News from Clarity to Business

Make It Real December 2008
News and Views from Clarity to Business, LLC
Discover what you love. Build your business. Prosper.

In This Issue

Get LinkedIn

Money, Honey

Snowplay

Greetings!

I hope it's been a good year for you, or at least a learning year.

In keeping with the mania for making year-end lists, this month's main article is a (very short) list: one thing you can do before January 1^st to market your business.

Speaking of the New Year, how would you like to make more money in 2009? I'll help you create a 12-month income forecast that estimates your sales month-by-month and product (or service)-by-product. See below for details.

And finally, a workshop for women who want to frolic--and learn--in the snow. Read about Deb Roffe's next retreat in "Client Spotlight."

As 2008 comes to a close, what are you most grateful for? At the top of my list: my clients.

So thank you.

Christy Strauch

Tel: (602) 561-8499

Marketing You Can Connect With

I've been busy researching different ways to market You Hate to Market, and What to do About It, a book I'm writing. The most difficult challenge for small business owners is creating a marketing program that we'll implement and stick to. The book's mission is to find and describe at least 50 ways to market so that you can find one or two you like, and want to do.

I found one marketing tool everyone can use: LinkedIn. LinkedIn bills itself as "an online network of more than 30 million experienced professionals from around the world, representing 150 industries." I urge you to sign up for a free LinkedIn account and complete your profile. decpuppet

Your LinkedIn profile is a simple online resume and summary of skills. It takes very little time to list your previous jobs and companies, education, the address of your website and blog, and of course to upload a lovely head shot of you looking earnest, approachable, and smart.

According to the Puppet (and me) there are compelling reasons for doing this.

When someone searches for you by name, your LinkedIn profile will likely come up on page one of the search. There's no need to pay for fancy search engine optimization, or even for a website.

A comprehensive, honest profile will also help people learn about you and your skills. Prospective clients will look you up on LinkedIn even before they call you. A complete profile will help establish your credibility as a real business.

LinkedIn makes you visible to a huge potential market. Once your profile is complete (and even before it is, but please, complete your profile first), you can link to everyone you know already on LinkedIn.

All of this places you in the middle of a huge web of people who are connected to people...who are connected to people...who are connected to people.

To maximize the marketing power of LinkedIn, ask clients to recommend you (their testimonials will post on your profile), look for former colleagues to network with, and become an expert by answering questions posted on the LinkedIn site.

Make More Money in 2009

Do your sales forecast: a special offer for Clarity to Business clients

A detailed sales forecast will focus you on generating revenue in a way nothing else will, except for a great marketing plan.

I'm offering to create your 2009 sales forecast (with your help) month-by-month and service-(or product, or both)-by service.I'll also help you figure out the marketing footwork you'll need to do to make the forecast happen.

The regular cost for this service starts at $750. The special price--good through January while supplies last (there are ten slots available) is $495.

Here's what one client said about this process:

"Christy helped me focus on my sales numbers in a way I haven't done before. It was hard, but when we finished, I had hope. I saw how, with some effort on my part, I could hit the income numbers I want to make in 2009."

The process will take about two to three hours on the phone (in two different sessions), plus several hours of work on my part to complete the forecast.

Do the forecast with me or do it alone. But do it. Call 602-561-8499 or email me for details.

Client Spotlight

Deb Roffe, a dear friend and client has created another women's retreat, March 5-8, 2009 at Snow Mountain Ranch outside Winter Park, Colorado.

Deb has planned snowshoe and cross-country skiing outings, vision board work, and time to relax around the fire. Learn how to set intentions and manifest them while being supported by nature, the mountains, and a group of like-minded women. deb

Early bird registration closes January 15th and costs $875.00, which includes everything but transportation to and from Snow Mountain Ranch.

For more information check out Deb's website or call her at 303-550-5923.

Complimentary Coaching Consultation
If you are a business owner and want to become more successful and accountable to your goals, need help generating more revenue, simply feel stalled; please contact me at (602) 561-8499 or cms@claritytobusiness.com for a complimentary consultation. Find out if coaching is right for you. I help business owners make money doing the work they love.