Attracting Ideal Clients

Time for a Change – How to Improve your Blog

Make your blog more relevant and effective. Have you ever felt like your blog was ready for a facelift? What’s holding you back from making the change?

I recently decided to make some changes to my blog. I just felt like it wasn’t looking as good as it could.

How long did it take me to make the changes? About 10 minutes!

How did I do it? I used Typepad. I’ve had the opportunity to use Wordpress, Blogger and Typepad. While Wordpress sites look great, they’re not the easiest to change. And you might need help from a Wordpress developer to make the changes.

I haven’t used Blogger in years, but the interface seemed a little clunky to me. Maybe it’s changed since then.

On the other hand, Typepad is easy and flexible. It’s to blogging what Constant Contact is to email marketing: simple, flexible and cost effective.

If you feel like your blog is due for a change, then just do it. You can make a plan if you want, but it’s okay to just pick a new template and go with it. Change doesn’t have to be hard!

Rick Cooper
Sales & Marketing Success Coach

Seize your Social Media Opportunities Interview with Rick Cooper

Social media creates many opportunities to grow your business. I love the ability to build relationships in my home town and across the world.

Social networking is similar to networking at events. It's just faster and easier. It takes a little longer to develop good, strong relationships. But, it's nonethelesss possible to create outstanding, mutually beneficial relationships.

One of the relationships I have developed is with Social Media Expert Brian Adrian. Brian and I connected through Twitter. We initially connected by replying to messages we had posted publicly on Twitter. That led to a few direct messages and then email exchanges.

I will talk to Brian for the first time April 1st by phone as I'm being interviewed on his BlogTalkRadio Show. That is the power of social media!

One of the reasons that became possible is that I am very transparent on the internet. I put myself out there as an expert. I share information daily that helps create value for people. I am honest and sincere and I strive to do my best.

Share Information and Create Value

I follow a simple rule in marketing my business. I make my messages are 80% informational and 20% promotional. I look for ways to share information and create value and as an aside, I promote my business. I think you can be successful by being of service to other people. And I get a lot of positive feedback from people because of that.

What opportunities do you have to leverage social media?

Listen to the Interview: Seize your Social Media Opportunities

I invite you to listen to my interview with Brian Adrian. The topic is Seize your Social Media Opportunities. Click here for more details.

Permission Based Marketing through Free Offers

Seth Godin has literally written the book on Permission Marketing. I recommend any one of his books to learn how to apply a permission based marketing philosophy.

We live in an age when people marketed are marketed to constantly. So, what can you do to cut through the noise and create results? If you want to build a successful business, you need to ask for permission to market to people.

Traditional Advertising:
There are traditional forms of advertising which interrupt you, whether on radio, TV, or even in print media. Permission is assumed because people understand when they turn the radio station or TV channel, they will hear or see commercials at some point.

Email Marketing:
One of the most powerful tools to create leverage in your business is through email marketing. We're not talking about spam. We're talking about legitimate opt-in requests. I use a double opt-in process for added verification. I would rather err on the conservative side.

People may still perceive your messages as spam and block you. But, ultimately, they gave you permission to send them messages. Pay attention to how many messages you send and make the content valuable.

Comply with the Can Spam Act (in the U.S.) and make sure that people who subscribe to your email list have the option to unsubscribe at any time.

Publicity:
Publicity is one of the most effective forms of communication because it is typically not perceived as advertising. You must be prepared to lose control of the message though. There is value in telling compelling stories and simply being visible in the media eye. It creates interest and attracts people.

There is a learning curve to become expert at communicating with the media and creating value for consumers. But, it's worth the effort.

Build Relationships with a Diverse Community of People

Social Media:
The internet has created many opportunities to reach consumers with your message. While many companies use banner advertisements and pay per click ads, there are many tools to reach people through social media. Blogs are a great tool to demonstrate expertise in a specific area and communicate value. You can build a loyal readership and use opt-in offers for permission based email offers.

Social media sites including Twitter and Facebook allow the opportunity to build relationships with a diverse community of people including your ideal clients. Social media environments create an ongoing conversation and dialogue that everyone can tap into by exchanging information.

Free Offers:
So, how can you use the internet to grow your client base? I recommend the 80/20 Rule. Always seek to make your communications 80% informational and only 20% promotional. If in doubt, provide more information and less promotion.

Focus on building relationships. Think of people first and then about your specific goals and objectives. Social media is self-regulating. Spammers are quickly outed and banned from sites. Make sure that you obey the rules of the site and are considerate of other members.

People are willing to provide their contact information in exchange for information they need. Just be sure to follow through on your commitments and deliver what is promised.

As for what to makes a compelling free offer, that's the subject of another post.

Attraction marketing starts with offering information and resources that are valuable for your ideal clients. Strive to create value for others and your business will grow!

Want to learn how to leverage social media to grow your business? Attend our free webinar on Secrets to use Twitter to Grow your Business.

Do People REALLY Care What You Twitter About?

Social media is all the rage. Everyone is connecting and networking online. And Twitter illustrates the unique nature of social networking, that millions of people are simultaneously twittering to the masses.

This humorous if not biting commentary on Twitter demonstrates how silly the whole process is. Yet, you can't deny the value of being able to develop contacts across the globe. It's a good reminder, though, of the importance of taking online relationships offline. Conversations create opportunities.

Twitter is addictive!

I have found new clients and booked interviews through Twitter. Yet, at times, it does feel a lot like shouting into the Twittersphere. And, yes, Twitter is addictive. If you're not twittering yet, you can start by following me.

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

Watch this short 5 minute video, "Twouble with Twitter", and make up your own mind.

"Twouble with Twitter" sous-titré
Uploaded by LePostfr

Develop a Social Media Marketing Program

Are you wondering how to leverage social media in your marketing efforts? Do you currently just wander from site to site adding a little value here and a little value there? It's time to develop a Social Media Marketing Program.

Lee Odden posted on Blog Business Consulting compares and contrasts a traditional direct mail campaign against a social media marketing program. Lee says,

"With social media marketing, there is an assumption that there is already involvement with the social communities involved - profile(s), network of friends, content submission, voting and participation. That’s the big mistake most marketers make when trying to promote products and services on the social web. They’ll create an account on a social media site, put up some content and expect the social media world to be their oyster without having built a network first."

Leverage Social Media in Your Business!

Lee offers 11 specific strategies to include in your social media marketing program. For example, he writes, "Reach out to influentials on a one to one basis, recognizing them for sharing their opinion, explaining the offer and your goals - ask them to join in in spreading the good word. Explain what’s in it for them and what’s in it for the community."

What can you do to leverage social media in your business? What can you do to create more value for your network. Take a step back and develop a social media marketing program.

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

Attraction Marketing Tips - New Blog Series

Would you like to attract more of your ideal clients? Great! I'm going to share a series of Attraction Marketing Tips with you. I'll be posting a new tip each week.

I need your feedback! Let me know what Attraction Marketing topics you would like me to cover.

Share your Feedback:

• Post a comment on this blog
• Send an @Reply or Direct Message on Twitter
• Send a message on Facebook
• Send me an email message at blog(at)ThePDApro.com

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

Connect on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=604896659

Thanks! I look forward to hearing from you!

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

Blogs Attract Clients!

Are you looking for a strategy to attract clients? Consider creating a blog. Blogs attract clients!

I have been blogging for over three years. I have enjoyed the opportunity to share information and it's provided a great way for people to get to know me.

Rick Cooper - Blogs:

Attracting Ideal Clients:
http://www.attractingidealclients.com

The PDA Pro Blog:
http://www.thepdaproblog.com

I have started a few other blogs that didn't really go anywhere. You have to be passionate about the topic and have a lot of new ideas to keep posting.

You Have To Be Passionate About The Topic!

If you have thought about starting a blog, don't miss out on my interview with Social Media Expert Jerry Hart on Attracting Ideal Clients on Wednesday, January 14th.

Click here for more details

Jerry has a free resource on his website.

5 Steps to Explode Online Profits

Get it right now. It's a great place to start.

Facts and Stats on Twitter as a Social Network

One of my favorite Social Networking sites in Twitter. One of the reasons I like it is that communication is limited to 140 characters per message. It forces you to be brief.

One of the other advantages to Twitter is that unlike most other sites, people "follow" you rather than connecting with you. If you are interesting and have something to offer, you can grow your network quickly.

I joined Twitter in July 2008. I set a goal of having 100 followers by the end of the month and 1,000 followers by the end of 2008. And I'm happy to report that as of Dec. 29th, I have 1,058 followers!

Click Here to Follow Me

What does that mean? How does that benefit me as an entrepreneur? Twitter gives you the capability to communicate individually and in mass. I can post a message that could be read by any of my followers, or anyone else who visits my page.

Use Twitter to Drive Traffic to your Website or Blog

There have been times that I mentioned a free resource or an event and seen traffic to my website or blog from Twitter. It's been a powerful way to quickly get the message out. It's much more immediate than email. And you don't have to worry about a spam filter.

You can also communicate through direct messages or replying (@Replies) to a message which can be viewed by anyone else.

Jeremiah Owyang shared some statistics compiled by HP Labs on how people are using Twitter. On average, most had 85 followers and 80 friends. Most users have a smaller inner circle they communicate with. And, most people tweet once per day. For more details on the report, click here.

Blogging Tips from Havi Brooks

Destuckification Expert Havi Brooks has written a whole series of posts on Blogging Therapy. She offers some great suggestions on how to overcome writer's block.

Her breezy style of writing grabs your attention and pulls you in. Havi is a master of attraction!