Let Me Pop Your Business Bubble

Too many new internet marketers dream up, plan out and launch a business in a bubble.  Have you ever done it?

I know I have!

A great little idea comes to me in the shower.  I have a domain bought and a site design plotted out by lunch time.  Mad scribbled notes come to life in just few days and boom – a new project is launched!

Sometimes I succeeded in spite of myself, the idea was indeed a good one and the project flourished, making me lots of money.

But more often than not, the idea wasn’t nearly as good as I thought – and the project fizzled.

That’s the risk you take when you build businesses in bubbles – when you don’t seek outside opinions and advice.

I’m (mostly) cured of my tendency to design in a bubble.  I’ve learned that we all need to get input during the business development process and I reach out for it as soon as possible after an idea comes to me.

I believe you need to seek input from two types of people.

Knowledgeable, Relevant Mentors.

When you feel inspired by a new idea, take it to someone who understands your business and target market and run the idea past them.  Obviously this has to be someone you trust and optimally they would be more experienced than you by a good year or two or more so that they can be a blessing to you with their perspective.

Your Target Market.

This is so key!  You must take time to survey your market about what they want and need.  If you think you have a killer idea – try ASKING them what they think about it.

Don’t forget, Lynette & I have a free survey tool for you to use.

If you vet every new idea by getting advice and feedback from these two important groups – you’ll find that you experience more success and avoid wasting time building projects that are doomed to underperform.

Setting Priorities For Your Internet Business

I made this remark at this week’s Breakthrough session:

“If I haven’t written it down, it isn’t a priority.”

If you could see my to do list right now you’d see that my priorities are clearly set on a couple of specific areas that need a lot of my attention this month.

What about you?  Do you know what your priorities are for this week, this month? This Year?

The least productive place you could be in right now is one of aimlessness.

Knowing that, I challenge you to make it a priority to set some priorities!

Know When To Renegotiate

Have you ever been in the middle of a great project and suddenly realize that it is not at all what it seemed?

I’ve been on several sides of this situation.

• I’ve been a service provider who discovers half way in that the scope of the project is much larger than the client described.
• I’ve been a client who thought I had adequately described a project, only to find out I hadn’t.
• I’ve been in a partnership where my side of the deal seemed to grow heavier as time went by.

Wherever you stand in a project that presents itself far differently than expected, you and hopefully all of the parties involved need to be ready and willing to renegotiate.

What if you don’t?  Bad blood develops!

All too often I hear people talk about feeling taken advantage of or underpaid for a project – but when pressed they admit that they made no attempt to renegotiate.

First Rule of Renegotiation:  It Doesn’t Have To Be Someone’s Fault

It would be great if we were all really good at accurately describing the scope and expectations to be met for every project that we become involved in.  But the truth is this is a skill that develops over time.  We should all be prepared to expect the unexpected.

Renegotiation efforts will proceed much smoother if no one is pointing fingers.

Second Rule of Renegotiation: Assume Innocence

In some cases, I’ve seen a client or service provider take an immediate stance that the other person must have known about this, that or the other thing and just withheld the info in hopes of securing a lower price.   This MAY be true in some cases but it’s healthier to assume that the exclusion of information was an innocent oversight.

Third Rule of Renegotiation:  You Aren’t Being Unprofessional

One new service provider told me that she didn’t want to go back to renegotiate her price because she believed it would make her look inexperienced and unprofessional.

This is touchy.  Lack of experience may have played a part in her low bid for the project and if the project is exactly as described, it could be considered bad form to try to renegotiate for more money.   If the situation is small, I might say just go ahead and do the work and consider it a valuable lesson learned.  But if the project is large and will span over a long period of time, I think it is fair to approach the client with a request to renegotiate. The worst that can happen is that the client says no to your new price and goes elsewhere.

What other ‘Rules of Renegotiation’ would you add to this post?  Leave a comment and help me make this a valuable resource for others

First You Inspire An Idea: Then You Must Inspire Confidence

This week’s Monday Morning Breakthrough was hot

Our thought for the week is a question:  “Do you inspire people to spend money with you?”

We are internet marketers.  We only make money when we inspire someone to take an action that we want them to take – whether that is to click a link, sign up for an offer, buy an affiliate product, purchase one of our own products or hire us to perform a service… unless we convince someone to take action, we’re just twiddling our thumbs.

Some might think that inspiring someone is the major issue – but it’s not.  Inspiration alone is not enough.

To inspire is to ‘arouse the mind to an idea or concept‘ and that is a great first step for anyone, right?

If you’re a virtual assistant in need of new clients, you want to arouse a potential client’s mind to the concept that working with a VA is advantageous to them.

If you learn to communicate well and present solid information, you can surely inspire someone to want to work with a VA.  But, is that enough? We Wish! LOL!

It is not enough to inspire an idea, you have to inspire confidence.

Let me tell you a story.

Four years back, I had a great conversation with a budding online business owner.  I shared with her all the positives that come with having an ongoing relationship with a good business coach.  She listened with great interest and growing excitement.  When we hung up I felt certain that she’d be my next client   I knew I had inspired her!

But days and weeks passed and I heard nothing.

Then, six months later, she attended one of my Hot Seminar Series events and stayed after while several of us chatted casually.  She spoke up and told me she wanted to thank me for something.

She said that I had totally inspired her to work with a business coach, that she had hired a gal right after speaking to me and had been working with her regularly since to great success!

Well… pfft!

I inspired her alright.  To hire someone else!  But why?

Looking back, I realized that in her eyes – I didn’t have the experience she needed.  I inspired her to work with a business coach, but I didn’t inspire confidence in my ability to meet her needs.

We’re all been in that place at one time or another.

Enthusiastic but inexperienced.  Determined but somewhat unprepared.

That’s ok – it’s just a starting place – a brief layover.  It’s not someplace you live.

First, learn to inspire ideas.  Learn to communicate well.

Then, build the experience that inspires confidence in others!

Step Back From Confusion Until You Reach Clarity

Creating a new business online or bringing an existing business venture to the web for the first time – there is a LOT to learn and do.

I remember getting started back in early 2002.  Everything was so exciting!  There was much to learn and many people to learn from.

Author Frank Herbert said, “The beginning of knowledge is the discovery of something we do not understand.”

I was discovering something I didn’t understand just about every day!  Just when I thought I was coming close to understanding what I needed to do, a seminar call would introduce me to something else I needed to gain some understanding about. Soon I realized – it never ends!

Information Overload Creates Confusion

There comes a point where you have so much information flying at you and around you that you can’t possibly assimilate it, let alone put it into action in any practical way.

What did I do?  I purposefully stepped back from the flow of information.  I unsubscribed from most of the guru mailing lists  I had joined and I stopped signing up for every new teleseminar series being offered.  I quit buying new information products and set about the business of consuming what I already had on my computer.

Immediately I felt more in control.  As I studied the resources I had at my disposal, I gained clarity about the action steps to take in my business.

You Don’t Start Out At Long Division

Think about how our kids learn math in school.  They learn to identify numbers, then they learn to count. Then simple addition and subtraction.  Down the road they’ll tackle long division, fractions, algebra and so on.

Some of us are trying to practice geometry when we don’t really have the basics mastered yet.  Is it any wonder that we end up confused?

Poet Anatole France said, “It is better to understand a little than to misunderstand a lot.”

Is that awesome or what?  We should never feel bad about taking things one step at a time and never worry that we’re learning things ‘too slow’.   This isn’t a race – the fastest to launch isn’t always the most profitable in the long run.

Learn, Evaluate, Do, Review. Next!

Instead of trying to give your best impression of a Kirby Vacuum cleaner – sucking up everything in your path – take in all that you can about one topic and concentrate on putting that one thing into action.  Take some time to see how it’s working and determine if you need to tweak and adjust.  Stay in that place until it comes as easy as cake – then you can move on with confidence!

I know many marketers who have become so entranced by learning that they never DO.  I had a conversation recently with a gal who has been ‘learning the ropes’ for over fives years and who finally feels ready to tackle something.    Honestly, I don’t believe that she will   She’ll discover some new thing and convince herself that she should focus on learning about it before getting in to deep with a business of her own. The cycle will repeat literally forever.

Here’s one more fantastic quote for you…

Coach John Wooden said, “Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.”

If you want to be an online business owner – you’ve got to DO.

If you’re in a state of confusion right now, step back until you find one thing you can do with completely clarity.  Do it and do it and do it!

If you’re so far into the fog that you can’t find your way free, I invite you to join me here at Mom Masterminds.  Choose my One on One coaching plan and I’ll help you find your way back to clarity and then help you decide where to go from there to build the business you really want.

Clarity Over Confusion was the topic of our Monday Morning Breakthrough Session this week.  MM Members can listen to the recording in our Learning Center!

Settling Into My New Office

Much has happened since my last post – and I apologize for being absent!  You know from my last post that I was moving so I’m sure  you’re understanding (Thank you!)

The big move is behind me.  I’m all settled in at the Lake House and I have my new office space as settled as it can be for now.  A friend painted it for me and my workspace is almost completely assembled.  You can see it here:

Sean is settling in with his Dad.  He’s never lived with his father before so it’s quite a culture shock for him I think – and it’s a big change for me too!

If it wasn’t enough to move and become an empty-nester – I just adopted a new puppy.  She’s a sweet little Yorkie/Maltese mix and I’ve named her Mishy.  My sister thought I needed company here at the office

Changes, changes, changes!

MM Member Jen Knox told me on Twitter this weekend that I have ‘risk mojo‘ – that made me smile!  I have pursued a lot of change over the last few years.  In one way it all came in a big circle since I’m back in Gaylord – but who knows where I’ll end up down the road?  I can’t say for sure that I plan to stay here forever!

I’m Moving Into Office Space? Say It Isn’t So!

Change happens – sometimes fast – sometimes slow.  For me lately, it’s been coming at the speed of light!

In September I rented a furnished Lake House in Gaylord with intentions of living downstate during the week and enjoying weekends up north for the winter.  I’ve so enjoyed my up north time – but instead of being satisfied by the weekends – it only makes me want to be up there more!

I fully intended to stick to the plan – but this week, something changed.

Together with my nineteen year old son, I made a big decision:  I’m moving back to Gaylord full time and he will be moving in with his father for the rest of his college years.

I’m a bit dizzy.  I’ve done a LOT of moving lately.  From Gaylord to Lansing, from Lansing to Portland and now back to Gaylord.  Every move had it’s purpose and now that those are complete – here we go again!

I’m a bit tearful.  My baby is moving out!  I can’t think about it too long before tears make their appearance.  My son has lived with me full time since he was born.  He’s never been with his father for more than a week or so in the past.  This is a huge change for both of us!

Even though it makes me feel sad, it’s time.

I have to tell you – I’ve got the best son in the world.

He’s never been in any trouble.  He doesn’t drink or smoke or do drugs or treat young women with disrespect.  He’s smart and funny and enjoyable to be around.

As any mother with an adult son living at home will tell you – even the most amazing sons can end up driving their mamas a bit loopy and that’s certainly true for Sean and I.  He’s an adult, coming into his own, needing to stretch his wings and take control.  The very best thing for both of us is for him to take his testosterone over to his dad’s house where it is better understood

I know this – I accept this – but I’m gonna cry about it anyways.

I’m VERY excited!  I’m moving on to a new phase in my life.  I’ll be ‘on my own’ for the first time in over twenty years.

So how does all this lead to Office Space?

I’m giving up my downstate apartment and will be living in the Lake House full time til mid-May.  The Lake House is fully furnished and there is ZERO room for my stuff, let alone room for my home office furniture.  This presented a huge problem for me.  Add to that the issue of not being able to get fast internet at the Lake House and I thought my move would be impossible.

Then, I woke up from a dream in which I’d just rented office space!  I was shocked!  Office Space? Not ME!  I’m a Work at Homer!  But, with just a little consideration I realized – it’s perfect.

One of the things I’ve so loved about the last two months is that there’s been definition between ‘work days’ and ‘off days’.  Upnorth, I relax.  Downstate, I work. Moving up north full time seemingly erases that definition – but with office space, I can still have that clear line of separation.

We hit Gaylord on Friday to scout out office space.  Some places were too big, some were too small, some were too awkward to get to and one was just right!  I chose space in the North Star Center.  It’s a converted hotel, which means that every unit has it’s own private entrance and bathroom with up-close parking.   Another plus is that it is barely a mile down the road from the Lake House

The move will happen fast!  Just three short weeks to purge and pack and paint and clean… I’ll be settled in before Thanksgiving.

This will change how I work (no more PJs – at least for the next six months!)  and I’m a little nervous about it but I’ve decided to approach it as a fun experiment.   I sincerely doubt that I’d want to make it a permanent arrangement but I’m willing to make the best of it for now.

What Sort Of Coach Do You Need Today?

The Biggest Loser is back in action and I’m a devoted fan.  I tune in every week, looking forward to connecting with the contestant’s journey.   After watching the show for several years, like most Biggest Loser fans, I’ve really come to love the trainers, Bob and Jillian.

Most people I talk to have a favorite. Bob has a rep for being the ‘nice guy’ while Jillian is often described as being the tough one. I understand the comparison. Bob has a softer demeanor and seems to display more compassion for the contestants he trains, while Jillian is confrontational and direct with her advice and feedback.

It’s obvious some contestants feel like they need Bob’s softer side to thrive while others know they respond better to Jillian’s no nonsense attitude.

Despite different personalities, they’re both tough as nails and demand the most from their trainees.  Bob CAN be confrontational when he needs to be and Jillian CAN be compassionate when the situation calls for it.  In the end, they both get some pretty amazing results.

Thinking about Bob and Jillian, I can’t help but think about how we are all attracted to different kinds of teachers in other areas of our life.  Some teachers are gentle and encouraging.  Others are tough and unyielding.

It’s perfectly ok to choose teachers you feel most comfortable with.  We’re always going to feel drawn to some folks more than others.  Every now and then though, I think you can and should open yourself up to a teacher that puts you on the spot in an uncomfortable way.  How else will you break out of your comfort zones and grow?

Gentle isn’t automatically good and tough isn’t always bad.  What matters is that the teacher have the expertise you need and the heart felt desire and ability to impart it to you.

I’ve been blessed to be mentored and taught by amazing women in my lifetime.  There’s been a great mix of gentle and tough.  Gentle mentors encouraged me and built my self esteem while tough mentors called me up to the next level and equipped me with the tools and guts to get there.

What’s my point today?

Choose your teachers smartly.  Sometimes you need Bob and sometimes you need Jillian.  Don’t run from one or the other.  You need and deserve to be encouraged AND You need and deserve to be challenged.

Are You Shooting For The Wrong Goal?

Anyone who knows me well knows that I’m not into sports.  I can get as stoked as the next person over the olympics, but that’s about it. Still,  sports can provide us with some pretty cool lessons.

Eight year old Lennie was really kicking butt on the ice in his first real game.  He was feeling so proud of himself as he wacked the puck straight into the goal – the goalie didn’t even have time to react!  Lennie through his arms up and whooped – only to hear everyone else howling in frustration and laughter.

You guessed it, Lennie shot for the wrong goal.

In his case, it all happened in a moment.  It’s easy for a child to get turned around on the ice and become confused about direction.

The same thing can happen to us.  So much is going on all the time.  So many opportunities, so much advice – it’s a lot to take in and digest.  If you’re not careful, you can get caught up in the moment – you head down the ice in the wrong direction and shoot for the wrong goal.

Ever happen to you?

Putting the Kabosh on Online Distractions

When I worked full time outside the home it was easy to tell real work from distractions.  If I ever had difficulty telling them apart, my boss was always willing to help me out

As a full time entrepreneur, I face a much fuzzier situation.

As a blogger and podcaster, it’s my job to keep in touch with current events and situations in my community.  So social media networks can be work.

On the other hand, when people are tweeting links to funny YouTube videos and asking each other what they plan to have for dinner – social media can be a distraction.

When I’m responding to interview requests or answering a question from a coaching client, email is work.

When I’m looking at pictures of my cute great-grand nieces and nephews, email is a distraction.

What makes a fuzzy situation even stickier is that I don’t really have set work hours.  I work when I want to.  I loaf when I want to.  That’s the sort of life I like – but it can lead to self-delusion.  Sometimes I may think I’m working, but I’m truly loafing.  Then, when I think I’m loafing I may discover I’ve actually been working.

Such Troubles, right?

I love a good distraction as much as the next person, but I have been known to go a little overboard before…

• I lost countless hours trying to beat my son at Bubble Spinner. (And finally did it!)
• I once spend 90 minutes straight paging through the pictures at icanhazcheezburger.com.
• I mis-spent an entire evening looking at gross YouTube videos. (will spare you the link)

Most recently, I gave into the intense gravitational pull that is Facebook games.  Specifically Farmville and Cafe World.

When I planted my first crops in Farmville, it was almost a shameful moment for me.  I’d poked fun at and looked down my nose at all the silly ‘facebook gamers’ for well over a year – and here I was – one of them. (It’s all Angel’s fault.)

Before I knew it, I was celebrating the harvest and anxiously waiting for my pink cow to be ‘ready’.

I tried to tell myself that I would only play it ‘a little’ – but these games are designed to suck you in deeper and deeper. They’re viral powerhouses!  Just when you’ve promised yourself you won’t go back to your farm again today, you’ll get a gift from your friend or see an update about someone’s blue ribbon – and you just HAVE TO click on it and claim your share of the bonus.

It’s virtual Crack.

Again and again I found myself back down on the farm when I really needed to be paying attention to something in the real world.  It got so bad I realized I had to let go and walk away.

Yes, I quit Farmville.  It was hard – but a woman’s got to do what a woman’s got to do.

I am one of the Hungry Women of Internet Marketing – I can’t afford to lose endless hours into a silly online game!  I have businesses to grow and affiliate commissions to earn!

Thank goodness my sweet little virtual Cafe World isn’t a problem

Seriously now.

What online distractions are cutting into your schedule and keeping you from what matters most?

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