Take Comfort in Writing...

Do you have something to say? Do you have the opportunity to say it to everyone you need it to be heard by?

If not, like most of us the opportunities aren’t a daily happenstance.  We have to make opportunities to be heard and most of that time is going to be by using our words in a published manor.  If you have been told you speak well, congratulations that’s a valuable portion of the skill set you can take advantage of when writing your thoughts, needs, stories, value down in an article format.

Every day our skills, products and services are seen in the form of reports, posts, proposals, blogs, guidelines, social media updates, texts, memoir notes, thank you notes, emails, ads and more.  We live in an era where the written word is around us 24/7 and it can make or break a business.  Knowing this that on average we will write more than 35,000 words in a year – we all need to brush up on this skill set and learn how to become a better writer, the kind of writer that gets results…

• First before you start writing (anything), ask yourself: Why am I writing? You need to have a purpose so that the outcome becomes the solution to the reason.  If you are writing to thank someone for a meeting you had, to motivate, or even to change a company policy your writing needs to be clear and bring value.
• Next when writing gauge the length need. The acronym K.I.S.S. is a very good rule to live by for majority of our writing needs.  Twitter has schooled a lot of us in the art form of getting a point across in 140 characters or less & even then if you can get it to around 100 you will have a 17% higher engagement rate. Why? Because humans are in a hurry and our attention spans are very short.
• There will be many occasions that we need to write without brevity. In these cases, first write like you talk don’t worry about the punctuation, sentence structure or flow.  You want to get your thoughts out on paper first then restate your purpose before quality checking, shortening, changing your words.  Ask yourself: What is the reason you are writing? What should it accomplish – what is to be taken away by the reader? What is the conclusion – what should happen after it is read?  Tip: if you are selling something there should be a call to action included.
• Where ever you are be there! This goes for writing too – make sure your surroundings will inspire your thought process. If you are stressed or in a location where focus is a struggle the results of your writing will show your frame of mind.
• Plan the time and set limits. Did you know the first four hours of your day are when we are at our most creative?  If you are writing for an important purpose don’t select the time based on leftovers.
• Choose by choose wisely – (great movie) but also words to write by. If you want your articles read, acted on and also shared don’t be repetitive. Use a thesaurus or buy a book of creative ways to use words; (Words that Sell – Richard Bayan, Phrases that Sell – Edward Werz)
• When writing key thing to ask yourself, ‘will this appeal to more than me?’ An accountant likes numbers and thinks differently than a gift retail shop owner. But, both need to communicate with each other because they both use each other’s services.  So when writing you have to channel your audience and what would appeal to them when they read your written verbiage.
• Email can be attributed to the fall of Rome. Not literally but definitely an applicable phrase in the twenty-first century. Clear & decisive with an open ended prompt will get you more effective and successful results. Save the three+ page montage for your book or thesis.
• Prior to publishing or sending out say it out loud. Does it sound bizarre like it was written by a transformer? Do you struggle over excessively long sentences? To catch typos, duplicate words or run on sentences during your final proofing read the last paragraph first and work your way back to the first sentence.  Our brains are skilled to be able to read misprinted sentences as long as the first and last letters are correct, so changing the direction you proof in will help you see the writing before the story.
• End all things with a gift. Inside of every written need, every text, tweet or article you have the ability to make a positive moment in another person’s world. Don’t miss an opportunity to be an affirmative force increasing the beauty in the world.

Keep these tips in mind when writing and whether or not it is perfection, your intent will cut through bringing you remarkable results.

Results by you....

Ok, let’s take a moment and get real!  How many of you are:

• Members of a professional group
• Have an advertisement running somewhere
• Or started up a blog or newsletter

Yes, if you’re reading this blog 99% of you can answer yes to one or all of those questions.  Now, how many of you are not happy with the ‘results’?

I’m guessing over 78% of you can say you’re not happy with the results to one or more of those questions.

So here’s where I am going to get real with you and ask the question that those that accept accountability will ask, “What are you not doing?”.  For a good many the thought process is to throw the blame for lack of results in the opposite direction.  But, if we are truthful and take accountability in our actions or lack of we’ll start to see real results in our endeavors.

Take the first one; Member of a professional group.  If it is not working for you can you honestly say you are giving it due time to work the opportunities available?  Do you even know all the opportunities or are you waiting for someone to point them out? Are you devoting time to prepare prior to the meeting? Are you asking for support in a way that others can assist easily?  Remember even in asking for referrals or support from a professional team you need to meet them over half way by first making your ‘ask’ very specific and then by ‘following up’.

Take the second one; Have an advertisement running? Ask yourself is what you are offering have a juicy call to action or bland? Are you giving them something that you already offer to the masses or making each marketing venue’s offer special?  Have you asked for second, third even fourth opinions on the value of the content and if it is appealing.  Depending on the media form of advertising you are using time plays a factor as well as how you represent your offer.  Yes, you can use media wrong.  Not all offers or even industries get the same results across multiple media formats.  If you don’t understand who your clients are, where they frequent or even what their needs are… how can you expect your advertisements to work?

Let’s now look at the Third one;  Blog or Newsletter.  Does it have a purpose?  In what ways if any are you cultivating a network to view it?  If you have a network do you know their needs and are you answering it or just talking for the sake of pushing out content?  Your reason for having a blog or a newsletter will define the content but no matter the content if you are not providing a true value in this world of over saturated advertising venues you will not be followed let alone get any return on your time spent producing your content.

So let’s wrap this up with some value, when you are a member of a professional group, run an advertisement or produce a blog/newsletter the following items should be factored in at all times.

• Provide real value – don’t create just for the sake of creating
• Know your target audience and fill a need in the right place at the right time
• All advertising efforts take time – if you are producing value in the locations your consumers are at it will work
• Preparation in all things is key, just being seen or just showing up won’t produce any worth while results
• Get objective opinions (Objective being the operative word) if you ask your friend with no real vested interest they will more than likely tell you what you want to hear versus what you need to hear.
• Most importantly you get out of anything no more than what you put into it.  If it takes you a few moments to throw something together without investing time, research or money – don’t be surprised when it produces devoid return.

These are just a few of the things in business that I hear professionals say, it’s not working!  So going forward instead of throwing out negative auto responses to empty returns on the ways you market try instead to take a good hard look on your actual investment in it.  Even if you pay to have someone create or design your marketing needs, if you are not taking an active interest in it don’t be surprised if the results are less than spectacular.  It is good to have marketing support or a talented media agent but without your organic contribution to its success your results will be less than what you desire.  After all your customer is there primarily because of you so if you are not involved it will show in the results or the lack of.

Need help with getting real results that increase your profitability?  We’re here for you but the next step is yours…   call, email, stop by it requires action to take the next step!

Quick release or hold hostage?

Question... (Rhetorical) 
With technology being what it is today, why do you get the response when unsubscribing from a newsletter that is no longer providing value: "Sorry to see you go, please be patient it might take a few days or weeks before you stop receiving our newsletter"...

And then you start receiving double! 

FYI - This is not a good technique to try & salvage what you lost by bombarding them with even more - just a thought

Example: I was receiving this newsletter (on a side note that I don't recall signing up for) and for the first half a dozen e-newsletters they sent great give-away offers, coupons and even a few good short articles I enjoyed reading.  To tell the truth one or two more newsletters and I would have been clicking on the site to see about the cost of the products they were talking about. But before I could act on my interest I started receiving aggressive call to action e-blasts then a few threatening to 'weed' out those that weren't interested.

That brings me to two thoughts I'd like to share:
1 - assumptions without facts
2 - if you want to use a system understand how to work it

If you are trying to generate business which is the basis I would think for using marketing mediums then at least allow the client to make the choice whether to follow or not - subscribe or not - purchase or not.  You never know who else might see or get recommended to view your newsletter & it certainly isn't hurting to have the subscriber. But threatening to cancel their subscription is more than likely to create an action saving you the trouble of removing them.

Instead of assuming they are not a value why not try understanding why they are not acting on your offer? This would be the logical next step - understand the marketing tools we use is seriously the key to having a successful marketing campaign.  If you are not getting results adapt and change don't use knee jerk reactions to something that just needs a little tweaking or patience.

"Every connection is not always a good client, but understanding that every connection has the potential to be a value to you will help you to look at your efforts and the results in a more productive manner."  ~K.Kirkland

Great businesses use the 'quick release' a one click unsubscribe because they understand the value of putting time into generating something worth sharing that their clients will want.  Think about it this way if you are providing value the ones that leave aren't in your 'tribe' of potentials anyways.  There are plenty that want to receive & will want to keep receiving as long as you provide value.  So why hold hostage the one that doesn't?

Have questions? Need help in your marketing efforts to create results that reward you for your time? We'd love to help just reach out when you're ready to accelerate!

Kristi Kirkland
Adding Needed Solutions Working Every Relationship!

Where’s your motivation level for 2014?

(More importantly how can you keep it?)

   Resolutions? Saying, “What’s your New Year’s resolution?” is like saying, “How’s it going”?  No one expects a real answer from a generic question said so many times with no real actionable results.  Motivational connections and mindset power is the wave that’s coming.  But only for those smart enough to leave the past where it belongs and ride the wave of challenge and progress. 

   We’ve survived an apocalypse, mourned the passing of Dave Hughes among many other greats, celebrated technology advancements like 3D printing and the BioPen, were somewhat effected by J.C.Penny – Saks Fifth Ave – Sears and other giants as they were sold or irrevocably changed, envisioned getting packages delivered by Amazon drones, watched as the sun reached its peak in solar activity, enjoyed the total eclipse of the sun on November 3^rd, read about the discovery of Earth’s closest exoplanet twin Kepler, rediscovered King Richard III beneath a parking lot, learned about ambitions to map the human brain, sipped our favorite java from a phase-change mug, saw an increase in contract hiring and recession for full-time help, and for a lot of us reveled in the Florida FSU spectacular season! (Yes, I had to throw that in there – GO NOLES!)

   So I say “Bring it on!” and I almost can’t put it into words the excitement I feel with the endless possibilities that 2014 will bring for those of us that embrace change and allow for the mindset of a visionary with actionable presence!

   Yes that was a mouth full and it sounds real good but what does it really mean, and how can we make it happen in our lives?  So glad you asked! I’m going to plug a few ideas into this reading material, a few tips and some steps that for those of you that decide to take it to heart will see results manifest in your lives both personal and professional!  So, let’s start by saying out loud no matter where you are or who is around you…. Don’t be shy I want you to shout it out… One simple four letter word (no, it’s not a colorful metaphor) Are you ready?  Here it is: “ROAR”

   Ok those that took it to heart and belted it out, might need to apologize to those that were startled and share this article with them as you are about to embark on an exciting adventure of possibilities because you are not afraid to make a change and stand out in the crowd!  How did it make you feel?  Were you out of your comfort zone or did you feel a moment of exhilaration? Well, either way if you did it congratulations – read on…

   First a couple of fun words that get used everywhere and if you think about it hold a lot of ‘deep’ meaning: Visionary & Motivation.  What is it? How do you get it and more than that how do you keep it?  For each of us it is different.  Some of us can wake up in the morning and be filled with it.  For others we need a pound of coffee shot directly into our veins with an added physical kick in the rear to get our visionary motivation on.  No matter which side you fall on or if you are somewhere in the middle the key to 2014 is getting it, using it and holding onto it with both hands. 

   When you are getting your motivation on each morning there has to be a purpose or it is a lifeless thing.  Ask yourself “what drives you?” If you said money take another sip of coffee and think again.  Money is empty and will not inspire the type of ‘motivation’ you will need to take 2014 to new heights.  It won’t warm, feed, help, enlighten or comfort you.   It will buy the things that warm, feed, help, enlighten and comfort you, but as its true form (paper or metal) it will not do those things for you.  What you are looking for as the actual answer to what motivation is can be found in what consumes you?  What do you start your day thinking about and end it still wanting?  Now, make a list of 25 things that ‘inspire’ you, like starting a business, a new boat, helping children, writing a book, building something, mentoring someone, visiting somewhere far away… Put in the order of importance.  The highest item should make you grin like a fool or your heart race when you think of achieving it.  That is where visionary motivation is formed and when it is something of true substance it will last longer than a New Year’s Resolution. 

  Now for the steps.  You have your list, but maybe you’ve made one before and nothing ever came of it?  This is where the next fun words come in, ‘actionable presence’.  In order to take this to the next level you have to want it more than breathing for it to last past the standard honeymoon period.  Take your list and reverse engineer the items on your list to include how much funding do you need, will you need help, how much time will it take and what steps can be taken today towards progress of completion?  Because a key part of keeping motivated is setting and completing tasks.  Without a plan of action that gives you a feeling of accomplishment on a regular basis you will fizzle out like all the resolutions of the past. 

   Okay, we have the true meaning behind motivation, steps to getting it & a plan of action.  Now for the tips to make it all work.  Positive, motivated, power connections find & cultivate them!  Accountability is hardest alone.  For a successful life in 2014 you need to surround yourself with positive and driven people!  Here is the last and strongest tip I can give you, “Do not envy what you desire”.  You cannot attract into your life what you envy; successful, positive, rich, joyful people.  So start today look into the mirror and say, “I deserve all that I desire and work honestly towards.  I am going to create the positive change in my life and the lives of others enjoying each sweet breathtaking moment of life starting now!”  ROAR!!

Kristi Kirkland – Answer Marketing Inc

Business Acceleration Marketing Firm
‘Adding Needed Solutions Working Every Relationship’

Marketing Your Business for the Holiday Season

It's here the glorious or for some dreaded Holiday season and for most of us it comes on quicker each year! The time is upon us to make sure we get the most of our marketing efforts to help insure sales success in the coming months.  

Social Media Contests - Hopefully your business has an established social media presence, as contests on Facebook are often a popular way spotlight your services or products and interact with customers. Remind them during the time when they are being bombarded with over 2,500 ads daily that your product or service exactly what they need and a great gift idea. Remember to keep it simple as you want to when possible gather information on your potential clients but making them jump through to many hoops will discourage most. Using a clever #hashtag so as to be found in more searches like: #Contest, #Free, #Gift, #Giveaway and an incentive such as a prize or discount on a service or product you offer, you can create an intense excitement around your company.  

Holiday Tips - Use your social media, emailed news letters and flyers to offer helpful tips during a stressful holiday season. Consider your industry, product or service and related advice you could offer to make customers’ lives easier. Making yourself seen as a useful resource for the holidays will make your business standout above the rest. Use an original #hashtag to maintain brand awareness across your media platforms - add it to your banners and posts explaining that it will be used during the holiday. EX: #AMIOffer #AMIHolidayTips

Loyalty Rewards - This is the time to make sure your loyal customers feel extra special. Taking care of those clients that have been there throughout the year will generate additional business and referrals. Do this by creating a special offer only for existing customers or providing a sneak preview, free shipping or secret sale that give them the VIP treatment. This will go a long way towards keeping your best customers thinking of your first during this hectic season.

Special Events or Open Houses - Your small business will rise above the convenience 'brand' stores when you host an open house or special event at your location. Use it to showcase seasonal gifts, new menu items and merchandise so customers can get a glimpse of your holiday goods in advance. Remember your Loyalty Rewards and offer an early 1 hour VIP access for existing clients. To get them to stay a little longer browsing what you have to offer include light refreshments: cookies, a mug of hot cocoa or a glass of cider to get people in the holiday spirit. On their way out, give a special offer or coupon that invites customers back to make their purchases at a discount. Macy's, JcPenny, Khol's all offer these types of incentives with great success.  

Email Blasts - Although I caution overuse, email remains inexpensive and easy to implement when it comes to maintaining contact with existing customers. Just remember to be effective, email marketing should be used with people you have already done business with or who have expressed an interest in your business and have requested email from you. (Have at your place of business a sign up sheet to help you with your list - offer a discount for anyone signing up) When making the email keep it short as possible while still getting your message across. Offer to partner with other businesses that support your company to share space or links on their emailed newsletters as well. Use clickable links to drive clients to your Facebook page or website for 'more' offers. Offer 'sharing' discounts for your subscribers. Also, make the title of your email campaign clear like 'Specials just for you', 'Holiday Tips & Treasures'. Lastly use festive designs take care to add the appeal so it is not deleted before your message has a chance to work.  

Remember when creating a marketing campaign think back on last year: 
What worked to grab your attention?
What made you choose the stores you shopped at?
What stood out as special or innovative?
Putting yourself in the shoes of a shopper and thinking what would you like to see if you are shopping for yourself or your family and try to implement it in your marketing plan.

Have an Very Merry Holiday - Remember the Reason for all our Seasons - Give Thanks for what we have - and count your blessings daily!

Happy Halloween - Thanksgiving Blessings - Merry Christmas! 
Kristi Kirkland 
Answer Marketing Inc