"To grasp hold of a vision, that is the very essence of successful leadership..." - Ronald Reagan

I have noticed posts from many groups I belong to from people who are still looking for extra income or internet businesses that will finally work for them. I have also noticed there are a lot of folks who are scared to get caught in a scam.

Well, there are plenty of scams out there, that's for sure. One the flip side of the coin, there are also plenty of real deals.

We live in an exciting time! We have been told there is a pot of gold around each turn. And in reality there is. The trick is to find the right path for us to take us to OUR pot of gold.

The business that is just right for one person will be totally wrong business for someone else. As a life and business coach my first bit of advice is to determine what is "just right" for you. What are your interests, what makes your heart rate speed up and your eyes pop open, what are your passions? Often times this is a process and you will take a few turns along the path. However, if you take time to become clear on some of these issues you will be ahead of Goldilocks and find that business that fits "just right" before trying the ones that are too big, too hot, too small and too hard.

Peripheral vision is useful if we don't let it sidetrack us from our goal. Being aware of what is happening around us is important in life and business. It is when we allow those things going on around us to deter us from our course that we fail to reach our destination.

What is peripheral vision in relation to business growth? It is, simply put, being aware of the opportunities and challenges that continue to spur us towards our goal. It is when you are aware of what is going on around you that you become aware of new ways to move your business in a positive path.

Subject: My family is going to disown me!

Dear [first name],
I am writing this note to you to ask for your help. My house is so jam packed with [product/ note: if yours is a service business try my family wants me to get back to work and out of their hair with appropriate photo] that we don't have an extra inch to wiggle in. I am not kidding! Stuff is stacked on top of stuff! If you don't believe me I have included a picture to prove it; and, if I don't do something about it my family is threatening me with abandonment.

What I am offering is a whopper of a deal. For the next [short time frame] I will double your purchasing power. [Explain your deal here].

Please help me save my [marriage/home] and restore my [family/husband/etc's] sanity. Contact me today at [contact information].

Thank you again for saving [my family/sanity etc],
[Your name]
[Your contact info]

PS Please pass this good deal on to everyone you know. I really must [clear some space/get out of my family's hair]. When your friend tells me you sent them I will send you [something valuable] as my way of saying thanks.

This is just one idea for an actual email campaign that we welcome you to personalize and utilize. If you need a complete email campaign or phone script specific to your industry or service please contact us at info@nibrocmarketing.com and we will be happy to assist you.

A big trust builder for online retailers, large and small, is easy access to product reviews. They act as off-the-cuff testimonials in adding credibility to your products and services.

Reviews Strongly Influence Sales

When my wife and I were planning an anniversary trip to Carmel, California, we ran across what seemed like the perfect Bed and Breakfast. We were almost ready to call for reservations when we decided to look at online reviews. Oops! Here are excerpts of the reviews we found:

• "This was the worst B&B my husband and I have ever stayed in!"
• "Extreme ungraciousness to the extent that her behavior reminded one of a prison warden."
• "Great Spot, Quaint House, Rotten Attitude."

We ended up reserving a room at an inn that was a bit more expensive but had nearly all 4 and 5 star reviews. Yes, there was a bad one-star review, but you could tell that it was an exceptional case and reflected more on the reviewer than on the establishment itself.

What does Mary Poppins know about marketing? Come on over and ask her a question or two and find out. We have implemented a new question and answer column with the famous finger-snapping marketing guru of them all--Mary Poppins.

Q.Dear Mary, I have noticed that people just don't want to give up their email addresses anymore. They all seem so afraid of spam. How can I reassure them I am not a spammer and have their best interest at heart when I offer my newsletter?

A. Well my dear, this is what I call Spoon Full of Sugar Marketing. Make sure what you offer is good for your prospects and make sure you offer a bit of a gift to go with it.

Carol - Oh, yes. I see the wisdom in that. Thank you!

Mary - You are very welcome, I am sure.

The Poppins Principle(TM) of Success Kim Mutch Emerson

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