We are all probably guilty of leading busy lives these days that it becomes routine to keep on going. Many of us forget to stand still occasionally and take a look over our shoulders to see just how far we have come.
Over the last four or five years I’ve had the privilege of working and networking with some amazing and enterprising women. Many of which aren’t receiving the recognition they deserve for the constant hard work, determination and oodles of self belief required to get their business up and running and to keep that momentum strong enough to overcome the inevitable challenges that occur as business evolves.
It’s high time these women in were recognised not only for their success but also for their contribution to the community and local economy. That’s why I launched the all new Hampshire Winning Women Business awards last week – which will take place at the Langstone Hotel on Thursday 24th June.
In celebrating these inspiring women we aim to encourage even more women to follow their dreams and start a business that is run on their own terms.
To find out more about the benefits of entering the awards and to make your nominations visit the website here.
Tuesday, 27 April 2010
Thursday, 22 April 2010
Is Your Diary Alway Crammed full?
Is your diary always crammed full?
When did you last spent some quality time alone
doing the things you choose with just yourself for
company?
In this day and age of constant and instant
communications, it can be quite difficult to literally
switch off. You know the feeling, 'I must just check my
emails' or, 'I'll just text to see if', this internal language
and the demands on our time could be far better
spent on our own individual needs rather than those
of someone else.
I recently read an article that states ' if you
are continually in a process of reviewing yourself and
changing how you approach things, you get more of
what you want'.
What more of an excuse do you need? Drop the
guilt,
its a fruitless exercise anyway, instead turn off your
mobile, switch off your pc and take some well
deserved time out to re-connect with yourself, to
reflect upon your days activities, consider your actions
and make new plans.
How you choose to go about this is up to you, I
personally enjoy getting out on my bike or going for a
run and if the weather isn't good I write in my journal.
What really matters is that you allow yourself some
time to just simply get in touch with your thoughts and
emotions. So if you aren't taking the time for you just
now I challenge you to book some time in your diary.
Book it in today and do let me know how you
get on. After all, if you can't look after yourself what use
are you to anybody else?
Go on you deserve it!
When did you last spent some quality time alone
doing the things you choose with just yourself for
company?
In this day and age of constant and instant
communications, it can be quite difficult to literally
switch off. You know the feeling, 'I must just check my
emails' or, 'I'll just text to see if', this internal language
and the demands on our time could be far better
spent on our own individual needs rather than those
of someone else.
I recently read an article that states ' if you
are continually in a process of reviewing yourself and
changing how you approach things, you get more of
what you want'.
What more of an excuse do you need? Drop the
guilt,
its a fruitless exercise anyway, instead turn off your
mobile, switch off your pc and take some well
deserved time out to re-connect with yourself, to
reflect upon your days activities, consider your actions
and make new plans.
How you choose to go about this is up to you, I
personally enjoy getting out on my bike or going for a
run and if the weather isn't good I write in my journal.
What really matters is that you allow yourself some
time to just simply get in touch with your thoughts and
emotions. So if you aren't taking the time for you just
now I challenge you to book some time in your diary.
Book it in today and do let me know how you
get on. After all, if you can't look after yourself what use
are you to anybody else?
Go on you deserve it!
Tuesday, 6 April 2010
Who Is Your Ideal Client?
If You enjoy this article why not check out The Secrets To Making It Happen - Free Teleclass on Wednesday 7th April
A couple of weeks ago someone approached me at a networking event, we got talking about her business and she explained she was feeling fed up because she consistently seemed to attract difficult clients - late payers, cancelled appointments, quibbling with fees, lack of committment etc. So I asked a simple question, "Who is your ideal client?"
"Anyone really" was her reply.
Immediately I knew there was an opportunity for us to work together - she was my ideal client.
How did I know? Because I know exactly the kind of client I want to work with.
If you feel you are spending a lot of time marketing and networking but not attracting the 'right' clients then it's either down to one of two things. Your selling skills or more probably you aren't clear on who you are ideally selling too.
So now is a good time to get clear. Go on grab a piece of paper and do this exercise right now as you are reading this article. I know you've got good intentions but unless you pick up that pen and take action now, you will probably become distracted by something else.
Ok got that pen and paper? Then let's meet your ideal client.
Here are a few prompts to stimulate your thoughts. Write down whatever comes to mind, your first thoughts are usually right and you can always make alterations later on.
Ideal age/generation, gender, location, home ownership, marital status, education, career, hobbies or interests, values, lifestyle -are they active in community events, clubs or professional groups? health status, where they shop, books/magazines they buy, where they socialise, where they typically turn when they need help. Are they computer literate? What online activities do they participate in? What makes them tick? Are they willing to invest? Are they open to new ideas? Describe your ideal client - how do they dress, what do they say, what are their attributes?
Don't you think carrying out this simple exercise will make it more easy for you to start building relationships with the right clients?
For a start communicating with them will be more effective as you will be able to use their language. It will improve your conversion rate, because you will no longer be trying to sell meat to a vegetarian and you will also increase the lifetime value of your clients and develop lasting relationships rather than having lots of one time sales.
One last tip to leave you with, why not use your profile in your marketing material, in your bio or FAQ's. e.g The clients who receive the maximum benefits from working with me are...............
Now go and pin your ideal client profile somewhere you can see it on a regular basis to ensure you no longer work with difficult clients.
"The ideal client is the wealthy man in great trouble" - John Sterling
A couple of weeks ago someone approached me at a networking event, we got talking about her business and she explained she was feeling fed up because she consistently seemed to attract difficult clients - late payers, cancelled appointments, quibbling with fees, lack of committment etc. So I asked a simple question, "Who is your ideal client?"
"Anyone really" was her reply.
Immediately I knew there was an opportunity for us to work together - she was my ideal client.
How did I know? Because I know exactly the kind of client I want to work with.
If you feel you are spending a lot of time marketing and networking but not attracting the 'right' clients then it's either down to one of two things. Your selling skills or more probably you aren't clear on who you are ideally selling too.
So now is a good time to get clear. Go on grab a piece of paper and do this exercise right now as you are reading this article. I know you've got good intentions but unless you pick up that pen and take action now, you will probably become distracted by something else.
Ok got that pen and paper? Then let's meet your ideal client.
Here are a few prompts to stimulate your thoughts. Write down whatever comes to mind, your first thoughts are usually right and you can always make alterations later on.
Ideal age/generation, gender, location, home ownership, marital status, education, career, hobbies or interests, values, lifestyle -are they active in community events, clubs or professional groups? health status, where they shop, books/magazines they buy, where they socialise, where they typically turn when they need help. Are they computer literate? What online activities do they participate in? What makes them tick? Are they willing to invest? Are they open to new ideas? Describe your ideal client - how do they dress, what do they say, what are their attributes?
Don't you think carrying out this simple exercise will make it more easy for you to start building relationships with the right clients?
For a start communicating with them will be more effective as you will be able to use their language. It will improve your conversion rate, because you will no longer be trying to sell meat to a vegetarian and you will also increase the lifetime value of your clients and develop lasting relationships rather than having lots of one time sales.
One last tip to leave you with, why not use your profile in your marketing material, in your bio or FAQ's. e.g The clients who receive the maximum benefits from working with me are...............
Now go and pin your ideal client profile somewhere you can see it on a regular basis to ensure you no longer work with difficult clients.
"The ideal client is the wealthy man in great trouble" - John Sterling
Wednesday, 31 March 2010
TOP 12 Must Read Books For Women In Business
1. Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway – Susan Jeffers
2. Time To Think – Nancy Kline
3. Who moved my Cheese - Spencer Johnson
4.Secrets of Six-Figure Women: Surprising Strategies to Up Your Earnings and Change Your Life - Barbara Stanny
5.Bags to Riches: 7 Success Secrets for Women in Business - Linda Hollander
6. Boom – Emma Wimhurst
7. Succesful Womenpreneurs – Sue Stockdale
8. The E-myth Revisited – Michael E Gerber
9. The Tipping Point – Malcolm Gladwell
10. Influence the Psychology of Persuasion – Robert Cialdini
11. The Attractor Factor – Joe Vitalie
12. Promoting Your Business - Antonia Chitty
2. Time To Think – Nancy Kline
3. Who moved my Cheese - Spencer Johnson
4.Secrets of Six-Figure Women: Surprising Strategies to Up Your Earnings and Change Your Life - Barbara Stanny
5.Bags to Riches: 7 Success Secrets for Women in Business - Linda Hollander
6. Boom – Emma Wimhurst
7. Succesful Womenpreneurs – Sue Stockdale
8. The E-myth Revisited – Michael E Gerber
9. The Tipping Point – Malcolm Gladwell
10. Influence the Psychology of Persuasion – Robert Cialdini
11. The Attractor Factor – Joe Vitalie
12. Promoting Your Business - Antonia Chitty
Friday, 12 March 2010
Are You 'Selling' Or Allowing People To Buy?
What happens when two women meet up for lunch is that they inevitably end up doing a spot of girly shopping.
Tracy and I met up just for fun yesterday, no talk of business just a good girly catch up which predictably led to a quick scout around the shoe shops.
Walking through the door of one designer boutique we were immediately accosted by the sales lady. With a big smile on her face she asked if she could help? What were we looking for? Anything in particular? What size? What colour? She followed us around the store with her questions. We were only browsing we told her but her constant questions took away the pleasure of the experience and we quickly left the store.
Don’t get me wrong here, I’m all for a sales assistant to be attentive but this was just a tad OTT. All I wanted was an enjoyable experience to look at and feel the beautiful garments and shoes.
As i said we didn’t stick around long, instead we wandered along until we came across a shoe shop. We stopped and looked in the window, staring big eyed like two young children peeping into the window of a sweet shop.
We couldn’t resist stepping inside. Row upon row of amazing,glitzy,glamorous, dressy, colourful and casual shoes for us to peruse. We wandered around the store for some time picking up some rather way –out pairs with ridiculously high heels, wondering precisely on which occasion they could be worn.
And then Tracy spotted them, they were calling to her, she was smitten, she just had to try this particular pair on. At which point, the sales assistant then wandered over, made eye contact, smiled and asked Tracy if she would like to try the other shoe. No demand, no hassle. Tracy couldn’t resist, she had to have this pair of shoes.
We walked over to pay at the till and as the sales assistant joined us she showed Tracy the matching handbag. On this occasion Tracy declined the upsell. She was more than happy with her shoe purchase.
If you have a product or service to sell, are you being too pushy like the first sales assistant? I hope not, as this approach tends to turn prospective clients/customers away.
Or are you more like sales assistant number two, who quietly observed the situation, allowed to us browse and enjoy the experience before cleverly remembering to include an upsell?
If you are struggling to find clients or convert them into paying customers, keep your eyes peeled for details of my ‘Make It Happen’ Programme launching very soon, or if you really can’t wait then email me at allison@allisonmarlowe.com and I will personally add you to my priority waiting list.
Tracy and I met up just for fun yesterday, no talk of business just a good girly catch up which predictably led to a quick scout around the shoe shops.
Walking through the door of one designer boutique we were immediately accosted by the sales lady. With a big smile on her face she asked if she could help? What were we looking for? Anything in particular? What size? What colour? She followed us around the store with her questions. We were only browsing we told her but her constant questions took away the pleasure of the experience and we quickly left the store.
Don’t get me wrong here, I’m all for a sales assistant to be attentive but this was just a tad OTT. All I wanted was an enjoyable experience to look at and feel the beautiful garments and shoes.
As i said we didn’t stick around long, instead we wandered along until we came across a shoe shop. We stopped and looked in the window, staring big eyed like two young children peeping into the window of a sweet shop.
We couldn’t resist stepping inside. Row upon row of amazing,glitzy,glamorous, dressy, colourful and casual shoes for us to peruse. We wandered around the store for some time picking up some rather way –out pairs with ridiculously high heels, wondering precisely on which occasion they could be worn.
And then Tracy spotted them, they were calling to her, she was smitten, she just had to try this particular pair on. At which point, the sales assistant then wandered over, made eye contact, smiled and asked Tracy if she would like to try the other shoe. No demand, no hassle. Tracy couldn’t resist, she had to have this pair of shoes.
We walked over to pay at the till and as the sales assistant joined us she showed Tracy the matching handbag. On this occasion Tracy declined the upsell. She was more than happy with her shoe purchase.
If you have a product or service to sell, are you being too pushy like the first sales assistant? I hope not, as this approach tends to turn prospective clients/customers away.
Or are you more like sales assistant number two, who quietly observed the situation, allowed to us browse and enjoy the experience before cleverly remembering to include an upsell?
If you are struggling to find clients or convert them into paying customers, keep your eyes peeled for details of my ‘Make It Happen’ Programme launching very soon, or if you really can’t wait then email me at allison@allisonmarlowe.com and I will personally add you to my priority waiting list.
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
Coming Very Soon!
After several months of ploughing through survey responses, gathering feedback and listening to your suggestions the all new Make It Happen Programme is very nearly ready to go.
Guess what I discovered ?
That you are some of the most action orientated, capable, competent and resourceful women I know. You really are, you are make it happen people.
BUT many of you are frustrated that things aren't happening fast enough, be it more visibility, more clients, more money or the difference you are passionate about making.
And that is exactly where I was not that long ago. I could totally resonate with those feelings.
So may I share one of the secrets of my success?
You may have heard that knowledge is power. Knowledge is power IF you are willing to implement and apply that knowledge quickly.
If you are sitting on the fence waiting for your website to go live, or perfecting the content of your leaflet, waiting to attend yet another training course then you will never get off the starting blocks.
Believe me, the perfect time will never come, the perfect time to make it happen is now.
So based on what you have told me, I have carefully crafted the Make it Happen programme that will give you the insights, tools, resources and a guiding hand to help you implement your ideas quickly so that you can get your brilliance out there, raise your visibility, find those clients and make money.
This affordable programme is the answer to what many of you have been asking for and will include teleclasses, CD recordings, transcripts and call-in-days with me.
Keep an eye on your inbox for more details and member benefits, but if you really want to guarantee your place on this programme email me at allison@allisonmarlowe.com NOW and I will personally ensure you are added to my priority list.
Maybe you have already seen the short video on my website that my 13 year old daughter and I created a couple of weeks ago - if not click here to watch it.
Guess what I discovered ?
That you are some of the most action orientated, capable, competent and resourceful women I know. You really are, you are make it happen people.
BUT many of you are frustrated that things aren't happening fast enough, be it more visibility, more clients, more money or the difference you are passionate about making.
And that is exactly where I was not that long ago. I could totally resonate with those feelings.
So may I share one of the secrets of my success?
You may have heard that knowledge is power. Knowledge is power IF you are willing to implement and apply that knowledge quickly.
If you are sitting on the fence waiting for your website to go live, or perfecting the content of your leaflet, waiting to attend yet another training course then you will never get off the starting blocks.
Believe me, the perfect time will never come, the perfect time to make it happen is now.
So based on what you have told me, I have carefully crafted the Make it Happen programme that will give you the insights, tools, resources and a guiding hand to help you implement your ideas quickly so that you can get your brilliance out there, raise your visibility, find those clients and make money.
This affordable programme is the answer to what many of you have been asking for and will include teleclasses, CD recordings, transcripts and call-in-days with me.
Keep an eye on your inbox for more details and member benefits, but if you really want to guarantee your place on this programme email me at allison@allisonmarlowe.com NOW and I will personally ensure you are added to my priority list.
Maybe you have already seen the short video on my website that my 13 year old daughter and I created a couple of weeks ago - if not click here to watch it.
Wednesday, 3 March 2010
How Does She Do It?
International Women's Day is just around the corner and to celebrate the success of Women in Business here is an interview I carried out with Hampshire Business woman Lisa Carpenter who shares with us the secrets of her success.
Has running your own business been something you always wanted to do?
Yes I'm very motivated and always setting myself goals, if anything I think I can be too critical of myself & my goals!!!
What inspired you to set up Bright Sparkles?
I felt there was a gap in the market for reasonably priced smaller gifts on the party plan level that catered for a whole range of people
What previous knowledge were you able to draw on while getting started and running your business?
The launching of my husbands business 8 months earlier – Mobile Car Solutions and previously to that I have always worked in Tele or Field Sales.
How long did it take for you to build from idea to launch?
I have had ideas melting away for many years but it really sped up when my little boy started preschool and then we had all the party invites and presents that needed buying….I didn’t know what characters they liked or toys they played with and I didn’t want to spend £8+ on a present that may be wrong. So Bright Sparkles was born catering for the fact that you can buy 2/3 presents for £5/6 which are suitable!
What would you say was the hardest part of getting started?
Ive always been very organized & methodical but when its your own business you have to stay focused and not let your ideas, excitement and products run away with you. I stick to my strapline…”Funky but different, reasonably priced but retaining quality”
What challenges have you faced?
Which stock to buy that will sell to a spectrum of people
Training of party planners
Standardising documents
Creating my website
And your greatest challenge?
It was making the decision to Party Plan the business, it takes a lot more time & energy to stay on top of stock needed, ordering levels & accounts! Now its running and im in control of it, I feel very proud of my ladies!
What have you learned about business during the process?
You realize who your friends are, they understand the constraints of your time but are always there to listen and let you brainstorm your ideas with them, whilst giving honest & constructive feedback!
What qualities would you say women need to succeed in business?
Determination
Strength
Focus
Sense of humour
Smile
And of course the credit card at the start!!!
What goals do you have for Bright Sparkles & Mobile Car Solutions that you'd like to reach over the next year?
For Bright Sparkles I would like to increase my number of party planners from 4 to 10
For Mobile Car Solutions, increase no of cold calls I currently make and do more networking events to continue its promotion and awareness in its market within the Hampshire & West Sussex area.
Has running your own business been something you always wanted to do?
Yes I'm very motivated and always setting myself goals, if anything I think I can be too critical of myself & my goals!!!
What inspired you to set up Bright Sparkles?
I felt there was a gap in the market for reasonably priced smaller gifts on the party plan level that catered for a whole range of people
What previous knowledge were you able to draw on while getting started and running your business?
The launching of my husbands business 8 months earlier – Mobile Car Solutions and previously to that I have always worked in Tele or Field Sales.
How long did it take for you to build from idea to launch?
I have had ideas melting away for many years but it really sped up when my little boy started preschool and then we had all the party invites and presents that needed buying….I didn’t know what characters they liked or toys they played with and I didn’t want to spend £8+ on a present that may be wrong. So Bright Sparkles was born catering for the fact that you can buy 2/3 presents for £5/6 which are suitable!
What would you say was the hardest part of getting started?
Ive always been very organized & methodical but when its your own business you have to stay focused and not let your ideas, excitement and products run away with you. I stick to my strapline…”Funky but different, reasonably priced but retaining quality”
What challenges have you faced?
Which stock to buy that will sell to a spectrum of people
Training of party planners
Standardising documents
Creating my website
And your greatest challenge?
It was making the decision to Party Plan the business, it takes a lot more time & energy to stay on top of stock needed, ordering levels & accounts! Now its running and im in control of it, I feel very proud of my ladies!
What have you learned about business during the process?
You realize who your friends are, they understand the constraints of your time but are always there to listen and let you brainstorm your ideas with them, whilst giving honest & constructive feedback!
What qualities would you say women need to succeed in business?
Determination
Strength
Focus
Sense of humour
Smile
And of course the credit card at the start!!!
What goals do you have for Bright Sparkles & Mobile Car Solutions that you'd like to reach over the next year?
For Bright Sparkles I would like to increase my number of party planners from 4 to 10
For Mobile Car Solutions, increase no of cold calls I currently make and do more networking events to continue its promotion and awareness in its market within the Hampshire & West Sussex area.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
