It’s so wonderful the creativity and resources we have within us when we allow us time and space to just be.

It’s zero degrees in Chicago this morning.

But the weather is looking up. I checked the daily and monthly averages, because I am getting really tired of this cold. I can’t wait for it to warm up!

January is the coldest month of the year for my area. And on average, January 20th is the coldest day of the month. So guess what?

It’s damn cold out, but it’s all uphill from here!

And even as I write, the temperature just went up 1 degree. We’re making progress.

The hardest part about getting through the cold winter is that I have no control over whether it will get warmer or colder.

That is really hard to swallow. Even though I’ve been doing this for almost 40 years, it only seems to get harder – knowing that I have absolutely no control of my environment.

I’m so glad that’s NOT how it is with my business.

Things business-wise are very warm indeed!

And I have the satisfaction of knowing that it’s due to my own work. It’s all in my control. Even when it feels like it’s not – it really is.

The smarter and more motivated I work, the warmer it gets. (And notice that I didn’t say “the harder I work…” because in my book, smart and motivated work trumps hard and uninspired work any day!)

If I don’t have enough clients, I simply go to a networking event, give a presentation or send an email out to my list. And *poof* – more clients appear. Now obviously, there are certain things I need to do and say at that networking event, during the presentation or in that email. But because I know how to do it, have built my marketing message, my track record of helping clients my brand and what I stand for, it’s relatively easy to get new clients.

It wasn’t always that way for me. I had to learn A LOT OF LESSONS the hard way.

And for many small business owners, it’s never that way.

But it can be! It should be very easy for most small business owners to get new clients. That is, of course, if they are working smartly and are inspired.

So now that winter is starting to fade (thought I still can’t control the weather myself!), what do you have planned for January 21st through the rest of the spring to make sure YOU ARE IN CONTROL of your own “warmth” and your own business success?

Do you know what you are doing – daily, weekly, monthly – that will result in – *poof* - more clients?

Are you confident and proven in your networking conversations and email offers to your list? Do you even have a “list?” (This is EXTREMELY important to build your client funnel.)

Are you using technology wisely and leveraging relationships of marketing and referral partners to gain clients?

These are all in YOUR CONTROL. And you should be using them, and using them well.

After all, the weather will get warmer, but ONLY YOU CAN CONTROL if your business heats up.

So, what will it be – bright, warm and sunny, or cold, damp and miserable? It’s up to you.

Want help with this?

I’m working on a new FREE Special Report that outlines my best secrets to help you get more clients right now. That’s right, I’m giving away the step-by-step actions to the things you can do right away to get more clients that are eager to work with you.

If you want to get on my email list and be one of the first to get this incredible, business-changing report, just sign up for one of my two existing Special Reports:
- “The Business Success E-Series”
-  “Untangling Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and More”

You’ll be EXTREMELY GLAD you did!

Stay warm :)

I don’t know about you, but my schedule is BUSY… jam-packed, full to the brim. There are networking events, association and chamber meetings, family gatherings, friends’ parties, Facebook events, Evites… Oh my head!

This can be a very interesting time of the year for many small businesses (and tough for some).  So much to do and so little time, lots of running around from this meeting to that event, back to work, downtown to run errands, to the mall for presents, back to that other event that I almost forgot about…

And if you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner or sales professional, your sales might slow down as you and your clients gear up for the holidays, unless they sell reindeer feed - like my uncle in Alaska.

I know the feeling.  I’ve woken up late in the night and cried out for help and a break from all the holiday overload.  But then I discovered the “rules” of classy, stylish and easy networking . . . and how to rule all these holiday events instead of having them rule me.
(Yep.. you knew this was going somewhere!)

Well, here are the best business networking tips, and I want to share them with you.  They are especially useful during the holiday season to make connections that count, and they will help you keep your energy, sanity and holiday cheer – not to mention build your network, your referral partners and your client base!

“10 Holiday Networking Tips”

1.) Make a good first impression
It counts OH SO MUCH! Be polite, respectful & friendly.

2.) Get to know others
Ask lots of questions. Show interest. Find out what common bonds you share. This is how you want to be treated by others, right?

3.) Maintain a “giving” mindset
Just like the holidays, successful networking is all about giving. It should be easy to remember this time of year, but it’s an important mindset to have all year round.

4.) Ask for their contact info
So you’ll be able to get in touch with them if you are interested in talking further.

5.) Don’t “sell” without permission
If you’re turned off by someone launches into a 5-minute (or longer) sales presentation about their awesome pens that write underwater, in the dark and without gravity, don’t assume others are dying to hear about your slick wheel bearings, even if you “know” that’s exactly what they need.  This is a very important step – maybe the most important of all. You do want to tell people what you do, but in a classy, stylish way that gets their attention and doesn’t annoy them. If they seem a bit interested, ask them if they would like to hear more.

6.) Avoid opening with “So, what do you do?”
It can kill rapport building before it begins and can condemn the interaction to being nothing more than boring, robotic and mindless chatter without exchanging the truly important information. If you open your conversations this way, you can miss an important opportunity to stand out from the rest of the crowd.

7.) Don’t rely on them to contact you
Just because they said they were thrilled to have met you and learned about your slick wheel bearings, doesn’t mean they will really call you.  They may have intended to at the time, but life happens and no one is perfect. So get their info so you can ensure the follow up.

8.) Always carry pen, paper & business cards
You never know when a great opportunity might present itself. Yes, even while you’re fighting for that last “Cosmic Raymond” action figure.

9.) Do not get out of a conversation by dumping them on someone else
Making another person suffer is no way to get a good reputation during the holidays. Kindly excuse yourself, tell them you need another drink, see someone you need to speak with, or even that you have to “go” really bad! And don’t get caught lying as that will kill all of your credibility really fast.

10.) Enjoy yourself!
Relax and have fun!  When you’re smiling and enjoying yourself, you are more likable to others, and this can lead to a lot of business. Be kind, considerate and magnetic!

SO… I hope these “10 Holiday Networking Tips” help you as you network your way through all the parties this season. 

And in the meantime, I want to wish a very happy holiday season to you, your family, your business, and most of all your networking spirit!

All the best,
Jason

P.S. Speaking of networking and creating a blockbuster 2011, check out the Facebook Small Business Page that will help you do both: Achieve Your Ideal Business Now!

And be sure to post an introduction on The Wall – because we want to get to know your business as well!

So here’s the question:

“Are these events – or ‘pitch fests’ – really worthwhile?”

Why did I go? Because one of the single best ways for a small business to market and grow is to network. BUT…  I also know something that most of these people don’t know.

And I want to share it with you. Because to be successful with networking for your small business, you should know this too.

In fact, It’s as good as gold.

You see…

Most of these people ARE NOT going to benefit from attending.

Well, that is until they meet you. Because you are not doing what they are. You are not behaving that way. You aren’t saying the same things that they are, and you aren’t going about meeting people the same way that they do.

Instead, you are doing what’s effective, enjoyable, easy and will get you results.

So naturally…

“The best way to be effective and stand out while networking is to do the OPPOSITE of what everyone else is doing.”

Here’s what’s typical:

Everyone you meet introduces themselves and gives a boring 3-minute or longer “elevator pitch.” They don’t really take an interest in or listen to others. Common sense tells you that they are not going to get much out of their time, money and energy investment. But you can. It’s all about opposites…

Here are the three action steps for a winning networking conversation, in order of importance. When you read this, it might go against what “logic” would dictate. But… Most people are trying to be logical, and just spinning their wheels.

This strategy has been field-tested by myself and my clients - and guess what? 

THIS BUSINESS NETWORKING FOURMULA WORKS:

1.) Learn about the other person.
Find out their interests, dreams, desires, business and personal goals, likes and dislikes.

2.) Be of service to them.
After you’ve learned about them and their wants, find a way to help them get closer to those wants, in business or in life – it doesn’t matter which.

Offer them your assistance and ask if you can follow up to deliver it. Whether that’s over the phone, in person or over email, make sure to get their permission so they know what to expect and you start to build trust right away. 

3.) Let them know what you do and who you help.
Maybe they can help you right away, and maybe not. And maybe you can help them right away with your business, and maybe not. But it doesn’t matter. Building a strong foundation for a relationship is the key goal of effective networking and so much more important than getting in a sales pitch.

So why do this? What are the benefits of this technique?

First of all, this corrects one of the biggest networking mistakes:

95% of people that attend a networking event NEVER FOLLOW UP! 

You never know where your next lead or referral will come from.

Why invest all that time, money and energy to go home, throw the business cards you’ve collected into a shoebox, and wait for something to miraculously happen?

Guess what? It probably won’t.

But… if you’ve offered assistance in some form or another that is not directly a sales pitch, then you have a genuine reason to follow up and schedule a next meeting. And the person has a reason to accept your invitation and look forward to the appointment. They know what’s in it for them, and they are likely to appreciate the help you are providing.

Secondly, after you are in the process of helping them get closer to something they really want, they are even MORE RECEPTIVE to hear about and take an interest in what you do. Now this is the perfect time to get that information across to them, especially if it didn’t happen during your initial meeting.

They will feel a sense of reciprocity, not to mention that you are building on the three main sales factors - Know, Like and Trust – as they become more familiar with you in a supportive, friendly process.

So go ahead and try this formula out at your next networking event, family gathering or social outing.

You will LOVE using this “Midas Magical Touch” to turn your networking results to gold!

To your success!
Jason

How do they impact your client personally? By having more time with family, less stress, higher income, better health, more energy?

Those are the kinds of motivators/drivers that appeal to potential clients and that they really will respond to. It’s the bottom line of “what’s in it for me.”

See all the small business daily short tips at:

I do make sure that your small business coaching gives you
all you need to know to have your small biz “killa swagga” – so you can
get more clients, make more money, and enjoy more time and freedom! 

Does your sales and marketing have it’s own unique style and zip?
Does it make people jump out of their seats and run to hire you?
Or mesmerize them by its cool, calm smoothness so they can’t help but say ‘yes’?

Not sure what I’m talking about? Well, that’s ok…

For one month ONLY or until spaces run out -

Contact me now for a One-on-one FREE Small Business

**Sales and Marketing Swagga Makeover**

• Assess your current sales and marketing activities
• Determine which activities you should keep – “Giving you swagger”,
  which ones you should throw out – “Costing you swagger”,
  and which new ones to add – “Killer swagger”
• Make a three-stage plan to move forward and reach your ultimate business success!

The video is for laughs.
But the Free ”Small Biz Swagga Makeover” is for real!

So don’t wait – spaces are limited, contact me now.

Check out this video from world-famous Swagga Coach, Taavon:
“Zach Galifianakis and all the biggest actors in Hollywood have hired
the best swagga coach in Los Angeles…”

The presenter was giving very helpful information on the proper nutrition, diet and mindset needed to lose weight. It was very motivating, uplifting and moving. But…

I thought to myself, I bet only 20 people in that audience are going to make meaningful changes that will move them towards their desired weight loss goals once they leave the seminar.

Knowledge without action is worthless.

Don’t just read a book or an article, listen to an mp3 or watch a video about taking your marketing or sales to the next level. Make a plan on how you will put that info into ACTION today to grow your business.

Here are several quick and easy tips you can use to get into action – one for each day – to grow your business. If you have taken action on one of the Small Business Tips of the Day, then go ahead and “Like” our Fan Page, and post your success to the Wall!

http://facebook.com/GrowYourBiz

By posting your own successes, you can help many others with their action as well as have a place to introduce yourself to hundreds of other small business owners at the same time.

It’s a win-win!

Now… What action are you taking today to increase your clients, serve more people and explode your income?
(Hint: click here -> http://facebook.com/GrowYourBiz)

To your success!
Jason

Feel free to comment with your thoughts, experiences, and share your insights with the other members. The more you share and post, the more exposure you get for your business…

* FRIDAY Tip of the Day: Prioritizing and efficiency -> When making your To-Do list at night, place the thing that… http://bit.ly/b8HJZU

* THURSDAY Tip of the Day: Getting More Yes’s to Your Networking and Sales Meeting Requests – Have you demonstrated… http://bit.ly/bkjSur

* WEDNESDAY Tip of the Day: When writing an online profile, bio or description of your business, be sure to relate… http://bit.ly/bg4lLN

* TUESDAY Tip of the Day: Use the “Solution, problem, solution” format in your speaking engagements and sales… http://bit.ly/aOS2Qj

* MONDAY Tip of the Day: The biggest sales mistake that most people make is not asking enough questions. You need to… http://bit.ly/9o1L9K

Have a great week!
BizCoachJason
http://facebook.com/BizCoachJason

Every busy small business owner can take the time right now to work on “The One-Minute Marketing Plan”:

-> Write down three different ways to get the word out about your business.
-> Circle the one that resonates the most for you.
-> What’s the first step you’re doing today to make it happen?

Reply at http://facebook.com/GrowYourBiz

Here’s to your success!
BizCoachJason

Even if you’re not a baseball fan, stick with me here. I’m talking about how to implement your sales game plan to gear up for a long, successful season.

Actually, I’m more of a football and basketball fan myself, but this baseball analogy made too much sense to pass up.

But first, let’s talk about how your philosophy can impact your overall game.

I work with my clients to transform their sales philosophy so “sales” is equated with “service,” no matter where the prospect is in the sales cycle.

“Sales = Service”

The goal of your sales call is to find a way to offer help and work with that prospect (not “pitch to” them) towards realizing some value gained from your interaction. That value you provide should be appropriate and proportionate to your own business goals and needs.

So when you contact a prospect, the main question on your agenda should be:

“How can I help this person make their job and life better?”

This approach solves A LOT of confusion, anxiety and uncertainty, and it also creates a very effective, ethical and enjoyable sales process for both parties.

If the result of your contact ends up simply being the chance for you to give some advice, resources or other form of value, great. They’ll appreciate and remember you for it.

If the outcome is to set up a face-to-face, phone or web meeting to offer more time for an in-depth conversation, solution or advisory session, even better.

If your call ends up being a sale that’s going to solve all their problems, that’s obviously awesome.

But even if it turns out that they don’t need your help, that’s good, too. Either it isn’t and won’t be a good fit for you to work together, or it just isn’t the right time for them *right now*. You can assess that, so you know how and when to move forward with them, and that is time well spent.

Remember, it takes time to develop a relationship, and this is how successfully closed sales are built - over the course of productive and mutually beneficial interactions and conversations.

In terms of progress during the sale cycle, let’s get back to our baseball analogy, because this is where it gets really important and most sales professionals strike out:

You don’t need to hit a homerun every time.  

Actually, don’t even try to hit a homerun every time.

The risk/reward ratio is in your favor to just get on base – make small victories that build – rather than striking out most often with the hope you’ll hit one out of the park once in a while. Those probably won’t happen fast enough, and you’ll be out of the game in no time at all.

So by thinking and acting in terms of providing service when you’re up to bat, you’ll hear the crowd go wild, you’ll advance your runner, and you’ll safely cross home plate more often.

And the best part – Everyone wins.

Play ball!