tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38684005608590603092024-03-07T07:01:56.019+11:00Brand PhilosopheInfusing your Business with your Passion ...
Inspire your tribeKolee & Emilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06038195175855529160noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3868400560859060309.post-31696133943589238892012-03-01T16:47:00.001+11:002012-03-01T16:47:54.307+11:00What is your definition of marketing?<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #5f5f5f;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Many people have many different
and varied definitions of marketing. Early on in business I struggled with
trying to understand exactly what marketing was. It seemed to be this mystical
dark art… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #5f5f5f;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I know what marketing is not;
marketing is not selling. Selling is different.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #5f5f5f;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Selling is one on one what you
are doing face to face or on the phone.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #5f5f5f;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Advertising is not marketing, it
is part of your marketing mix. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #5f5f5f;">Seth Godin said in his article;</span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #5f5f5f;"> Which comes first, the product or the marketing?</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #5f5f5f;"> <br />
“</span><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #5f5f5f;">Marketing is not the same as
advertising.</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #5f5f5f;"> Advertising is a tiny
slice of what marketing is today, and in fact, it's pretty clear that the
marketing has to come before the product, not after.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #5f5f5f;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #5f5f5f;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Marketing done properly does the
selling for you. It is selling in advance. Therefore, as Dan Kennedy said,
“marketing is the quickest path to the sale”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #5f5f5f;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For mine, in it’s most simple
form; <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #5f5f5f;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Marketing is what you say and who you say it to…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #5f5f5f;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">That means – having your
particular message that speaks specifically to your desired audience, your
selected group of people for whom you have a solution. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #5f5f5f;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For your marketing to be
effective you need to know <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #5f5f5f;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Who
you are speaking to<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #5f5f5f;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> What
they want most <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #5f5f5f;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> And
crafting your message to solve their problem or satisfy their desires.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #5f5f5f;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The next puzzle to solve is how
to get your message in front of exactly your selected group of people.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #5f5f5f;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Brand Philosophe</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Link to
Seth’s Blog: </span><span style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2009/02/which-comes-first-the-product-or-the-marketing.html">http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2009/02/which-comes-first-the-product-or-the-marketing.html</a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>Kolee & Emilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06038195175855529160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3868400560859060309.post-66664822650623344962012-01-23T08:00:00.000+11:002012-01-23T08:00:01.388+11:00<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UVwxrw7FNYmnRK1Sl4taZH05CbabYtjc5-QjTI0MB2jAAfzNkEHRzQhlyJPXPzCazu-yvgXVkSZvoUZ7YqZsrQTsYn4gX9TP3U0DJG1XOh3kGrfhvIHWkPq21aXrYqUtInxuSeBYWCPD/s1600/35634urkn9y4rbc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UVwxrw7FNYmnRK1Sl4taZH05CbabYtjc5-QjTI0MB2jAAfzNkEHRzQhlyJPXPzCazu-yvgXVkSZvoUZ7YqZsrQTsYn4gX9TP3U0DJG1XOh3kGrfhvIHWkPq21aXrYqUtInxuSeBYWCPD/s320/35634urkn9y4rbc.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by BJWOK <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/">click here</a> to find out more</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>"One individual plus courage is a majority" </b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>~ Source Unknown ~ </b></i></div>Kolee & Emilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06038195175855529160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3868400560859060309.post-64271046777114289502012-01-19T13:51:00.000+11:002012-01-19T13:51:49.366+11:00How do you want this year to be different?<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.5pt;">Make a quick list of the top 3 things you want to be different this year.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><span style="color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"> It mat be your income, </span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.5pt;">profit, people, clients, your team, family, or your health... </span><br />
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.5pt;">Most people make new years resolutions. The trouble is they almost never stick to their resolutions or achieve the goal.</span><br />
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.5pt;">To be successful, the first step is to write down your <b>goals</b>.</span><br />
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.5pt;">The things that you want to be different this year; and the things that you want to achieve. </span><br />
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.5pt;">Resolutions are not goals. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.5pt;">Most “New Years Resolutions” are just ideas. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.5pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.5pt;">How will you know if you achieve the goal or not? </span><span style="color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.5pt;">How will you know if you get to celebrate that goal and </span><i style="color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.5pt;"><u>feel good</u></i><span style="color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.5pt;"> about the effort you have put in? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.5pt;"> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.5pt;">Getting fit, making more money and being happy are NOT decisions or goals, they are ideas. You can't measure the success of these.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.5pt;"><br />
A measurable goal is: I will loose 10kg by 20<sup>th</sup> March, I will run 5km in under 20mins. My gross profit will be a minimum of 40% by June 30, 2012. I will have 10 new clients by April 5<sup>th</sup> 2012. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.5pt;">This is also why YOUR goal needs to be REALISTIC and ACHIEVABLE – so you can achieve it in the time frame you set. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.5pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.5pt;">It is so important to understand and experience the feelings you have when you've achieved your goal, and by having a realistic set of goals that have an achievable time frame it will assist you in reaching them, growing as a person, growing your business and making 2012 all about you.<br />
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<span style="background: white;">I believe that to be successful, or in other words to achieve your goals, you need 3 things: </span><br />
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<strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">GOALS ~ IMPLEMENTATION ~ ACCOUNTABILITY</span></strong><span style="background: white;"> </span><br />
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<!--[endif]--></span></div><h4 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 6.25pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 8.75pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #3386b0; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.0pt;">• A goal not written down is only a wish<o:p></o:p></span></h4><h4 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 6.25pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 8.75pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #3386b0; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.0pt;">• An idea not implemented is only a thought <o:p></o:p></span></h4><h4 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 6.25pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 8.75pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #3386b0; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.0pt;">• Accountability takes implementing your goals to another level<o:p></o:p></span></h4><h4 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 6.25pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 8.75pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #3386b0; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></h4><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.5pt;">Our challenge for you today is:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.5pt;"><br />
<span style="background: white;"> 1. Write down your top 3 goals.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;"> 2. Start implementing and taking action (even if you only pick 1 project)</span><br />
<span style="background: white;"> 3. Make yourself accountable to 1 person.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.5pt;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">Then, in 2 weeks time, Let them know how you have taken 1 step towards your bigger future.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Take Action</span></strong><span style="background: white;"> with the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>48 Hour Rule ~ </strong></span></span><span style="color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.5pt;">This means going </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.5pt;">from an IDEA to DOING in 48 hrs - you know the "<strong>Get it done!" </strong>part</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.5pt;"> <br />
<span style="background: white;">Yes, it's time to take charge and take back control. </span><br />
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<span style="background: white;">Take the Challenge and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>make 2012 your best year ever</strong>. </span><br />
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Here's to your Success!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.5pt;"><br />
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<!--[endif]--><em><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><o:p></o:p></span></em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="background: white; color: #505050; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9.5pt;"><br />
<em>PS: Someone once said; "the difference between a millionaire and a billionaire is that a billionaire reads their goals twice a day."</em></span></i></div>Kolee & Emilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06038195175855529160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3868400560859060309.post-17458336475710529562012-01-05T08:00:00.000+11:002012-01-19T13:38:40.573+11:00Happy New 2012!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSUEWw_Odgv9VXc4WHmfDTgK9Krku2X6u62dbe8g2mwMVb_pw5avvXP5LYByMgwILath-GA_LSPOtK13rtikvT3_y8xJH-5uEACJKHO9lYDp0Ha_IFSdcZyJM6kGuV43DvJ1FhnEDRisB/s1600/653772z3uc7mzbk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSUEWw_Odgv9VXc4WHmfDTgK9Krku2X6u62dbe8g2mwMVb_pw5avvXP5LYByMgwILath-GA_LSPOtK13rtikvT3_y8xJH-5uEACJKHO9lYDp0Ha_IFSdcZyJM6kGuV43DvJ1FhnEDRisB/s320/653772z3uc7mzbk.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image: Dream Designs </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div>Welcome to an exciting 2012!</div><div><br />
</div><div>The floor is all yours .... </div><div><br />
</div><div>Are you ready? </div><div><br />
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</div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image: 2012 by: Dream Designs </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/">Click here</a> to see more of their work </span><br />
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</div>Kolee & Emilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06038195175855529160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3868400560859060309.post-5605016292428544322011-12-01T16:55:00.000+11:002011-12-01T16:55:48.612+11:00Working through our fears<div style="text-align: center;"><i>"We cannot escape fear. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>We can only transform it into a companion that </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>accompanies us on all our exciting adventures ...</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Take a risk today, one small or bold stroke </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>that will make you feel great once you have done it"</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>~ Susan Jeffers </i><br />
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</i><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Fear is probably the biggest hurdle that comes up during a session or discussions with clients. Fear on so many differing levels from the personal pressure we put ourselves under to be successful, make others proud of us, do what is 'expected' of us through to the fears we have for our business.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Most of us make our decisions based on what we think will keep everyone else happy and not necessarily what is going to the best for us or our business. We worry constantly about what others think of us, how others will see us, talk about us and a hundred other 'fears' based on society's take on your decision.<br />
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When really it comes down to you and what you want for your business</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">A question that was posed during a recent conversation with a client lead to a very interesting path of discovery for them.... the question? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">"If you could do anything in the world at all without fear of judgement, what would you do?"<br />
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</div></div>Kolee & Emilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06038195175855529160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3868400560859060309.post-1890682549330039782011-10-05T09:00:00.000+11:002011-12-01T17:09:18.019+11:00<div style="background-color: white; color: #414141; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPwvhNhimQwSDUuK7TmW3uKFNE2wdL7o5ApSfvcF9OW7o0H3WlmpzK_l5wozS589XETqjYWtDuQpqT7B-KSUghjVBhTSARAlHNn9SebuFlAVGzmg88cDG7QWIMtFDrEyvvV6cuCZFb87c/s1600/SNC00597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPwvhNhimQwSDUuK7TmW3uKFNE2wdL7o5ApSfvcF9OW7o0H3WlmpzK_l5wozS589XETqjYWtDuQpqT7B-KSUghjVBhTSARAlHNn9SebuFlAVGzmg88cDG7QWIMtFDrEyvvV6cuCZFb87c/s1600/SNC00597.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A road to travel </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="background-color: white; color: #414141; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #414141; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #414141; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><i>"Trust in yourself. Your perceptions are often far more accurate than you are willing to believe" </i></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #414141; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">~ Claudia Black </div>Kolee & Emilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06038195175855529160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3868400560859060309.post-79955860830750823982011-09-15T06:57:00.002+10:002011-09-15T07:35:07.195+10:00You only have 8 seconds….<div style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 11px;">You spend all this time and money building a website, more money on advertising, SEO, to drive traffic and attract visitors, Only to find out that the research has shown that the average visitor <b>ONLY spends</b> <b>8 seconds</b> on a site before deciding whether or not to leave.</span></div><div style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;">All that money, time and effort; then one “click” and they’re gone. So you have to get it right – the first and only time !!!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;">What this means is you only have 8 seconds to impress and inform a potential customer before they ditch your site for good. A good first impression is vital to your business’ site, and you only have one chance, and eight seconds, to make it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;">So what ever it is they are looking for (what you are offering) has to be immediately apparent to them. With this being said, you may be wondering what should or should not appear on your website’s homepage. Below we have outlined what to include and how to include it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><h3 style="line-height: 13.75pt; margin-bottom: 3.15pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><strong><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.5pt;">Featured Products and Company Description</span></strong><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3><div style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;"><br />
</span></div><div style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;">The key reason a customer is coming to your site is to find out more about your company and the products and/or services it offers. Your potential clients are there because they are looking for something so the first thing they want to know whether or not you can help them.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;">This is the most important point about your website if you want it to be an effective tool for your business – <b>it has to be all about your clients</b> not you.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;">Be sure to include brief descriptions of what your company actually does <b>for your clients</b>, how you help them and the various products or service areas you want to high light, not simply vague fluff. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;">The keyword in the previous sentence, though, is the word “brief.” The home page is not the place to write a long blurb about your company’s history or founders – that information should be left for the “<b>About Us</b>” page. The about us page is also very important – we can leave that for another article. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;">Also, on your homepage you may want to feature a few key services or products that you offer, either your most recent, or your most popular. However, try to limit the number of featured products; you want to get your product out there, not overload visitors with too many items. Use feature boxes to draw the attention of the visitor. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><h3 style="line-height: 13.75pt; margin-bottom: 3.15pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><strong><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.5pt;">News and Events</span></strong><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3><div style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;">Staying current and relevant </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;">is most important if you want your clients to take you seriously. Including news and upcoming events on your homepage is a great way to let visitors know that your site is up-to-date. Make sure not to leave items from 2001 under “Recent News.” <br />
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<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;">Ensure that the news and events section does not take up too much space on your homepage. Simply show teasers of news and events, and link visitors to a page dedicated to news and events. That way, new visitors can click on ones they are interested in and not get overwhelmed by the amount of information presented to them.<o:p></o:p></span></div><h3 style="line-height: 13.75pt; margin-bottom: 3.15pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><strong><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></strong></h3><h3 style="line-height: 13.75pt; margin-bottom: 3.15pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><strong><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.5pt;">Customer Interaction</span></strong><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3><div style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;"><br />
</span></div><div style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;">Including a “call-to-action” button to get immediate responses from your customers is one of the highest priorities. It is usually in the most obvious position and occupies the “highest value” real estate on your site. This will direct them to give you their email address in return for some valuable information (and or sign up for your newsletter). This is usually beside you welcome video, which will also direct them to leave their details.<o:p></o:p></span></div><h3 style="line-height: 13.75pt; margin-bottom: 3.15pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><strong><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></strong></h3><h3 style="line-height: 13.75pt; margin-bottom: 3.15pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><strong><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.5pt;">Homepage Visuals</span></strong><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3><div style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;"><br />
</span></div><div style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;">Your homepage’s overall visual appeal is also key to attracting and retaining customers. A clean, clear uncluttered look is critical so your visitors can clearly see what they are looking for straight away. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;">Make sure that the visitor does not need to scroll left-and-right to access information. This is a big turn-off to first time visitors since it requires them to exert unnecessary effort. Another thing to keep in mind is “the fold.” The fold is basically the part of the website your visitor can see before having to use the up-and-down scroll bar. This is the most important section of your page, so include the most important info in this portion. At the same time, be sure not to cram too much information here.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;">One key thing to take away from the post is making sure your file size is not too large. It needs to load quickly. Simply dragging the image to shrink or stretch it does not change the file size. The file size depends on how large the image is when you initially upload it to your website. Some images may take three or four seconds to load, which means you are wasting valuable time to make a good impression. If it takes too long they will click away… and the opportunity is lost.<o:p></o:p></span></div><h3 style="line-height: 13.75pt; margin-bottom: 3.15pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><strong><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></strong></h3><h3 style="line-height: 13.75pt; margin-bottom: 3.15pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><strong><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.5pt;">Final Tips on Homepages</span></strong><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3><div style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;">Having a great homepage is vital to retaining visitors and getting them to explore the rest of the content on your site.</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;"> Remember that new visitors decide whether or not your site is worthy of their time within 8 seconds. Here are some final tips for optimizing those 8 seconds:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-left: 12.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 18.0pt; text-indent: -3.5pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt;">§<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><em><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;">A clear navigation bar</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;"> </span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;">– Should the visitor decide that your page is worth their time, you want to make it easy for them to visit the rest of your site and find what they are looking for. The navigation bar also gives a clear preview of the type of information that your site contains.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-left: 12.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 18.0pt; text-indent: -3.5pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt;">§<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><em><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;">Be clear and concise</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;"> </span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;">– Include <b>brief descriptions</b>, not long ramblings on your homepage. Try to make sure there are only 100-350 words total. Remember that if you wish to elaborate on anything, you have other pages on your website on which to do so. Include links for more information.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-left: 12.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 18.0pt; text-indent: -3.5pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt;">§<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><em><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;">Be audience-conscious</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;"> </span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;">– Be totally focused on your target audience, your ideal client. It is up to you to provide information that is relevant and interesting to them. You have to write and present your business, products and services from the point of view of your client. It is what they will be interested in NOT what you <i>think</i> they want to hear.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-left: 12.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 18.0pt; text-indent: -3.5pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt;">§<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><em><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;">Update often</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;"> </span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;">– Keep your website relevant and update your site often so visitors are kept up to date on your business, products and/or services.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.5pt; margin-left: 12.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 18.0pt; text-indent: -3.5pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt;">§<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><em><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;">Preview and test</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;"> </span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;">– Make sure to preview your homepage before publishing to ensure it is the image you want to present to your customers. Also test the page to make sure that all links and images work, and check for typos.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><i>Reference source: Webs Homepage Tips</i></span></span></div></div>Kolee & Emilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06038195175855529160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3868400560859060309.post-49134352754466163122011-09-08T07:00:00.000+10:002011-09-08T07:00:05.097+10:00Facing the Enemies WithinOver the past few weeks we've had many a discussion with various clients about their 'fears' and 'what's holding them back' from taking hold of opportunities ...<br />
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This is a great article written by Jim Rohn that we'd love to share with you ~ Enjoy!<br />
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<b>Facing the Enemies Within</b><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We are not born with courage, but neither are we born with fear. Maybe some fears are brought on by your own experiences, by what someone has told you, by what you’ve read in the papers. Some fears are valid, like walking alone in a bad part of town at two o’clock in the morning. But once you learn to avoid that situation, you won’t need to live in fear of it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Fears, even the most basic ones, can totally destroy our ambitions. Fear can destroy fortunes. Fear can destroy relationships. Fear, if left unchecked, can destroy our lives. Fear is one of the many enemies lurking inside us.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Let me tell you about five of the other enemies we face from within. The first enemy that you’ve got to destroy before it destroys you is indifference. What a tragic disease this is. “Ho-hum, let it slide. I’ll just drift along.” Here’s one problem with drifting: you can’t drift your way to the top of the mountain.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The second enemy we face is indecision. Indecision is the thief of opportunity and enterprise. It will steal your chances for a better future. Take a sword to this enemy.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The third enemy inside is doubt. Sure, there’s room for healthy skepticism. You can’t believe everything. But you also can’t let doubt take over. Many people doubt the past, doubt the future, doubt each other, doubt the government, doubt the possibilities and doubt the opportunities. Worst of all, they doubt themselves. I’m telling you, doubt will destroy your life and your chances of success. It will empty both your bank account and your heart. Doubt is an enemy. Go after it. Get rid of it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The fourth enemy within is worry. We’ve all got to worry some. Just don’t let it conquer you. Instead, let it alarm you. Worry can be useful. If you step off the curb in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New York City</st1:place></st1:city> and a taxi is coming, you’ve got to worry. But you can’t let worry loose like a mad dog that drives you into a small corner. Here’s what you’ve got to do with your worries: drive them into a small corner. Whatever is out to get you, you’ve got to get it. Whatever is pushing on you, you’ve got to push back.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The fifth interior enemy is over-caution. It is the timid approach to life. Timidity is not a virtue; it’s an illness. If you let it go, it’ll conquer you. Timid people don’t get promoted. They don’t advance and grow and become powerful in the marketplace. You’ve got to avoid over-caution.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Do battle with the enemy. Do battle with your fears. Build your courage to fight what’s holding you back, what’s keeping you from your goals and dreams. Be courageous in your life and in your pursuit of the things you want and the person you want to become.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">~ Jim Rohn</span></b></div>Kolee & Emilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06038195175855529160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3868400560859060309.post-13580679193169465362011-09-01T08:00:00.001+10:002011-09-01T08:00:08.338+10:00<div style="text-align: center;">"We will discover the nature of our particular genius when we stop </div><div style="text-align: center;">trying to conform to our own or to other peoples' models,</div><div style="text-align: center;">learn to be ourselves, and allow our natural channel to open" </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">~ Shakti Gawain ~</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>How often do you stop yourself from doing what you'd love to be doing? or in some instances, what you think everyone else wants you to be doing?</div><div><br />
</div><div>Today, take a moment, stop and look at yourself, your business and write down how you spend your time... </div><div><br />
</div><div><ul><li>what are the things that you LOVE doing?</li>
<li>what are your least favourite?</li>
<li>can you have someone else help you with these things?</li>
<li>what would you like to be doing more of?</li>
<li>how would doing the things on your "LOVE" list enhance your business?</li>
<li>think about the impact of this for you and for your clients? </li>
</ul></div><div>Don't allow the distractions or the self-sabotage talk take you away from where you want to be and what you want to be doing.</div><div><br />
</div>Kolee & Emilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06038195175855529160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3868400560859060309.post-14679480619231037642011-08-30T09:35:00.000+10:002011-08-30T09:35:03.972+10:00What do you focus on?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>The Glass half full</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">When you are driving, your car will go in the direction your eyes are looking. The same goes for golf; if you focus your attention on the bunker; (most golfers talk inside their heads) ~ ‘don’t go in the bunker, don’t go in the bunker…’ guess what? You go in the bunker. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Good drivers are taught to “look through the corner” ahead of where you driving. Good golfers focus on the big flat green. This gives you a better chance for success; <b>everything else is a distraction</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The same goes for business - What you focus on is what you will get. It is time to start looking at the positives and focus on potential of your business. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">If you constantly worry and complain about how much everything ‘costs’ then you are focusing on the negative. It is a major distraction and takes you away from being successful. I’m not saying that you should not be careful about what you are spending, that is not the issue.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The problem is that constantly focusing on the down side is a real distraction and is stopping you realizing your potential; this prevents you from taking action. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Shift your focus</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> to – This is a great opportunity – How do I make this happen, what do I have to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Then - get in and drive it; MAKE IT HAPPEN. Then you are on your way to achieving your potential. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Complaining about <b>cost</b> or some other issue is taking you away from what you need to be doing. Complaining is an excuse or a mask for whatever it is that you fear.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">If you are aware of what is happening, and what little words keep playing through your mind you are able to control it and shift your focus. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Step over the negative self talk and go to step 2.<span> </span>Acknowledge your thoughts, and then move on. Use that fear or complaining as a trigger to shift ~ to propel you forward to success. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Start saying to yourself; “I am going to push myself to do this and make a conscious decision to DO what it takes to work towards the positive result.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Nothing worth doing was ever easy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>Kolee & Emilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06038195175855529160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3868400560859060309.post-42976321928452294792011-05-19T11:22:00.000+10:002011-05-19T11:22:22.738+10:00What do you really want to do, and WHY do you want to do it?<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: grey;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Are you having trouble working ‘on’ your business? Do you feel like you are in control, or do you feel like it is starting to get away from you? Have you lost your focus? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: grey;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Is your daily activity a full time job that is monopolising your time? Does it seem very difficult to get everything done? Is it hard to find the time and space just to get you head around it?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: grey;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">What do you really want to do and achieve? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What would you really love to be doing instead?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: grey;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It does not matter if you are just starting your business or if you are up and running and are already established. Feeling in control of your direction and maintaining focus is sometimes hard to do, especially when you always tied up doing the ‘busy jobs’. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: grey;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">As a starting point, there is one really important facet of your business that you can begin to work on... It underpins everything you do, and it will help you maintain your focus and direction. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: grey;">It is your ‘</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #666699;">Why</span></b><span style="color: grey;">’. Some people call it your passion; some call it your vision. It is </span><b><span style="color: #666699;">‘Why you do what you do’.</span></b><span style="color: grey;"> It is based on your passion, your vision and your values and is the reason you wanted to start your business in the first place. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: grey;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">A lot of business owners know intrinsically why they started their business in the first place. However, the problem is that in many cases they have either forgotten about it or it got lost in the day to day. Or in some cases they never took the time to really think about it. Most have never written it down, and if they did, it is tucked away in their very first business plan ever written never to be seen again. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: grey;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Why is the ‘Why’ so important? The thing is, if you do not understand why you are doing what you are doing, how will you be able to inspire others to join you? This includes your team as well as your clients.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: grey;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">There are many reasons for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">clearly understanding your ‘why’</b>. As you start to think about your why, you may find that it will develop and evolve, then, as you work on it, it will become more apparent and more refined. Eventually, as you become really clear. Once you are clear and have written your ‘why’ down, it will form the foundation of your business. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: grey;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: grey;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It is a straight forward concept however, it does take a bit of thought and some work to refine it. It is more about a bigger picture; beyond your goals, it is the reasons behind what you are trying to achieve. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: grey;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: grey;">In order for you to regain your focus... first, know your ‘why’. This is based on your passion, your vision and your values. It is what gets you out of bed in the morning, what drives you. To help you discover and or clarify you why, it may be easier to list what you are passionate about, and list what it is that you value most.</span><span style="color: grey;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: grey;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: grey;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Being clear will enable you to communicate your ‘why’, your purpose, to your team, your clients and most importantly your market... By modifying your why, you can create a powerful message for your business. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This will be the core of your business and your communication and will <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">inspire others</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: grey;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: grey;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Clarity about your vision is a lot more than ‘<i>what’</i> you are doing... Your clarity of purpose and your passion will keep you focused on what is important to you, and what you are working to ultimately achieve. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Kolee & Emilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06038195175855529160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3868400560859060309.post-20602355193177378572011-04-29T12:55:00.000+10:002011-04-29T12:55:26.299+10:00Live to Learn<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIKUxBdArucJkIKZmZ8kWnI4iOMU0euEb06NnWZ8-M4zqsNJms_LbtAB3t-Z6nINqzWzQ11j741w7nONcAjcc7deZczbhxWGMR7pKutQ0jp8cPmiMKZEpTdx1d-CC6axYJAJeuTuV0JN5/s1600/23841df31849f9e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIKUxBdArucJkIKZmZ8kWnI4iOMU0euEb06NnWZ8-M4zqsNJms_LbtAB3t-Z6nINqzWzQ11j741w7nONcAjcc7deZczbhxWGMR7pKutQ0jp8cPmiMKZEpTdx1d-CC6axYJAJeuTuV0JN5/s320/23841df31849f9e.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
"Live to Learn and you will learn to Live"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Portuguese Proverb</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">There is always room to learn more, to take hold of the opportunities that surround you.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Having a plan is just the first step. Laying solid foundations for your business is the second step and knowing how it all fits together is the third. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Some important questions to ask yourself as you make your way through this process are: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul><li>Does this still align with my passions, dreams and expectations?</li>
<li>Am I being sidetracked by Nay-Sayers?</li>
<li>Am I listening to my 'gut'?</li>
<li>How committed to this am I?</li>
<li>Will I do whatever it takes to go for my dreams?</li>
</ul><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Quite often we are afraid of change and it is always much easier to stay in our nice warm comfort zone... however, if we don't embrace change and opportunity, how do we grow?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Knowing and trusting that we can be flexible, that we can embrace change, welcome growth and allow ourselves to "be" by aligning our heads and hearts is rewarding in itself.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Image: Door Photographer: <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=659">Salvatore Vuonu </a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=659">http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=659</a></span></span></div>Kolee & Emilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06038195175855529160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3868400560859060309.post-35671230753760000832011-04-15T15:07:00.000+10:002011-04-15T15:07:22.394+10:00Pushing through your barriers ...<div style="text-align: center;"><i>"No longer conscious of my movement, I discovered a new unity with nature.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I had found a new source of power and beauty, a source I never dreamed existed"</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>~ Roger Bannister on breaking the four-minute mile</i></div><br />
<br />
You can do anything you put your mind to... step through the self imposed barriers that you have put up around yourself and go forward knowing that your dreams and goals are sitting there waiting for you to catch up!<br />
<br />
Find your moment!Kolee & Emilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06038195175855529160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3868400560859060309.post-975625152320328932011-04-04T08:59:00.000+10:002011-04-04T08:59:32.517+10:00Not Marketing makes you stingy<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="content"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>An article from Fabienne Fredrickson:</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="content"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><br />
</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="content" style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>The real reason we make excuses around self-promotion is that self- employed people are afraid of what people might think.</strong> Our businesses are such an extension of who we are that we are very careful about how we talk about our businesses and what we say to others about it. The problem is (as I've said so many times before), if you don't market consistently, you won't have clients consistently. Period.<br />
<br />
So, how can you stop being afraid of what people might think of you? <strong>You need to re frame how you view marketing.</strong> Here's what I usually say to a reluctant marketer:<br />
<br />
<strong>You were given gifts that no one else has and it's for a reason: To help others in need.</strong> Whether you're a financial planner, a massage therapist, a consultant, a real estate broker, a photographer, a coach, whatever, you're doing what you do to help others. You're their problem solver, their healer, their solution. They've got a problem and you can help.<br />
<br />
Now, imagine this scenario.<br />
<br />
<strong>You were given this talent, this skill and problem-solving abilities. And there are people out there who NEED you.</strong> They're waking up in the middle of the night, with their 3 a.m. sweats, tossing and turning because they're thinking about their problems. They're wondering who on EARTH can possibly help them. They're praying for an answer (I've done that and you probably have too).<br />
<br />
<strong>And let's just pretend that YOU are their answer.</strong> You've got the skills, the talent, and the GOODS to solve that person's problems. The thing is, they don't know about you. You're just not out there enough in a big way.<br />
<br />
<strong>It's probably because you're afraid of being seen as too sales-y. Too promote-y. Too out-there.</strong> So, what do you do? You don't market the way you should. You keep yourself a secret. At the same time, you're keeping that person in the same state of tossing and turning at night, looking for an answer to their problems.<br />
<br />
<strong>Without promoting what you offer, your clients in need can't find you</strong> (oh sure, they could possibly stumble upon you at the corner Starbucks, but the chances are low.) They NEED you. So, look at it this way - you have the answer to their problem. You have the talent and the skill, and the product to help them.<br />
<br />
<strong>But by not marketing, you're essentially being…</strong><br />
<br />
Stingy.<br />
<br />
That's right. Not marketing yourself is almost a form of greed. (I don't even like typing that word, let alone thinking about it, do you?)<br />
<br />
<strong>You see, it's actually your God-given DUTY to promote your services.</strong> It's your life's purpose to help others. If you don't get out there in a big way, even if it feels a little uncomfortable at first, then you're depriving someone of the solution only YOU can provide in your own way.<br />
<br />
So, do you want to be stingy with what you've got? If not, then go out there and do what it takes so everyone hears about you and what you do. Shout it from the rooftops, join the networking groups, send out those letters and e-zines, and create those joint ventures, whatever. Just do what it takes, do it with conviction, and do it consistently.<br />
<br />
<strong>You have no choice.</strong> You were given this gift. Now, it's your turn to keep giving. The only way people will hear about you is if you market yourself.<br />
<br />
<strong>Your Assignment:</strong></span></span><br />
<ol start="1" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;" type="1"><li class="content"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Notice where you've been resisting your Client Attraction assignments.</span></li>
<li class="content"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">See what's really holding you back (the fears attached to the resistance).</span></li>
<li class="content"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Think about all those people who NEED you and, by not promoting, you're being stingy.</span></li>
<li class="content"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Re frame and take action.</span></li>
</ol><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="content"><strong>As a result, you'll start attracting a lot more clients and you'll feel great about it,</strong> because now you'll be coming from a place of conviction, a place of authenticity, a place of solving problems, not from a selling-standpoint. That's what Client Attraction is all about.<br />
<br />
Now, go forth and help mankind, will ya? :) </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="content" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="content" style="font-family: inherit;">More about Fabienne: </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="content" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="content"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-family: inherit;"><em>Fabienne Fredrickson, The Client Attraction Mentor, is founder of the Client Attraction System<img alt="TM" height="16" src="http://www.clientattraction.com/images/tm_image.jpg" width="16" /> , the proven step-by-step program that shows you exactly how to attract more clients, in record time...guaranteed. To get your F.R.E.E. Audio CD by mail and receive her weekly marketing & success mindset articles on attracting more high-paying clients and dramatically increasing your in.come, visit <a href="http://www.clientattraction.com/" style="background-color: transparent; color: #516eaf; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">www.clientattraction.com</a>.</em></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span class="content"><br />
</span></span>Kolee & Emilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06038195175855529160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3868400560859060309.post-6831094210603925462011-04-01T12:45:00.000+11:002011-04-01T12:45:49.917+11:00Take a little time ....<div style="text-align: center;"><i>"To keep the body in good health is a duty...</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Otherwise we shall not be able to keep </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>our mind strong and clear" </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>~ Buddha</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Spend some time away from work this weekend. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Treat yourself to some very important 'me' time. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Perhaps you can do something fun that you haven't 'had time' for in such a long while... spend it with family and friends, spend it on your own doing something just for you... </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Whatever it is, take a little time and allow your mind, body and soul to 'be'</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
Enjoy! </div>Kolee & Emilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06038195175855529160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3868400560859060309.post-50268953224328325322011-03-21T07:00:00.000+11:002011-03-21T07:00:02.605+11:00Setting a task<div style="text-align: center;"><i>"How often, even before we began, have we declared a task "impossible"?</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And how often have we construed a picture of ourselves as being inadequate? ...</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A great deal depends upon the thought patterns we choose and on the persistence with which we affirm them"</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>~ Piero Ferrucci </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">There is so much more to things than just 'setting the tasks' and sometimes we tend to get lost or sidetracked by our constantly growing 'to-do lists' .... simplify things!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Break your tasks down to small doable steps and align each task with an action.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Each action you take is a step in achievement!</div>Kolee & Emilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06038195175855529160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3868400560859060309.post-60161270056760673092011-03-15T07:30:00.002+11:002011-03-15T09:17:31.847+11:00Trust Yourself ...<div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">One of our recent sessions was all about Trusting in yourself and surrounding yourself with like minded people who support, encourage and respect you. </span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Trusting yourself can be the hardest step sometimes, as we allow fear to side track us from our purpose and sometimes we even talk ourselves out of our dreams. </span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Follow your instinct and believe in you!</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">This is a great article that was shared by John Assaraf.</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Enjoy</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><em>"We've all had challenging situations that leave us feeling tired or discouraged. Here is something neat to ponder during those times. Take a look at this report and reflect on this man's record of failure. It is a testament to how humans can learn, grow, and win despite the losses and defeats. </em></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><em>Failed in business--------------1831 </em></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><em>Defeated for legislature---------1832 </em></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><em>Failed in business again---------1833 </em></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><em>Elected to legislature-----------1834 </em></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><em>Sweetheart died---------------1835 </em></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><em>Nervous breakdown-------------1836 </em></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><em>Defeated for speaker-----------1838 </em></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><em>Defeated for land officer---------1843 </em></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><em>Defeated for congress-----------1843 </em></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><em>Elected to congress-------------1846 </em></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><em>Defeated for re-election---------1848 </em></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><em>Defeated for senate-------------1855 </em></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><em>Defeated for vice president-------1856 </em></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><em>Defeated for senate-------------1858 </em></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><em>Elected President---------------1860 </em></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><em>Who was this person? Abraham Lincoln. </em></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><em>He picked himself up no matter what and kept on going after his dream. He educated himself and did whatever it took to keep moving in the direction of his passions. </em></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><em>If you reflect back on your life, you can find patterns of the times you grew the most. Many of those times were probably a result of some kind of previous 'failure,' maybe even a series of them. Each failure is a learning experience. </em></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><em>With this in mind, choose the one thing that may not be going exactly as you wish right now and do one thing to move you closer to achieving the result you want. And remember, life is about learning and growing."</em></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><em><br />
</em></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: John Assaraf</span></em></div>Kolee & Emilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06038195175855529160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3868400560859060309.post-7682362516103660222011-03-14T15:16:00.001+11:002011-03-15T09:15:16.430+11:00Energy Flows and Dreams are real<div style="text-align: center;">"There is a vitality, a life force, an energy,</div><div style="text-align: center;">A quickening, that is translated through you </div><div style="text-align: center;">into action, </div><div style="text-align: center;">and because there is only one of you in all time,</div><div style="text-align: center;">this expression is unique"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Martha Graham</div><br />
This last week has seen an amazing flow of creativity energy and the flow on effect has shifted this energy into actions that have resulted in milestones being achieved and dreams becoming a reality.<br />
<br />
To follow your heart, to live your dreams, to focus your attention on your reaching them, is a beautiful thing!<br />
<br />
To stand on the side lines and watch has been a privilege and we are so grateful to have had this opportunity.<br />
<br />
Shine your light on all you meet and enjoy this moment ~ you deserve it!Kolee & Emilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06038195175855529160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3868400560859060309.post-38991352685917673732011-03-10T09:14:00.000+11:002011-03-10T09:14:41.956+11:00Take the leap... even a small one!Should I dream? Should I take the step? Can I do this? Am I ready to make this move? Do I really want this? ...<br />
<br />
Great questions? maybe ... Helpful questions? Not really! <br />
<br />
Maybe ask yourself: Am I using these questions as an excuse to talk myself out of doing what you love? Most answer Yes.<br />
<br />
If you take the time to work through your dreams, understand your goals and break these down into small, achievable steps .... yes you can do it!<br />
<br />
Being realistic is just one step in the process, and yes it is a process. First you have to understand who you are, what you are about and how that translates to your business. Ask yourself: Are these things in alignment? Do they make sense to me? Do I understand how it all fits together? Am I able to explain this to my clients? <br />
<br />
Think big picture - definitely put it all out there so that you can see it, understand and know what it's all about. Then work backwards and put the steps in place, follow these steps to move in the direction of your goals and dreams. Ask for help when you feel it ... and you will feel it .... trust in your gut! <br />
<br />
If you believe in you and surround yourself with like minded people who encourage and support you ... you can take that leap.... it might be a baby leap at first however it is still a leap ... a confident leap in the direction of your dreams.<br />
<br />
Move past your fears .... they are blocking you and cloud the way you see things.... fear also leads to procrastination and we all know it's so much easier to sit in your comfort zone than to push past it.<br />
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Dream a little dream for you, trust in yourself and then act on it ... The net will be there to catch you if you need it!Kolee & Emilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06038195175855529160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3868400560859060309.post-70220620642222911782011-03-02T11:26:00.000+11:002011-03-02T11:26:00.213+11:00Article: Small business & the Web<div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">Our team has been involved in many a discussion lately regarding the use of social media platforms. </span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">The effectiveness of them, how to work with the various mediums and the importance of really taking advantage of using your website, blog and other platforms in social media. </span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">This article is a great read and covers the importance of being present and updating your platforms regularly.</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.readwriteweb.com/biz/2011/02/how-small-businesses-are-missing-huge-web-traffic-opportunities.php" style="padding-bottom: 1px; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">http://www.readwriteweb.com/biz/2011/02/how-small-businesses-are-missing-huge-web-traffic-opportunities.php</span></a></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">Many thanks to Wendy Moore for sharing this article.</span></div>Kolee & Emilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06038195175855529160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3868400560859060309.post-84405461263187695542011-02-26T11:08:00.000+11:002011-02-26T11:08:22.593+11:00What's in a Name?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTHLdP4V2vUonw7xHnLPCB1MQGV1ODwEI-J2sEnFnpo5oI10g6isKSJY9Cg49K6VybN8cj_oIWS2mIzkhPcz35SWS1T8Td17n8A8qltIp2f2zoMhipg2Z7s65QFvXRjTNdJSCFrL8rwQW/s1600/whats+in+a+name.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTHLdP4V2vUonw7xHnLPCB1MQGV1ODwEI-J2sEnFnpo5oI10g6isKSJY9Cg49K6VybN8cj_oIWS2mIzkhPcz35SWS1T8Td17n8A8qltIp2f2zoMhipg2Z7s65QFvXRjTNdJSCFrL8rwQW/s320/whats+in+a+name.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">How important is the name? There are many names we use in business;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>business name, product name, event name, to list just a few<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Take your time and think long and hard before making your final decision. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">When choosing your business name, there are many factors to consider. Above all else; keep your target market in mind, your name must <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">appeal to your ideal client</b>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Think about who your clients are and how you will attract them, or how they will find you. Are you appealing to males of females? Which age group? All of these factors will help you be recognised and remembered. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It is important to check the availability of your domain name, Twitter address, Linked In, and Facebook pages, especially if your strategy is to use social media to drive traffic to your website.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9.0pt;">The majority of businesses go for the straightforward or obvious names. What message does that send about your business? You will be far better placed to win repeat business if you are creative and select a more memorable, unusual name.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The better business names give you a clear picture of what they are about, what they do, or what they sell concisely in their name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example; Roses Only, Mortgage Choice. You know exactly what to expect. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Sometimes it is better to be different if you want your business to stand out. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Avoid the standard, ho-hum names, have some fun, be clever or creative and show your personality. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">People </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9.0pt;">are more likely to remember your business if your name is thoughtful, unique and catchy.<span style="color: blue;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Image: What's in a Name Photographer: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jackdorsey/170257936/">Jack Dorsey </a></span>Kolee & Emilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06038195175855529160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3868400560859060309.post-53495207780356283382011-02-18T07:45:00.008+11:002011-03-09T16:54:32.487+11:00Walking the Talk ... Innovation & revolutionary thinking<h3><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Although it is rare for me to re-post some one else’s blog post, this is such a great example of practicing what you preach, I just had to share it. Seth Godin regularly talks about looking after the clients you already have, and in his blog post below he is doing just that. His thinking is quite revolutionary.</span></h3><h3><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The <i>Domino Project</i> is the brain child of Seth Godin. “We are reinventing what it means to be a publisher”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h3><h3><span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Although the blog is about inviting his blog followers to subscribe to the newsletter for The Domino Project, there is no obligation to buy anything. This is an awesome example of thinking outside the box; doing something for your clients and creating a win-win. <o:p></o:p></span></span></h3><h3><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal;">What is even more impressive is the core principles that the project is founded upon. One of these principles is; </span><span lang="EN-US">“</span>Permission at the heart of the model. <span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US">Ideas for our readers, not more readers for our ideas.” </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h3><h3><span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I invite you to have a look… </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></h3><h3><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i><a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/sethsmainblog/~3/yiS2E0Iyncc/treating-best-customers-better.html" target="_blank">Treating best customers better</a><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></h3><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>As I mentioned in an earlier<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2011/02/how-should-you-treat-your-best-customers.html" target="_blank">post</a>, the way you treat your best customers is a fork in the road. You either treat them better or worse than everyone else.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>To launch my first book with Amazon and the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.thedominoproject.com/frequently-asked-questions" target="_blank">Domino Project</a>, we're trying a neat experiment that rewards our biggest fans.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
<br />
We're going to set the launch price of the Kindle edition (which is also readable on any computer or iPad) based on the number of people who<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.feedblitz.com/f/?Sub=720389" target="_blank">subscribe</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>to our free newsletter. It started at $9.99 and we've already lowered it two dollars.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
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For every 5,000 people who sign up for the newsletter this week, we're going to lower the price of the ebook a dollar, until (we hope) we reach a dollar. On the 21st of February, all our subscribers will get a link to the URL that lets them pre-order the Kindle edition at a reduced price until the official publication date.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
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You get it first and you get it for less.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
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<a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2011/02/treating-best-customers-better.html">Details are here.</a>.. Thanks for being a best customer.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>[It's sort of a twist on Kickstarter. In the case of that site, the creator says, "if enough people put in some money, I'll be able to make something." In this case, I'm saying, "If enough people put in some attention, I'll be able to bring you something on a regular basis." Once again, attention is truly valuable.]<o:p></o:p></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span lang="EN-US">Here is the link to the blog:<br />
</span><a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2011/02/treating-best-customers-better.html">http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2011/02/treating-best-customers-better.html</a></i><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<h3><span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br />
As you can see it’s all about the client, in this case the reader. Seth is focused on creating a product or a solution with his client at the forefront. <o:p></o:p></span></span></h3><h3><span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">What can you do for your current clients? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>Kolee & Emilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06038195175855529160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3868400560859060309.post-86056179238492256582011-02-02T09:48:00.007+11:002011-02-18T08:31:00.889+11:00Discounting.. Has the art of retailing been lost?<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" >The other day I went to the shopping centre in the city to buy a book. I was amazed at the number of retailers offering rather large discounts, 30%, 50% and even 70% off. It seems like everyone these days is discounting.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" >This is all fantastic news for shoppers.... Not so good for retailers. The actual cost of the discount for the retailer is one thing. Selling old stock for a great price is one thing. The theory being that it is better to get something for it, rather than get nothing at all for it.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Luke Bayliss, co-founder of Sumo Salad, agrees. "We are preferably not discounting because that has a negative impact on the business as a whole. Particularly during the global financial crisis, people may respond well to those in the short term, but they cause long-term damage."</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" >The long term damage for retailers is that shoppers now expect a discount when they shop. Through constant bombardment of advertising and sale signage, they have been educated by the retailer – not to buy unless it is on sale for at least 40% or 50% off.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" >There are other ways to move stock you just have to put a little thought into it.</span></p> <p style="margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US">Tom O’Toole from Beechworth Bakery says: “</span></span><span lang="EN-US">A smart way to get rid of excess stock is to bundle it with one of our best sellers at a special price, creating a great value for the customer. By doing this, we can get the full mark-up on one product and a smaller profit on the excess stock.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></p><p style="margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Even if that means we sell it at cost, at least we get rid of it. It’s a win/win for everyone, including the customer. And if we can get someone into our shop with a special deal, we have the chance to turn him or her into a lifelong customer who will buy products over and over again at full price.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Some of you may be thinking; “sell at cost”; isn’t that the same as a discount? No, it is completely different. When you bundle, you are adding value. In this case you are turning say a $10.00 sale into a $14.00 sale; not making $4.00 only from an $8.00 item.<span> </span>The key point is that you are generating more revenue out of each customer.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="apple-style-span"><span>As a business you have to </span></span><span lang="EN-US">find more creative ways to add value, and create a win / win:</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span lang="EN-US"></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span><span class="Apple-style-span"><img width="11" height="11" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/kylie/LOCALS~1/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image001.gif" alt="*" /></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "> </span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span>Get creative... work out the path of least resistance</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="apple-style-span"><span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span><span><img width="11" height="11" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/kylie/LOCALS~1/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image001.gif" alt="*" /><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span>Ask you clients what they want</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="apple-style-span"><span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span><span><img width="11" height="11" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/kylie/LOCALS~1/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image001.gif" alt="*" /><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span>Offer great value – not just a great price</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="apple-style-span"><span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span><span><img width="11" height="11" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/kylie/LOCALS~1/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image001.gif" alt="*" /><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span>Create a culture of service</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="apple-style-span"><span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span><span><img width="11" height="11" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/kylie/LOCALS~1/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image001.gif" alt="*" /><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span>Offer improved service, or priority delivery</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="apple-style-span"><span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span><span><img width="11" height="11" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/kylie/LOCALS~1/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image001.gif" alt="*" /><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span>Work out the little things that matter</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="apple-style-span"><span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span><span><img width="11" height="11" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/kylie/LOCALS~1/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image001.gif" alt="*" /><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span>Treat your clients with respect and do something a bit special for your clients occasionally.</span></span></span></p><!--[if !supportLists]--><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="apple-style-span"><span><o:p> </o:p></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span">The short term effect of discounting is decreased revenue, and the long term effect is that your clients will buy on price alone. </span></span></p>Kolee & Emilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06038195175855529160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3868400560859060309.post-64363944438289089592011-01-28T09:29:00.004+11:002011-01-28T09:35:03.892+11:00Sometimes it's just what you need...<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px; "><i>"I have been impressed with the urgency of doing.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Knowing is not enough we must apply. </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Being willing is not enough we must do."</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><i>Russell Taylor</i></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">I saw this today on Twitter and it struck a cord... and sometimes that is all you need... </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">A saying, a note, a word or two from a song... a sign that you were not expecting at that particular time to pop up and give you the boost in confidence that you needed to evoke action into your day.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Hope your day is full of "doing" </span></span></div>Kolee & Emilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06038195175855529160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3868400560859060309.post-39753191456198374492011-01-21T16:32:00.004+11:002011-01-21T17:25:35.894+11:00Inspiration - who and where ...<iframe width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0UjsXo9l6I8?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><div><br /></div><div>Listening to this song is always inspiring - I love Alicia Keys and the lines;</div><div><br /></div><div>"New York concrete Jungle where dreams are made of - these streets will make you feel brand new & these lights will inspire you" </div><div><br /></div><div>I love the city of New York, and yes without doubt it has an energy that hits you as soon as you land at the airport and step off the plane.... the ride into the city never disappoints and for me my creative juices kick in immediately... where to look, what to look at, who to talk to ... it's a constant buzz.</div><div><br /></div><div>Although I can't be in New York all the time... I surround myself with things that remind me of New York and all the things I love about that intoxicating city!</div><div><br /></div><div>Who or what inspires you? Is there someone or something; a place, a town, a museum, a person that inspires you... it could be a colour, a food, a song, a book anything or anyone that you believe helps your creativity flow...</div><div><br /></div><div>Some Inspirations from our team:</div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li>Seth Godin</li><li>Alicia Keys</li><li>Sir Richard Branson</li><li>Oprah</li><li>Nelson Mandela</li><li>Dr Martin Luther King</li><li>Maya Angelou</li><li>Audrey Hepburn</li><li>The Red Cross</li><li>Robert Kiyosaki</li><li>The Salvation Army</li><li>Leonardo Da Vinci</li><li>Pablo Picasso</li><li>CS Lewis</li><li>Edgar Degas</li><li>Monet</li><li>Gary Vaynerchuk</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>The colours; </div><div><ul><li>Green </li><li>Blue</li><li>Red</li></ul></div><div>The places; </div><div><ul><li>New York</li><li>Hong Kong</li><li>Grand Canyon</li><li>Metropolitan Museum of Art</li><li>Paris</li><li>The Louvre</li><li>The hills of Tuscany</li><li>The Great Barrier Reef</li><li>The Great Ocean Road</li><li>The Rocks in Sydney</li><li>The Beach</li><li>The Hunter Valley</li></ul><div>Where do you take your inspiration from? </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Have a fun weekend!</div>Kolee & Emilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06038195175855529160noreply@blogger.com0