What to Do When Your Business is Slow

What to Do When Your Business is Slow

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR BUSINESS IS SLOW

Article by John Scardina
Photo Credit: Anum Tariq
Magazine: Issue #42

We all seek perfection as an entrepreneur so that our business will be clean cut and perfect in appearance and operation. To what extent do we really need to go to achieve this?

I was thinking the other day, mostly due to the fact that in my part of the world it has been hot and humid with little to no rain. You find ideas at the strangest times! While looking over the yard, garden and lawn I took notice that I would have little need to cut the grass for a while. A marvelous event for me, if you have seen the yard. A chance to have 3 additional hours all to me, that I own to do anything else. While deciding what to do with this extra time I realized something, although this weather has slowed or stunted the growth of the garden and lawn it did nothing to hinder the overabundance of weeds.

Wait for it now, remember I have an additional three hours to play with as I choose! Seriously, this is how I spend my free time. It hit me like a rock there is a parallel between the garden I stand on and often ground myself with, and my business!

In the garden or the lawn, we nurture and provide it with time, love, fertilizer (natural of course) all in order to keep it clean cut and perfect. This also happens in our business. We sometimes truly treat our business like a perfectly manicured lawn. We weed, water, cut and pull the weeds. But the second business slows down (gets dry if you will) things begin to wither away if we don’t adapt to the dry times. We need a plan to get us through these dry spells. We need our business to be like the weeds, adaptable and perfectly suited to thrive whether or not it’s watered. 

We really need to create a business plan that adapts and grows like a weed in this ever changing world. A business that will grow and reach for the skies when there is not enough water (clients), when there is not any fertilizer (cash flow) coming to you. That ability to get you through the dry times!

All I’m saying here is to stop “Smelling the Roses” and “Embrace the weeds”, talk with the weeds and see what they have to say about survival during tough times. Apply this time spent in nature to your business and be prepared to be able to not just survive, but thrive during those tough times!

Now this would normally be the paragraph where I tell you how to thrive exactly like the weed, but I just started to understand the language of the weeds around here your, weeds may not speak the same language. Meditate on this analogy, with your weeds and see what they have to offer you in your business. Be prepared to adapt and change as needed, let your business be a weed.

4 Critical Things You Must Do to Make Your Business Stand Out Online

4 CRITICAL THINGS YOU MUST DO TO
MAKE YOUR BUSINESS STAND OUT ONLINE

Define your Niche, Increase Sales, & Attract Your Ideal Customers

Article by Angel Quintana
Photo by Carley Page Summers & Flea Market Fab

Here are the 4 CRITICAL things you can do if you want your business to stand out online (even if you think the market is saturated) that will help you define your niche,increase sales, and attract your ideal customers:

Secret 1
Determine the Urgent Problem You Solve

The first thing to consider is what Urgent Problem do you know how to solve. Whether you are a graphic designer or sell skincare, your ideal customer is on Google searching for a solution to their problem right now-- but do you know what they're searching for? Embody their pain and figure out in their own language what is keep them up at night and then go Google those words and see what articles pop-up. You'll discover what's trending when it comes to written articles, secret: take notes. The articles that show up on the first page of Google search have "Google Juice" and it's for a reason. That reason is called SEO and it has every indication of what urgent problem you solve.

Secret 2
Defining Gateway vs Root

Once you know what your ideal customer is Googling, it's time to make a list of these "gateway problems". A root problem is a generic problem such as:
    • Insomnia
    • Weight Loss
    • Acne
    • Heartbreak

In other words, a gateway problem is the problem your ideal customer "thinks they have". Let me break it down: If someone cannot sleep at night; they are tossing and turning, yet exhausted, the thing they are Googling is, "How to get a better nights sleep." But you and I both know that the real problem goes much deeper than just their inability to sleep.  The real problem could be stress at work, loss of a loved one, suppressed emotions, or sugar addiction. It’s imperative you know what their “gateway problem” is so you can get them in the door (ie: your website) with SEO (search engine optimization) and then show them that the real problem lies in the "root problem" or in other words, the holistic solution that lays the problem to rest for good-- no pun intended. Wink.

Secret 3
Create a Niche & Own It

Finding a niche is neither here nor there. How you really find your niche is to create one. The way to create a niche is to understand the root problem you solve. For example, here at Holistic Fashionista we work with holistic leaders who are making a positive difference in the world.  We understand the problem they need solved (how to use the internet to increase sales), so our niche is internet marketing, yet our niche market are holistic leaders of tomorrow. Creating a niche is actually fairly simple if you truly understand the problem you solve. Once you know this, you can get very strategic in your marketing efforts and in the development of new products/programs.

Secret 4
Develop Stellar Products/Programs

Now that you know what urgent problem you solve,  the gateway problem to bring them to your website, created a niche, and know your holistic solution (or your root problem), you’re now ready to put together your products/programs to enhance the life of your ideal customer. Putting together your products/programs can be tricky, because you’ve got a lot of skills, expertise, and qualifications— it can be tough determining how to cohesively communicate and organize your skill set into a product that solves the problem.  When developing stellar products/programs for your ideal customer keep in mind:

    • What is their gateway problem
    • What is your holistic system to getting the problem solved
    • What steps will you take them through to assure the problem doesn't return
    • How will you deliver your product/program so it's easy to access
    • How will you package your product/program to maximize revenue
    • What is your marketing system to bringing it to market

The bottom line is to forget about your competition and start focusing on what makes you different-- that's how your product will stand out too. Get your audience to trust you by delivering them rich content each week that gives solutions to the "gateway problem", but always encourage them to take the next step to solve their problem for good by purchasing your stellar product or program where the "root problem" is solved.

Whatever you decide to sell, take your time with the development process— it’s paramount to your success. If you sell something people don't want or you don't know how to speak to their pain, there will be someone else who can--so always do your research first and you're sure to get the sale.

ABOUT the FOUNDER

Angel Quintana is the founder and apothecary behind Holistic Fashionista®, a 360 degrees holistic experience for the woman who wants it all. The Holistic Fashionista Agency offers cutting-edge business trainings and advertising for the ambitious entrepreneur and our Botanica (COMING SUMMER 2016) stocks self-care rituals, medicinal skincare, and herbal beauty products to fuel the mind, body, and spirit.

In her book, Funnel Foreplay, she teaches change makers how to successfully quickly warm up cold leads and turn them into buyers. While her tattooed exterior shows her creative tough side and her road to success has been difficult, it is her thoughtful approach to brand building and unique selling approach that has won her thousands of raving fans. Angel and her businesses have been featured on: Apparel News, Examiner.com, Law of Attraction Radio, and spoken on stage at Digital Marketing for Business, At The Helm, and Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, CA.

3 Video Marketing Strategies to Grow Your Business Fast

Video Marketing Strategies

3 VIDEO MARKETING STRATEGIES TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS FAST

Article by Bianca Filoteo  
Photo Credit: Spell Designs
Magazine: Issue #10

Spring is a great season to include online videos to your marketing plan. It not only gives your audience a fresh look into your brand, but it also serves as a great tool to spread your message and your expertise since online video is very easy to share (especially via social media).

Here are three ways you can start using videos to boost your visibility: 

1. Film a short video introducing your brand.

This is an excellent way to show your personality, explain your big mission and big vision for your business, tell your story and speak your truth. This type of video provides the best opportunity to truly make a connection with your audience.

You can place this video on any page of your website but the best place to feature this video would be your About page or Home page as these pages statistically receive the most views.

2. Produce a short "trailer" for your product or program.

Think of this as a mini sizzle reel for an e-course, a signature product or a coaching program that will entice your audience to take action.

And don't be afraid to let your creativity soar with this video! Add music to serve as your soundtrack to evoke more emotions and feel free to feature a combination of video and photos in your trailer.

3. Create a video series.

To capture and keep your audience's attention, you want to try to keep your videos short (no longer than 5 minutes). But what happens when you have so much to share about a certain topic? Create some leverage by dividing the content into 3-4 shorter videos.

This is a great way to have your audience coming back for more and it will also strengthen your credibility as an expert in your niche. A simple way to start a video series is to think of one frequently asked question in your area of expertise where you can extensively provide an answer to - take your top 3-5 points and create a video for each one, and voila! You have your video series.

How to Convert Your Food Business from Hobby to Cash

How to Convert Your Food Business From Hobby to Cash

HOW TO CONVERT YOUR FOOD BUSINESS FROM HOBBY TO CASH

Article by Marlo Wright
Photo Credit: Ella Suihko
Magazine: Issue #12

If you’re like most people, then you love amazing food! If you’re like some people then you love cooking good food. If you’re like a small amount of people, you have the unique skill and flair to cook really well -- enough for your friends and family to say things like, “Girl, you should sell these/this!” Perhaps you should be selling your famous grandmother’s cake recipe. You might be able to make a little extra money and even turn it into something more, but is it really worth it? 

Here are a few things to consider before you take the Food Business plunge:

#1 Costs

Is it going to be profitable! How do you allocate for all the costs that go into making/baking/cooking/cleaning, etc.? 

#2 Is it unique?

People are searching for something different and delicious!

#3 Is it something people want?

Your friends and family are one thing - bias. Test it out gently with total strangers!

#4 What’s the story?

Facts tell, stories sell! People connect with products because of the amazing stories behind them. 

#5 Labor Intensive

Food prep takes a lot of time on your feet and is “back breaking” work. Consider the change of pace from what you’re currently doing. 

#6 Cottage Laws

Is it best to use these laws as a first step? 

Amazing food-preneuer opportunities could add to your household, or allow you to leave your full-time job. There’s always room for something new! Local Craft Food Products are in demand as the shift to eating local is encouraged from every platform. It encourages stimulation in local economy and introduces community building. If you have a Craft Food Product that you’d like to develop or scale up, there’s no better time than now!

It might be your time to get in the kitchen and get cooking! 

10 Things You Need To Know When Hiring Your “Web Guy”

10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
WHEN HIRING YOUR "WEB GUY"

What You Need To Know When Hiring Your “Web Guy”

Article by Ling Wong
Photo Credit: Anum Tariq
Magazine: Issue #14

I know many coaches and practitioners who had bad experience when they work with some “web guy” to develop their websites. Most of the frustrations evolve around taking much longer than initially estimated, being charged way more than the initial quote, certain functionalities not working as expected (and not being fixed without further charges), or the developer holding the clients “hostage” by not giving them access or showing them how to use the website editing tools. I even know a person who, after sinking thousands of dollars, walked away with a half-finished website that she has to keep building on her own.

This is absolutely not to say that all website developers are bad people – there are of course awesome ones out there! I was very happy with my own experience, which was on time, on budget, no glitches. But you can’t just grab a web dude and hope for the best. You need to know what to ask, what to look for and also TAKE RESPONSIBILITY to educate yourself so you can ensure smooth communication.

Here are a few things you can do to increase the chances of having satisfactory experience and results when you work with someone to build your website (I worked as a web project manager for 10 years so trust that I know a thing or two… I can’t code my way out of a wet paper bag but I can sniff developer BS from miles away):

1| Start SMALL

If possible, you can ask a few candidates to work on some small tasks and see who is on-time, on-budget and responsive. Then based on the experience (and the vibe) select “the” one to do your big project.

2| Pay attention to the SCOPE

If your scope is “time & materials” – i.e. you are charged by the hour – you may want to set a cap on how much you want to spend before the project begins. Have the web guy do some periodic reporting and ask that you be alerted if you are likely to go over budget so you can prioritize your tasks and get the mission-critical stuff done (the very least, you have the basics to launch). If your scope is “fixed fee” – i.e. you are charged a flat fee for a fixed set of deliverables - review the scope carefully to make sure that everything you need to get the site to launch is covered, and you will get the support you need post-launch.

3| Clarify OWNERSHIP and access

Not common these days, but I have heard stories of developers retaining ownership of the site and withholding access so every time the client needs to change something they need to pay for the work. To make sure you are not held “hostage”, or have to pay another fee to “buy” your site back, it’s best to get clear on ownership.

4| Make sure site is MOBILE RESPONSIVE

Most wordpress themes are mobile responsive, but again, it pays to be sure because more and more people are using mobile devices to access content online.

5| Know how much TESTING (or QA) support you get

Ask about the extent of testing. E.g. Is he going to do cross-browser testing? Is he going to test the site on mobile devices? Is he going to test all the functionalities (e.g. newsletter sign up, shopping cart)? Although there is much less cross-browser incompatibility with the widespread use of wordpress, you do need to pay attention to any customization – e.g. I know someone who had her site redesigned – it looks gorgeous on the computer, but when it’s viewed on the iPad, the free gift sign up field is smacked right over her face on the masthead banner!

6| Get a 30-Day WARRANTY

Glitches get uncovered when you actually use the site! Your web guy should stand by his work and guarantee to fix bugs within a reasonable amount of time after delivery.

7| Ask for a backend WALKTHROUGH

You want to be able to make changes and edit your own website. You don’t want to be held hostage every time you need to add or change any content. It is not just a matter of money – you will feel empowered and you are more nimble in your content creation and marketing.

8| Be ASSERTIVE, ask QUESTIONS*

Don’t assume you are “dumb”… a lot of tech guys use terms that we normal people don’t use and when you don’t understand something, ask for an explanation in plain English!

9| EDUCATE yourself on the basics

You don’t have to know how to code, but understanding the basics, knowing what to ask and using the correct terminologies can help facilitate the process. There will be fewer chances of miscommunication – which can lead to your web guy building something totally different that what you *think* you are getting, wasting precious time and money. I also find that developers show you more respect and are less likely to give you BS if you take the initiative to know your part.

10| Know your RESPONSIBILITY

What is the deadline to provide content and images so the project can stay on track? When do you need to review the site on staging and provide feedback? When do you need to participate in testing? Mark these dates on your calendar and make sure you set aside time to do your job. Do you have to purchase hosting at your end? What other log-in information do you need to provide? Any information you need to provide, consolidate them in one document or one email as much as possible so your developer can find them easily. Be cooperative – it will make your web guy’s job easier and he will be more likely to get back to you in a timely manner (who wants to deal with client-from-hell?)

* what that asterisk by the “be assertive, ask questions” is about:
Even if some people *know* they need to be assertive and thorough, they don’t do it and then later hit themselves on their heads. Why? Something is causing this self-defeating behavior and this thing is called “primary fear”:

• The fear of INADEQUACY – if you feel like you are not good enough, you don’t have the confidence to challenge others. You may not want to ask questions because it may reaffirm your limiting belief that you don’t know enough.
   
• The fear of being VULNERABLE – if you don’t want to appear vulnerable, you may “puff up” and appear that you know. You don’t want to ask questions that make you appear that you are not knowledgeable.
   
• The fear of MISSING OUT – if you are afraid that if you don’t “act now” and get it now you may miss out on something – and this fear drives you to make hasty decisions before you have all the facts.

3 Easy Ways to Grow Your Creative Business

3 EASY WAYS TO
GROW YOUR CREATIVE BUSINESS

Grow Your Creative Business

Article by Pamela Wills
Photo Credit: Carley Page Interiors
Featuring: Jennifer Harrison
Magazine: Issue #40

It's finally springtime here on Cape Cod and that's got me thinking about all kinds of new ideas and growth strategies. How about you? Are you thinking about how to grow your sales in the second half of 2016? Have you considered your plans for expanding your fan base this year? 

If so, good for you!! I'm so happy you're on your game!

If not, I think it's time we have a chat. Once you've read this post, book a complimentary chat time with me and we'll have a conversation about your strategy. No charge. Do it for yourself and your talent!

Okay, let's get right to it. I'm throwing three easy growth strategies at you today. Ready?

1| Dream up three ideas daily
Keep a journal or an Evernote file (my fave!) and jot down THREE ideas every day that can help you make more money, expand your fanbase, increase your sales, boost your productivity, gain you more recognition, connect you with more people, etc. It doesn't matter how wild or how impractical the ideas get, just log them! You'll find many gold nuggets along the way that you can implement. Easy.

2| Network network network
Get out there and talk about yourself and your work! Online and offline. Everywhere you go. Every time something related comes up, talk about what you're working on. Not like a pain the elbow would do! Just be excited about what you're doing, authentically excited. Or talk about how challenging a particular project is turning out to be. Tell stories about yourself and your work. People love stories! If you're not comfortable doing this, understand that it's important for you to GET comfortable doing it. Trust me, it doesn't happen overnight; it's a process. I can help you with it because I went through it myself and I help every single one of my clients through the same process. Easy, eventually!

3| Consider personal growth
When you allow yourself to grow as a person, you will be amazed at how your business follows suit. For example, when you work on your fitness and healthy eating habits, the rest of your life seems to fall right into line as well. When you study the law of attraction, the law starts to become apparent in everything you do, business included. When you step into bigger shoes and take on leadership responsibilities, you start to receive more offers to be a leader. Try it. Super simple.

There you have it! Try these three easy strategies and let me know how they work for you.

How to Use Pinterest to Build Your Brand

HOW TO USE PINTEREST TO BUILD YOUR BRAND

How to Use Pinterest to Build Your Brand

Article by Eliza Ceci  
Photo Credit: Anum Tariq
Magazine: Issue #11

So many times when I’m on the phone with my clients, talking with friends or making new ones, the concept of desire comes up. It’s so easy to know what you want from an analytical standpoint. That is really valuable.

But more than that, I want to know how do you want to feel and will you be ready for it when it shows up?

The perfect way I’ve found, especially if you’re a visual person like me, is to use photos to capture the feeling of what you want to create. It gives you a visual to focus on and helps you tap into those feelings that anchor you to take action.

I know we’ve all heard about vision boards and manifesting, this is slightly different. I think movies like The Secret only got it half right. Vision boards are only half of the process, the other piece is connecting with the reason you want to have or experience ‘the thing’ and then look at what action you’ll need to take to move you closer to it. 

The real purpose of the vision board is to allow you to tap into these desires and give you a jumpstart on what you’re ‘calling in’. Make sense?

You can’t possibly know where you’re headed without a bigger why - a passion, a gut feeling, a deeper purpose, a dream – and that all happens when you tap into the deeper facets of creating a lifestyle that fits your unique dreams. You’re not a one-size-fits-all barbie and your dreams shouldn’t feel fake like that either.

To get you started, one of my absolute favorite tools to begin feeling into your vision is using Pinterest. Photos enhance our feelings so the more aligned they are with what you want to create the better you’ll feel and the more you’ll attract. But don’t forget to take that aligned action to ensure you are headed in the right direction!

Remember, like anything this is a process so take it one step at a time and be gentle with yourself. Explore and create so you can expand in the ways you are meant to. And above all else have fun with the process! Once your boards are created make sure to print them out, add them as your desktop background or showcase them somewhere you’ll get to see them and feel the benefits often and feel inspired to take those baby steps toward your dreams.

Your dreams are there for a reason. Listen to them. Cultivate them. Shine love and positivity on them and watch ‘em grow.

The 5 People Ruining Your Business

People Ruining Your Business

THE 5 PEOPLE RUINING
YOUR BUSINESS

Article by Marlo Wright  
Photo Credit: Nancy Schoenmakers
Magazine: Issue #14

We talk so often about the type of people you should be looking for to help nurture, grow, and expand your company. These are key players who’s advice is golden, and time is valuable. Often times they are the people you wish you could pay — because often they won’t accept it or you feel like what they are charging you is less than you should be paying! Valuable, positive, and encouraging people are the right people to attract to your business.

However, sometimes, we get a good word, piece of advice, honest critique, or powerful push to move out and it’s quickly taken from you. 

Negative Nancy is what I call them. Maybe you’ve referred to them as Debbie Downer. You know the person that will suck all the life out of a room? That will throw a wet blanket on your emerging bon fire? Well, it’s time to do some house cleaning and distance yourself from or move away from these five types of people (whether they are family or not!):

1| Not Accomplished

The person who knows everything but has accomplished nothing! The person who’s been there, done it, and it never worked for them. Never able to have a successful business of any kind, but has all the advice in the world for how to make your business grow and become successful. 

2| Poor Man Mentality

You know the person who complains about the expense of everything, and is always claiming broke! 

3| The Criticizer

Where there is nothing wrong with some one critiquing your business, because we always need an outsiders p.o.v., I often think the best criticism comes with solution. So, if they are quick to offer their two cents with out the possible remedy to the problem, they could just be natural complainers, whiners, and people who only see the bad in EVERYTHING — including your gutsiness to step out and make something happen! 

4| The Partaker

There was an old nursery school story about the hen who asked everyone to help her make bread. Everyone was too busy to help her stir, pour, sift, etc. Yet, when it came time to partake in the fruits of her labor (the end product of amazing baked bread), everyone who declined to help, had their hand out for a piece! 

5| The Slick Talker

Ever had an encounter with someone who promises you they can give you the moon? You pay their fee with high hopes, because you clearly laid out your expectations, which they signed off on, and yet they still failed to deliver! 

All in all, we need the right people attracted to our business. How do you attract the right people? Glad you asked… look for the next installment next month!