3 Steps to Grow Your Business, Increase
Your Income, and Create Success! 

By Michelle Martin 

      I can't count the number of times I've talked with women entrepreneurs who are frustrated because they aren't making enough money in their business. The story usually goes like this..... there isn't enough time in the day, they don't have enough clients, and there isn't enough money coming in to make it worth their while. Most of the time, they end up "closing shop" or going in a different direction altogether just praying things will change soon.

      In reality, what we're talking about here is commitment. A commitment to do what it takes, learn what you don't know, and take action each day towards the vision and goal  you want to create. It takes commitment to run a successful business.  

      As I look back over the past eight years since I started my first business from scratch, I notice there are three distinct steps that have clearly lined my path to success. When you follow these three basic steps, you're going to be successful. By focusing your energy in each of these areas, you'll be able to create a profitable, sustainable and meaningful business, too!

1. Create a Core Marketing Message that includes who you are, what you do, what makes you unique, and highlights the results your clients receive from working with you.

Here's an example of what I say when I attend business networking events:

"Hi, my name is Michelle Martin and I am a business coach who specializes in working with women entrepreneurs who are struggling to grow their business and want a step by step plan to easily attract new clients so they can create consistent income and enjoy their life. What separates my service from other business coaches is that I only work with women in service-based businesses, and I focus on helping them create consistent income through effective marketing and pricing solutions. This means my clients receive specific and extremely effective step by step information on exactly what they need to do and how to grow their business. As a result, those who coach with me are able to increase their income right away, and make more money than they would on their own."  

This Core Marketing Message sets the tone for all of your marketing materials, including your website, social media, and business cards. It's an essential piece you need to stand our from the crowd, and consistently get new clients who are eager to work with you!   

2. Create a Plan of Actionand be willing to update it as you go along. Even the best laid plans need to change at some point along the way. Being flexible here is key, but you must have a written plan in place or you're never going to get where you want to be. Your plan should include an overall goal, the steps you need to take to get there, and clearly outline why this goal is important to you. The "why" is often overlooked, but knowing why you want to reach a your most important goal creates the motivation you need to stay the course until you get there!

Once you have a detailed plan in place, make sure you make a commitment by calendaring each action step you're going to take. Check in once a week to make sure you are on track, adjust as necessary, and make time for what is most important to you. This is essential in creating a profitable, meaningful business and a life you love!

3. Create Your Support System and don't be afraid to ask for help. Having an "entourage" of supportive people around you who believe in what you are doing, and champion you to succeed can make all of the difference as life throws many obstacles and challenges your way. Consider hiring a coach or mentor who is already successful in business who can hold you accountable, and help you navigate the steps you need to take to get you where you want to be by the end of this year.

      No matter where you are in your business right now, whether you've been in business for a while, or you're just getting started, if you take the time to follow these three steps, you'll be on a direct path to business success. You may need to be proactive and seek out support, take a class to learn what you don't know yet, and stretch outside your comfort zone to get there. I promise if you do, though, the results will be outstanding, and well worth the effort. 

About Michelle: Known by clients and colleagues as “The Connector,” Michelle continues to go above and beyond the call of duty to link more and more women to each other, and is genuinely interested in seeing them grow and succeed. Her purpose and mission through C³ for Women® is to connect women entrepreneurs to the Knowledge, Resources and Support needed to create a profitable, meaningful business and a purposeful life. She is known for her “clear professional success and her impact on the world,” plus her unique “gift for helping other women achieve their full potential on a personal and professional level.” As a mentor, coach and skilled facilitator who draws on her own entrepreneurial experience and proven success programs, Michelle works with women entrepreneurs to achieve their next level of success.

Visit C³ for Women’s website, where you will find Michelle’s articles, plus information about business training, small group masterminds and coaching programs, as well as upcoming events that support women business owners to reach the next level of success in business and life. Connect with Michelle at michelle@c3forwomen.com.

How to Adjust Your Marketing Mindset
to Increase Your Clients and Income! 

     I discovered several years ago that Marketing is really simple. It's what you make of it, really. So many entrepreneurs make it difficult, but marketing isn't rocket science. I know it may seem challenging at times, but I can assure you it doesn't have to be. Why not "try on" this new perspective today: Marketing is your opportunity to share your "gift" with others, to connect with and serve potential clients.  

     Most women I know value being of service to others. I know I do. When I focus on serving, instead of selling, my mind is open, and I feel more abundant, grateful, and on purpose. Plus, I'm ready, willing and excited to share my gifts. I know you want that mindset, too!

     I can remember years ago, when I owned a print publication, I was really struggling to increase my income. I had been in business for about a year and a half when I realized that something had to give. I was spending all of my time networking, and marketing to anyone who would listen. I wasn't getting anywhere, and I was overworked, overwhelmed and underpaid. So I made a few adjustments to the way I was marketing my business. And when I did, my income soared. Not overnight mind you - I had to be consistent and continue to work at it, but I was actually spending less time and money on marketing because I had gotten really clear and specific about my ideal client.  

     What I realized is that there was actually a very specific person who would benefit most from the service I had to offer them, and the more specifically I targeted that group of people with my marketing efforts, the more successful my business became. I had more clients and more income than ever before!

     This is one of those things in business that you don't know until you see what a difference it can make. I didn't know either, so if you're not focusing on a specific type of ideal clients, and you've been marketing to a broad, general audience, I just want you to know that you can make a change too. I believe you were created for a purpose, and that your business is a reflection of your own unique gifts, talents, strengths and abilities.

     Think about this for a minute in your own business. Who is it that receives the most value and transformational results from what you have to offer them? It's someone you love working with, who wants and needs what you have to offer. Can you think of an existing or previous client? This person represents your ideal client!

     Yes, there may be more than one type of client who can benefit from your product or service. But YOUR "sweet spot" is a very specific person, the one that only you can serve well, who receives the best results and a life-changing transformation from your work. When you focus your marketing on these ideal clients, your income will increase because you'll be attracting more of the right people, and you'll receive more referrals as well when your Circle of Influence knows exactly who you work with. Because you're on target and on purpose, you'll also be more confident, assured and successful as a result, and you won't be wandering around aimlessly with your marketing -- it will be strategic, specific and most importantly -- it will be effective.

     Why not create your own Ideal Client Profile? Includes the basic (age, income, gender, marriage, family, and geographic location), but also some details that are significant to your business such as their education status, business or career industry, where and how they spend their time, what they value, and spending habits. Get to know as much as you can about these people so you can "speak" directly to them in your marketing materials.

About Michelle: Known by clients and colleagues as “The Connector,” Michelle continues to go above and beyond the call of duty to link more and more women to each other, and is genuinely interested in seeing them grow and succeed. Her purpose and mission through C³ for Women® is to connect women entrepreneurs to the Knowledge, Resources and Support needed to create a profitable, meaningful business and a purposeful life. She is known for her “clear professional success and her impact on the world,” plus her unique “gift for helping other women achieve their full potential on a personal and professional level.” As a mentor, coach and skilled facilitator who draws on her own entrepreneurial experience and proven success programs, Michelle works with women entrepreneurs to achieve their next level of success.

Visit C³ for Women’s website, where you will find Michelle’s articles, plus information about business training, small group masterminds and coaching programs, as well as upcoming events that support women business owners to reach the next level of success in business and life. Connect with Michelle at michelle@c3forwomen.com.

By Michelle Martin

Grab a cup of coffee and start mapping out what you want to accomplish in 2012

It's here - the New Year. If you haven't already, it's not too late to map out what you want to accomplish, and give your business and life the direction they deserve so that you can achieve your goals in 2012.  

But now is the time to set aside a few minutes to plan what you want to create in 2012, so that you know where you're going and how you're going to get there. Just setting aside 30-45 minutes will get you started and give you a kick-start into the New Year that supports you in achieving your most important goals.  

Here are a few tips to get you started:  

2. Create a monthly marketing plan. Marketing is the foundation of business success, and without a plan the time will fly by and you'll wake up one day and realize you haven't done anything to market your business for weeks! I use a monthly calendar to write out my marketing plan - this simply includes scheduling the events I will attend, when emails will go out, planned time for follow up, and an overall income goal for the month. By having a monthly "birds eye" view I can quickly see where I haven't spent enough time marketing my business, and where I need to add additional activities to keep the momentum going. Remember, the marketing you do today and tomorrow will impact your business for many months down the road. It's important to remain consistent if you want consistent cash flow coming into your business.

3. Create an overall goal for the year, then break it down into quarterly and monthly goals so that you can quickly evaluate where you are and make adjustments as you go along. By doing this, you can easily see whether or not you are on track to reach your annual goal. Make sure your goal is in line with your overall business and personal values, as well as your mission. It should also be attainable for you and the amount of time you have committed to growing your business over the next year. Then, break it down into quarterly and monthly milestones, and identify the work that needs to be done to reach it.

Finally, take action based on your strengths, as well as what works best for your lifestyle, your goals, and your own unique vision for the future. The action you take today directly influences whether (or not) you Create the Success you desire in your business and your life.

3 Simple Steps to Avoid Over-Commitment and Enjoy the Holidays!
By Michelle Martin

As women we wear a multitude of hats every day, don't we? We are successful business owners, a mother, wife, friend, sister, daughter, and many, many more. With so many roles to fulfill, it's not hard to one day turn around and find yourself being pulled in too many directions. As a woman business owner, learning to say no to the opportunities and commitments that don't support your overall goal and purpose is crucial to your success. Instead of feeling guilty about saying "no", why not embrace the power to focus on your values, and value your time and energy by create your schedule around what is most important to you?

I can remember a time when I said yes to most of the opportunities that came up to attend business events, volunteer, and meet with potential clients or partners. Often, I didn't want to let others down, and I thought I needed to be everywhere and participate in all of the events I could possibly squeeze into my calendar. I soon became overcommitted, stressed out, and off balance because my calendar was filled with activities that didn't reflect my core values, beliefs or goals. Now, I consider how well the opportunities presented to me fit with my business and personal goals, values, and purpose. If it’s not a good fit with my values and purpose, or doesn’t get me closer to my business goal, I don’t take action on it. And, I don’t feel bad about saying no.

Try these three steps next time you are presented with an opportunity you feel may not be in your best interest, either because it's not in alignment with your goals, the best use or your time, or a true reflection of your core values.

 1. Acknowledge the invitation – Express thanks and appreciation for the opportunity, for thinking of you, and for asking you to volunteer your time or participate in the opportunity. Be authentic, and share with them that it’s a great opportunity for the right person, and that you appreciate their thoughtfulness in offering you the position, opportunity, etc. This lets the person you are talking with know that you are grateful to them and that you value what they have to offer.

2. Give value to your time - Rather than saying that you'll think about it, consider saying no initially if you feel an opportunity may not be a good fit for you. When you say that you'll think about it, you leave the invitation open for discussion, possible persuasion, and you may begin to experience feeling of obligation to participate. You know your time, and place value on what is important to you. Sometimes responding initially with a simple statement like "Right now, I'm not able to make the commitment this wonderful opportunity deserves, but if something changes I'll contact you right away."

3. Keep the connection - The previous step closes the current invitation, but keeps the connection to build an ongoing relationship with the organization, individual or opportunity that could be a good fit for you and your business in the future.

Once I learned and mastered these simple steps, I was able to quickly answer yes or no to the opportunities that come my way every day. It’s important to identify what is most important to you, your business, and your life so that you can easily and quickly filter the choices you make daily through your own core values and make decisions based on where you want to be and what you want to accomplish.

          With numerous marketing options available to you today, I know it can be difficult to decide which strategies are best. One of the problems I see women making with marketing is that they only use one or two marketing strategies consistently. They are putting all of their eggs into one basket, so to speak, and not getting great results. You need to use a variety of methods to reach your potential clients. Marketing is about getting into motion, and taking actions every day to reach new clients who want and need your solution to their problems.

          When you consistently implement no and low-cost marketing strategies such as social media, video, and email, as well as in-person local events for face-to-face interaction, you'll reach many potential clients, and build your status as an expert in your field. These no or low-cost strategies are a great place to start, just make sure you implement consistently for the best results. By marketing consistently, you'll be able to create consistent income flowing into your business.

Try these three simple tips to create the habit of marketing consistently:

Choose 3 easy-to-implement marketing strategies to start with that you enjoy, and can commit to consistent action. These could include social media marketing, local networking, a referral program, or an email newsletter, just to name a few.

Create your Niche Marketing Message that identifies who your ideal client is, and explains the result they receive from working with you. Here's an example from one of my clients: "I help women who want a permanent weight loss solution quit yo-yo dieting for good so they can look and feel better inside and out."

Tell everyone you meet what you do! Marketing is simply telling others over and over what you do. You never know who you will bump into at the grocery store, a networking event, or at a restaurant who will either need your service or know someone who does. Get comfortable talking about what you do so it naturally flows from your lips.

          No matter which marketing strategies you choose, remember who your Ideal Client is, where they like to hang out, and how they typically spend their time. This will influence the choices that you make and which marketing strategies you use and will be most effective for you to reach your next client(s). It will also save you time and money by implementing marketing strategies that your ideal clients are most likely to respond to instead of wasting your precious time and money on strategies that don't connect you with your ideal client.

Think you don't have time for marketing?
By Michelle Martin

Do you often find you don't have time to go to a networking event, send an email newsletter, or jump on social media for 15 minutes each day? If you answered yes, it's time to ask yourself "Why?" If your business is important to you, why don't you make time for marketing? Marketing is not only important, it's a business necessity, and doing it consistently will get you where you want to be. Without marketing, you'll have unmet goals, no clients, and your income will be sporadic and unpredictable.

Marketing is simply telling others what you do over and over again in a way that they can understand, and that your ideal client relates to. Sounds simple, right? If you think you don't have time for marketing, keep reading for some quick steps you can take right away to turn this around. I've noticed in my work with women entrepreneurs, that they either don't know what to do next, they don't have a plan in place to make it happen -- or both!

Marketing is the single most important task you can commit your time to in business. Without marketing, you won't have a business. Your business is not like "Field of Dreams." Your clients will not automatically come to you unless you tell people what you do in some way or another.

I'd like to propose a fresh perspective -- Marketing isn't rocket science. Marketing is simple. Marketing is your opportunity to share your gift with others, to connect with and serve potential clients. Most women value being of service to others. I know I do. When I focus on serving, instead of selling, my mind is open, and I feel more abundant, grateful, and on purpose, as well as ready and willing to share my gifts.

If you find that you struggle to make marketing a priority, ask yourself these 3 questions to get a fresh perspective:

* Why am I doing this? Often the answer to this simple question will get you back on track. If you find the answer doesn't come to you quickly, you'll need to take some time to reconnect with your purpose, why you started your business in the first place, and how you want it to impact others.

* What is my intention? When you go to a networking event, send an email newsletter, or connect on social media, what is your purpose or intention? Every marketing strategy you use, whether you are connecting with one person or thousands, needs purpose and direction. Without it, your message will be too vague, and people won't relate to what you have to say.

* What is my plan? You need a plan of action, no matter how simple it is. This will free your creativity and give your intention wings to fly. Without a plan or vision, you're wandering around aimlessly, not accomplishing your goals.

I believe you can effectively market your business, you just need to step back for a few minutes, and get a big picture view of what you want to create. I encourage you to connect with a business person you trust and admire, someone who champions you and who believes in what you are doing. Get a simple plan in place for how you market your business on a daily, weekly, monthly basis. Marketing doesn't need to be difficult, but you do need to take action.

How to Create Connections
That Last a Lifetime!
By Michelle Martin

As a woman entrepreneur, you need solid business relationships with clients, colleagues, and strategic partners who can champion, support and grow with you. Women value relationships, and cherish the opportunity to serve and support others. Creating solid business connections and developing meaningful relationships with key people can make the different between a business that thrives and one that just survives.

I've talked recently with several women entrepreneurs who say they need to get out of their office, and become a member of the outside world again! These women recognize that they have a tendency to become isolated in their business if they don't consistently reach out. Sometimes we just don't know how to ask for help from a group of supportive, like-minded women who share similar goals and a commitment to growth. One quick and simple way to get out of your office, and connect with like-minded people is to attend networking events.  

Successful business relationships often start in a networking environment, because you have the opportunity to connect face to face, discover common ground, and learn from shared experiences. This is just the beginning of relationships that grow into lifelong clients, colleagues, and strategic partnerships. 

Although local networking is an excellent avenue to cultivate strong business relationships, be careful about how you "show up." The best way to approach networking is with a giving attitude. Adopt the mindset that you have valuable resources, information, and tips to share. Be the expert in your field, and become a "go-to" person who offers value, showcasing your genuine desire to help others succeed. By adopting this approach, you will build relationships that ultimately turn into clients, colleagues, and referral partners. But you won't get there if you don't put your best face forward -- the one that isn't there to just make a sale, but the one who is genuinely interested in seeing others grow and succeed.

Before you attend another networking event, take a few minutes to get clear on why you are going, and focus on what you have to give and share with others, rather than focusing on what is in it for you. Let's face it, if you're just there to make a sale, you'll be spotted a mile away, and people will not be interested in what you have to say. And that's no way to grow a business!

        You may not like to think of yourself as a sales person, but the truth is, as an entrepreneur and  representative of your business, you'll need to focus on "selling" in one way or another. Sure, you could hide out in your office all day long and never tell a soul what you do, how you can help them, or why they need what you have to offer -- but that wouldn't get you very far, and it won't help you create a successful business. I'd like to suggest a more authentic approach.

        Instead of going into a long "laundry list" of features and benefits about your product or service, focus your presentation, no matter how long or short it is, on what's in it for your client. Every product or service has an outcome, what happens for your client as a result of working with you or buying your product -- and hopefully that outcome or result is something they want and need!

        Why not "try on" this mindset shift the next time you go to an event, or tell someone what you do? You'll find it actually takes the pressure off you when you're focused on serving others.

        To make this shift from "selling" to "serving," you'll need to focus on your client's needs and the result they achieve, instead of on what you feel is most important about what you do. Remember, it's not about you, it's about them (your Ideal Client).

• First, specify WHO your ideal client is. This is the person who benefits most from the product or service you have to offer, as well as from your personal story, and your unique gifts, talents and abilities.
  
  
• Second, identify the PROBLEM your product or service solves for them. This should be something your ideal client experiences on a regular basis, daily is best because there is a more immediate need to get it resolved.
  
  
• Third, be clear and concise in describing the RESULT your ideal client gets from working with you, or from using your product. Being able to communicate what changes for them as a result of your product of service is paramount, and will connect your ideal client to you quickly because they know right away that they want what you have to offer!
  

        Once you know how to stop selling and start serving, you'll be more relaxed when you talk about what you do, and how you can help others by focusing on the problem you solve for them, and the result they experience. Your business will be different because you are able to genuinely Connect with your Clients. You'll find that the people you talk to actually understand what you have to offer, and will say "Yes!" to wanting to know more!

Say "No" SO You Can Say "Yes!"
By Michelle Martin 

I reconnected recently with a friend I hadn't seen in several months, and during our conversation, she reminded me of something very important that, as women wearing several hats , we need to remember and practice. Sometimes, we have to say "No" so we can say "Yes!"to what is most important to us.

Women are notorious for saying "Yes" to every opportunity that comes our way, whether it's serving on the PTA, attending a business event, or volunteering for a worthy cause. All of these are good, don't get me wrong.

But we can't say "Yes" every time, to every opportunity that comes up. If we did, we'd be burning the candle on both ends, "working" all hours of the day, with nothing of value left to offer the people who mean the most. You need time to renew and recharge, too, in order to live a meaningful life.

I can remember a time several years ago after being in business for less than a year, I wasn't bringing in the income I had hoped for and anticipated as a budding entrepreneur. After taking a long  look at my schedule, and how I was spending my time, I realized that not only was I overcommitted, I was overworked, and spinning my wheels trying to make things work out.

I needed to stop "hoping" and create a new plan for complete success. Not just any plan, or someone else's plan would work for me, though. I needed an intentional plan that reflected my family and spiritual values as a wife, mom, and entrepreneur.

This new intentional plan took on my own unique strengths, talents and abilities and supported me in life so that I could to say "No" to the opportunities coming my way that, although promising, weren't in alignment with the vision I had for my life and business.

Maybe you can relate. You're overcommitted, overworked, and underpaid. Most entrepreneurs I know have fallen into this trap at one time or another, and it takes time and determination to get out and create a more balanced business and life-- but I know you can do it!

When you say "No" to opportunities and commitments that don't serve you well, you're opening the door to new opportunities for growth, renewal and income flowing in. How you spend your time, and the opportunities you say "Yes!" wholeheartedly to will change over time as you grow and evolve into who you are meant to be and how you intentionally life your life.

A supportive coach, mentor or friend can help you navigate the way to a renewed life and business that you love waking up to every day.

About Michelle: Known by clients and colleagues as “The Connector,” Michelle continues to go above and beyond the call of duty to link more and more women to each other. She passionately supports their growth and success through C³ for Women's Membership and Events, as well as her Business Success Coaching Programs, and small group Success Circles.

Visit C³ for Women’s website, where you will find Michelle’s articles, plus information about Membership, her Women’s Success Circles, Upcoming Events, and programs that support women business owners to reach the next level of success in business and life. Be sure to visit Michelle’s blog here. You can contact Michelle at 817-247-3890 or by email, michelle@c3forwomen.com.

How to Create More Focus for a Profitable, Meaningful Business You Love!
By Michelle Martin

As the CEO of your business, the future direction and your business success depends on YOU!  You have the power to develop your business into something profitable and meaningful so that you love going to work every day. But you're also busy with the day to day tasks it takes to run a profitable business, and  it's a challenge to find time to focus on what you want to create down the road, isn't it?

You have goals for the future, but you need a detailed plan to make it happen so that you can implement your ideas, and create the success you want to achieve in your business this year. One step you can take right away is to schedule regular sessions for "Focused Time," where you allow yourself to dream, visualize, and create a plan for future success.

Taking time to look at the BIG PICTURE of your business will get your thoughts and creative juices flowing, and allow you to determine where you most need to spend time to make your goals a reality.

Try these simple steps to get you motivated during your next Focused Time:

1. Step outside the box -- leave your office, your home, your regular work environment behind for a few hours so that you are not distracted by daily responsibilities, dishes in the kitchen sink, or email.

2. Reconnect with your passion -- Write down why you started your business, why you are still in business, and then jot down new ideas, services and goals that come to mind. Use a journal or notepad and record your uncensored thoughts so that you can refer back to it.

3. Give yourself permission to dream, visualize and create something new -- make a list of what is working really well in your business, as well as what isn't working. Identify new opportunities for growth, potential partnerships, and programs you could create.

4. Be honest with yourself -- At least once a week, schedule a "check in" time and answer these simple, important questions that provide the foundation for focus and add perspective as to how you should spend your  time each day.
            - Is how I spend my time a reflection of where I am now or where I want to go?
            - Am I making decision based on where I am now or where I want to go?
             -What is one thing I can do today to get closer to my current goal?

Taking time to have a quick "check-in" with yourself can get you back on track quickly when you realize that you're off course and have gone down a path that isn't getting you closer to your current goal, or the vision you have for your future business success.

Your time is your most valuable asset, value it as such. Use it wisely and make the most of each opportunity, so that you can reach your full potential, and realize the most important goals and dreams you have in place for your life and your business. When you follow these simple steps, regularly schedule Focused Time, and allow yourself to see the big picture by stepping outside of your daily business responsibilities, you'll see that you're reaching and even exceeding your goals.

About Michelle: Known by clients and colleagues as “The Connector,” Michelle continues to go above and beyond the call of duty to link more and more women to each other, and is genuinely interested in seeing them grow and succeed. Her mission through C³ for Women™ is to connect women business owners to the Knowledge, Resources and Support needed to create a profitable business and a purposeful life.

Visit C³ for Women’s website, where you will find Michelle’s articles, plus information about Membership, her Women’s Success Circles, Upcoming Events, and programs for women business owners who are ready to reach the next level of success in life, both professionally and personally. Be sure to visit Michelle’s blog here. You can contact Michelle at 817-247-3890 or by email, michelle@c3forwomen.com.