Attracting Ideal Clients

Secrets to Leverage LinkedIn Groups

LinkedIn is a great social network for connecting with your ideal clients. As much as I like Facebook, I think LinkedIn offers more of an ability to connect with a Person of Influence (POI).

One of the best places to find your ideal customers and clients is in LinkedIn Groups.

Here are 3 quick tips to leverage LinkedIn Groups:

1) Focus on adding value

Make sure that you share information that people want to read. One great strategy is to include a link out to your blog post. This will help to position you as an expert. It will also allow you to generate leads if you have an opt in box on your blog.

2) Connect with people you meet in groups

After you have interacted with people a few times in a LinkedIn Group, then send them an invitation to connect.

LinkedIn Groups also gives you the capability to follow people. This is similar to the way Twitter works. It's an easy to build a base of followers who read your posts and comments.

3) Send personal messages to people on LinkedIn

What good is a network unless you actually intend to communicate with people. Make time every day to reach out to someone on LinkedIn and send a personal message. Share a resource, congratulate them on a recent success or ask them for 5 minutes to chat by phone.

LinkedIn Groups is a great tool for making connections with powerful and influential people. Set a goal now to leverage this tool to grow your business.

Rick Cooper
Online Marketing and Social Media Trainer

The Power of Simplicity

Think about your marketing. What are you doing that’s repeatable and duplicatable?

There is a power in simplicity. Too often we try to make things too complex. This is bad. You will be much more likely to repeat something that is simple.

When I coach clients, I’m often surprised at how much they are doing that has minimal to no benefit. There’s a simple rule in marketing and sales: Focus on revenue producing activities.

What are some of the marketing activities you can do that will yield the best results?

-Lead generation

-Lead conversion

-Email marketing

-Creating a new lead capture page

-Creating a freebie (Irresistible Free Offer)

-Creating an online sales page

-Pay per click advertising

-Product launches

-Joint ventures

-Affiliate marketing

-Blogging

-Social media activities

-Promoting live events

-Online video

-Posting articles on article directories

-Posting your business profile on a directory

These are all great ideas. And there are many more.

Learn more about how to improve your online marketing.

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Rick Cooper
Online Marketing Expert

Capitalize on your Knowledge

What are you doing to leverage the knowledge you have to grow your business? You have a unique skill set and information that other people want to know. Are you really using that information strategically?

There are many ways that you can use the information in your head to communicate and educate clients and prospects.

Here are 3 methods to share information that will provide value.

1. Post to a Blog

One of the best tools to create a name for yourself and begin to build an audience is through a blog. Many people like to read information on blogs, and they're a great tool to generate organic traffic on the internet.

The technology can be overwhelming at first. There’s a lot to learn. The good news is that you can find people to help you. Just set a goal to start a blog and start taking action.

2. Write an article

Articles are extremely versatile. You can post them on sites like EzineArticles.com. You can also include articles in your own email newsletter, or even print an article to hand out.

Keep your articles to about 400 to 600 words. Make them simple and easy to read. People have limited time, so get to the point. Pick a topic that people will be interested in.

3. Write a Special Report

At some point, you will realize that you need a resource to offer as a lead generation tool. One of the best resources you can create that will have value is a special report. Typically about 8-15 pages, it's a short document that focuses on solving a problem or communicating information that your ideal clients want to learn.

Repurpose your Content

An interesting point to consider is that you can take the content from a special report and break it into 5-7 articles. You can repurpose content to leverage it in numerous ways.

Writing is a learned skill. You can improve your ability to write. It takes practice.

Commit to write something every week. Produce something and share it with others. This will build your self-confidence and encourage you to write more in the future.

Rick Cooper
Marketng Coach

Find More Clients on the Internet

One of the common challenges facing most businesses, and particularly professional services businesses, is to find clients. A cost effective and simple strategy you can use to find clients is to leverage the power of the internet.

What is the most effective way you have found so far to get clients? Select this one strategy and optimize it. Think about the process end to end and look for ways to improve your results.

So, how do you find clients on the internet? There are literally thousands of different strategies you can implement.

Let’s consider 3 simple strategies you can quickly and easily start with.

1. Social Media

Are you using social media effectively to attract clients? Many people spend hours of time each day on sites like Facebook and Twitter. Yet, are they actually getting a return on the investment of their time?

Be careful not to abuse this powerful medium though. Some people are too aggressive in promoting their business and run the risk of having their account shut down.

Send People to an Opt In Page

Follow the rules on sites likes Facebook. Look for simple ways to communicate one on one. Take time to build rapport. Then, use a simple, but effective lead generation strategy to send people to an opt in page.

In fact, it’s a good idea to create a web page that welcomes people from the site. Speak to people one on one, but acknowledge them as part of an audience.

2. Article Marketing

An article can be a great tool to generate leads. How? By including a call to action in the byline along with a URL or web page link.

At the end of an article, include a brief byline that explains your expertise, the company you work for and mentions a specific free resource that is available to them. Then, include the link.

3. Landing Page

One of the most effective strategies to generate leads on the internet is the use of a landing page, or squeeze page. This is a standalone web page with the sole purpose of capturing contact information.

Of course, you have to give people a reason to opt in. You need to provide something of value. Offer them a free resource like a special report, ebook or audio program.

The 3 strategies I have shared here can be used in multiple ways and in combination to attract clients.

What can you do this week that will help you attract clients? Take action or at least take the first step in moving forward. You have the ability to attract more clients than you are today. Get started now!

Rick Cooper
Marketng Coach

Are You Leveraging Email to Build Trust and Rapport?

One of the best tools you can use to develop customer relationships is email. It offers the possibility to create an ongoing relationship by communicating information and providing value. Are you leveraging email to grow your business?

Do you consistently send email messages to your list? Do you mail to everyone at once, or do you make use of sub-lists to send a more targeted message?

Email is an amazingly versatile tool to build trust and rapport. It allows you to share information through broadcast messages, email newsletters or advertisements. One of my favorite strategies is to use autoresponders to create an ecourse.

Compared to other forms of promotion, it's very inexpensive. You just have to pay for the cost of the email marketing tool. It's also green, there's nothing to print and mail. All things considered, email is a great tool.

Unfortunately, open rates are down. There are more and more messages and fewer people opening them. But, it's still worth the effort. And permission based marketing means that people want to hear from you. As long as you provide value, you will get a result.

What opportunities do you have to create email campaigns? Have you taken the time to develop a strategy? If not, you might want to set a goal to make better use of email in your marketing.

5 Tips to Get More Speaking Engagements

Experts gets more clients! You can use public speaking to increase your visibility. You may also have the opportunity to generate leads or sell products.

Public speaking is a great way to find clients. When you stand at the front of the room, people will perceive you as an expert.

So, where can you go to speak?

Here are 5 tips to get more speaking engagements:

1. Service organizations

Call your local Kiwanis or Rotary club. They are always looking for speakers. Also, check out Meetup groups including Successful Thinkers.

2. Professional associations

There are many great professional associations for specific industries or careers. Make a list of associations and ask for referrals. Check out their local website and look for the Program Director. Network with other professional speakers. I attend the Sacramento Speakers Network. Look for a group in your local area or start your own Meetup group. After you deliver a speech, refer other speakers to them.

3. Companies

Do you have a topic that would interest sales professionals? Call the sales manager or owner of a small to medium size business to book a free local talk. Offer to speak for 30 to 45 minutes at their weekly meeting.Make the talk motivational, as well as providing ideas they can implement.

4. Conferences and Events

There are a lot of events that feature speakers. Many conference organizers hire professional speakers so they know they are getting a good speaker. There are also a lot of smaller events that feature unpaid speakers. Keep an eye out for local events. Connect with your local chamber of commerce and look for flyers for upcoming events.

5. Host your own event

This one is the most challenging to pull off. You need to book a venue or find a place to host the event free. You need to market and promote the event. You need to make confirmation calls. And you need to arrive before and stay after the event. There are also decisions about whether you will serve food, allow time for networking, and how to handle registration. Other than that, it's a great strategy.

Public speaking is one of the most powerful ways to grow your business. You will literally have people beating down your door wanting to talk with you because you have the answers.

Make sure you take the time to develop your speaking content. Write a script, memorize it and practice. Practice, practice, practice. Get clear about your goals for the speech.

One word of caution, be sure to get approval in advance before you attempt to generate leads or sell products during a speech. Many associations have strict rules against selling. Learn what you can in advance about their rules. Then, make a specific request. If they say yes, then you're good to go.

You are an expert! Now, get out there and speak!

Rick Cooper
Marketing Coach

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Success Secrets: Tips to Comeback from a Loss

One of the secrets to success is to improve your ability to comeback from a loss. Business is a mix of ups and downs. Sometimes you’re rising. Sometimes you’re falling. It takes persistence, hard work and effort to stay on track and reach the level of success you want.

In the current economy, many people are struggling. On the other hand, there are some people who are having their best year ever. It’s an interesting dichotomy.

What are some of the things you can do to comeback from a loss?

Let’s first consider a few examples of losses. You can lose a friend or family member. You can lose a job. You can lose a business. You can lose physical possessions. You can lose your health. There are many other examples. or the purposes of this post, let's focus on business losses.

Find Success-Oriented Individuals to Partner With!

So, what can you do about it?

1) Get into action

First, you need to get into action. It doesn’t really matter initially what you do. If you take massive action, you will create some results.

One of my mentors, Eric Lofholm, said, “Fear, panic and worry do not manifest money.” Instead, focus on revenue producing activities.

2) Get a plan

Yes, at some point, you need to step back, set some goals and decide upon the best possible actions. If you're not getting the results you want, you need to look for some better strategies.

3) Get a coach

I believe in the value of coaches. I have worked with many coaches in the past. When you work with a coach, they can help you identify what’s holding you back. And they can also hold you accountable to focus on taking action that will generate the results you want.

4) Get positive

A positive attitude goes a long way. I am an eternal optimist. And in most cases, that works a lot better than the alternative.

Here are a few strategies that can help to improve your attitude. Use positive affirmations. I recommend you write your affirmations on index cards and carry them around with you. Read them 2-3 times per day. Internalize it.

Another great idea is to get around other like-minded, success-oriented individuals. I am fortunate to be part of a Mastermind group that has met monthly for the last 2 years. I rely on their feedback and support. We have become good friends and help each other when we’re struggling. I recommend you find a mastermind group, or a networking group or just a few good friends you can talk to.

Plan for your comeback. Joel Osteen, Pastor of Lakewood Chuch, says, “Every setback is a set up for a comeback.”

When you face challenges, realize that the challenge was not meant to tear you down, but to build you up.

Now, get out there and take action!

Rick Cooper
Marketing Coach

I have a question for you: What have you found helpful in making a comeback from a loss? What tips, strategies and techniques have you used in the past? Post your comment below.

Social Networking Tips to Leverage Twitter

Twitter is an amazing tool which can allow you to connect with people across the world. You can attract clients, find joint venture partners and reach out to connectors and other influential people.

Many people have tried Twitter and given up. This is a mistake. It's a very powerful tool and one of its strengths is simplicity.

Here are some of the common complaints I hear about Twitter:
*Too much spam
*I can't follow conversations. It's too confusing.
*Why are people following me? Where are they following me to?

Let me address the questions one at a time.

Too Much Spam
Yes, there is more spam and promotion on Twitter than on most social networks. That's okay. If you know how to filter tweets, you can avoid most of the spam.

I can't follow conversations. It's too confusing.
Twitter can feel a little like walking into a crowded room and trying to listen to all of the conversations at the same time. If you go to a library, do you feel overwhelmed? Or, do you simply look for one book to read? Twitter is the same way. Take a deep breathe. First, you do not need to read everything everyone posts. Second, you can use lists to filter people into categories. For example, you could create a Friend List so you can read tweets just from your friends.

Why are people following me? Where are they following me to?
This is one of the most unique qualities of Twitter and one of the most powerful. On most social networks, you have to ask someone's permission to connect with them. And once you connect to them, that gives you access to their network and to information about them. Twitter works the opposite way, anyone can follow anyone, except in certain situations like someone protects their profile. This makes it possible to build a large network quickly.

Make a Short List of People You Want to Communicate With

Now, let me share 3 ideas to help you leverage Twitter as a powerful social networking tool:

1) Build your network

Invest some time in following people. The larger your network, the better opportunity you will be able to connect with influential people. It will also increase your opportunities for lead generation.

2) Focus on communication

Forget about trying to chat with everyone. Make a short list of people you want to communicate with. Create a List on the Twitter website of people to communicate with and focus on them. You can also use tools like TweetDeck which improve the communication process.

3) Add value

Make every tweet count. Post quotes, tips, and link to blog posts that add value. Limit promotion to one out of every 10 tweets. This will prevent you from being labeled a spammer and being blocked or unfollowed by other people.

If you implement these simple tips, you will be well on the way to getting better results on Twitter.

Sign up for a Free Teleseminar April 13th:

How to Use Social Media to Attract Clients

Click here to learn more

Rick Cooper
The Attraction Marketing Expert

Success Secrets: Set Monthly Revenue Goals

Are you earning the kind of money you want in your business?

If not, it could be in part because you're not clear on how much you want to earn.

Here are 2 quick steps to starting earning more in your business:

1) Identify a monthly income goal to earn from your business

Take a moment to write down a dollar amount you want to take from your business each month. Maybe it's $1,000 or $3,000 or $5,000 or $10,000. Set a goal for how much you want to earn personally each month.

2) Identify a monthly revenue goal to generate in your business

Take into account your monthly income goal as well as fixed and variable expenses. Then, set a monthly revenue goal.

Create a Spreadsheet and Add your Goals!

Once you have set the goals, create a spreadsheet and add your goals.

At the end of each month, enter the actual revenue and income you earned.

If you take these simple steps, you will begin to unlock the potential in your business. You will start looking differently at your business.

Good luck!

Rick Cooper

Success Secrets: Express Gratitude to Attract More Positive Outcomes

One of the qualities you need to possess to build a successful business is gratitude. You will benefit by being grateful for what you have in your life and in your business. It’s easy to focus on the negative. It can be hard to focus on the positive.

Make it a habit each day to express gratitude for what you have. You can do this alone and in silence or however you want. When you acknowledge what you already have that you appreciate, you are more likely to attract similar things into your life.

This practice also works with clients. Express gratitude for the clients you have. It’s also worthwhile to acknowledge your clients with thanks. Send them a thank you card. Send an ecard. Send a gift. Find some special way to say thanks for their business.

Express Gratitude to your Clients!

Take time to express gratitude and you will live a richer life. You will have riches that extend beyond wealth.