Tag: marketing

This week's question from my portal “The Neagle Code: Directions for Life” comes from someone who wishes to remain anonymous. 

How long would you recommend sticking with a certain strategy for growing my business — before I decide it’s not getting a good enough response and I should try something else?

…Versus am I giving up too soon?

I think the hard part is that you don’t want to throw the baby out with the bath water.

A lot of people will try a strategy, and if they don’t get the results they want, they’ll just throw the entire strategy out.

What we’re seeing now with marketing is that if you tweak things, you’ll get a different result.

The idea is that you start with something. Then make small tweaks to individual things within that strategy — until you’ve gone through all of those little things and determined, “Yes, this is working,” or “No, this is not working.”

There are so many little things that will have an impact on whether a marketing strategy is effective or not.

The biggest mistake I see is that people try something that looks like a good idea — and then it doesn’t work. So, they throw the whole thing out and start from scratch. That’s the worst thing you can do.

You want to take it piece by piece:

“Okay, that didn’t work. So, what’s one thing in here we can tweak? We can tweak the copy, or the picture, or change it from a picture to a video. Or change from a video to a picture. Let’s see what the results tell us…”

Keep doing this until you narrow it down, and you’ve got a great strategy that works.

Or if it doesn’t work, you’ve got a lot of data to take into the next strategy…rather than just starting from scratch each time.

In most cases, you’ll never hit points A through Z 100%. That hardly ever happens. You’ve got to test and refine as you go.

That’s what we’re doing with our social media (for example). We’re watching what kind of engagement we get on certain types of content.

We have “content buckets” of things like Q&A, funny memes, and playing around with the timing of each post, and which days we’re putting stuff out.

If we want to post a meme and get engagement on it, we’re not putting it out on a Sunday. We’ll put it out on a weekday.

But we wouldn’t know that unless we first put it out on a Sunday.

If we just said, “Oh, well, that didn’t work…” then we never would have learned that memes don’t get much response on Sundays.

So, take into consideration and pay attention to when you’re putting content out. And do these little tweaks I mentioned earlier (picture, image, video, etc).

Just start with small changes, and see what they tell you.

PS: If you enjoy reading my weekly Neagle Code, you'll LOVE my podcast, The Successful Mind. You can expect cutting edge information and strategies relating to success mindset, leadership, wealth creation, and relationships, all based in Universal Law and my own experience creating a multi-million dollar business.

Will you do me a favor? Subscribe, listen and leave me a review! I'd love to know what you think!

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This week's question from my portal “The Neagle Code: Directions for Life” comes from someone who wishes to remain anonymous.

Hi David,

I know this may sound like a strange question, but how important do you think business cards and websites are? I’m trying to decide if should pour a significant amount of money into those things or if they are really just not necessary. I’d appreciate your opinion before making that decision.

Thank you for your time!

Hi and thanks for your question!

You know, I NEVER carry business cards and I tell all my students to do the same.

When networking, if someone asks for your card, tell them that you don’t carry cards, but you’d be happy to take one of theirs and follow up with them. Take their card and write notes on the back so you can remember the conversation you had.

That way YOU are in control of the follow up.

Several years ago my website was down for almost a full year, and my company GREW!

Actually it was the best year I had ever had.

Most marketers will tell you that you MUST have a website. I disagree.

NOTHING can take the place of a personalized person-to-person approach to sales.

In fact, in this market, it’s been the single most IMPORTANT thing my company has done.

Don’t get me wrong, a website has a purpose, but if your most pressing need is sales and income, a website is not going to get you closer to that goal. Your ability to reach out to someone, have an effective conversation, and close a sale WILL.

My advice would be to prioritize.

First, bring in the sales through one on one conversations, and when you have the capital, build a website that focuses on collecting opt-ins to build your marketing list.

PS: If you enjoy reading my weekly Neagle Code, you'll LOVE my podcast, The Successful Mind. You can expect cutting edge information and strategies relating to success mindset, leadership, wealth creation, and relationships, all based in Universal Law and my own experience creating a multi-million dollar business.

Will you do me a favor? Subscribe, listen and leave me a review! I'd love to know what you think!

Thanks in advance…click on the graphic below to listen in:

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This week's question from my portal “The Neagle Code: Directions for Life” comes from Gary V.

Hi David!

I’ve done what you recommend. I’ve tried to work from my vision and set my financial goals. I have my number, and I know what that money would be used for…and what I will provide in exchange for that money. Here’s my issue: I cannot stop thinking about time. In my line of work, people generally pay for time rather than a result. And the truth is, people aren’t paying me for time, they ARE paying for a result. I also see others in my industry who are making a lot of money by NOT charging for their time, so I know this is a barrier in my own mind.

How do I shift this???

Hi Gary!

Thanks for the great question. Making the switch from charging by the hour to charging for a specific result is really challenging for a lot of small business owners and service providers.

It requires them to not only step out of the “norm”; it requires them to really

OWN
THEIR
WORTH.

And I have a hunch this is what you’re struggling with.

Here’s the truth… exchanging time for money is a middle class value.

A VERY high percentage.

But if you’re in a business that sells results, it makes NO sense to charge by the hour.

There are a several things that are required to shift this:

1) You need to make a firm decision that you are changing your pricing structure.

2) You need to be committed and disciplined that no matter what, you will not offer your hourly rate to ANYONE

3) You need to focus your marketing efforts on the “right” prospects and clients.

4) You need to hone your sales skill so that you can accurately convey the value of the result you are going to provide.

Just a word of caution here.

Your mind will try to convince you of ALL the reason this won’t work.

And it’s a lie.

It will work if you will step into your worth and demand your success.

Do not waffle. Stay firm in your pricing.

And you’ll be surprised how fast your bank account will grow.

PS: If you enjoy reading my weekly Neagle Code, you'll LOVE my brand new podcast, The Successful Mind. You can expect cutting edge information and strategies relating to success mindset, leadership, wealth creation, and relationships, all based in Universal Law and my own experience creating a multi-million dollar business.

Will you do me a favor? Subscribe, listen and leave me a review! I'd love to know what you think!

Thanks in advance…click on the graphic below to listen in:

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This week's question from my portal “The Neagle Code: Directions for Life” comes from Liz.

Hi David! As an Equine Gestalt Coach, I get to work with a wide range of people in my heart-centered business. However, even though I am always learning about marketing and selling I can't seem to get consistent clients despite my best marketing efforts. I feel like I might be sabotaging myself, but I can't pinpoint what it is I’m doing.

Can you give me any pointers or suggestions on how to identify and correct this?

Hi Liz and thanks so much for your question!

When a business owner is having issues with enrolling clients consistently, there could be a number of causes.

It could be a sales issue.

It could be a copywriting issue.

It could be an exposure issue.

It could be a marketing issue.

Let me see if I can help you pinpoint the issue so you can narrow your solution.

Based on your website, it appears that you have two completely different and separate groups of clients; corporations and conscious women.

This means you need two completely different marketing and sales plans.

For the corporate side, do you have a strategy for reaching out to corporate decision makers so that when they are in the process of hiring outside providers to help with team and communication issues, you’re at the top of their list?

For the conscious women’s market, do you have a strategy to get in front of large groups of conscious women who are willing to invest in their own growth? Do you speak and/or sponsor events regularly (at least once per month)?

If you answered no to any of the questions above, you have a front-end lead generation issue. Meaning, you just don’t have enough people who know about you and identify you as an expert.

If you answered yes to all of the questions above, you have a sales and follow up issue. You may need in-depth sales training or a strategist to help you with follow up sequences and funnels.

Now you can see what the issue truly is and get specialized support!

Just Believe,^®

 

PS: The Neagle Code: Directions for Life is a weekly no-cost program that is open to everyone! Each week, I'll select and personally respond to one question received via the above “The Neagle Code” page that I feel in my heart will help the most people. (You may choose to remain anonymous if you wish, with our full support.) It is my deep, heartfelt intention that ~ in answering your questions ~ I may provide you with the Universal Truths that in committed application, will set you free. Simply submit YOUR burning question at: www.DavidNeagle.com/ask-david to participate.

This week's question from my portal “The Neagle Code: Directions
for Life” comes from Erin.

You are very welcome Erin. I am happy that my teachings are of value to you.

Thank you for asking the question! If I'm reading this correctly, you are currently offering one package and you are asking how to expand your services so that your clients have a next step to reinforce their learning and not lose the momentum of the progress that they have made and keep growing, as well as grow your business.

There are a number of ways that you can do this.

• Add a one-on-one continuation package to individually get them to the next level of results (maybe intermediate or gold or platinum packages)

• Charge a monthly fee to continue the 12-week program

• Start a membership for a monthly fee for group programs (maybe one for each level of success they've reached)

• Create virtual programs around individual problem areas and sell them as an up-sell

• Joint Venture with Yoga or Fitness studios to expand your reach

• Offer cooking classes or group walks or runs to build your community

The ways to do this are only limited by your imagination.

Know what your market wants.

Know what you enjoy doing – how you want to work with your clients and how you can best serve them.

And, know what you are willing to do as well as what you are not willing to do.

But remember…

It all starts with a decision.

Once you make the decision to create something new, you will become aware of the opportunities.

Just Believe,^®

 

PS: The Neagle Code: Directions for Life is a weekly no-cost
program that is open to everyone! Each week, I'll select and personally respond to one question received via the above “The Neagle Code” page that I feel in my heart will help the most people. (You may choose to remain anonymous if you wish, with our full support.) It is my deep, heartfelt intention that ~ in answering your questions ~ I may provide you with the Universal Truths that in committed application, will set you free. Simply submit YOUR burning question at: www.DavidNeagle.com/ask-david to participate.

This week's question from my portal “The Neagle Code: Directions
for Life” comes from Madeline T.

Good question!

The most important thing you need to know, especially at the beginning stages of a new business startup, is that the only thing that REALLY moves money is sales.

The best marketing strategy for any business startup is identifying your target market, finding opportunities to get in front of them and having sales conversations that identify you as the expert and someone who can help solve a specific problem.

Many businesses make the mistake of investing in branding upfront without any clear idea or direction of their market because they haven’t sold to anyone yet. They think this is the driving force behind making sales.

Initially you are the best marketing tool for your business. By unearthing who wants to buy and by you engaging in sales conversations, you will activate buyers.

After you have gained some successful momentum in sales, you will get clear about, “This is what I am. This is why I exist. If you like me, you can buy me, support me, and recommend me to your friends.” That is the time to start thinking and investing in branding.

A good marketing campaign can push out your message, and a good brand identity can pull them in, but the bottom line is:

Sales is the most important activity behind any successful business, and it is often the most overlooked.

Just Believe,^®

 

PS: The Neagle Code: Directions for Life is a weekly no-cost
program that is open to everyone! Each week, I'll select and personally respond to one question received via the above “The Neagle Code” page that I feel in my heart will help the most people. (You may choose to remain anonymous if you wish, with our full support.) It is my deep, heartfelt intention that ~ in answering your questions ~ I may provide you with the Universal Truths that in committed application, will set you free. Simply submit YOUR burning question at: www.DavidNeagle.com/ask-david to participate.

For many years, I have been in the industry of helping people start their own businesses & coaching them on how to turn their ventures into cash-rich, income producing entities.  I have seen many people come to the table with great ideas and wonderful enthusiasm only to watch them meet their businesses with frustration, and in some cases, failure in the pursuit of their dreams.

The reasons for this usually come pouring out at the onset of a conversation, but many are left really perplexed as to why they are having such trouble when I ask,

“What do you think is the cause of the problem?”

I don't care how you slice it – when it comes right down to it (where the rubber meets the road), you will find that either sales have stopped or never even got off the ground.  EVERY BUSINESS (even charities and non-profits) must have sales to sustain business.

Hard Fact:

Many who enter business really want nothing to do with sales at all.

They loathe the idea and avoid having anything to do with it.  What is really unfortunate is that no matter what the dream is, somebody has to sell it or you will never receive the benefit of your dream.

I guess some people have the belief that if what they have to offer is good enough, people will line up at their door to purchase it.  They just don't understand it takes great marketing & sales skills to get them in the line to begin with.

Once you realize how essential it is to develop a sales consciousness in business and begin devoting the proper amount of time to your own sales development, it will drastically change the direction of your business.

Look at it this way…

If you have a wonderful product or service but little or no skill, you are left with the realization that you are going broke – even though your product is so wonderful everyone should have it! The point is, because you don't know how to sell it, nobody will buy it.

I would rather teach a person how to sell first and then let them come up with a business of their own.  Then no matter what they are faced with they can always sell.  They have the skill.  If you have the skill it doesn't matter what business you are in – you can do well.  But without great sales skills, no matter what business you are in, you won't do well.  Is this starting to make sense?  Good.

Whether you learn from such legendary marketing and business experts such as Dan Kennedy or the more modern solo-preneurs, all of them agree with the idea that your business, income and wealth all begin with a certain mindset.  Over the years I have never heard a better explanation than the one Raymond Holliwell gave in his book, Working with the Law.

Holliwell pointed out:

“If you are not succeeding, if you lack any good thing, look more closely to the cause.  It is not outside; it is somewhere within.”

Notice where you fail to use the Law correctly to think rightly.  There are 3 points in everyday life where one may fall into a snare & delusion:

Do you expect something for nothing?

Does it make you feel good or please you when you get something without paying for it?  If so, you are violating the Law.  Your returns will always be unsatisfactory.  No matter where you go be willing to pay your own way.

Have you known some person who hangs back when you go out for an evening's entertainment? They stand back and let the other fellow pay for the show.  People like that lose hundreds of dollars when they try to save themselves a few bucks.  The quality of thought they entertain REPELS many dollars they could attract. If you knowingly cheat another one of a dollar, it may cost you many dollars for the mistake.

Do you hunt for things that are called cheap?

Are  you are bargain hunter?  Cheap thoughts can only bring cheap returns.  Those who wait for bargain days will always have to take bargains, but remember – there are no bargains in life. If you have gained monetarily, you may have lost in other ways.

You place yourself in a vibration that lowers your present state.  It forces you below your proper level. It limits your thought to a state where you support underselling, cutting, bankruptcy and dishonesty on the part of the seller. He must deceive, cheat or lie about the price of the bargain (or some other article), because he is in business to make a fair profit. You become a party to the violation and come under its penalty.

Do you begrudge spending money?

Do you hate to pay your bills?  Release your money cheerfully, even if it be that last dollar you have.  Decide what your need is & if it is of greater value than the dollar in your hand, then spend the dollar cheerfully.  In this way, you comply with a law.

Oftentimes, we get to a low level and we begin to tighten our purse strings.

We begin to hold back.  This is like closing the faucet! It limits the supply from pouring in to you. The Law inevitably produces its own exactness as a rule of action. It's a Divine Law and tolerates no violation.