ABC’s of the Perfect Elevator Pitch

One of the most important things a business owner can do is learn how to speak about their business to others. Being able to answer the “What do you do?” question and sum up the unique aspects of their business in a way that excites others to inquire more in a brief and concise manner. This is often called the elevator pitch for the intended time it takes you to ride an elevator. Can you answer the “what do you do?” question in 30 seconds or less and entice your audience to want to learn more? Sometimes going back to the basics is the best approach to learn a new technique. Just remember the ABC’s.

A. Audience Know your audience and the specific needs your product and/or service serve. You want to be able to drill down to your ideal customer (your niche) and be able to target their demands in your elevator pitch. Many business owners have no idea who their ideal customers are or how to drill down and target their demands, so one way to set you apart is to really understand your target audience.

B. Benefits What value or benefits are you bringing to your audience? Be concise and be specific. Many business owners are either too broad in this statement or confuse features with benefits. A benefit statement is always from the buyer’s point of view and what they receive from using your product or service. For example, increased profits by 22%, reduced risk, created 18% efficiency resulting in higher profits, etc.

C. Creative Offering Now, imagine searching for one exact fish in a very large pond and all you have is one “hook” to reel that fish in. Now next to your hook are thousands of other hooks that your competition has casted into the same pond. If you don’t know what will make that one fish bite on your hook, you will be landing your fish by luck rather than by skill. Being able to develop your marketing “hook”, specific to your fish, will require you to know exactly who your customer is and the benefits you bring to them. This will entice them to buy from you. Your creative offering should be why you are different. Many competitors are bringing the same benefits to your target market. So, why are you different?

You know your business better than anyone and you are the best suited to show your passion about what you do. Allow your passion to come through and speak from your heart. As long as you understand your audience, what specifically you do for them and in what unique way.

5 Proven Headline That Generate Response

In the world of marketing, you have less than 3 seconds to grab the attention of the reader for them to take the next step towards your product. The same holds true in article marketing. A great headline can lead to sales success and a poor headline can lead to failure, therefore your headline is a critical.

Your headline is the first thing your readers will see, so make sure you make a great first impression by choosing a headline that is appealing and attractive to your potential readers. Visualize yourself standing in front of a magazine rack trying to select the right magazine to read. You first will go to your favorite name brands because you trust those sources and are familiar with them, but chances are you do not make the decision to purchase before checking out the headlines on the cover. Even after you review them, you glance at the other magaiznes and will gravitate towards the headlines that appeal to your interests at that very moment. Article marketing involves the same psychology. Even though you have subscribers to your articles, you need to entice them to click on your article to read further and your headline is the tool to do that.

There are several techniques out there, but here are 5 of my favorite (and proven) headlines:

1. The Question: “Does the recession have you worried for your future?”
The question appeals to your readers who are looking for answers and who isn’t looking for answers these days? Find out what your audience searches for and create an article that provides them the answer.

2. The How To: “How to improve your golf swing in 10 days”
These work very well because people love to learn new things. The criticle element in these types of headlines is to focus on the benefits your readers will achieve by learning your new techqniue, system or strategy.

3. The Command: “Social Media Explained”
Command headlines are a great way to attach to a current trend and can also be a wonderful way to position you as an expert. Look for your most important benefit of an emerging trend and turn into a commanding headline.

4. The List: “7 Early Warning Signs of Teenager Angst”
People love lists and they are the easist to write. Turn your headline into a list message so your readers know they are going to be given tips in an easily digested format.

5. The Testimonial: “Kellie D’Andrea BLAST Secrets- Our Sales Grew by 40%”
Testimonials are great because your clients create the message including the headline. People relate to others they feel are independent and objective and a testimonial is a great way to provide that proof and demonstrate your successes.

Once your readers know that you are offering valuable information that they are interested in, they will want to read further. Your headline is like the shinny wrapping paper and the big bow on a wonderful present. Dress it up and excite your readers to open the package and be rewarded by your wonderful gift.

©Kellie D’Andrea & Associates

Want to use this article in your newsletter or web site?You can, just include this complete blurb with it: Kellie D'Andrea is the creator of the Build a Better Ezine System and publishes "The Marketing Edge" a FREE award winning ezine for small business owners who want to gain the competitive edge with strategic marketing and branding techniques that actually work. Interesting in starting your own business, sign up for a FREE mini course “The Empowered Entrepreneur” and learn how not to make the 23 Common Mistakes Most Entrepreneurs make with a FREE report offered at www.kelliedandrea.com.

3 Essential Elements to a Life of Fulfillment

Leading a life of fulfillment may sound easier than it is to achieve, but the truth is that every person has within them, the abilities to live a life of purpose and fulfilment. We each know what makes us happy and what we need to do to find our right path but we are often overwhelmened with fear and social conditioning that our actions are immobilized and we find ourselves doing the same things we have always done or just doing enough to get buy. Each leading to the same result – a life of medocrity.

Although there are numerous recommendations out there to help you create a fulfilling life, I believe that there are three essential elements that must exist in everyone’s life in order to truly be happy.

1. Willingness to Explore New Opportunities
It is human nature to be curious and to want more – it is the American Dream. Open yourself up to new opportunities and watch your life change. Don’t be afraid to dance to your own music and to try new things. These are the experiences that make up life; embrace them and you will be one step further to fulfillment.

2. Trusting and Meaningful Relationships
As human beings, we have a natural instinct to be social and to connect with others. Those that are happy and fulfilled surround themselves with friends, family and associates whom they have a relationship with. These relationships can only be formed by creating an environment of trust and integrity; a give and take balance that generates mutual interest, empathy and understanding. Reach out to belong and connect with others to create a large circle of people who inspire you and you will be one step further to fulfillment.

3. Doing Work You Love
How many times do you find yourself miserable or making comments about hating your work? Than you are not doing the work you are meant to be doing. When you are working in a career that you love, you know! You are energized, inspired and excited each and every day and you eventually get to the point where calling it work just seems wrong. Take a moment to reflect on when the last time you felt good – were you doing a specific task? Was there something you really, really enjoyed? That is the work you should be doing. Find a career that uses those skills and makes you feel great and you will be one step further to fulfillment.

Leading a life of fulfillment requires commitment and focus towards improvement. It requires the courage to overcome fears and to challanege yourself to take action. It is an ongoing process that will be tested often but by surrounding yourself with people who you love and trust, experieincing new things and finding work that inspires you, you will be well on your way to your destination.

©Kellie D’Andrea & Associates

Want to use this article in your newsletter or web site?You can, just include this complete blurb with it: Kellie D'Andrea is the creator of the 94 Day Challenge, a Goal Coaching System designed to hold you accountable for results. She also publishes "The Marketing Edge" a FREE award winning ezine for small business owners who want to gain the competitive edge with strategic marketing and branding techniques that actually work. Learn about the 23 Common Mistakes Most Entrepreneurs make with a FREE report offered at www.kelliedandrea.com.

BLAST Tool: Need an 800 number, check out Grasshopper

All of you know that when I come across a great product, I will stand up and let everyone know about it. BLAST Tool #1 is Grasshopper. I personally use this service and came to learn about them when they were still GotVMail. For my Ice Cream Cake delivery service, I use Grasshopper to give my small business a professional edge with an automated phone system that I and all my employees can access at anytime and on anyphone. Here is their story.
Grasshopperbegan in 2003 as GotVMail Communications after identifying the need for an easy-to-use virtual phone system for entrepreneurs that would provide them with a solution to 800 numbers, multiple extensions, professional voice over and seamless execution without breaking the bank.

In, May 2009, they changed their name to Grasshopper. Why the change? Quite simply, the name “Grasshopper” evokes the power to propel forward. And that’s exactly what their service does for entrepreneurs like you: gives you the tools to propel your small business forward.
As small business owners, you most likely eat, sleep, and breathe your small business. That’s why Grasshopper went above and beyond to deliver the most powerful new tool for entrepreneurs – an upgraded virtual phone system.

Grasshopper lets entrepreneurs start and grow their small businesses anywhere, using any phone. With a virtual phone system from Grasshopper, callers can reach you wherever you are—on your cell, in the office, or at home. With Grasshopper, it’s easy for entrepreneurs to sound professional and stay connected.

Whether you’re a freelancer or a growing company with multiple employees, Grasshopper works for you. Create extensions for all of your employees, regardless of where they’re located. Forward calls, receive faxes by email, and get voicemails on your mobile device without installing a single app. Grasshopper puts the power of your virtual phone system right at your fingertips. With our easy online interface, you can set up your account, tag or search messages, and view calls by geographic location and more.

For only $49 a month, there's no reason not to get Grasshopper and get connected today. For special discount or to learn more, click here

Recession Escape Plan – 7 Strategies to Make the Recession Irrelevant

According to Bill Glazer, of GKIC the number one mistake businesses make is that they assume everyone knows their business and knows them when the reality is, if you are not consistently in front of your customers and prospects – they won’t remember who you are or what you do! In today’s environment, competition is fierce and you want to deploy new strategies that will help you survive and thrive in this recession and beyond.

Here are Bill’s 7 strategies to move your business forward in these tough times and in future years. Give some of these a try and watch your business soar:

1. Sell to Someone Different
Expand your boundaries to sell to a new market. With the internet, it is easy to take your local business global. For example, a retailer can put a catalogue of their merchandise on line and now sell it globally. Look for other niches and choice multiple niches that offer you a quick way to more money.

2. Sell Differently
The industry has changed so change the way you are selling. In a recession, people are looking for it to be “okay” to spend money so figure out a way to make it okay. For example, an exclusive travel company in the past would never offer “try before you buy” packages because it wasn’t their business model. Now they do and because they made it okay to buy – their customers continue to purchase from them.

3. Sell Something Different
Take a look at your resources and see if there is something you can add to your product or service line. For example, can you create special packages, training classes or group tours? For example, a local restaurant now offers customer day trips and wine schools to add to their product line.

4. Create More Value
In a recession, it is more important than ever to create additional value for your customers. What can you add to your offering that would bring additional value to your customers? For example, I usually block out xx of days for my coaching clients and to add value, I have increased the number of days available to them. I also make myself available for quick chats and email question – all included in my normal fees.

5. Strategic Status
Be the expert, the authority, the specialist and the must have advisor to your customers. People want to work with the best and want to be associated with the best so maintain your positioning in your field and be at the top of your game. Integrity goes a long way in a recession and your customers will remember.

6. Association
Napoleon Hill introduced us to mastermind groups in his book “Think and Grow Rich”. The basic concept is that you are only as good as the people you know. You want to associate with those who will propel you forward, not hold you back. Take a look at your groups, vendors, employees and friends and decide who you should associate with in business, who will challenge you to grow.

7. Use Direct Response Marketing Systems
Direct marketing allows you to reach to your customers in a variety of different ways. Being outrageous is a proven technique that Bill teaches and his concept is on the premise that if doesn’t matter how much advertising and direct mail you do if it doesn’t get opened and read, it is worthless. People like outrageous because they are bored, overwhelmed, like to be amused and respond to something different. For example, In Bill Glazer’s book “Outrageous” – he talks about a postcard he sent out with a picture of him on a donkey with the headline “Who do you think is the biggest ass?

For additional examples, check out Bill’s book here and if you are interested in exploring these themes in your own business with a proven business coach, contact me at info@kelliedandrea.com.

Gain the Ultimate Edge by Working With a Business Coach

As business around the world has become increasingly competitivethe demand for innovation, quicker service turnaround and compressed pricing models, has created an environment where business owners must be creative, develop new solutions and manage stressful transitions. They must remain focused on moving their business forward without eroding into their profits, keeping their customers happy and their employees motivated. This great demand for immediate results is a classic precursor to seeking a small business coach.

A small business coach is an independent and objective partner who provides one-on-one interaction, guidance and motivation to a business owner or executive who is looking for feedback and guidance on how to reach a desired goal. A coach is similar to having a partner who holds you accountable, keep you on track, and keep you progressing forward. Coaching is effective for business owners who know what they want to get done, are open to feedback and change but aren’t sure the path to take to get there. A small business coach will work with their clients to help them find the answers and offer them the support and motivation to take the necessary steps.

Some additional benefits of working with a strong business coach are as follows:

·Objective Point of View: One of the biggest benefits of working with a business coach is that they are independent and not linked to the organization; they are linked to only you and where you want to go. Sometimes those that are closest to you cannot provide a truly objective assessment of your situation and won’t be able to guide the business owner effectively. According to an ICF survey, 28% of those surveyed commented that an independent point of view was the most valuable result.

·Idea Sharing, Creativity and Brainstorming: Information is one of the most powerful assets a person can posses and having the ability to leverage a coach’s knowledge and experience is exponentially better. Having the ability to brainstorm and be creative with a coach who is focused on helping you solve a problem is one of the biggest benefits you will experience from a business coaching. 28% of those surveyed commented that brainstorming was the most valuable result.

· Sustained Improvement: Working with a business coach focuses around a goal or a series of goals that will provide a foundation for continuous improvement. A coach helps you leverage your strengths and to become more effective at process and communication improvements and holds you accountable for the results. According to an ICF survey, 15% of those surveyed commented that being accountable to the coach was the most valuable result.

· Motivation: A successful coach will be able to ignite the passion inside and to help you create the positive change necessary to move forward towards your goals. It is a motivational process that brings you through a series of discussions to help find that passion and focus. According to an ICF survey, 15% of those surveyed commented that an encouragement and motivation was the most valuable result.

Business coaching is one of the most effective ways of achieving growth, change and development in both people and organizations. It involves a process and a sounding board for decision making and helps give you more clarity and focus in your day to day operations. Lastly, it will improve your interpersonal skills and your ability to handle tension between business, family and personal needs. When a business owner feels like they are on an island by themselves, a business coach will motivate them to build the raft to get them to safety.

©Kellie D’Andrea & Associates

Want to use this article in your newsletter or web site?You can, just include this complete blurb with it: Kellie D'Andrea is the creator of the “BLAST 90 Day Coaching Program”and publishes "The Marketing Edge" a FREE award winning ezine for small business owners who want to gain the competitive edge with strategic marketing and branding techniques that actually work. For a limited time she is offering a FREE 5 part mini course on entrepreneurship offered at http://www.kelliedandrea.com/.

BLAST Marketing Tip # 2: Give Something Away

Do you know the old saying “there is no such thing as a free lunch”, well the same holds true for marketing but in this case, you offer a free gift to entice people to your business in exchange for the opportunity to “Wow” them with your services. People love free stuff! Byoffering a small taste of what it is like to do business with you gratis, you are reducing any perceived risk that potential customer may have. It is sort of a “try before you buy” approach and Internet marketers and retailers have been doing this for years.

How many times have you seen a free e-book or video series in exchange for your email address? or How many times were you given a sample of the newest flavor at your local ice cream store in exchange for you trying their product?

In all of my businesses, both on line and off line, I often give away something to sweeten the pot. For example, in our Ice Cream Cake Business, we would give away free cake cutting knives and calendars – each with our logo, phone number and website address. In my Coaching Business, I give away a free 5 part mini series on starting your own business and a free report 23 mistakes entrepreneurs make.

People these days still remember the simple gestures. Next time your customer comes to you, throw in a little something extra and watch your revenue soar from referrals and repeat business!