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Published by Living the Dream Magazines, 2022-07-06 14:37:49

Living the Dream July August 2022

Premier publication for small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Keywords: business,grow business,entrepreneuers

Living the Dream Stephanie Treasure…
Magazine
The POWER
of Collaborations

MOTIVATED & INSPIRED
with MarVeena Meek
Are You a Writer?
Asks James Golihar

July August 2022

If you want to conquer fear,
don’t sit home and think
about it.

Go out and get busy!

Dale Carnegie



Thanks to all the fantastic, knowledgeable and PUBLISHER
engaging contributing writers. Melinda Cooper
MANAGING EDITOR
Denise Banks • Melinda Cooper • James Golihar Robin Roberson
MarVeena Meek • Michele Mere • Robin Roberson MARKETING
Debbie Saviano • Scott Schilling • Stephanie Treasure Living the Dream Business
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Roberson Squared

PHOTOGRAPHY
Pixabay
Google

ON THE COVER:
Stephanie Treasure, Online

Marketing Strategist &
Go-To-Partner-in-Success

Build Your Business
Faster

150with

Fresh Leads

Join Us Now!

Leads4U

IN THIS ISSUE

Features
12

Business Mindset
18

Business Prep
27

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REGISTRATION ON OR USE OF THE MAGAZINE
CONSTITUTES ACCEPTANCE OF THE LIVING THE DREAM MAGAZINE’S USER
AGREEMENT AND PRIVACY POLICY. THE MATERIALS ON THIS SITE MAY NOT
BE REPRODUCED, DISTRIBUTED, TRANSMITTED, CACHED OR OTHERWISE
USED, EXCEPT WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM LIVING THE
DREAM MAGAZINE.

LTDB BizMarketing SMARTER FRAMEWORK Target critical areas of strategic development
to best position your business for greater
SUCCESS!

• Defining a niche
• claiming your authority
• building lead magnets
• laser messaging
• email sequencing
• Developing lists to nurture

your best audience(s).

PROGRAM ELEMENTS

Strategically set up lead generators to keep your business working 24/7 while
reducing your overall level of effort (i.e., more time for you to do other things).

Optimize your marketing operations using technology and services already in the
public domain (e.g., software automation, scheduled workflows, etc.).

Follow ‘Step-by-Step’ procedures to refine/enhance your best business to match
your best audience.

Expand your visibility and presence within industry and online using search
engine optimization (SEO) techniques.

Grow your pipeline and opportunities, turn your prospects into customers, and
then into Referrals.

Weekly coach-guided, small group calls with LTDB CEO, and course
coach, Melinda Cooper.

24/7 individual Web-Portal access to all course materials. LTDB Membership,
which includes access to social media and email campaign templates, forms, and
other "freemiums."

INTERESTED IN LTDB BIZMARKETING’S THE SMARTER FRAMEWork

DETAILS: ltdbsmarterframework.com

Can Anyone Start a Business?

By Melinda Cooper

Your first immediate answer to this written with the intention of providing
question is probably immediately some light on businesses,
YES! Then I guess the bigger question entrepreneurs and growing small
is can anyone grow and maintain a businesses.
home business?
My answer to the question
Then what is it that differentiates is an immediate “YES”
between the successful business everyone can start a
owners and the failures? I’m hoping I business! It doesn’t matter
can give you a quick insight of where you are from or
qualities that bring about the your level of education.
differentiate. Unfortunately, not every
I know you may have a different view new business will
from mine. However, let me first tell maintain and grow a
you that just like a candle lights up a business. This is where
room, this article was many people fail.

What do you need to
maintain a business? It
begins with a great idea, solving a
specific problem, creating a plan of
action, a strategy to take action and
start making things happen.

I spoke with many coaches, clients,
and close friends of what they believe
makes the difference between success
inside your business or closing the
doors of your business. These are the

8

qualities that may help to keep your college. Others were competitive in
business alive and grow as you dream wanting to make good grades, earn the
it to be. respect of their parents and teachers
and achieve their goals.
These qualities that will help you to 4. Successful business owners are
keep your business alive, growing, and
could easily become the dream risk-takers who trust their hunches
business you and your family deserve. and act on them.
Taking risks can be small first steps,
1. You have to believe that you are like placing your first ad on different
capable of solving a big problem platforms.
for other people. 5. Smart business owner knows to be
careful about money while working
Keep thinking of new ideas and new to avoid the “shiny object”
ways to improve your business and syndrome.
expand on the business. Be fearless These entrepreneurs know how the
when it comes to putting these ideas to
use and following your passion. business budget is spent. Take time to
do the research to keep their budget to
2. Have patience build their business.
knowing Rome In general, successful business owners
was not built in one have high energy; feel self-confident,
night. Be willing set short and long-term goals, and view
to know what is money and financial security a
working and not
working in your
business.

Most business

entrepreneurs earned

money when they

were teenagers— babysitting, mowing

lawns, delivering newspapers, sacking

groceries etc.

3. Business people are competitive by
nature. Entrepreneurs cannot help
wanting to win or be successful.

Many were active in sports and other
competitions in high school and

9

measure of accomplishment and peace responsibility and use all available
of mind. resources to achieve success.
Successful business owners compete
Recognize as you think how many of only with themselves and believe that
these qualities you actually have, that success or failure lies within their
you may already be taking them for personal control or influence.
granted. You are an entrepreneur!
Your next step is to simply decide how Yes, anyone can open a business! The
far you want to take your business and Wild West of the Internet gives each of
continue to grow. us an open path to our greatest dreams.
It is what comes from deep withing
Being an entrepreneur takes your that pushes us to keep moving forward
willingness to be persistent in problem and grow not only for today yet for
solving, take risks, while learning many years to come. Today is a great
through failures (or new ways that day to start Living Your Dreams rather
didn’t work). Be willing to take the than waiting to make them happen.
initiative, accept personal

Melinda Cooper, author, speaker, coach and
publisher of Living the Dream Magazine.
www.livingthedreambusiness.com

10



How Creativity Rules the World

By Debbie Saviano

How Creativity Rules the World by Maria Brito is a breath of fresh air in that
she reminds us – to do away with preconceived misconceptions about
Creativity!
Maria shares her own story of leaving a very successful law career to pursue a
life of Entrepreneurship – and demonstrates we all have choices for this
one Walk of Life.
Thanks to her book We All CAN Be Creative!

12

HIGHLIGHTS

1. Ms. Brito brings to mind the intense need to Be Seen & Heard and Creativity
plays an immense role. Stand OUT by being Creative!

2. Ms. Brito along with an immense number of artists and a few entrepreneurs
convey beautifully the background and process of their Creativity. These
narratives, illustrate WHY Creativity is possible for all.

3. Creativity is like any other Skill – it takes time – development of habits -
attitudes and ACTION – Yes, Creativity CAN Be LEARNED!

4. How Creativity Rules the World is about Art & Business and is divided into
four parts 1) The Intersection of Creativity, Art, and Business 2) Habits Of the
Mind 3) Tools Of the Trade 4) The Way Forward.

5. Part 1 focuses on WHY Creativity is Crucial and the reality that EVERYONE
can participate, and she dispels the 7 Myths and leaves us with 3 Suggestions on
taking the first steps to creativity.

6. Part 11 is an exercise in accepting and honoring Authenticity through
personal stories of herself, artists, and entrepreneurs that have laid the
foundation for what is possible. These “problem solvers” seek out the right
questions.

7. Part 111 is the Cornerstone as the reader is provided a multitude of “Tools of
the Trade” with examples of how we can think differently. Five Why’s on pages
156-157 break the whole into parts with 3 simple yet profound results.

8. Part IV is “The Way Forward” and none better than the "Alchemy Labs" at the
end of each Chapter. These specific ideas are Ms. Brito’s desire to share the gold
– to provide easy-to-follow ideas for transformation; all of which we can follow to
indeed be Creative!

9. The reader is challenged to pay close attention and to ASK, “What are the
things in my industry that have changed and start looking for the invisible –

13

things no one else has seen – then connect the dots”!
10. In closing, Ms. Brito revisits the WHY & HOW behind her own journey and
how her Grandfather Enrique became and continues to be her Muse and creative
Alchemist!
AUTHOR’S INTENT (in my humble opinion) Maria Brito shares so many insights
with her stories and none more so than at the beginning of her grandfather’s
kidnapping. In doing so, she reminds us that the greatest inventions happen after
a big crisis. There are increased levels of creativity in people who face crises and
adversity. Needless to say, we’ve all experienced that for the past two years.
ACTION STEP
At the end of each chapter – the "Alchemy Lab" provides actual activities | action
steps | strategies and techniques to embrace. When reading the book, take notes |
highlight | add sticky notes and identify which of the Alchemy Lab suggestions
speak directly to you. Do It while you are reading!
Thank you for joining me on the adventure, here on Books In Bites and I would
love to hear your thoughts. Did I deliver enough to make you interested in How
Creativity Rules The World?
I highly recommend How Creativity Rules the World and you can grab your own
copy at https://www.mariabrito.com/book - (no affiliate – just sharing)

Debbie Saviano, SOCIAL ADVOCATE | SPEAKER • Showing Others How to Use LinkedIn &
Social to Share Solutions | How To Be Seen & Heard on Social | "Books In Bites" Newsletter |

LinkedIn LIVE • "Let's Talk" with Debbie Saviano
Subscribe to Book In Bites on Debbie Saviano/LinkedIn

14



Is Your Business Succeeding? You Need Entrepreneur Education!

By Robin Roberson

I assume you are reading this because Below I make some comparisons of
you are frustrated with the results so far valuable vs useless education, try your
in your business. You are not alone! luck at determining which is which.
Have you heard the statistics on how
long most businesses survive? In ▪ An MBA from Harvard business
network marketing 97% fail! 70% of school or a $5,000 sales seminar
businesses you see in your hometown or with a self-made millionaire
on the internet will be out of business in internet marketer?
less than 5 years!!
▪ Being mentored by your aunt June
You had better get educated right!? who makes 6 figures at her high
Whoa, watch it; you must know where to powered job as a marketing
get practical education to get you on the executive or Allison down the
road to success. What you actually need street who has her own business
is valuable entrepreneur education. in town for the last 15 years and
takes off ½ the year to travel for
fun?

▪ Spending an afternoon listening to
an audio learning the benefits of
your product or an audio on how
to identify and solve the problem
of prospective clients?

You may hold a master’s degree or even
a PhD. Are you educated for success? I
guess it depends on who you are talking
to. If you are working toward success as
an entrepreneur, the answer is no!

16

Sorry, but it is pretty rare for someone I believe most business owners will
who has been educated in a traditional choose to learn more about their product.
university program to have a real-world- This can be massage, vitamin packed
skills to make it in their own business. juice or jewelry-almost any product fits
Ouch! That is not popular, nor is it easy here. Watch out! Of course, it is important
to hear. Well, it is absolutely true. The to be knowledgeable about your product;
self-made millionaire often is a much but when your business is failing,
better-quality option. Personally, I have learning more about what you sell won't
gotten more out of a 3-day seminar on fix the problem! You must educate
marketing than in years of formal yourself how to create demand for your
education. The millionaire seminar product! Being or having the best in your
speaker has navigated the obstacle industry means nothing if you don't have
course of raw experience. Often the customers!
professors in universities live in the ivory
tower of a secure paycheck and tenure. OK, what if you don't know where to find
Usually they haven't experienced the entrepreneur education. Start with the
‘school of hard knocks’ an entrepreneur tried and true. There are many great
has! gurus out there who teach timeless skills
for being a successful entrepreneur. A
Who you learn from makes all the few that have really helped me turn the
difference in the world. In the above corner to success are: Mark Victor
scenario with your aunt June, it may Hansen, Brian Tracy, T. Harv Ecker,
appear on the surface your aunt would be Scott Schilling and Debbie Sardone.
the better mentor. Careful here! If she
does not work on commission, most likely When your surround yourself with
she has not had to test her knowledge in leading entrepreneurs like the ones
the real world. She probably will give you above your life begins to change. There
theory that has never been tested in the is a saying; "You are the sum total of the
real world. Allison on the other hand will 5 people you spend the most time with".
have all kinds of advice that she has tried Immersing yourself with these guys and
and tested until she got results. Allison others like them will shift your life. Are
has a pretty nice quality of life and has you ready for change? It sure is
wonderful on the other side!
persevered through challenging times.

Robin Roberson, business strategist, speaker and digital publisher.
Sizzle Strategies to Build, Brand, Buzz.
www.hometowntellico.com

17

Motivated and Inspired

By MarVeena Meek

Staying motivated and inspired is something that I have to work at. A long time ago my
apprentice coach told me I was one of the most creative people that he knew.
This statement completely flabbergasted me at the time, for many reasons.
I thought he was one of the most artistic and creative people that I have ever known. So, it was
a compliment but hard for me to accept

18

Some of the things about artistry, inspiration and creativity that I learned from him were to
keep a schedule rather than whether you really were feeling it or not. Another thing I learned is
to do affirmations that you are creative regularly. Even if you are not feeling it, by affirming
this, you pull more inspired ideas to you.

I did not adhere to all of his plans but some I took and made my own. One thing he did was fast
on Monday of every week. I don't fast unless I am sick, but I wanted to share that part of his
routine.

Another thing I was taught was to have a day for art every week. His art day was Tuesday, so I
made mine Tuesday as well. Creating art is a lot more than just getting out your paint and
working on a canvas.

So, planning a piece of art, designing it, researching it, sketching it, dabbling with different color
schemes, dabbling with different compositions. All of these things were done on his art day. If
he is not feeling creative, he will organize his art room and supplies, and read about art that
inspires him on that day. On my art day, I didn't make the whole day about art, but I did make
4-5 hours about it.

By using this process, I have created several pieces of art that I love and would have never
thought I could create.

I kept all of my design ideas in a notebook. Another thing I added to this notebook were
pictures that I loved. This way I could study the compositions and layout and play around with
these in my own style.

Here are a few things that I do on a regular basis to stay inspired, motivated and creative.

I keep notes on my calendar as ideas come up. Sometimes on my phone too. As I find pieces
that speak to me, like a Facebook meme, an Instagram post, pic or video. I save it or examine it
for what it means to me!

There are several tools I use to do my thing, I will upload pictures and even if I don't know
where I want to go with a story, lesson plan, video idea, event idea. I will brainstorm in the
different tools the ideas that come to me.

The different tools I use are Canva, WordPress, YouTube, Facebook & iPhone.

19

Regular meditation helps all of us tap our higher selves, and our connection to creation and the
God/Goddess Stream of life. We can pull down so much through this free
avenue. Well worth our time and it pays off in multiple avenues. Better health for one thing,
ongoing creativity towards our projects for another. Plus, ways we can stay in our soul mission.

Tapping into our higher self/ God/Goddess self gives us access to unlimited energy, resources,
and illumination. Meditation helps us fully oxygenate our brain, getting the left brain and right
brain cross talking is a powerful way of stimulating ideas and helping us get to the bones of how
to get a creative idea into form.

Once we light upon some things that we want to create and have experience with, our
enthusiasm will emit its own frequency that will send out feelers to our community to find
other people that can help you out with this goal.

If we add daily practices of creative visualization to our meditation practice, we double down
every day on this vision. Be mindful to acknowledge the Universe's little sign that we are getting
the word out by acknowledging when we see a sign.

For instance one of my goals now is to make my fishpond much larger.
As I imagine my goal of a large fishpond, I play around in my mind with ideas to enhance it and
make it fun and beautiful. The Universe might send me an ad on Facebook for a company in my
area that does ponds.

Maybe I will be talking to a friend, and they will mention something about how they managed
to build their dream pond. I might look on Facebook marketplace out of the blue and see
someone selling out their business that includes pond pumps, liners and other things that make
a pond.

To bring my dream pond to fruition, I have to follow up, make calls, say yes, investigate, do my
drawings, share my ideas, and keep making plans.

All of these things help me make my idea of a dream pond into a reality.

Other things that help me stay inspired are having several people in the pond business or fish
that have regular videos or blog posts on these topics.

I stay motivated and start gathering concrete ideas, deeper knowledge about my process as I
read and listen to others that have created things similar to my project.

20

Another thing that helps me stay motivated is to go over the things that have been big wins for
me. Reminding myself that I have had big dreams before and brought them from an idea to
realization.

This helps me keep confidence and energy high. I read inspirational type books every day.
Maybe not a long time but at least a chapter. These help feed me and nourish my psyche.

Other things that I get nourishment from are my animals, my garden, and doing daily nature
walks.

Keep a dream journal and draw your goals. I use color pens and markers to draw out my
garden, pond, art ideas, and fences.

My apprentice teacher would make very elaborate plans about his garden and art goals.

He is a Master Artist, his works are really inspirational and gorgeous. He doesn't do art on a
whim; his art is very well thought out and designed.
Very intently art pieces that are amazing. His doodle art is amazing. But he always thinks of
himself as an artist.

My top tips for staying motivated:
Meditate
Practice Creative Visualization
Read other creative peoples books, blogs, etc..
Draw your ideas, sketch, somehow get a rough draft of ideas
Use regular affirmations that affirm your goals and long term dream.
Research other creative types, follow their stories, Facebook pages, YouTube videos, Instagram
Stories
Take classes, ongoing education is a key to creative success.
Ask Angels, Illuminated Master or guidance for ideas and connections.

In general, the more that you can begin to think of yourself as creative and inspired, you pull
down more ideas. We have to be very brave and put ourselves out in the world, with our ideas.

MarVeena Meek, Psychic Medium
www.marveena.com

21

NEXT LEVEL MINDSET

By Denise Banks

What is an entrepreneurial mindset?

There are many different traits of a successful entrepreneur. I’ve had to opportunity to interview
successful entrepreneurs and angel investors, and the one thing I found is that they all share a
set of values and beliefs that certainly contribute to their success, with mindset being the
greatest of them all.

Entrepreneurial mindset: a way of thinking that enables you to overcome challenges, be decisive,
and accept responsibility for your outcomes. It is a constant need to improve your skills, learn
from your mistakes, and take continuous action on your ideas. Anyone willing to do the work can
develop an entrepreneurial mindset.

Let’s take a deeper dive and discuss how to develop an entrepreneur’s mindset. Given how easy
it is to start a new business in the US, it should come as no surprise that there are millions of
entrepreneurs launching new ventures there every single year. According to the latest
entrepreneurship stats, nearly 5.4 million new businesses were registered in 2021 (Census.gov,
2022). Not only is this a 23 percent year-over-year increase, but it is also the highest number of
young establishments there’s ever been in a single calendar year in more than 15 years. The

latest entrepreneurial statistics show that
in the past decade, as many as two million
new businesses were launched in the
United States. Of them, minority-owned
companies make up more than half (SBC,
2020). That said, there is no doubt you can
start a business, however let’s examine
what the main difference in those
entrepreneurs who thrive, especially doing
a pandemic and those who fold? Most
would say “MINDSET”.

22

Although there are many characteristics and traits of a successful entrepreneurs, I wanted to
share my top 3.

NUMBER 1. POSITIVE AND PROACTIVE MINDSET:

This entrepreneurial mindset comes from Positive thinking, or an optimistic attitude, is the
practice of focusing on the good in any given situation. It can have a big impact on your physical
and mental health. Positive thinkers are optimistic, they have a desire, and a willingness to make
an effort and do things proactively instead of being reactive, wary or unsure of themselves. These
entrepreneurs also have resilience and a mindset of gratitude. Being thankful for all you have
right now as though you are living life in full abundance. When you are grateful, more great things
come to you.

NUMBER 2. CLARITY:

This entrepreneurial mindset comes from mental clarity. Mental clarity is a state of mind in which
you are more focused, and your perception is clear. With mental clarity, you are able to
recognize, understand, and organize your thoughts. When your brain is foggy and you’re riddled
with indecision, it’s hard to make choices that get you to where you want to be. Your inner
monologue might feel overwhelming to the point where you can’t finish a thought, let alone
anything on your to-do list. Clarity helps you identify your why, what, when, where, and how.
Clarity allows you to come into alignment with the vision for which you desire to manifest.

NUMBER 3. SELF ACCOUNTABILITY:

This entrepreneurial mindset comes from taking responsibility for your actions and outcomes.
Successful entrepreneurs understand that accountability is not about what anyone else did or
didn’t do. Self-accountability is all about you. It’s looking at a situation or circumstance and
asking yourself; how could I have made this situation better, without blaming anyone else. There
are no more excuses. Accountability is required of entrepreneurs as well as successful employees.
Stop passing the buck and blaming others. Self- accountability is the ability to hold yourself
accountable – even when you aren’t to blame – and take action to fix the problem. The self-
accountability entrepreneurial mindset requires you to take complete control and hold yourself
accountable to your outcomes – both good and bad. My husband Brian has always lived buy the
philosophy that you are responsible for 99% of what happens to you, it’s not about what
happens, it’s about your response to what happened.

Denise Banks
Founder Women Building Wealth Globally and Gladiator Professional Development

www.womenbuildingwealthglobally.com

23

The Power of Collaborations for Reach, Growth and Visibility

By Stephanie Treasure, MBA

Together everyone achieves more (TEAM). You may have heard that before. It’s true,
working as a team on a project, merging two businesses, pooling funds to make a
purchase and save money (think: co-ops), it all makes sense. However, what is really
working right now for business owners is joining forces with other business owners to
achieve more. I’m talking about collaborations. In the online business world, this means
partnering with or engaging other business owners usually in some kind of virtual event
or content. The end result or idea is to bring content, an experience or even a program
or digital product to the end user that shares value or information from two or more
experts.

What I will do in this article is share the types of collaborations and then share why these
strategies are not only a win/win for all involved but also so powerful that it should be a
mainstay for online business owners.

Summits

The online summit model is where a host or conceptor of the idea invites several experts
or colleagues to collaborate and share their expertise as it relates to an umbrella
theme. The theme is decided by the host and the information presented in the event can
be interview or panel style discussions recorded via video or audio-only. Or the
information presented can be done in a solo video or audio by the expert. This can be a
free or paid virtual event and all proceeds or subscribers usually go to the host. On the
back end of the summit model, that is once persons opt-in or pay for general admission,
the subscribers have an opportunity to access offers (free or paid) by the experts. The
main idea from the host and expert standpoint is that both parties benefit from new leads

24

generated from the event. The former from the main landing page and the latter from
their free offer during the virtual event.

Giveaways

The giveaway event model is where several businesses owners, partner to bring an array
of free offers to the subscribers. Again, it’s spearheaded by the host or conceptor who
bears all the costs and organization of the marketing collateral. Thus, that person gains
all the subscribers on the front end of the giveaway model. However, once the users opt-
in from the main landing page or event page, they have an option to register for a host of
resources being presented by other business owners and experts. All parties (host and
experts) are responsible for the promotion of the event to their respective email lists and
social media following.

Anthologies

The anthology model brings together several people to collectively write a book. The
book usually has a main theme under which each author or contributor will share their
story or chapter. Then everything is compiled and sold as one book with several authors
(or collaborators). The host or conceptor bears the responsibility of publishing the book
or paying for editing and all publishing costs. However, this is offset usually by taking a
fee from each author or contributor to be a part of the project. Some promotion
responsibility belongs to the authors. However, the host or conceptor of the idea bears
the costs and takes responsibility for promotion including publicity.

Those are three main types of collaboration models being widely used in the online
business space. However, others include but are not limited to compilation blog posts
and even PDF guides or e-books, multi-host webinars or masterclasses and multi-host
paid workshops and programs.

Key Advantages of Collaborations

Audience growth

Collaborations are a great way to grow your reach. The key feature of the warm lead
exchange lends to this. Each member or participation in a collaboration promotes to their

25

own community thereby giving all the other members exposure to new leads that they
would not otherwise have come in contact with. The host and contributors of
collaborations have the potential to grow their lists by 100’s and 1000’s of new targeted
leads from any one event or collaboration depending on the size of the event and the
respective following of each member.

Influence and authority builder

When you share the stage with other influencers, leaders and experts in an industry, you
share their authority status as well. Look at the Movie, The

Secret, each expert featured as well as the author herself gained heightened popularity
and influence from the experience. It’s a great way to raise awareness of your brand and
authority status.

If you’ve been paying attention or following influencers in your industry, you most likely
have become keenly aware of the popularity of collaborations recently. However, the
concept is tried and true for decades across various business models. It makes good
business sense and there’s a benefit to the end user, attendee, subscriber or participant.
They are able to get access to several key resources and information from one main
[virtual] entry point or through one main event. Business owners are able to reach their
audience in large numbers via one event or forum. Buyers and sellers coming together
both seeking each other under one umbrella or in one virtual marketplace is a
win/win/win for all parties involved.

Stephanie Treasure is a Business Mentor and
International Speaker who helps women build strong
businesses, realizing their income and lifestyle goals.

www.stephanietreasure.com

26

Grow your business with three easy steps!

By Scott Schilling

Many entrepreneurs and small business owners today are looking for the magic bullet to help
them grow their business. The reality is, in most cases, there is no such thing as a magic bullet.
There are however, proven, tried and true, techniques and strategies that can help virtually any
business grow their business with little or no effort.

It all starts working from three foundational principles which are WIIFT, What's in it for them?
The fact is that people do business with those they know, like, and trust. And the realization that
customers take action when they're ready not when you, the vendor is ready. So, let's take a
minute and explore each one of these and help you understand why these are such foundational
principles to growing your business and more importantly your revenues!

Before we get into the foundational principles let me set another concept in place for you. Many
if not most entrepreneurs and small business owners hamper their own efforts by making the

entire presentation process and
sales process way too hard! How
can I say that? Easy! Years of
experience of watching and
working with entrepreneurs and
small business owners doing that
exact thing over and over and over
again. So, what does it really come
down to you ask? It's four simple
words.

Identify - Problem - Provide -
Solution!

So, if you first have to identify the problem, whose problem, is it? Well, it's the customers... Thank
you Captain Obvious! This is why the first foundational principle is the first foundational principle.

The first foundational principle is WIIFT which translates to What's in it for Them? What this really
means is you have to come from an others orientation. Meaning, you have to put yourself in your
customers’ shoes to truly understand their needs wants and desires that will solve their problems
and create a winning solution for them.

Remember the first part of any successful business relationship and therefore exchange of value,
which means you make a presentation and they (the customer) take advantage of your offer,
happens because you have put yourself in their shoes and identified their problem. Because you
now know their problem, you can present your potential solution to solve that problem. It all
starts with you understanding fully What's in it for Them?

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WIIFT

Unfortunately, many salespeople don't take the time to qualify the customer, which simply
means asking them enough questions to truly identify their problem. And because there's the
lack of identifying the problem, the salesperson typically goes into presentation mode in advance
of knowing that problem, and therefore is out of sequence and out of order to truly help that
potential customer.

This reminds me of a time where I was doing a training to a group of about 200 and when it came
time for questions and answers one of the attendees stood up and asked a really good question.
The question was, I have been trained very well by the company to give wonderful presentations.
And I've learned those presentations inside and out so when I have the opportunity to give the
presentation it is exactly what I've been taught to say to help the perspective customer
understand the value of our products. The problem is, after I make the presentation and I ask for
the order I consistently hear NO even though I've given the exact presentation I've been trained
to give, word for word. I don't understand, can you help?

Without thinking I simply stated, “Stop trying to close people that were never open in the first
place!” To which the CEO jumped up and yelled, “That's genius!” To which I responded, “Come
on that's not genius… that's simply common sense!” What is common sense for so many is not
common sense for even more. If you have started to present ahead of understanding your
prospects position, you haven't started from a place of others orientation or understanding fully
what this purchase of your solution can mean for them. And if you don't understand that you
come on more than likely in a way that you haven't presented that solution to them in such a
way that they can understand how your solution can benefit them in the long run. Ultimately,
that means NO Sale!

The second foundational piece is that people do business with those they know, like, and trust.
So, in my trainings, I suggest that everybody assumes that if somebody doesn't know you, that
they don't like you. And if they don't like you, assume that they don't trust you. But it is imperative
that your prospect trusts you to do business with you…it's absolute! The way to trust starts by
first having someone know you, while you get to know them as well.

Trust is the major component in any relationship whether business or personal. Too many people
either don't realize this or choose not to recognize this. That can be a catastrophic mistake. It's
really common sense if you think about it. Why would you ask for a referral from someone to
another person? To refer the trust that's already been developed with the original referrer. In
other words, you're borrowing the trust that they have already established with the prospect or
customer.

So, if you want a quick and easy thing to remember on how to grow your business, know that
trust and the stronger that trust is, the more successful you will be. Trust is imperative to a long
lasting, long term, relationship. That tip alone will help you grow your business!

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And the third absolute or foundational piece is that prospect takes action when they're ready...
not when you're ready. The prospect has to have the trust in the person who's presenting them
a potential solution, before they even start to evaluate that potential solution. If you want to add
velocity to your sales process, build trust faster which will encourage you're a prospect to be
ready sooner.

If you try to force “when they're ready”, there is a significant possibility that you will break or
hurt whatever level of trust that has been developed to this point. Now that being said, you can
expedite your prospects being ready, when there is greater trust involved in the relationship.

It should be fairly obvious by this point, what actions you can take to grow your business and
therefore your revenues significantly without much additional effort. The effort applied should
be into these foundational principles. Coming from an others orientation really means learning
as much as you possibly can about your prospects needs wants and desires. That will ultimately
allow you to match your products goods and services and their inherent features, advantages
and benefits for the benefit of the prospect. In doing so, you show the prospect bet you've heard
them you've digested their problem, and you've diagnosed their situation to the point where you
can prescribe a solution that will be beneficial to the prospect. The exciting part is, that solution
is what you and your organization have to offer.

Now because you have listened carefully to your prospect, they have gotten to know you and
you have gotten to know them. It's natural for those who get to know each other, define common
points of attraction and things that can be liked about each other. And as that portion of the
relationship grows, trust starts to be earned and built overtime. Trust is hard to earn and easily
last so make sure as you're working on the second foundational piece, that you make sure you're
always in the earning mode and not in the compromising of that trust mode.

And finally, when you put this all together and you give the prospect a truly outstanding solution
to their problem, and you've delivered it in such a way that they appreciate your desire to serve
them by solving their problem, they naturally become ready to take the action that you're
suggesting in their behalf. Ultimately, that means they say yes to your offer, they don't bicker on
price, so your margins are higher, and ultimately because of a long term or longer term trusting
relationship less effort has to be expended to accomplish the goal of satisfying their needs wants
and desires with your products goods and services.

Put it all together your business grows, your revenues increase, your profit margins increase, you
actually work less, and life becomes a whole lot more fun! If I can help you in any way to grow
your business, increase your revenues come or just have more fun in life come please feel free
to reach out to me.

Our Global Community is available at: https://ScottSchilling.BeeKonnected.com
It specializes in Connections, Tools & Training for entrepreneurs,

business owners and professionals…check us out! [email protected]

29

How to Achieve Financial Independence as an
Overwhelmed Small Business Owner

By Michele Mere

Becoming a small business owner is a major life decision, and it is not for
everyone. However, the appeal of financial independence and flexibility is
undeniable for those of us who have the entrepreneurial bug.

And just because you start a business does not guarantee financial freedom.
The sad truth is that most business owners never reach their dream.

“Financial independence is the ability to live from the
income of your own personal resources.”
Jim Rhon

What did he mean by personal resources? The things you own (or at least
have a title to). Maybe it is real estate or equipment that you lease or an online
membership that pays monthly.

5 Key Elements of Financial Independence for Small Business Owners
Determine your Freedom Point

Knowing how to become financially independent begins with knowing what
your number is. Everyone's number is different and is calculated by looking
at your investments, the value of your business, and any retirement you are
expecting. You can use the free Freedom Point Calculator to work through
the calculations to know your number.

Determine the current value of your business
For most small business owners, their largest asset is their business. As a
certified business value builder, I have to tell you that most entrepreneurs

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think their business is worth more than it currently is. Complete the Value
Builder Assessment to determine the actual current value of your business.
Outline the plan to get the value of your business or businesses to the point
that it achieves your financial independence
The Value Builder Assessment will analyze the eight areas in business that
can add to or detract from the value of your business. These areas include
financial, growth potential, recurring revenues and how reliant your business
is on you, and more.
8 Key Drivers of Business Value

Create the metrics to track your progress
If the Freedom Point Calculator determined that your business needs to be
worth $10 million for you to be financially independent and currently it's at a
valuation of $4 million, what is your plan to grow the business?

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If you can increase your business value by 20% a year, you could reach your
goal in 5 years. The most direct metric is the annual percentage of valuation
increase. Other metrics may be an increase in recurring revenues or numbers
of sales calls.

Invest in leverageable assets
Jim Rohn said, “To become financially independent, you must turn part of
your income into capital; turn capital into enterprise; enterprise into profit;
turn profit into an investment, and turn investments
into financial independence.”

As your business value is

growing, you will have the

cash to invest in

leverageable assets. That

may be real estate,

equipment, online

memberships, or other

businesses.

The majority of
entrepreneurs began
their businesses to regain
control over their time

and create financial independence. It doesn't matter where you sit today in
this process. If you want to achieve it, you must start by understanding your
goal and paying attention to how you're achieving it.

Michele Mere, Business Consultant, International Speaker & Best Selling Author at
Decisive Minds, Success Strategies for Business Owners

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Are You a Writer?

By James Golihar

In the back of your mind, do you see yourself or your business being seen my
millions? Wishing one day you wake up and all your hard work pays off and you
are known!
Writers will find there are many opportunities to write and submit your important
words to many platforms. The difference is knowing exactly where you want to be
seen and how you want to be seen.
There are magazines, blogs, newsletters, etc... on most any topic you can think of:
sports, hobbies, business, collectibles, cars, boats, decorating, cooking, child
rearing, and children's interests. This creates an open market for writers.
Wouldn’t it be nice to become one of those writers people can read everywhere?
Here are a few submission tips that will help you get started.
Let’s begin the journey knowing YOU already know what you want to write about
and the best audience that you want to reach.
1. Find the Right Magazine, Newsletter, Blog, or Platform for you and your content.
Find a publication that covers the topics you want to write about. Or find some a
publication that your topic complements and could work in collaboration together.
Create a list of the top publications that fit your niche, check out who has written
for them before. You could even go as far as researching other writers in your niche
to find out where they are publishing in order to see if you are a fit.
Be certain you have a list of at least 10 to 15 publications in order to make your
efforts give you multiple opportunities to pursue.

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Do your homework and actually take time to read the publications you are
interested in writing for. Look at the style of other writers they are publishing.
Learn their editorial perspective. This helps to adapt your article to their interests
and give you a better chance of acceptance.

You normally wouldn't send an article on cooking to a sailing magazine. Yet, you
might possibly change the focus of your article to cooking on a sailboat. This would
give you a much better chance of seeing your article published.

2. Send a Cover Letter

Now you are ready to submit your article! Send a cover letter to the editor outlining
your idea and state clearly you are willing to make changes if there is a need for
them. Make it clear and simple with an outline of your biggest topic and your
alternative topic that would also work for their publication. Give the approximate
length of your article and promise to deliver on their deadline. Give them your best
email, phone number and state you will follow up within a week. Put the follow up
on your calendar, their calendar is booked and they may fall behind!

Repeat the same process for at least 10 editors, be willing to have 10 different
variations of your article with at least 3 different titles or completely different
articles. DO NOT Submit the Same Article to all the publications you want to write
for!

If by chance and there is a good chance you might receive many rejections before
you are accepted; however, do not be discouraged. Write back with a thank you
note for consideration and ask how you can improve to be considered for the next
publication.

This is where you need to persevere and not give up on being an author! Once your
article has been published, it will be worth the wait. Realize at the beginning you
may not be paid for your articles; you may be asked to adjust a little bit or simply if
you could write on a different topic. The most important objective of this process
is that you are being seen and your wisdom is getting out in front of more people.

Once your article is accepted you can add it to your credentials as well as getting
out in front of people you didn’t have before.

Writing Professionally Takes Time

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Be willing and ready to submit your best writing. Writers who want to publish must
be professional, prepared, and available. You must be able to fill in for someone
who couldn’t fill the spot, a topic that might expand your own style and ready to
adapt.
Everyone is busy there is no other way to say it! Just as busy as you are in your
business or writing or trying to make things happen so are the editors of the
publications you want to write for.
Keep in mind each editor has many people approaching them to write and/or
publish their articles. Therefore, be on time or ahead of deadlines and act
professionally with your writing. Meet your word count and consider to either limit
yourself to only 15 words above or below the requested amount.
Go the extra mile to stand out, send a handwritten thank-you note to the editor
after you've been published. Wait a few weeks and send another pitch to sell your
next idea. Try to build a professional relationship where your name and quality
work will be recognized. Be a dependable, professional writer that the editor will
look forward to hearing from. Be flexible!
Be sure to take the time to actually follow the publications where you are eager to
submit your articles. Take the time to comment and become part of the
conversation. More importantly become part of the solution with answers to help
others.
Create a good regiment to your research and create an actual calendar to write
letters to the editors on a regular basis. There is a huge market waiting for magazine
writers, newsletters, blogs, etc. … Get started today in this fulfilling profession as
an author!

James Golihar is a businessman and freelance writer from Dallas, TX. [email protected]

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