting experience! If you happen to be a floral arranger then you're might* be good to go. Bright, colors and informal graphics would be the death of a funeral home (pardon my pun) but they would be ideal for a children's party entertainer.

When developing your overall business graphics imagery and visuals, think about what your business is, what your products are or will be, who your target market is and how your company is going to "present" itself in those terms. Businesses have a personality just like individuals do and this personality is a big part of your brand. Make sure you define your brand before you commit to designing a logo and a visual graphic theme for your company.

3. THE COLORS: Humans relate colors to feelings, memories and attitudes. There's a reason why IBM and many other mega-corporations use the color blue, the right shades of blue inspire the emotion of trust, as in "true blue". Other colors carry their own power as well, red often denotes energy or power, green is associated with Spring and money (and now, thanks to a brilliant marketing campaign - conservation!), pink is linked to young females and love; the list goes on. Color has impact and it is powerful, both for good and bad. Blue can generate feelings of trust, but using blue in something related to food could backfire on that intent! Selling a male-targeted malt liquor with pink colors could just get your poor malt liquor consigned to the "girly drink" grave. Spend some time researching color and its meanings, especially where it pertains to your business and pick your color(s) wisely.

Additionally, in this day and age of digital printing and the web it is less expensive to print in four color process, BUT you might be using your logo/graphics for alternate printing methods which do not support full color or are cost prohibitive for multiple colors. Your logo should support both a colored version and a black and white version if at all possible. When I design a logo I design it in black against a white background. If the design is strong and holds up then I proceed to the color stage.

4. THE FONTS: You have to consider not only the graphic itself but the fonts you choose for your visual graphics. Fonts carry their own unique personalities and challenges. Be aware of the "personality" of the font you choose and be mindful of how that font will reproduce in various sizes and formats.

5. PLAN FORWARD: You may have noticed that many very old, much respected brands have changed their logos in the recent past. This is because the graphics "dated" their products and business. It's very possible that the new age of digital media and social media had a large impact on these decisions as well; these types of media weren't even a twinkle in the eye of advertisers/marketers back in the day. Businesses that want to stay alive have to change with society and technology and their graphics need to change right alongside.

Another thing to keep in mind is where your business might grow in the future. You might be selling widgets now, but think about how your product line, business emphasis and personal goals could grow and change over the years. Yes, it's hard to see into the future and know where and how you might be using your logo and graphic design but try to be aware that your logo may have to be re-designed at some point and create one that gives you room for change without loss of your "recognizability".

These are just some of the things to consider when developing your overall business graphics theme plan. In today's world of rapidly changing media and promotion, the one thing you can hold onto is good design; it is always at the back of every successful marketing campaign and branding strategy. A good logo is simple, appropriate to the business, memorable, versatile and as timeless as you can make it. A good visual branding strategy takes into account visual aesthetics, readability, creativity and, yes, a little bit of showmanship.

There are always exceptions to every rule and sometimes being a maverick and stepping outside the box can work for you, (no one would ever think "lizard" when buying insurance but that gecko sticks in your mind), but you need to keep the basic tenants of good design, and effectiveness in mind.

"I don't do fashion, I am fashion." ~ Coco Chanel

Remember, YOUR LOGO IS YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION on a client, as you personally dress for success make sure your business is appropriately attired as well in good design and memorable graphics! Go forth and dazzle them!

* I say "might" here because not every flower arranger has a delicate, feminine style. Some floral arrangements can be bold, jewel toned and even masculine!

PopArtDiva is a Martini Loving Normal Challenged Artist with Multiple Creativity Disorder and Chief Cook & Cocktail Shaker of TheMartiniDiva.Com. She is addicted to Designer Martinis, Designer Shoes & Designer Chocolate. . not necessarily in that order.  Contact her at popartdiva@yahoo.com or follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/TheMartiniDiva or https://twitter.com/PopArtDiva

New Year - New Look - New Logo

New Year's Resolution #6 -  Give my blogs a makeover.  And step one in that process is to consolidate all of the many facets of my business under one brand in one place.  And that requires an entirely new look - and a new logo!

Of course, the first person I contacted when I needed a new logo was Terri Dennis (aka PopArtDiva).  She is an extraordinary graphic designer.  And she always seems to understand exactly what I'm looking for.  So when I called her to tell her I needed a logo that really expressed the concept of BoomerBusinessCoach, she created the perfect design.

The new BoomerBusinessCoach logo completely conveys what we are all about - growth, change, and new beginnings.  I just love it! 

There is still work to be done as I give my blogs - and he BoomerBusinessCoach brand - a facelift.  But I think this logo is the perfect start.  What do you think? 

My 2013 New Year's Resolutions

2012 is almost over.  It's the time of year when everyone starts thinking about New Year's Resolutions.  Even me.  Many people will start Tuesday morning with a long list of things they are going to do differently in 2013.  Unfortunately, in a few months, just about everyone will have given up on those resolutions as they fall back into their old habits.

That's why I prefer to use the last few days of the year to set goals for the coming year.  Unlike resolutions, which are really little more than wishes and daydreams, goals are specific and measurable and can provide a way to get where you want to be.

With that in mind, I decided to share my goals for the 2013 in the hope that some of them may inspire you to set some New Year's Goals of your own.

1.  Create a 1-page strategic plan for 2013.  I tend to get wordy at times so learning to condense my plan for the year to a single page is going to be challenging!  But it will be wonderful to have something I can put my hands on every day, look at every day, and carry with me anywhere, to remind me of where I'm headed and how I'm going to get there.

2.  Take Bob and Austin for a walk 3-times a week.  What kind of business goal is this you may ask?  Well, I've put on some weight (ok a lot of weight) this past year.  And my last doctor checkup indicated my blood pressure is on the high side.  I've been more tired and less focused lately.  How can I continue to move my business forward if I'm not in my best health?  The walks will help with the weight gain and spending time outside with my "boys" will help relieve stress.  Both of these should help lower my blood pressure and get me back to feeling like my old self and ready to work.

3.  Attend at least one business-building seminar.  I'm hoping I will be able to get to one of Ken McArthur's events.  I am currently not able to travel as much as I like but I always learn so much at these that I am determined to make it to at least one this year.

4.  Use some of the ideas provided in Bev Mahone's great book "How to Get on the News Without Committing Murder" to get some FREE PR.

5.  Advertise - every day!

6.  Give my blogs a makeover.  I recently finished ProBlogger's "31 Days To Build a Better Blog" and while I did apply much of what I learned, life - in the form of an automobile accident - got in the way.  Since even the little I did complete significantly improved traffic to my blogs, I can't wait to try the rest of the ideas!

7.  Devote one blog post per month to promoting my fellow entrepreneurs.  It may not help grow my business but part of my mission is to help others grow theirs.  Here's my chance!

8.  Express gratitude daily.  Several years ago, I did a teleseminar with Karol Avalon on how an attitude of gratitude is essential for business success.  I have forgotten that lately.  It's time to bring it back to my business. 

9.  Get off Twitter!  No, not really.  I love it!  But it's time I learn to really use Facebook and LinkedIn and all the other social media platforms available.  Ok, maybe not ALL of them.  But it is time to expand my social network!  Facebook, here I come!

10.  Give my website a facelift.  A recent comment from a visitor made me think.  Just because I'm a baby boomer, my site doesn't have to look old.  It can be informative and still be fun and engaging.  Time for a makeover.

That's my list for 2013.  Do you have a "resolution" to share? 

Finding Your Guru

Starting your own business comes with its share of challenges.  You will make plenty of mistakes along the way.  One way to minimize the number of missteps is to find a good mentor or coach to help you.  But every time I open my email, I have a message from some new "expert" ready to share his wisdom - and latest product - with me, for a price.  It seems the internet is overflowing with experts.  How do you know who to believe?  In an earlier post, I provided a list of my top 10 favorite "gurus".  These are the individuals whose advice helped me get started and I highly recommend each and every one of them.  They worked for me.  I own many of their products and books.  But that doesn't mean they will work for you.  How do you choose?

 Whether hiring a coach, purchasing a product, signing up for a seminar, or simply subscribing to a newsletter, there are certain things to look for to help you make the right choice.  Following these steps will help you succeed faster, and keep you from spending money on books and seminars you won't ever use or having an inbox full of newsletters you never read.

1.  Does the information offered fill your needs?  When I started, I needed to know how to build a website, where to find products, and how to get online.  A course on teleseminars or posting videos, while good information, was not what I needed at the moment.  Your guru should be an expert in the area you need at the time.  Example - Ken Evoy (SiteBuildIt!) for web design or Darren Rowse (ProBlogger) for creating an online presence through blogging.

2.  Do they actually provide good information?  As I stated earlier, I get hundreds of emails every day and many of them are from the latest expert "sharing" the latest tip, trick, or trend to grow my business.  But many times, further reading of their email or website reveals very little useful information and lots of self-promotion.  I realize that we are all in business to make money but the best gurus aren't afraid to provide useful information to anyone - for free!  Think Ken McArthur or Allan Gardyne.

3.  Do they tell the truth?  If you are being promised riches overnight (or in a week or even a month) with no effort, no investment, no skills, and no knowledge. you are being lied to.  There are many ways to make money online.  But they all require work or the money to hire someone to do it for you.  They require the skill and knowledge to create a business plan - or the money to hire someone to do it for you.  You will need to build websites, market your products or services, deliver your goods to your customers - or find someone to do it for you.  And beware the gurus who spend all their time "proving" how much money they made.  Anyone can photoshop bank statements or checks showing millions in income - even me (and I'm technologically challenged!).  The real experts don't have to convince you they make money.  They are to busy running their businesses and showing others how to build theirs.

4.  Can you do what they do?  A multi-level marketing expert I used to follow suggested the way to build my network marketing business was by purchasing leads and then calling these people every day and making my pitch.  She sure was successful, but I hate cold-calling with a passion!  Although these were "qualified" leads, the thought of calling someone I didn't know and trying to interest them in my business made me absolutely nauseous.  Needless to say, we soon parted professional company. 

5.  Can they teach?  Just because someone is an expert in their field does not mean they know how to share that knowledge with others in a way that is understandable to you.

6.  Do they run in the right circles?  And by that I don't necessarily mean the "in" crowd.  I mean do they know other experts they can introduce you to.  The best example I can give of this is Ken McArthur and his jvAlert events.  I've had the pleasure of attending a couple of these and it's a veritable "who's who" of internet marketing experts.  Ken knows his stuff, and what he doesn't know - well he knows the people who do.

7.  Are you comfortable with them?  This is an important consideration.  Recently, I was going to start working with a new coach.  I liked his program.  He was recommended by many of my friends.  But after talking to him on the phone, I realized I didn't like him!  He had a way of speaking that made me feel like I was just the latest check mark towards his quota of new clients for the week.  Perhaps it would have changed if I had actually started working with him.  But I just couldn't get past that first impression.  You must be comfortable with your coach or mentor or you will just be wasting your time.

Finding your guru can take some time and effort, but it is worth it.  Do your homework.  Ask for recommendations.  Check them out.  Choose the one that's right for you.

Conquering the Challenges

Anyone looking at me today would think that starting a home-based or online business is a walk in the proverbial park.  That wasn't the case.  There were many challenges along the way.  And if you are just getting started, I'm sure you are experiencing many of the same issues.

1.  Support.  The biggest challenge I had when starting out was getting people to take me seriously.  I don't mean prospective customers or clients.  I mean family and friends.  It's difficult to start a business without some support from those around you.  Support like a spouse who will walk the dogs so you can work, or a friend who will pick the kids up from school while you meet with a client.  But it is often difficult to have any credibility with those who know you best - especially if you have no prior business experience.  It took me quite a while to convince my family that I was serious about this and to show them I could be successful.  But as time went by and I didn't give up and as I slowly started actually earning an income, the belief - and the support - came.  Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do to overcome this obstacle except be persistent, be patient, share your successes, and have faith.

2.  Time.  Like me, many of you are starting your businesses part time while still working your regular job.  And if you have a family as well, then finding time to actually build your business can be challenging.  Too many will simply take time from other things like sleep or family to devote to your business.  But you can't do this forever and eventually it will take its toll and something will suffer - your health, your relationships, or the business you are trying to build.  Don't try to steal time for your business.  Simply vow to do one thing every day to move your business forward.  On days when you don't have much time, it can be a small task like reading about your niche, or placing an ad.  On days when you have more time to spare, tackle the larger tasks.  But make sure you do at least one thing EVERY day.

3.  Space.  Depending on the type of business you start, you could require some space to run it.  At the very least you will probably need some sort of office space.  The good news is that with today's technology, almost anyplace can be an office.  When I first started, I worked from a little computer desk in a corner of our bedroom.  Then we built an addition on our house and I had a loft area to use as an office.  But today, with my laptop and smartphone,  I often find I am working in my car, or the local Starbucks, or in the living room while my husband watches television.  The products I sell are mostly digital and those that aren't are shipped directly from the manufacturer so there is no space needed for inventory or storage.

4.  Knowledge.  I spent the bulk of my career as a Navy cryptologist and Russian linguist.  So when it came time to start a business of my own, I didn't exactly have a lot of experience or knowledge.  I could send email and knew my way around the internet somewhat but that was about it. 
Fortunately, there are plenty of books, classes, and online resources where you can gain the knowledge you need.  I recommend many of them in this blog and at BoomerBizCoach Recommends.

5.  Tools and Equipment.  No matter what niche you choose for your business, you will need some resources.  My business is almost exclusively online, so all I really need is a computer.  And although I resisted forever, I would now be lost without my smartphone.  Fortunately, an adequate computer can be had relatively inexpensively these days.  If you are continuing to work while you start your business, put some money aside each payday to help cover the costs of purchasing what you need until you start earning income from your business.  Or you may be able to rent what you need or borrow from friends and family.  Don't let necessities (like bills) go so you can put the money towards your business.  And don't think you have to have the top of the line gadgets while you are getting started.