Well here we are, September 29th 2008, it’s been a long time coming, I’ve worked extremely hard over the last nine months, focusing on re-branding and re-launching my company in order to deliver the services you require to help you overcome the issues you have in developing and growing your business, it was a bit of a roller coaster ride at times but here we are.
It’s very exciting to see all the new marketing materials, so my organisational skills obviously paid off. The new website isn’t quite ready to go live but hey we don’t live in a perfect world and I refuse to let some small hiccup preventing me from working with you.
I remember one of my mentors telling me how important it is to do something rather than nothing, her example was about marketing, she said its better to get something out there now rather than wait until its perfect, you can always tweak and perfect as you go along, so taking her advice I have quickly changed the content on my old site as a temporary measure to reflect some of the changes. If you want to know more about the FREE teleclass then please visit www.allisonmarlowe.com
The official launch will be celebrated on October 23rd, to receive your personal invite please email me right now before you forget allison@allisonmarlowe.com
This will be a networking evening not to forget, with a special guest and lots of surprises along the way.
Look forward to seeing you there!
Monday 29 September 2008
Tuesday 23 September 2008
Improving your business creativity
Do you sometimes seem to get stuck when you have a problem that needs solving or feel you need to add a bit of spark to your approach within your business or with your marketing? It’s also usually at this time that we start 'telling' ourselves that we’re not creative and that’s always a bad start!
Remember your brain is a goal striving mechanism so if you tell it you can’t it’s happy to accept that and will stop 'having a go' at being creative.
Some people appear to be naturally creative and come up with wonderful ideas and new ways of doing things, for the rest of us all we need is a little bit of help to get us started thinking differently. So here are some ideas for you to use.
1. Take a break - get out into the fresh air, go for a walk - a change of scenery often helps clarify your thinking.
2. Vary the routes you take to or from work, the supermarket, school this will keep your brain active and alert.
3. Change your routine, did you know you usually do the same things for the first 3 minutes when you get up, start work, finish work, arrive home from work? So do things in a different order or do different things as this helps free up your thinking.
4. Find time to be a child – daydream, play, be silly, have fun.
5. Use reverse brainstorming. We’re all familiar with brainstorming as a technique so reverse the problem. E.g. “how can I stop customers buying from me?” Then brainstorm all the objections then simply reverse all of your answers.
6. Headline the problem with ‘How to’ or “ I need a way to’ e.g. “How can I find the products that will get my customers wanting to buy from me” or “I need a way to reach into the heads of our customers and get them to spill out their desires”.
7 Reframe the problem. E.g. instead of thinking “Look at all this scrap material, what a waste” try “What can we make from this”.
8. Ask non-experts whose lack of knowledge on the subject will allow them to generate different perspectives.
9. Always say 3 positive things about an idea before voicing a negative
10. Use metaphors to gain a different insight into the problem, for instance “How is this like climbing a mountain or riding a bicycle or going swimming” and see if this frees up your thinking.11. Learn from your mistakes, remember there is no failure only feedback.
Remember your brain is a goal striving mechanism so if you tell it you can’t it’s happy to accept that and will stop 'having a go' at being creative.
Some people appear to be naturally creative and come up with wonderful ideas and new ways of doing things, for the rest of us all we need is a little bit of help to get us started thinking differently. So here are some ideas for you to use.
1. Take a break - get out into the fresh air, go for a walk - a change of scenery often helps clarify your thinking.
2. Vary the routes you take to or from work, the supermarket, school this will keep your brain active and alert.
3. Change your routine, did you know you usually do the same things for the first 3 minutes when you get up, start work, finish work, arrive home from work? So do things in a different order or do different things as this helps free up your thinking.
4. Find time to be a child – daydream, play, be silly, have fun.
5. Use reverse brainstorming. We’re all familiar with brainstorming as a technique so reverse the problem. E.g. “how can I stop customers buying from me?” Then brainstorm all the objections then simply reverse all of your answers.
6. Headline the problem with ‘How to’ or “ I need a way to’ e.g. “How can I find the products that will get my customers wanting to buy from me” or “I need a way to reach into the heads of our customers and get them to spill out their desires”.
7 Reframe the problem. E.g. instead of thinking “Look at all this scrap material, what a waste” try “What can we make from this”.
8. Ask non-experts whose lack of knowledge on the subject will allow them to generate different perspectives.
9. Always say 3 positive things about an idea before voicing a negative
10. Use metaphors to gain a different insight into the problem, for instance “How is this like climbing a mountain or riding a bicycle or going swimming” and see if this frees up your thinking.11. Learn from your mistakes, remember there is no failure only feedback.
Thursday 18 September 2008
Do you have sticking power?
One day last week my good friend was helping me to format a new free report I have written. After several attempts at emailing the document to and fro I joked with her that it was becoming a ‘Thomas Edison’ episode.
Now, many people have heard of the American inventor Thomas Edison and most people have heard of light bulbs!
Thomas Edison is thought of as being one of the most creative and intelligent men in history – and yet, the history books tell us that he only attended school for three months before being expelled at the age of 12 because the teachers thought he was educationally subnormal. Edison went on to become famous for his saying,
“ genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration”
This was certainly true for him in his attempts to transfer electricity into light.
He was alleged to have tried and failed over 1,000 times to perfect the invention of the light bulb. When advised by colleagues to give up, because they doomed it as a failure, Edison with total conviction replied “ Why, I haven’t failed, I have just found 1000 ways in which my formula doesn’t work!”
It was as much Edison’s positive and tenacious attitude towards his endeavour and problem solving as it was his intelligence and creativity that in the end became his most powerful ally.
And just like Edison, my friend and I finally got there!
Here’s my challenge for you.
What represents the ‘light bulb’ for you right now?
What is your motivation for completing this task or project?
What different approaches have you used to solve the problem?
What tasks or projects have you given up because you thought you had failed or couldn’t achieve? Could you rekindle them?
If you would like a copy of the new FREE report ‘7 reasons small businesses fail and how YOU can avoid them’ Please email me today at allison@allisonmarlowe.com
Now, many people have heard of the American inventor Thomas Edison and most people have heard of light bulbs!
Thomas Edison is thought of as being one of the most creative and intelligent men in history – and yet, the history books tell us that he only attended school for three months before being expelled at the age of 12 because the teachers thought he was educationally subnormal. Edison went on to become famous for his saying,
“ genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration”
This was certainly true for him in his attempts to transfer electricity into light.
He was alleged to have tried and failed over 1,000 times to perfect the invention of the light bulb. When advised by colleagues to give up, because they doomed it as a failure, Edison with total conviction replied “ Why, I haven’t failed, I have just found 1000 ways in which my formula doesn’t work!”
It was as much Edison’s positive and tenacious attitude towards his endeavour and problem solving as it was his intelligence and creativity that in the end became his most powerful ally.
And just like Edison, my friend and I finally got there!
Here’s my challenge for you.
What represents the ‘light bulb’ for you right now?
What is your motivation for completing this task or project?
What different approaches have you used to solve the problem?
What tasks or projects have you given up because you thought you had failed or couldn’t achieve? Could you rekindle them?
If you would like a copy of the new FREE report ‘7 reasons small businesses fail and how YOU can avoid them’ Please email me today at allison@allisonmarlowe.com
Friday 12 September 2008
Is it time for you to let go?
As written for the October edition of Big Voice.
Transition and change are very much on my mind at the moment, not only have my three daughters all moved on in their educational journey, I am about to embark on my new business venture. For the last nine months I have been very focused working towards the re-launch of my company. Interestingly now I am at the end of the preparations it seems to have sparked a desire to clean out my wardrobes and cupboards as if to create space and energy for new opportunities and growth.
So as I write this final column, I want you to ask yourself are there any areas in your life where you are unproductive? What’s currently cluttering up your life? What do you have to let go of or say goodbye to in order to get your energy flowing again. You see, change can be a very good thing. Below are some ideas, and thoughts to consider as you join me in letting go:
◊ What’s lurking in your wardrobe? Items of clothing that are too big, too small, out of fashion. Do you really think you will wear them again?
◊ Gym memberships and other subscriptions. Are you making good use of the facilities, is it good value for money? Do you enjoy the benefits? If not, it may be its time to say goodbye. Perhaps you would benefit more from walking, cycling or taking the stairs rather than the life at work.
◊ Old goals: Maybe it was not your goal in the first place. If you're not making progress and the thought of continuing to work on drains your energy, then maybe you need to let it go. If you later realise it was right for you, it will reappear again at the right time in your life.
◊ Clutter, do you really need all those piles of magazines, newspapers and bills that are years old and no longer serve a purpose in your life. Recycle what you ca n and shred the rest. Whilst we are at it what about those knick-knacks and souvenirs that annoy you every time you set eyes on them.
◊ Unwanted gifts and appliances like that bread maker or sandwich maker that’s you haven’t used for years.
◊ Lastly, probably the most damaging of all the things we hold onto is when we do not forgive ourselves and others. Why damage your future by dragging around the past?
I challenge you to choose just one area and ask yourself what it's time to let go of. Then get busy clearing out and taking action. You will be surprised how you may find yourself feeling lighter, freer and more creative. You might also find yourself feeling a little scared at the empty space that's left behind. But I envisage it wont be long before inspiration or opportunity strikes and something new and wonderful to take it's place.
Transition and change are very much on my mind at the moment, not only have my three daughters all moved on in their educational journey, I am about to embark on my new business venture. For the last nine months I have been very focused working towards the re-launch of my company. Interestingly now I am at the end of the preparations it seems to have sparked a desire to clean out my wardrobes and cupboards as if to create space and energy for new opportunities and growth.
So as I write this final column, I want you to ask yourself are there any areas in your life where you are unproductive? What’s currently cluttering up your life? What do you have to let go of or say goodbye to in order to get your energy flowing again. You see, change can be a very good thing. Below are some ideas, and thoughts to consider as you join me in letting go:
◊ What’s lurking in your wardrobe? Items of clothing that are too big, too small, out of fashion. Do you really think you will wear them again?
◊ Gym memberships and other subscriptions. Are you making good use of the facilities, is it good value for money? Do you enjoy the benefits? If not, it may be its time to say goodbye. Perhaps you would benefit more from walking, cycling or taking the stairs rather than the life at work.
◊ Old goals: Maybe it was not your goal in the first place. If you're not making progress and the thought of continuing to work on drains your energy, then maybe you need to let it go. If you later realise it was right for you, it will reappear again at the right time in your life.
◊ Clutter, do you really need all those piles of magazines, newspapers and bills that are years old and no longer serve a purpose in your life. Recycle what you ca n and shred the rest. Whilst we are at it what about those knick-knacks and souvenirs that annoy you every time you set eyes on them.
◊ Unwanted gifts and appliances like that bread maker or sandwich maker that’s you haven’t used for years.
◊ Lastly, probably the most damaging of all the things we hold onto is when we do not forgive ourselves and others. Why damage your future by dragging around the past?
I challenge you to choose just one area and ask yourself what it's time to let go of. Then get busy clearing out and taking action. You will be surprised how you may find yourself feeling lighter, freer and more creative. You might also find yourself feeling a little scared at the empty space that's left behind. But I envisage it wont be long before inspiration or opportunity strikes and something new and wonderful to take it's place.
Saturday 6 September 2008
Share your Knowledge
As a female running your own business you may be wondering why on earth I am suggesting you share your knowledge, particularly if you are selling a service. You are probably thinking I am raving mad, “surely my knowledge and skills are what my clients/customers are paying me for.” I can almost hear you saying it now.
Lets look at this another way. Have you got enough clients right now? Is your website generating business? Is marketing your services one of your biggest challenges? Thought so, Remember, if you always do what you’ve always done you’ll always get what you’ve always got. So is it time to do something different?
At the most basic level marketing is plain old communication, something we are all more than capable of. Below are my top five reasons why you should be sharing your knowledge.
1. Become the ‘go to’ person in your field
2. People buy from people they know like and trust, this is a sure fire way of building and maintaining a relationship with your prospects.
3. Allows prospects to know that you are a credible source
4. It’s a low cost form of marketing, possibly no cost!
5. It makes you feel good to know you have helped someone.
Find out more about these marketing strategies in my new teleclass series, details coming soon.
Lets look at this another way. Have you got enough clients right now? Is your website generating business? Is marketing your services one of your biggest challenges? Thought so, Remember, if you always do what you’ve always done you’ll always get what you’ve always got. So is it time to do something different?
At the most basic level marketing is plain old communication, something we are all more than capable of. Below are my top five reasons why you should be sharing your knowledge.
1. Become the ‘go to’ person in your field
2. People buy from people they know like and trust, this is a sure fire way of building and maintaining a relationship with your prospects.
3. Allows prospects to know that you are a credible source
4. It’s a low cost form of marketing, possibly no cost!
5. It makes you feel good to know you have helped someone.
Find out more about these marketing strategies in my new teleclass series, details coming soon.
Monday 1 September 2008
So What is a Teleclass?
When I started this blog, I made reference to the live series of tele-classes that I will be running. Well you have obviously been reading the blog because several of you have emailed me to ask, “What is a tele-class?” My apologies for using jargon that is new to you. Let me explain.
A tele-class is simply a live, interactive ‘workshop’ that is conducted over the telephone. I will be sharing with you and the other callers my tips, strategies and techniques that you can implement immediately that will impact on both your business and personal life. All of this from the comfort and convenience of your own home that eliminates travel time and expenses that you would normally incur in attending a ‘live’ workshop.
It’s no different than calling up a friend - you just have many friends on the call at once! Once you register for the FREe preview tele-class, (the sign up details will be available soon) you will receive an email with the tele-class telephone number and access code. Be sure to put this information in a safe place where you can easily find it.
At the designated time and date all you need to do is call the number and tap in the access code. I will be waiting on the line to greet you.
During the call, I will share with you my tips and strategies relating to the call topic. You will have an opportunity to ask questions or participate in any exercises we may do. There could be live coaching or you just may wish to comment or share a story that reinforces the learning.
Can’t wait to get started? Keep am eye out for registration details soon.
A tele-class is simply a live, interactive ‘workshop’ that is conducted over the telephone. I will be sharing with you and the other callers my tips, strategies and techniques that you can implement immediately that will impact on both your business and personal life. All of this from the comfort and convenience of your own home that eliminates travel time and expenses that you would normally incur in attending a ‘live’ workshop.
It’s no different than calling up a friend - you just have many friends on the call at once! Once you register for the FREe preview tele-class, (the sign up details will be available soon) you will receive an email with the tele-class telephone number and access code. Be sure to put this information in a safe place where you can easily find it.
At the designated time and date all you need to do is call the number and tap in the access code. I will be waiting on the line to greet you.
During the call, I will share with you my tips and strategies relating to the call topic. You will have an opportunity to ask questions or participate in any exercises we may do. There could be live coaching or you just may wish to comment or share a story that reinforces the learning.
Can’t wait to get started? Keep am eye out for registration details soon.
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