It Doesn't Have To Be Fancy, It Just Has To Work

I totally admit that I am computer-stupid.  My 10-year old grandson is more technology adept than I am.  So when it comes to things like funnels and tripwires and chatbots and YouTube channels with amazing videos...well, I'm a little behind the times.

My social media posts don't have cool animated images.  My blog doesn't have tons of plugins.  My emails are usually pretty simple.

I don't worry about algorithms or the number of followers I have.  I don't stress if someone unsubscribes from my list (so no, you won't get anything from me asking why.  I don't care.).  

There is absolutely nothing fancy or complicated about my marketing.

And yet, I make money.  All day.  Every day. 

How is that possible?  Because what I do works!

My Website

I am completely, authentically me...on my website, on social media, in my emails.  My videos are shot in my home office with my phone.  They may not be polished, but they get my message out there.  My website isn't full of flashy banners and shopping carts and 29 ways to purchase.  But you can find the info you want pretty quickly.  And I do share info...lots of it...for free.  My story is there, front and center, for everyone to read.  I want people to know who I am.  I want them to know what I know.  If you do want to purchase one of my products, I use PayPal.  It works for me.

If you want to make an impression with your website, tell your story.  Add some how-to's that address your customer's problems.  Include some short and sweet videos that spotlight your personality and what your company is all about.  That will do more for your business then all the bells-and-whistles.

Social Media

Everything I post on social media has a purpose.  I am either trying to entertain you or inform you.  Sometimes I try to do both at once!  I'm clever like that!  So when I say to post on purpose, that is what I mean.  I don't try to create posts for maximum engagement.  And I certainly don't post inane questions just to get comments.  I'm in marketing and health and wellness.  I don't care what movie you saw last or if you prefer your toast to look like a charcoal briquette.  What I care about is...will it make you laugh?  Will it make you think?  Will it teach you something?  If I can say yes to any of those, that's all that matters.  Because that's what builds an audience.  If 100 people tell me they like chocolate ice cream better than vanilla, how does that help my business?  Ice cream lovers probably aren't interested in weight loss products!  Chances of them actually buying anything from me are slim.  I would rather have 5 comments on a post from people who are genuinely interested in what I am sharing.  Because they are my audience.

The same is true with followers.  I do not have a large Facebook following.  But I'll match my 2300 followers against your 5000 any day.  Because I know and interact with mine.  And if they don't engage with me, I unfriend them.  I'd rather have 1000 loyal, raving fans than 5000 people who don't really know who I am or what I do.  So I don't spend a lot of time looking for people to "friend."  And while my Twitter following is much larger, I don't play the games there either.  You know the one.  I follow you.  You follow back.  I unfollow you so now it looks like I have a lot more followers than followees (is that a word?)!  While that actually is true for me, it's because I also only follow people I am genuinely interested in.  It is a huge disservice to follow someone, or like their page, just because they asked, if you are not at all interested.  Algorithms notice these things!

Stop trying all the fancy, complicated tactics to game the algorithm.  Just be yourself and focus on informing and entertaining your audience.  The rest will come!

Keep It Simple

Here's what you need to build a business:

An online presence.  It could be a website or a blog. You might also have a YouTube channel, social media profiles, or a combination of any of those.  Which ones you choose will depend on your business, your skill set, and your experience.

A mailing list.  You can use an autoresponder (which I do recommend) or maintain it yourself...although an autoresponder will definitely make it much easier.

A way to reach your audience.  Social media is by far the easiest and cheapest.  Don't try to build a huge presence on all of them at once.  Pick the one or two that you truly enjoy using and master it.  I like Twitter and Pinterest.  Coincidentally, that is where I also have my largest following.  I am also on Facebook and Instagram, but not to as large a degree.  Twitter is my home!

A way to capture your audience's contact info so you can get them on your mailing list.

Don't worry about bots or apps or automation.  You don't need funnels and tripwires.  Just share your story, your knowledge, your value.  Make your audience laugh,  Make them think.  Make them ask questions.  Teach them something.  Get them to know, like, and trust you.  Be authentically you.  The rest will follow!



 
      

What If You Were a Great Friend?

I admit it. There was a time I struggled to build close friendships. As the nerd-girl misfit for most of my life, I practiced being as invisible as possible. I definitely did not reach out to make friends. Sure I longed to embrace close, authentic relationships. But I didn’t know where to start or how to approach others.

Fortunately, everything began to change once I left home for military life. CT's are a relatively small community. And because of the nature of our work, we are perceived as being different from the rest of the Navy. I knew that feeling all too well. (Perhaps that's what drew me to the rate). So whether it was the fact that I was now surrounded by other people much like me, or the fact that it was new environment where no one had any preconceived expectations of me, I suddenly found myself making friends!  It wasn't overnight. And I learned some things along the way.

Building relationships and friendships is a key part of your business growth. In the new digital world of online marketing, being able to get your prospects and customers to know, like, and trust you can be the difference between success and failure. If you struggle to form close relationships, here are some things to try:

Do Activities You Love in Group Settings

Think of activities you love where potential friends might hang out. Think about this way. If you want to make friends with crafters, go to a local knitting circle, take a cake decorating class, or try attending one of those wine and paint clubs.

This also works with your online relationships. Facebook is focusing lots of attention on Groups. It is where the bulk of interaction seems to be happening right now. And there are groups for everything. I belong to marketing and wellness groups of course. But I also belong to a Jewelry group (earrings...my weakness), an Octopus Fan Club (yes I find them fascinating), a group for people who RV with their dogs (getting ready to do so. Might need some tips), two that focus on holistic and natural pet health (I have a houseful), one for those who appreciate a fine bourbon (Maker's Mark!), one for those who are trying to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle, a cooking group, several inspirational, motivational, and support groups, one for authors, several shopping VIP groups, and one that posts funny cat and dog videos and memes (we all need a laugh now and then). As you can see from this list, there are groups for just about anything!

Building a friendship around a shared passion is an easy place to start. But don’t feel like you have to find your BFF during your first group hike or make everyone like you right away. Lasting friendships do take time to build.

Pay Attention to Details

As you get to know others, learn about their details, the little things that make them unique. I have a friend who always wears a "whatsit", some very noticeable pin or scarf or shoes that are sure to attract attention and start a conversation. It might be a statement necklace, her hedgehog printed scarf, or her favorite bright red heels. Knowing this detail, I try to pay attention and compliment the item of the day.

Again, this also works with your online friends. As you get to know them, you will learn the things that make them unique. Use that knowledge when commenting on their posts, or conversing on messenger.

Whether you’ve known a friend for just a few weeks or four decades, study her and what she likes. What’s her favorite flower? How does she like her coffee? What does she collect?

Set Reminders for Important Dates

Put your friend’s birthday on your calendar. If you’re using a digital calendar, set up notification for 2 weeks in advance. This gives you plenty of time to find a gift or come up with a way to honor your friend.

Fortunately, Facebook and LinkedIn will remind you of the birthdays of your Facebook friends and LinkedIn connections. Take a minute to send them a quick birthday greeting. 

But don’t stop with birthdays. Write down other dates that are important, too. Wedding anniversaries, business anniversaries, "Got" days for animal lovers who adopt rescues...try to learn what dates are important to them and set a reminder to reach out on that special day.

Remember: You Have Something to Offer

It’s natural to want community around you. It’s normal to desire close friendships. Life is more fun when we have people who “get” us. And it definitely helps make your business more fun and profitable.

But keep in mind as you search for friends or strengthen your relationships that you bring something to the table, too. It might be your quirky sense of humor, your ability to see the silver lining in every situation, or your spot-on knowledge of fashion.

Don’t hide your quirks or avoid hanging out with others because you’re worried they won’t like you. Be willing to step outside your shell so you can meet other people who think you’re amazing (because you totally are!)

Drumroll Please! Announcing My Most Popular Posts of 2019!

I love sharing my most popular posts of the past year.  I am always excited to see what resonates with my audience.  What interests them the most.  It gives me a real peek into your needs and helps me create content that is actually USEFUL to you!

I look at what posts got the most traffic over the year.  And it always amazes me.  First, because it doesn't always correspond with the list published on my blog.  And second, because sometimes the post wasn't published that same year!  Those are the ones I love the most.  It lets me know that I shared something valuable and timeless.  And that is a dream come true for me!

I blog on all sorts of topics.  Mostly business.  Some would say others aren't strictly business related but I think there's an element of entrepreneurship in there somewhere.  I try to share interesting people I've met, valuable resources I've found, and everything I have learned over time.  And that diversity is almost always represented in the top 10 list.


Are you curious to see what caught everyone's attention this year?  Me too!  So without further ado, here are my Top 10 Most Popular Posts of 2019!


1.  The number one post of 2019 was actually published in 2018 but continued to strike a chord with lots of people.  And I'm not surprised.  I introduced you to the woman who can help your children or grandchildren go to college for FREE!  If you haven't met her yet, you will definitely want to check out Free College? Yes, Says Elizabeth Wallace.  If you have a college-bound teen in your family, this is a must read.


2.  I Know What I Bring To The Table.  I really do!  And I laid it all out in this post from 2018 that still resonates with people today.  Your experiences in life can make you or break you.  I chose to use mine to help me grow.  What will you choose?


3.  If you want to know where I learned how to make money, look no further.  The third most popular post this year was What My Parents Taught Me About Money.  You might be surprised.  It's may not be what you think!


4.  You know how I feel about multiple streams of income.  Everybody needs them.  So I loved the interview I did with Terri Dennis.  She is the master of multiple streams of income.  Apparently many others liked it too because it was the fourth most popular post of 2019.  Check it out.  Terri Dennis Talks about Multiple Streams of Income. 


5.   One of the reasons you chose to work from home was to spend more time with your family, am I right?  But you also have to actually work from time to time!  My fifth most popular post helps with that dilemma by sharing how to Make Your Home Office Family Friendly.


6.  Just so you know...my book collection now rivals Kerry's!  Build a Better Business with This One Simple Habit.


7.  If you have a side hustle that you want to turn into a full-time gig, I have a suggestion for you.  Set up a referral or affiliate program.  If you're stuck on how to begin, #7 gives you some steps to help you Start an Affiliate Program.


8.  My tribute to my dad touched a lot of hearts, making it the eighth most popular post of for 2019.  Lessons from My Dad I still carry with me today.


9.  I love introducing everyone to the amazing people I meet and work with.  Apparently you like it too.  Three of my top most popular posts were profiles of really cool people.  You've met Elizabeth Wallace and Terri Dennis.  Now meet Al Glover.  You can read all about him here.  Sometimes It Pays to Step Outside the Norm! Meet Al Glover!


10.  Last but not least.  This post has made the list every year.  That tells me a lot about what is happening in the industry.  I wrote this back in 2013 and six years later it still hits people where they hurt...objections to our business model.  If you are struggling, check out Network Marketing Tip of the Week - Overcoming Objections. 


Which post on this list is your favorite?  I know which ones I had the most fun writing!  Or is there one you love that didn't make the list?  Share your faves in the comments. 

What If You Were Confident?

As the poor girl from the wrong side of town, with parents who didn't quite fit the acceptable "norm", I was bullied...a lot. If not bullied, then ignored. It also didn't help that I was a nerd before nerds were cool. So needless to say, my self-confidence was not great.

Even after leaving home and excelling in my Navy career, I still suffered from a lack of confidence. And it impacted my day-to-day life. I missed out on lots of things because I was afraid to try. I didn't want to look silly in front of others if I failed.

I would often remark about the things I would do if I were more confident. I would say, “If I were more confident, I’d take up salsa dancing. If I felt good about myself, I’d wear shorts during the summer. If I were more athletic, I’d learn to water ski.”

One day as I was thinking about all of the things I wasn’t, it hit me. “What if you were?” I thought. “What if you are confident? What if you do feel good about yourself? What if you are already smart?”

“Maybe, what’s holding you back isn’t what you are, only what you think you aren’t.”

Why Is It Hard to Change?

Often we let a lack of self-confidence hold us back from pursuing our goals, building authentic relationships, and loving ourselves unconditionally. But what if you flipped the script? What if you stopped waiting for confidence and instead embraced it as yours?

It’s easy to create self-limiting beliefs. Most people do it every day without realizing it. These are the stories you tell yourself about why you’re settling for less than what you want. Some of the stories might sound good or even noble. But it doesn’t change the fact they’re not true.

What Story Are You Telling Yourself?

The key to becoming more confident is to ask yourself what story you’re telling. Is it really true you can’t be a sexy woman if you have three kids and a mortgage? Is it true to say it’s too late to get your GED and go to college?

If you were honest with yourself, you’d admit that these stories aren’t the problem. They’re masking a deeper issue like fear, loneliness, or rejection. Confronting the heart of the matter will make it easier for you to walk in newfound confidence.

What If You Just Went for It?

Sometimes, the best way to overcome fear and increase your confidence is to do something bold. Do it before you feel confident. Do it before you feel spontaneous. Do it before you feel like you’re ready.

When you challenge yourself to do things before you feel prepared, you experience new adventures. You grow in exciting ways. You discover parts of your personality that you didn’t know you had.

Why Not Make a List?

Create a list of things you always tell yourself you’ll do when you’re “ready”. For example, you keep saying you’ll go on a cruise as soon as you lose the last twenty pounds. Except you’ve been “losing” those pounds for three years now.

Each New Year’s, you promise yourself you’ll go back to school so you can get out of the job you hate and start doing work that matters to you. But you haven’t made the time to fill out the local college’s placement test.

Take Action

Once you have your list, don’t file it away! Pick one thing on it and take action right now. Call a travel agent and get information on upcoming cruises. Talk to your college about scheduling an appointment for the placement testing.

Stop waiting for confidence and embrace the now. Be your beautiful, bold, confident self!

P.S.  Want to know where I learned the skills that helped me become confident in my business?  Check this out.

Misty Lee Johnson Talks about Facebook Groups!

If you haven't figured it out by now, let me make clear...


Facebook is putting their focus on groups.  They are once again focusing on building community.  I am not going to get into a discussion on the whys.  I am not going to pontificate on whether this is a good thing or a bad thing.  I'm simply stating a fact.  The emphasis is on groups.  So if you use Facebook to market your business, you just might want to consider starting a group.


Misty Lee Johnson has used her Facebook group to build a thriving business.  Tune in to my interview with her for some tips to get your own group up and running!

Evaluating How You Use Your Time

Tracking your time for clients is a good practice for service providers. But don’t stop by just tracking it for clients. You should also be tracking time for your own personal use, too. When you do this, you’ll discover important insights about your business that you wouldn’t have seen otherwise. Here are a few questions you’ll want to ask after you’ve been tracking your time for a week or two…

Where Is My Time Really Going?

You’ve been working on launching your e-course for two months and you’re still nowhere near ready. But when you open up your time tracking app, you can quickly see that you spent 14 hours on Facebook or 9 hours tweaking the design of your website.

It’s easy to procrastinate when you don’t have any form of accountability. But a time tracker forces you to look at how you’ve been spending your time. This isn’t about shaming yourself.

Instead, focus on being positive. You might say, “I spent ten hours on Facebook last week. What projects would I like to invest those ten hours into this week?”

Are These Tasks Giving Me a BIG Return?

You had a business coach tell you to make 10 Instagram posts each day and you’ve been following that advice faithfully. But when you stop and look at how you’ve spent this time, ask yourself, “Is this task giving me a BIG return?”

If you aren’t getting a good return on the time you’re investing, consider moving your attention to a project that will grow your business, like launching a course or hosting a webinar.

Do These Tasks Have to Be Done by Me?

Some digital business owners get bogged down in doing non-essential tasks that keep them from their important work. For example, if you’re a best-selling author then your most important work is writing that next book. But instead, you’re spending hours every week managing your Facebook group.

But what if you could outsource your community management? You could still pop in daily to stay connected to the group but you could focus all of your energy on that one thing you do well—writing your books.

Is This Task Draining Me?

As you’re reviewing your time tracking, think about how you feel after you’ve completed each task. Did you feel energized and motivated after filming that Facebook Live broadcast? Did you feel frustrated and drained after working on your sales copy?

Pay special attention to tasks that take your energy. Try to find a way to avoid doing them. For example, you could hire a copywriter to handle your sales page or if your budget is tight, consider bartering with another service provider. Then you’ll both get to work in areas where you shine!

If you want to create more of what you want in your business and your life, tracking your time is important. The more you track your time, the better you’ll be able to manage it.

Staying on Track: Scheduling & Planning Tasks

One of the best ways to stay organized and keep on track with your projects is to create a monthly plan. Your monthly plan can be filled with notes about when to do your various tasks so you can smooth out your workflow (no more rushing to write that blog post at the last minute!). Here are a few pointers to get you started…

Make a List of Recurring Tasks

Take some time to think about what recurring tasks you have to do each week. Do you log in to your blog and delete spam comments? Do you schedule your social media content including videos and pictures?

There may also be tasks you only do once a month for clients—like backing up your website or assigning work to other team members. Add these tasks to your list, too so you won’t forget them.

Schedule Recurring Tasks

Now that you know what you have to do each week or month, make space for it on your calendar. You can use a physical or digital calendar, depending on what you prefer. Digital calendars do give you a slight advantage since you can set reminder alerts so you never forget an important task again.

As you are filling up your calendar, think about how long each task will take and build in some buffer time. For example, if you think you can write a blog post in twenty minutes, give yourself sixty instead. Now, you have extra time if you realize you need to research a fact or interview a source.

Create a Checklist

Some recurring tasks may be big and complex. Maybe you’re an Amazon seller that needs to upload products to your website. There’s a whole list of things you have to do to make this happen—you need to upload the product to Amazon S3, add it to aMember, set up a form in aMember, create a pickup page in WordPress, add the official sales page to the website, create an autoresponder series, etc.

With all of these tasks, it’s hard to know where to start. Use a checklist to help you stay organized. The next time you’re doing this task, note down every step you have to take along the way. Now, doing this task in the future will be easy since you just have to open your checklist and get to work.

When you schedule recurring tasks on your calendar, you’ll be more likely to remember them. You’ll also feel less stress since you know exactly what to do to stay on track each month.