Think back when you first tried to walk, ride a bike, balance your check book, or drive your first car? Did you fall down, struggle, and feel a little clumsy? Of course, we all did, and still do to this very day when we try anything new.

I’m sure there are times when you wished life was a little easier, don’t you?

I know I did when I started my very first business. Everyday seemed like an endless battle with me being the loser. I had many sleepless nights wondering where the money would come from to pay the bills, and the embarrassing feeling of failure. It almost stripped me of my self confidence until I realized that my problems were only challenges that I didn’t have a solution to yet.

Today however, I receive countless emails from small business owners everyday who are struggling with it all, just like I was.

So here’s what I hope you get from reading this…

We face obstacles on a daily basis (attracting clients, keeping clients, hiring a good staff, making more money, business skills, etc)  because the universe is constantly asking us to grow. Those of us who learn and grow surpass those that do not. You see, life gives you, me, and everyone else exactly what they deserve.

You see, one day I sat down and asked myself… What do I have to become in order to be, do, and have everything I want in life? I realized I needed to learn more business skills, marketing skills, and sales skills.

So I feverishly began reading books, I went to countless seminars; I listened to tapes and CD’s in my spare time, and hired numerous mentors to help me along the way.

And one day I had an aha moment

Our universe rewards us for growing and doing. NOT for sitting, hoping, and waiting!

From birth we’re taught to walk, talk, read, write, and run. And then, all of a sudden we graduate from High School, and or College, and we stop learning.

This was the biggest lesson that I’ve learned throughout my life that I’d like to share with you…

When you stop learning, you start the dieing process. Think about it. Our whole world is designed to either be growing or dieing. If a tree stops growing it starts to die. If a plant stops growing it withers and dies.

As humans, when we stop learning our universe provides us with two choices…

1.    Challenges that require us to grow, learn new skills, contribute to society, and become more. This is NOT something you fight.

2.    The second choice you’re faced with is to not grow, and continuing to do the same things you’ve always done, but hoping for a better outcome.

If you’re faced with a challenge in life or business just realize that it’s NOT because you’re not worthy of having it all, you’re just being asked to learn a new skill and become more than you are.

If learning how to style hair was the only skill you’d ever need to make a million dollars, everyone would be millionaires. However, there’s a reason why 67% of all small businesses go under within the first 3 years in business. NOT because they’re not good at what they do, but because they fail to acquire the necessary skills that allow them to grow and move past obstacles.

I’ll  never forget what Jim Rohn once said… “Don’t wish it was easier, wish you were better.”

Next time you’re faced with a challenge, remember they’re only obstacles placed on the path of life forcing you to become more than you currently are. If your goals are big, you’ll be faced with big challenges in order to accomplish them. If you have small goals you’ll be faced with small challenges.

Either way you’re going to face challenges, so why not embrace them as an opportunity to grow.

If you “like” this article please click the like button, and pass this on to a friend. Thanks!

Glen Andrews?

(Especially on higher ticket items)

Giving your prospects or clients a few choices (3) when considering a buying decision, and it makes them feel like they’re in control of the buying process.

These 2 simple strategies have had a huge effect on my ability to sell products and services online. Watch this video for the full scoop. AND please, leave me a comment below. I’d love to get your feedback. THANKS!

(Watch the video for the full scoop!)

I just finished helping a client fix their website so they not only could get found for their specific keywords, but also so they could convert more prospects into clients.

This particular client is a Realtor. When I did a keyword search for his local market he had over 30,000 people searching for his specific keywords. If he only converts 1 messily percent of those 30,000 (30) prospects, and turns them into clients how much MORE $$$$ could he make? Well, let’s just say – A BUNCH!

However, getting your site on page one in the major search engines is easy, converting prospects into clients online is another ball game.

Think in terms of ratios.

If you have 100 people visit your site some will buy, and some won’t. That’s just the way it is. It’s called the law of averages. However, there are specific things you can do to increase the likelihood of converting prospects into clients.

Let me share 3 simple online persuasion tactics that will help you convert more clients online through your blog or website.

First, give away great content. It doesn’t matter what type of business you own, people go online to search for answers, and they’ll only return if you have the know how and share it. You become an expert in the prospects mind by proving you know what the h*ll you’re talking about.

Remember the law of reciprocity? Give and you shall receive.

Give information away that will help your prospects move towards their desired out come. This is how you build trust, likability, and a large bank account.

Second – It’s rare that you’ll sell your prospect into buying from you on the first visit.

Offer a FREE training, report, or video that your prospect will find helpful in exchange for their name and email. NOTE: Your FREE offer (opt-in box) should be at the TOP right hand side of your site, above the fold. Meaning, they shouldn’t have to scroll down to find it. It also helps if you have a video explaining the FREE offer. People can’t help but click and watch videos. Videos are the most powerful way to connect and convert clients online.

Think about it… they get to see your face, how you dress, and your body language.  Your prospect can instantly connect with you through video, as opposed to the written word.

Third – Testimonials of your happy clients or customers are critical when trying to convert prospects into clients online. Your prospects will always believe what others say about you WAY before they believe what you say about you. That’s why Amazon wants everyone to review the books they’ve purchased, and the experience they received using their affiliates.

Implement these 3 persuasion tactics and you’ll be able to convert more clients online.

I’d love to get your feedback! Leave me a comment and let me know how you’re converting clients online?

Talk soon,

Writing A Winning Blog That Captivates Your Audience

1. When writing a blog it is critical that you write like you speak. Your English teacher might not agree, however your audience is all that matters. Example… It’s, you’re, haven’t, etc – instead of… it is, you are, or have not. I read a great book about writing by Steven King.  The book title is… Steven King on Writing.  In his book he talks extensively about writing like you would if you were having a personal conversation with another person about your topic.  Leave out the formal mumbo-jumbo.

2. When writing a blog speak to one person. Have your perfect prospect or client in mind when writing and your readers will feel like you’re connecting with them personally.

3. Know what you want to say and say it. Write down the purpose of the blog post before you start, and then check it to make sure you stayed on point. I get so many ideas going through my head as I’m writing -  the next thing ya-know, I’m WAY off point. Sound familiar?

4. After you finish writing let it sit for a day or so. This is what’s called the “cooling” period. When you look over your writing in a day or so you’ll wonder who the hell snuck into your computer and replaced your Edgar Allan Poe with such crap. Heck, I’ve read some of my older posts and wanted to vomit.

5. Once you get good at writing you’ll captivate your audience more by weaving a story around your posts. This takes a little time and effort, but well worth it if you want a large following. I’ve read a few books (Who Ever Tells The Best Story Wins, Story Telling, Improve Your Story Telling, etc.) however, it’s still a work in progress.

6. The more you write the better you get!

Leave me a comment and let me know if you do something similar?

Love,

A mastermind group is a group of like minded individuals seeking a common goal. It’s a group that inspires others to reach their best. It’s a group where everyone shares their success, struggles, and failures WITHOUT judgment.

It’s been said that you can determine your own bank balance by looking at whom you hang around. If you haven’t taken a look, now’s a good time.

You might even ask yourself a few questions…

1. Are the people I’m around inspiring me to become more?

2. If I hang around my current friends, or family members where will I be in 3 years – better off, the same, or worse?

3. When you talk about your dreams and aspirations, do your current friends laugh, or cheer you on?

One of the BIGGEST determining factors in your success will be determined by WHOM you choose to spend time with. Second, will be WHAT you spend your time DOING.

Look around at what most people do, and walk the opposite direction. WHY? Because 95% of our population is doing it all WRONG. Find out what the 5% of the population does, and follow them. Did you know that to be in the top 5% you have to earn $200K a year? You might think that this is a high number, but I can assure you,  it isn’t. You only need to do a few things differently.

• Instead of sitting in front of the TV, read a book.
• Instead of spending your afternoon at “happy hour,” spend it listening to a good inspirational CD
• Instead of spending 30 dollars each week on eating out, spend it on your new library

This is what has made the biggest impact on my life!

The only difference between the successful, and the NON successful, is what they do in their spare time. That’s it! You can become knowledgeable about ANY topic. You only need to read the books, listen to the CD’s, and go to the seminars. Then put what you’ve learned into ACTION. Within 3 to 5 years you’ll be an expert on that topic. Then you can share your knowledge with the world, and get paid handsomely. That’s how the top 5% do it.

Think about it… the 5% read the books, study, and get the information they need so they can charge the 95% for the solutions. You’ve all heard the quote by Zig Ziggler… “Help as many people get what they want and you’ll always get what you want.”

Here’s how this works… Figure out the struggles of many, and provide the solution.

Now I’m sure you’ll agree,  if you only know who won the last episode of “Dancing with The Stars”, you’re probably NOT going to be much VALUE to the market place.

By the way, did you know that the average American spends 7 hours a DAY in front of the TV?

If you’ve ever had a dream of owning your own yacht, beach house, or jet you have to realize that it’s possible if you take a few steps in the right direction.

If you need help, or have a question please let me know. I’m also starting my own Mastermind group if you’re interested let me know.

Love,

Have you ever found yourself twiddling your thumbs,  glancing at the ceiling, or staring at your computer waiting for it to spit out an interesting article or blog post? Here’s a quick tip that has made a humongous difference in how much I’m able to accomplish each day, just because I’m able to tip toe past the dreadful – blog writing  brain blockage monster. WOW… say that five times fast. Anyhow, take a peak at this video, and hopefully it will help you!

When we were tots we wanted to taste, touch, and feel everything we could get our chubby little fingers on. We wanted into the cabinets, the closets, the dog food, and sometimes the garbage.

We were born with this insatiable appetite for the unknown

Trying to keep someone from “finding out” when the curiosity bug bits, is like keeping Charlie Sheen sober. (I just couldn’t resist)

A social media stampede

What if I told you that you could double, possibly triple your visitor’s to your blog, just by establishing more curiosity.

We all get complacent (including me) when we share our content on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube. Have you ever written a great article, or captured a good video, and shared it online (social media) hoping to get more visitors to your blog, only to see that no one has noticed, or visited your site?

You can literally change that over night by building curiosity into your emails, video’s and social media headlines.

Let me give you an example…

Let’s say you want your tweeps to go to your blog to read an article, and possibly establish a connection. How the heck are you going to increase the likely hood of this happening?

Here’s what NOT to do… Check out my article on Blah, Blah, Blah – SNOOZER!

Or, you could peak their curiosity by tweeting… Charlie Sheen and curiosity bugs… WHAT? It’s not what you think!

I can bet you (Charlie Sheen has a hooker by Friday) that the second approach (curiosity) will double the click through rate on your emails, tweets, facebook page, and video’s.
This is the best way to get more of your emails opened, and drive traffic to your blog, even if you don’t know a dam thing about SEO.

Now hold on their friend, before you ass-u-me. There is a formula for doing this. However, I don’t have time to write it all down. But you do have to tie your curiosity driven headlines into your articles, posts, and video’s. You don’t want your reader to get to your blog and be disappointed because they feel that you’ve tricked them. Join my FREE Q&A by clicking here!

What are you doing that’s working for you? Have any good ideas? Leave me a comment.

Love,

I was at a friend’s party last month. He was grillin burgers, steaks, and fresh corn on the cob with about 14 friends.  It was an amazing good time for everyone. Now, I’m not a social butterfly, like my wife (Carolyn). I only knew two other people at this party.

However, I got talking with these two gents who were salesmen for Ocean Spray (they’re drink distributors if you didn’t know.) They asked me what I did, and I told them that I help small business owners and entrepreneurs  make money online, and offline. The one guy (Jeff) told me that his wife wanted to start an online business, but didn’t know where to begin. So I began revealing how I had owned a real estate company that went belly up in the market crash, how I lost everything, picked myself up, and kept one foot in front of the other, even though it would have been easier to quit.

We instantly connected, and became really close friends. Jeff’s wife revealed to me that her sister just went through foreclosure, and her dad’s brother just lost his job and might have to file bankruptcy.

So why did she uncover such personal information? I mean, I’m still a complete stranger.

She told me her story because I revealed the skeletons in my closet first. We both had, or knew of someone who had a similar situation. We both felt a connection through life’s never ending battles.

Have you ever met someone for the first time, and it seemed like you already knew them? Everything you talked about flowed freely? You felt completely at ease around them? You had the same interests, you went to the same college, or maybe you liked the same movies, sports team, or wine. Maybe you’ve had mirror image struggles, or passions.

People gravitate to others who they feel have equivalent interests, or who have been through similar situations

In order to create a following you have to be willing to put yourself out their in a BIG way. At first you’ll feel vulnerable, and quite fearful. But in order to create a following you’re going to have to STEP OUT from behind the curtain, and into the spot light – NAKED. Not literally naked. Oh,  just keep reading…

Tell your story – the good, the bad, and the ugly. You can’t create a following if you’re not willing to “pull back the curtain” and REVEAL who you really are. We’ve all had our own personal humiliations, and embarrassments. However, don’t ever think that someone is better than you. And by the way, if they feel superior to you, don’t get your panties all wadded up, these folks aren’t the people who are going to follow you anyways.

Don’t forget… challenges are just stepping stones to greatness. The problem is… most people avoid challenges all together. They never climb out of the shadow long enough to get the recognition they want, or deserve.

Think about it… Why do so many people connect with Oprah?

Because she’s vulnerable to her audience in a big way, AND she doesn’t try to conceal any of it. So what do we know about Oprah that makes her audience feel like kindred spirits? Well, we know that she’s has an eating disorder, she was molested as a child, she’s was a struggling black women trying to enter show biz, she can’t commit to her long time boy friend (Steadman Graham), she loves dogs, giving, and hot bubble baths, etc.

People love Oprah because they feel like she’s one of them! Oprah created a massive loyal following because she’s “turned the light on” to who she really is. Oprah would never have been able to create a following if she kept the “closet door closed.”

Don Imus created a following the same way. He says, and does outrageous things that his loyal followers wish they could say and do. It’s the… I want to be like Mike scenario.

So what do we know about Imus? Well, he’s a recovering alcoholic, and drug addict. He used to drink, and snort cocaine while performing his radio show. He’s recently been diagnosed with cancer, he’s loves country music, he has a charity for kids, a brother who rebuilds cars, AND HE’S CONFESSED IT ALL.

Rush Limbaugh, Oprah, Don Imus, Regis Philbin, and Howard Stern all have created a huge following by revealing their TRUE selves to their followers. This is how and why people connect and become raving fans. The fans actually feel like they know these celebrities because of what they have in common. They feel a powerful bond through their SIMILAR circumstances.

This is how you can create a following of your own, and keep more clients

Let me know what you’re doing to create a following?

1.    Type the following into your web browser… Google.com/keywordtool

You’ll want to click on Googles “keyword” tool. This is where you can enter any keyword phrase, and have Google tell you how competitive the keyword is, and how many people are searching for this particular keyword on a monthly basis. It will also bring up many other keywords that will help you find, and determine a profitable niche.

NOTE: In order to find a profitable niche, click on the keyword you’re interested in, and then look to see if there’s a lot of advertisers. This will help you determine if the keyword is profitable. (Advertisers wouldn’t advertise for this keyword if they weren’t making money.)  See Video for the full scoop!

2.    Another way that will help you find a profitable niche is to go to www.clickbank.com

If you don’t have an account you’ll have to register (It’s FREE.) Once you’ve registered you can look up different niches to see what’s selling best. See Video

You have to find a niche with a starving audience who’s looking for a solution. This should be a solution that you can provide.