Attracting Ideal Clients

How Meetup Was Started as a Result of 9/11

I received the following message today and thought I would share it. I have been a participant of multiple Meetup groups. I also launched a local networking group using the Meetup site called the Roseville Growth Network.

On the eve of the 10th anniversary of 9/11, I thought this was amazing story of how Americans grew in a positive way in the face of tragic and frightening events.

Rick Cooper
Online Marketing & Social Media Expert

Here is the message:

From: Meetup
Date: Fri, Sep 9, 2011 at 1:25 PM
Subject: 9/11 & us
To:

Fellow Meetuppers,

I don't write to our whole community often, but this week is
special because it's the 10th anniversary of 9/11 and many
people don't know that Meetup is a 9/11 baby.

Let me tell you the Meetup story. I was living a couple miles
from the Twin Towers, and I was the kind of person who thought
local community doesn't matter much if we've got the internet
and tv. The only time I thought about my neighbors was when I
hoped they wouldn't bother me.

When the towers fell, I found myself talking to more neighbors
in the days after 9/11 than ever before. People said hello to
neighbors (next-door and across the city) who they'd normally
ignore. People were looking after each other, helping each
other, and meeting up with each other. You know, being
neighborly.

A lot of people were thinking that maybe 9/11 could bring
people together in a lasting way. So the idea for Meetup was
born: Could we use the internet to get off the internet -- and
grow local communities?

We didn't know if it would work. Most people thought it was a
crazy idea -- especially because terrorism is designed to make
people distrust one another.

A small team came together, and we launched Meetup 9 months
after 9/11.

Today, almost 10 years and 10 million Meetuppers later, it's
working. Every day, thousands of Meetups happen. Moms Meetups,
Small Business Meetups, Fitness Meetups... a wild variety of
100,000 Meetup Groups with not much in common -- except one
thing.

Every Meetup starts with people simply saying hello to
neighbors. And what often happens next is still amazing to me.
They grow businesses and bands together, they teach and
motivate each other, they babysit each other's kids and find
other ways to work together. They have fun and find solace
together. They make friends and form powerful community. It's
powerful stuff.

It's a wonderful revolution in local community, and it's thanks
to everyone who shows up.

Meetups aren't about 9/11, but they may not be happening if it
weren't for 9/11.

9/11 didn't make us too scared to go outside or talk to
strangers. 9/11 didn't rip us apart. No, we're building new
community together!!!!

The towers fell, but we rise up. And we're just getting started
with these Meetups.

Scott Heiferman (on behalf of 80 people at Meetup HQ)
Co-Founder & CEO, Meetup
New York City
September 2011

Persuasion and Influence Strategy from Eric Lofholm

If you want to increase sales, then you need to improve your persuasion and influence skills. I'd like to share one of the best ideas I learned from my sales mentor Eric Lofholm. This strategy will help you get more referrals and reach hundreds of new prospective clients in very little time.

Watch this Video Now!

Register for Eric Lofholm's Free Seminar
How to Sell in the New Economy
Click Here for More Details:
http://TinyURL.com/NewEconomyEvent

Rick Cooper
Online Marketing Expert

 

Networking Quote: Ivan Misner

"Networking is not about hunting. It is about farming. It's about cultivating relationships. Don't engage in 'premature solicitation'. You'll be a better networker if you remember that."

~Dr. Ivan Misner
NY bestselling author & founder of BNI

Reach out to your Network

One of the most valuable assets you have in your business is your network. Your network includes anyone you know, whether they are an acquaintance, an associate, a client or a friend.

You have a network, whether you look at it that way or not. There is value in your network. There is the possibility for developing joint venture partnerships, referral opportunities and client relationships.

The question is how do you leverage your network? You have to be deliberate about thinking of your network in a way that will support you. When you have a need, think of specific people you know who can help. Reach out and ask for help.

You will have much better luck if you are proactive in helping others first. If you are always taking and never giving, your network will tire of your requests.

Do you have a strategy to build your network? Isn’t it time you made a plan to build your network and determine how best to make use of this incredible resource?

Be Proactive in Looking for Ways to Help People!

Here are 3 strategies to build your network:

1) Grow your network

One of the simplest ways to grow your network these days is through social media. You have instant access to millions of people. You can quickly connect with people and over time develop closer relationships.

Networking at events is another great way to meet people. Be selective about which events you attend. Look for events that will connect you with your ideal clients or with influential people.

You can also state a goal to develop a relationship with someone you know of but have not met. This is a powerful strategy. It will cause you to step outside of your comfort zone.

2) Connect with your network

A network is meaningless unless you actually reach out and connect with people. You can connect through social media or the phone. The most powerful way to connect with people is directly over the phone or in person. When you talk with someone directly it creates a greater possibility for understanding and opportunity for support.

3) Support your network

Be proactive in looking for ways to help people. Listen to what they are saying. People will often make requests through social media sites, email or on their blog. Watch for opportunities and act on them.

Another idea is to simply ask people what they need help with. This is best done over the phone or by email. Make it personal.

How many people are in your network? What do you plan to do to grow your network? Who are 5 people you want to be in your network? What is one step you can take to reach out to them?

Take action to build your network and you will create opportunities to grow your business in the future.

Niche Marketing for Coaches

"Do you think a coach needs a niche in order to succeed?"
No.  But, I think most coaches will find success more quickly once they do select the right niche market for them. And, it will make the marketing process so much simpler and more effective.

Yes, a lot of this does come down to marketing. It has to do with who you want to serve. Another way to look at it is, "Who do you do your best work with?" Why not focus on them?

When Should you Select a Niche Market?
I selected a niche market before I ever served my first client. My initial market was too broad and my message wasn't specific, appealing and compelling enough. And my business model was not profitable. I have since adjusted my niche market three times and am now satisfied I'm serving the right clients. And my clients are getting results.

I think you can select a niche market at any time and you can also change it. The main challenge is that it costs money to change your brand, your message and your marketing materials. And changes can create confusion in the marketplace. But, as time goes on, people who will come to know you, you will attract your ideal clients, and they will refer you. And your alliance partners will also refer and help you.

I do think there is an intuitive component to selecting a niche market, but I don't see a problem with selecting a market before you have figured it all out.

Rick's Niche Market:
I work with entrepreneurs who want to grow their business. I help them make more money and spend less time doing it. I specialize in working with Coaches, Speakers and Experts. I help them attract their ideal clients.

I have a broad market and a niche market. I see myself as a Coach, but I am also an Author and a Speaker. And I create products (books, workbooks, audio programs, home study courses, etc.) that are applicable to my broader market also.

Who Do You Do Your Best Work With?

Niche Market Challenges:
The trouble with a niche market is it can drive away prospective customers for products and programs. However, it does allow you to target your marketing message so it really appeals to your ideal clients. A niche market is very important for identifying your coaching clients. In my opinion, one-on-one clients should be from your niche market. It's who you do your best work with. And taking on anyone as a client can lead to problems and a lack of results. It's better to refer a coaching client who is not a good fit for you.

I have learned from Michael Port, Andrea Lee, Jeff Sooey and others who understand the coaching community and what works for coaches. And online marketing lends itself to a niche focus.

Coach Websites and Marketing Materials:
I've seen too many boring (and ineffective) coaches websites that give me no clue as to who the coach best serves. And that makes it tough to identify who to refer them. And it does nothing to generate a lead to advance the enrollment process. You want to have your website and other marketing materials attract clients and generate leads. And the rest is up to you.

If you want to attract your ideal clients, you need to select a niche market.

I have spoken to some coaches that do not have a niche market and are happy to serve a variety of clients. Maybe that works fine for them.

Become a Go To  Person People Can Easily Refer:
For coaches who are all over the map, it can hold them back from becoming a "Go To" person who solves a particular type of problem.

Your niche market may not simply be about who you serve, but the types of problems you solve. Be known for something. Make yourself easy to refer. Increase your visibility. Provide tips, strategies and ideas that help people. And that will bring your ideal clients to your doorstep.

In the End, It's Up to You:
There's more than one way to build a successful coaching practice. Attract your ideal clients and build the business of your dreams!

Rick S. Cooper, MBA
The Attraction Marketing Expert
Entrepreneur Success Coach
http://www.RicksCooper.com
http://www.Twitter.com/RickCooper

Source: Content was original posted in the New Coach Connection Forum by Rick Cooper

Are you Acting with a Sense of Urgency?

Entrepreneurs are facing a challenging economy. Many industries have been battered. State and local governments are reeling in the face of lower tax revenues. Employees are being laid off in record numbers. What's a person to do?

I can tell you what not to do. Get out of a scarcity mindset and get into an abundance mindset. You need to act as if things really mattered (which they do) and get into action. You need to act with a sense of urgency.

Act with a Sense of Urgency!

The Time is Now 11:59
Act with a sense of purpose. Act with a sense of urgency. Pretend as if the clock is going to strike midnight every minute. Get it going! Get it Done!

Jerry Kennedy and Joel Canfield are hosting an event on March 5th on this very topic.

In an economy where every new client, every new project can feel like a stay of execution instead of a new start, you need to see every opportunity, and seize it.

Learn More about The Time is Now 11:59

Do you need to make something happen in the next 90 days? Do you need to make something happen now? Are you ready to act with urgency?

Take a deep breathe. You can make it happen. You can attract your ideal clients!

I encourage you to get focused and lay out your next steps.

And for those in the Northern California area, attend The Time is Now 11:59.

http://www.thetimeisnow1159.com

Rick S. Cooper, MBA
The Attraction Marketing Expert

Follow me on Twitter:
http://www.Twitter.com/RickCooper

Moving from Action to Attraction

What's this attraction process all about? Is it magical? Is it supernatural? Well, there may be some of that. But, there's also a very practical element to the attraction process and it starts with taking action.

Most people take far too little action. They stumble and bumble, don't really do much to move them forward. If you want to be successful, then you need to take action.

What kind of action are we talking about? You need to go out and meet people, you need to network, you need to pick up the phone and call people, you need to send cards and letters, you need to send email, you need to join social networking sites and connect with people, and you need to communicate a clear and consistent message that attracts people to you.

If you want success, you need to take action!

If you're interesting in learning more about how to attract your ideal clients, I'd be happy to talk with you one-on-one. I offer a one-time FREE coaching session.

Click below for more details:

http://www.thepdapro.com/Coaching.asp

Barbara Beal Lopez October 15th Guest on Attracting Ideal Clients Show

Tune in on October 15th for Attracting Ideal Clients, aired on BlogTalkRadio. We'll be talking about how to craft an effective elevator pitch to attract clients.

Attracting Ideal Clients on BlogTalkRadio
How to Attract Clients With a Powerful Elevator Pitch
October 15th (Episode 22)
3pm Pacific / 5pm Central / 6pm Eastern

Special Guest: Barbara Beal-Lopez

Tune in on the 2nd Wednesday at 3pm Pacific Time:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thepdapro

Listen online (live or archived).

Click Here to Set a Reminder for the Show

Subscribe to the podcast - Click the link below or copy and paste link into iTunes:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/AttractingIdealClients

About our Guest:
Barbara Beal-Lopez

Barbara Beal-Lopez, The Elevator Pitch Coach with Brightfarm Productions, believes that everything in business STARTS with an introduction.  Before someone sees your website, your marketing materials and what you have to offer, there’s your Elevator Pitch – your verbal commercial you use on a daily basis.  Every business, no matter the industry, has something compelling and unique to offer, and Barbara enjoys nothing more than helping her clients introduce themselves with high impact.

Barbara has been a professional commercial writer for over five years, and has written video short commercials that have been used in e-mail marketing campaigns, websites, tradeshows and even television.  Barbara has developed a comprehensive Elevator Pitch Coaching program that assists business professionals with creating a professional elevator pitch, and teaches her program through private coaching sessions and workshops.

Learn more about Barbara at www.TheElevatorPitchCoach.com

Rick S. Cooper, MBA
The Sales Results Expert
Business & Technology Coach

Jill Lublin September 3rd Guest on Attracting Ideal Clients Talk Show

Tune in on September 3rd for Attracting Ideal Clients, aired on BlogTalkRadio. We'll be talking about how to get referrals, build your client base, and expand your business by making a name for yourself.

Attracting Ideal Clients on BlogTalkRadio
How to Get Referrals, Build your Client Base, and Expand your Business by Making a Name for Yourself
September 3rd (Episode 20)
3pm Pacific / 5pm Central / 6pm Eastern

Special Guest: Jill Lublin

Tune in every Wednesday at 3pm Pacific Time:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thepdapro

Listen online (live or archived) or call (646) 478-4558 and ask a question during the show.

Click Here to Set a Reminder for the Show

Subscribe to the podcast - Click the link below or copy and paste link into iTunes:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/AttractingIdealClients

About our Guest:
Jill Lublin, Author, Speaker and Founder of Promising Promotion 

Praised as a modern-day Dale Carnegie for how to be influential, Jill Lublin authored the bestselling book Get Noticed…Get Referrals:  Build Your Client Base and Your Business by Making a Name for Yourself (McGraw-Hill, June 2008).  She is also the coauthor of two other national bestselling books, Networking Magic which rose to #1 on the Barnes and Noble charts for three weeks, and Guerrilla Publicity, the PR bible.  Jill is the founder of GoodNews Media, Inc. and hosts the TV program, Messages of Hope, and the nationally syndicated radio show, Do the Dream. In addition she has created two audio programs, three DVD training videos, and a workbook.

Jill is a popular international speaker who teaches powerful publicity, networking, and how to be influential techniques. As the CEO of the strategic consulting firm, Promising Promotion, Jill has trained companies in innovative techniques to improve bottom line results. In the past twenty years, she has worked with ABC, NBC, CBS, and other national media, and knows what the media wants.

Jill has been featured in The New York Times, Women’s Day, Fortune Small Business, Inc, and Entrepreneur Magazine, and on ABC and NBC radio and TV national affiliates. 
Her website is:  www.JillLublin.com.

Rick S. Cooper, MBA
The Sales Results Expert
Business & Technology Coach

Matthew Best is Guest on August 6th Attracting Ideal Clients Talk Show

Tune in on August 6th for Attracting Ideal Clients, aired on BlogTalkRadio. We'll be talking about The Power of the Focused Entrepreneur.

Attracting Ideal Clients on BlogTalkRadio
The Power of the Focused Entrepreneur
August 6th (Episode 16)
3pm Pacific / 5pm Central / 6pm Eastern

Special Guest: Matthew Best

Tune in every Wednesday at 3pm Pacific Time:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thepdapro

Listen online (live or archived) or call (646) 478-4558 and ask a question during the show.

Click Here to Set a Reminder for the Show

Subscribe to the podcast - Click the link below or copy and paste link into iTunes:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/AttractingIdealClients

About our Guest:
Matthew Best, Founder and President of Best Solutions
Matthew Best is president of Best Solutions.  Matthew is an entrepreneurial coach who works with his clients to unleash their excellence.  He specializes in working with entrepreneurs and decision makers who have EADD, Entrepreneurial Attention Deficit Disorder, a term we created to describe what his clients were experiencing.  His main objective for his clients is to assist them in using EADD to their advantage to achieve excellent results.

Matthew is the co-author of the book Speaking of Success, along with several other authors including Ken Blanchard, Jack Canfield, and Steven Covey. 

Matthew is also a distance runner, having completed five marathons, including the New York City, Chicago, and Marine Corp. Marathons.  His sixth marathon will be the Hartford, CT marathon this October.  His ultimate goal is to complete a marathon in each state. 

Matthew’s website is www.somedayisland.com, where you can find out more information about his company and sign-up for his free weekly newsletter, “Passport for Success” which goes out every Monday morning with insight designed for entrepreneurs. 

Rick S. Cooper, MBA
The Sales Results Expert
Business & Technology Coach