Why One Needs To Fail

Ok, I got admit I'm failing at this blogging thing. Before I know it , months have gone by and I have not posted. What's up with that? Well, I think it all comes down to trying to do too much. I'm on Facebook, Linked-In, Twitter and juggling all the work for clients. It is time to take my own advice, learn what works and focus. What I've learned is that for my consulting business, one to one personal networking is the key to attracting new clients. I've been incredibly busy connecting with new people and thoroughly enjoying the personal interaction. What works for your business? Don't be afraid to try new ideas. When you find what works, focus, focus, focus and the results will happen.

I really liked this short article by Peter Bregman. "We spend a lot of time and energy at work trying not to fail. However, most people describe their failures as an important part of learning and growing. Adapt a growth mindset and accept that failure is part of the process of skill development. People with a growth mindset feel smart when they're learning, not just when they're succeeding. Don't limit yourself to doing things that you know you can do — you won't grow that way. Instead, try things that are above your ability, set high goals that you aren't sure you can reach. You might surprise yourself and succeed — and if you don't, you'll learn something new. "

Learn, Grow and Don't Be Afraid to Fail.

Support Adult Literacy Awareness Month

September is Adult Literacy Awareness Month and I encourage everyone to check out their website http://www.litcouncil.com/ . The mission of the Literacy Council is to improve adult basic education and English language skills through one-on-one and small group instruction provided by trained volunteers to help each individual reach their full potential as individuals, parents, workers, and citizens.

Sara Gruen, Author of "Water for Elephants" was the honored speaker for the Authors for Literacy Dinner & Silent Auction this past Friday, August 28, 2009, at DoubleTree Biltmore Hotel, Asheville. It was a wonderful evening and they raised over $25,000.

Did you know that in North Carolina:
948, 953 age 18 and above are lacking a high school diploma
486, 404 age 18 and above speak a language other than English at home

In Buncombe County alone:
8,727 adults have less than nine years of education
21, 611 have nine or more years of education, but do not have a high school diploma
9,321 age 18 above speak a language other than English at home

Literacy is a tale of human transformation.Be part of the story.

Be Brave!

Times are different, that's for sure. As I interact with business owners throughout the community, the one constant I see amongst those doing well is that they started making changes months ago. They saw what the economy was doing to people's wallets and proactively started to think of new ways to smartly reduce costs, attract new leads and retain current customers. They didn't wait "until things got better". They moved ahead quickly. It is not too late for your business but don't hestiate a minute longer.

I'm cautiously optimistic for the next 12 months and can confidently say people will not go back to their free spending ways for at least 5 to 10 years. For those of you old enough, remember when we waited on long lines for gas back in the mid-70's and said we would never buy gas guslers again. Well, we humans forget and SUVs became the big rage and hear we are again with most people driving gas sucking cars!

People are slowing prying the "green backs" from their pocketbooks but are being incredibly choosy who they spend it with. There is no more tolerance for poor service, poor product quality, indifferent sales people, dirty buying environments or rudeness over the phone. They will kiss you goodbye and never come back. Don't let that happen.

Be brave, look at everything and make changes now.

Busy is one thing, Being Productive is so much better.

Here we go again. It has been a month since I blogged. Anyway, I've been "productive" planning an open house for one of my clients, Deltec Homes. They are having a Grand Opening celebration of their new, round, energy efficient, 3800 sq. ft. model in Mars Hill, NC on Sun. June 28, 1-5pm and Mon. 29, 10-4 with the ribbon cutting at noon. Tour the model, visit exhibitor booths, talk to green experts and attend educational seminars. As you can see, they is alot planned and so many details to do. I hope you will stop by and say hi. Take I-26 to Exit 9 and follow signs.

FYI- The Power of the Purse luncheon yesterday was awesome. The featured speaker, Anna Quindlen, columnist and author, was excellent. There were over 800 people there. Link here to read about the event in the Asheville Citizen Times.

It's Been Too Long

I can't believe how long it's been since I wrote on my blog. Frankly, it's embarrassing. How many other bloggers out there are like cobblers with no shoes? I've been busy writing and managing blogs and enewsletters for clients, keeping up with facebook, linkedin, twitter , doing media buys, print ads, TV commercials and everything else that needs to get done.

So, here are some words of wisdom I want to stress especially now. If you are spending on marketing, you've got it all wrong. It is all about investing in customer acquisition, nurturing, retaining, upgrading and multiplying of customers as assets. Without customers, every business will have a "Business Closed" sign on the door. Don't let that be you. Invest in marketing WISELY. Don't throw dollars at any media or online effort. Be smart and direct your dollars in those vehicles, online or offline, that have the highest concentration of people most likely to buy your product or service.

Think of it as a dart board and invest all your marketing dollars in the bullseye only. Be strong amongst a fewer specific, targeted group and that includes your current customers and potential prospects.

SEO, Blogging, Social Networks All Working Together

I frequently hear the question "what is all this social networking about and how can it possibly help my business?". Well, check out this awesome site that clearly explains the confusing world of SEO,blogging and social networks for business success and how all 3 of these online marketing tools work together to drive traffic to your site and get you noticed everywhere. Check out the marketing webinars at http://www.hubspot.com. They are well worth the time.

Form Partnerships With Others

The ground is covered in a blanket of white snow, the sun is shining and it is beautiful but freezing outside. It reminds of these times. There is so much positive outlook one can have. Appreciate all the things that matter and are truly important. Don't focus on the freezing temperatures, dress warm and go out and enjoy the beauty nature has delivered to your doorstep.

We are all working harder than ever to make sales happen for our businesses and our clients. Keep forging ahead, learn new things and stay connected to others. Get into social networks such at LinkedIn and Facebook. Brainstorm with others on new products or services or ways of doing business differently. This is the time to be creative and form partnerships with others who you respect.