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How are Pages different than personal profiles?
You probably aren’t monetizing your Facebook activity very well if you haven’t started your own Facebook Group or Page. I want to wanted to share what a Facebook Page is so I decided to go straight to the source. Here is some great information describing the differences between Pages and personal profiles that I found on the Facebook Help site.
“Each user is permitted to maintain a single account, which is represented by a profile. Profiles can only be used to represent an individual, and must be held under an individual name. This account can also be used to manage multiple Facebook Pages that represent businesses or other organizations. You may only create Facebook Pages to represent real organizations of which you are an authorized representative, and fans of these Pages won’t be able to see that you are the Page admin, or have any access to your personal account.
All personal site features, such as friending and messaging, are also for personal use only and may not be used for professional promotion. If you add a user as a friend, for example, this person will be invited to be a friend of your profile and not your Page. Using personal site features for professional promotion, or creating unauthorized Pages, may result in your account being warned or disabled.”
I hope this was helpful.
You can also find out:
What is a Facebook Page?
How are Pages different than Facebook Groups?
Cheers
Tom
How are Pages different than Facebook Groups?
Another question that I get very often regarding Facebook is what is the difference between a page and a Facebook Group. Once again, I decided to go straight to the source for the best answer. Here is what I found on the Facebook Help site:
“Pages can only be created to represent a real public figure, artist, brand or organization, and may only be created by an official representative of that entity. Groups can be created by any user and about any topic, as a space for users to share their opinions and interest in that subject. Pages can be customized with rich media and interactive applications to engage Page visitors. Applications can’t be added to groups.
Pages are designed to allow Page admins to maintain a personal/professional distinction on Facebook, while groups are a part of your personal Facebook experience. If you’re a group admin, your name will appear on that group, while Pages will never display their admins’ names. Additionally, when you take actions on your group, such as posting on your group’s wall, these actions will appear to come from you as an individual. However, if you post or take other actions on a Page you own, it will appear to come from the Page.
As long as a group is under 5000 members, group admins can send messages to the group members that will appear in their inboxes. If the group exceeds 5000, admins can’t send messages to all members. Page admins can send updates to fans through the Page, and these updates will appear in the “Updates” section of fans’ inboxes. There is no limit on how many fans you may send an update to, or how many total fans a Page can have. It’s also possible to restrict access to a group, so that new members have to be approved, but access to a Page can only be restricted by certain ages and locations.”
I hope this was helpful.
You can also find out:
What is a Facebook Page?
How are Pages different than personal profiles?
Cheers
Tom
What is a Facebook Page?
I’m often asked to define a Facebook page and one of the best answers comes straight from the source. Here is an excerpt from the Facebook Help page regarding what a Facebook Page is.
“A public figure, business, or brand can create a Facebook Page to share information, interact with their fans, and create a highly engaging presence on Facebook. Pages are distinct presences that are optimized to represent a business, and are separate from user profiles. Like profiles, they can be enhanced with applications that help the organization communicate with and engage their fans, and capture new audiences virally through their fans’ recommendations to their friends. More than 3 million users become fans of Facebook Pages every day.
You can easily use your personal account to manage a Facebook Page for your organization. You can create your Facebook Page here. Please note that only the official representative of an organization is permitted to create a Page – “fan” Pages are not permitted and will be removed.”
I hope this was helpful.
You can also find out:
How are Pages different than personal profiles?
How are Pages different than Facebook Groups?
Cheers
Tom
Coaches, Trainers and Consultants: 5 Tips to Thrive in any Economy
There are many things that you can do to stand out in a noisy crowd and attract clients who are eager to work with you regardless of what’s going on in the economy. They key is to always be growing, improving and improvising. Here are 5 tips to help you along the way to more success for your business.
1. Create multiple offers for your market.
It’s incredibly important, especially in today’s economic climate, to create multiple opportunities for your prospects and clients to say, “Yes!” You can offer audio recording, e-books, group coaching or training programs, multiple levels of private coaching or training, etc.
2. Share social proof or testimonials of your work.
Even if you’re just starting out, it’s very impacting to provide testimonials about what people have achieved by working directly with you or by working with systems or programs similar to what you offer. An example would be a brand new life coach who can present testimonials from people who can explain how life coaching in general has been a helpful and valuable tool in their lives.
3. Focus on the value that you offer and not the process that you take clients through.
In the simplest of terms, people want out of pain and into pleasure. They aren’t very concerned with the step-by-step process to getting there; as long as they know they can get there.
4. Be the “bridge” between where your market IS and where they want TO BE.
When you provide the tool, system or support for getting your clients from where they are to where they want TO BE, you’ll find it’s a simple task to convert them into happy, paying clients. But remember, don’t describe the color of the bridge; just take them across.
5. Add video and audio to your marketing approach.
This provides a very personal touch to your marketing and let’s prospective clients get to know, like and trust you much quicker than others who are competing for their business.
For an amazing interview series with dozens of valuable tips from service professionals who bring in an average of $700 per hour, visit: http://chargewhatyoudeserve.com/eis_dig.php
Multiple Prospects? Multiple Solutions!
When you are offering only one service or product, you’re putting a tremendous amount of undue pressure on yourself.
Every time you face a prospect you know in the back of your mind that it’s all or nothing.
Why not alleviate this pressure and at the same time give your market a selection of choices.
Here are a few ideas:
<>Newsletters, articles and free reports
<>Information products
<>Group programs
<>Split-fees
You can cover all your bases from “home-run” services to free information such as newsletters and articles.
Let’s go through these one at a time.
Most people need to get to know, like and trust you before they invest hard-earned money into your services. This might take 5 minutes or 5 months. Everybody is different. That’s one of the main reasons to offer multiple solutions for your clients’ problems. Not any one is going to be best suited for all of them.
Newsletters, articles and free reports:
These are, without a doubt, three of the best ways to get people interested in what you have to offer. If you give them valuable, practical information at no risk whatsoever then they will be more inclined to trust you when you offer more expensive solutions.
What about those prospects who truly cannot afford your fees? Newsletters, articles and free reports are a godsend for these people. They need information that they can trust, but they aren’t capable of shelling out the money just yet.
For others it absolutely frightening to hand money over to somebody that they don’t know. Give them the opportunity to know, like and trust you and their guard will come down. Just be sure to always respect and honor this trust. Consider it sacred and you can have long lasting relationships with your clients.
Remember, it’s MUCH more expensive to acquire new clients than it is to retain existing ones.
Information products
Information products come in all shapes, sizes and prices. They can be free, 15 page downloads all the way to multiple CD and book packages ranging from a few dollars to $2500 and more.
I watched one ezine guru go from $450 to $1500 for the exact same info product in ONE year. And she gets it. Obviously people have found her information to be worth thousands of dollars.
One of the easiest ways to create an information product is to record a teleseminar or a series of teleseminars, have the audio transcribed, then package the audio and book. You can keep it to a simple PDF text and MP3 audio download or create a physical product. Both can be very useful for your clients and very profitable for you.
Group programs
Teleseminars and workshops are great ways to leverage your time and offer your services at a lower fee. You can do this and make excellent income because you are working with several people at a time.
If you are providing superb value for your clients then many of them will want to get closer to you and hire you one-on-one.
Group programs are also a great option for current clients who are struggling with the financial commitment of more expensive private services.
Split-fees
Many coaches offer a set number of sessions per month for a set number of minutes each session at a set price.
For instance, they might offer four, 45-minute sessions per month for $500. This becomes very restrictive in terms of what you’re offering your clients. Not everybody is going to need the same number of sessions each month for the same amount of time.
Take the same example and make a slight adjustment.
Package A Package B
Sessions per month: Two Four
Length of sessions: 45 minutes 45 minutes
Investment: $400 $700
Imagine your prospects actually having choices? You don’t want to confuse them with too choices, but you don’t want to limit them to an “all or nothing” either.
This is also great insurance for not having to discuss your fees too early in a sales conversation.
You can be honest and say that you have multiple solutions for their needs and you would like to get more information first. More on that when I discuss tips for communicating fees with confidence.
Profit Step
Write down split-fee packages that you can offer. Include 2-3 different packages.
Challenge: If one of the packages is offering the same amount of time that you currently offer your clients, I want to challenge you to raise the price of that package at least 50% above what you currently charge.
Cheers and Success
Tom
Note: This was an excerpt from the Charge What You Deserve Coach in a Book. To discover more practical techniques for how to charge what you deserve and get it go to:
Marketing Resources for Solo-Entrepreneurs
I just finished my BlogTalkRadio show, 30-Minute Marketing Buzz, with Donna Kozik. As many of you may already know, Donna and I are hosting a weekly show on Monday mornings at 11:30 EST where we share resources and strategies for both online and offline marketing.
Today we spent 30-minutes sharing valuable resources that we’ve used and highly recommend. The topics included:
>>Teleconference lines
>>Audio recording
>>Websites
>>Domain hosting
>>Shopping carts
>>Affiliate management sites
You can listen to the playback here:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Donna-and-Tom
We will be covering even more resources on next week’s call, so be sure to put it on your calendar.
Cheers
Tom
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Donna-and-Tom
3 Tips for Attracting New Clients Even During a Slow Economy
If you’re a service professional then you obviously need paying clients in order for you to stay in business. And even if you haven’t been keeping up with the new, there’s no getting around the fact that we are in the midst of a recession.
But that does NOT mean that you have to give in to that knee-jerk reaction to lower your prices and go into emergency mode. Despite anything that is happening in the world today, your market still wants solutions to their problems, and maybe more now than ever.
So here are three things that you can do right now to start converting those prospects into paying clients.
1. Ask your market what their biggest obstacle is.
I did this just the other day and got great results and new ideas for my business. If you have an ezine or newsletter list, simply send out an email asking them to tell you what their biggest obstacle is related to your business. While you’re at it, ask them what their biggest desire is too. Stop assuming to know what it is that they want and just ask them.
2. Create a program that will remove the obstacle and create the desire.
Package a program with a beginning, middle, end and intended results. Take the most common response from #1 that you feel confident you can approach and you now have a solution that your market will pay for.
3. Take away the risk.
If you get results from your clients, then back it up. Let them know that you will guarantee the results. Don’t worry about people asking for their money back. The additional clients and customers that you’ll get from offering some sort of guarantee will more than cover the small percentage of people who will ever ask for their money back.
All three steps can be done in a couple days. Put the question out to your list, outline a program based on the results and remove the risk for people to get involved.
Start with step one today. Don’t put it off and wait until tomorrow because odds are it won’t get done.
3 Tips for Attracting New Clients Even During a Slow Economy
If you’re a service professional then you obviously need paying clients in order for you to stay in business. And even if you haven’t been keeping up with the new, there’s no getting around the fact that we are in the midst of a recession.
But that does NOT mean that you have to give in to that knee-jerk reaction to lower your prices and go into emergency mode. Despite anything that is happening in the world today, your market still wants solutions to their problems, and maybe more now than ever.
So here are three things that you can do right now to start converting those prospects into paying clients.
1. Ask your market what their biggest obstacle is.
I did this just the other day and got great results and new ideas for my business. If you have an ezine or newsletter list, simply send out an email asking them to tell you what their biggest obstacle is related to your business. While you’re at it, ask them what their biggest desire is too. Stop assuming to know what it is that they want and just ask them.
2. Create a program that will remove the obstacle and create the desire.
Package a program with a beginning, middle, end and intended results. Take the most common response from #1 that you feel confident you can approach and you now have a solution that your market will pay for.
3. Take away the risk.
If you get results from your clients, then back it up. Let them know that you will guarantee the results. Don’t worry about people asking for their money back. The additional clients and customers that you’ll get from offering some sort of guarantee will more than cover the small percentage of people who will ever ask for their money back.
All three steps can be done in a couple days. Put the question out to your list, outline a program based on the results and remove the risk for people to get involved.
Start with step one today. Don’t put it off and wait until tomorrow because odds are it won’t get done.
5 steps to Creating a 6-7 Figure Business as a Solo-Preneur
Most people don’t go through all the sweat and pain of creating a new business to earn minimum wage. So if you have a dream of earning a living from your own business, what’s preventing you from not only having a BIG dream, but of actually achieving that dream?
For most, it’s simply a lack of a game plan. I’m going to share 5 steps to creating a 6-7 figure business as a solo-preneur that have worked for me as well as MANY of my colleagues even in the current economy.
1) Identify your ideal income
It’s not enough to say, “I want to make a good living with my business.” There’s absolutely no conviction or power behind those words. While I know it can be scary at times, you need to write down exactly what you WANT to bring in to your business. Be as specific as possible and be sure to stretch yourself. If you feel uncomfortable writing the number down then you’re on the right track.
2) Identify your “million dollar niche”
Who are they and where do they hang out? Sit down with a piece of paper and describe, in detail, who your ideal client is. What does she read? Does he like coffee or tea? Is she a cat person or a dog person? The more specific that you can get the easier it is to reach and identify with your ideal market.
3) Become fluent in your niche’s language and identify “Hot Emotional Triggers”
Learn exactly what makes your market tick. What are their greatest wants, needs and desires? What are they talking about? Don’t know? Ask them. Send out surveys to your list or get involved in discussion groups. This is why it’s so important to first identify WHO your market is. Often times, your ideal client is “YOU” about a year or two ago. What have you learned that you wish you knew then? What would it be worth to have had this knowledge sooner rather than later? If you don’t know step number 2 then you’ll have a long, uphill battle trying to hit a solid 5 yet alone 6-7 figures with your business.
4) Become the “Go-To” person in your niche
This is actually much easier than you might expect. Remember those “Hot Emotional Triggers?” Learn to effectively satisfy your market’s greatest wants, needs and desires in your own unique and genuine way and you’ll soon position yourself as the “Go-To” person in your niche.
5) Create programs and products with a beginning, middle, end and intended results
Give your market something that they can sink their teeth into. What can a client expect after working with you or buying your products? Remember, your clients are paying for results; plain and simple, so tell them what they can expect. The solo-preneurs who become adept at describing the intended results of their products and services as they relate to the wants, needs and desires of their marketplace are going to reap the greatest rewards and improve their client and customer satisfaction. This is a great way to attach investment to results rather than time spent in fulfillment.
Homework:
Take 5 minutes and write down your ideal income. Write big and bold and keep it where you can see it.
Take the next couple of days to work on steps 2 and 3. Once you’ve completed these first 3 steps the rest will begin to fall into place. Keep your eyes and ears open and listen to what your market wants. Remember to create solutions for those wants and desires in a unique and genuine way. Do this and you’ll have a successful business for a very long time.
Cheers and Success
Tom Buford
Coaches and Consultants – 3 Quick and Easy Tips to Thrive in a Slowing Economy
by Tom Buford
OK . . . I’ve been hearing a LOT of talk about the economy lately. Who am I kidding; I’ve felt its effects as well, but I made a few quick tweaks to my business and marketing and now I’m right back on track. I’m going to share three of those tweaks with you in just a minute.
There’s no getting around that some people out there are being directly hit by the slowing economy and others are petrified that they’re next.
Well, this doesn’t mean that you have to throw your arms up in the air and close shop. Remember, that now is the time that people need consulting, mentoring and coaching more than ever! This is the time that they need their business and life to flow more effortlessly.
People don’t typically seek solutions until they’re aware of the problem. This may seem obvious, but think about it. We SHOULD be putting solutions in place BEFORE the problem rears its ugly head. Unfortunately that’s not the typical behavior.
It’s akin to the way we here in America use our medical system. We go to a doctor when we get sick. But how many of us seek guidance to help us avoid getting sick?! As a former student of nutritional consulting I know the answer is alarmingly low. And this is our HEALTH we’re talking about.
This problem is even more rampant when it comes to business. Don’t worry; I’m not trying to claim innocence here 
Man, have I ever waited until the last minute to bail myself out of business frustrations.
But this “problem” actually presents an opportunity for you and your market. You offer something that other people need and want, don’t you?
I’m going to share with you 3 tips that will help your business prosper in a slowing economy. Even if business is great right now, make sure to read this article. Then print it out and keep it handy. You NEVER know when things might change.
1. Think and network GLOBALLY as well as locally. By “globally” I mean anywhere outside of where you’re currently networking. Things aren’t bad everywhere. I talk to people every day who are making more money now than ever before and they aren’t seeing any end in sight. If you’re networking locally and feeling the crunch then start spreading out. Begin creating client solutions that can be done over the phone, e-mail, etc.
One of the best ways to begin networking globally is using the power of social media sites. My personal favorite is Facebook. I find the business community to be receptive and responsive.
Other sites you might like: LinkedIn.com Twitter.com Ryze.com
You can find a pretty exhaustive list of more social and business networking sites here: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=Ei91C&m=1cuGKjexvinbnf&b=crlGnNeQjABGugg0VJq4xQ
Scan through and find “general” or “business” sites and see if any of them connect with you.
2. Bring the focus to what it costs your prospects NOT to work with you. If you’re selling an ethical and beneficial service, it’s your obligation to share this perspective with your prospects.
When you shift FROM what it costs to work with you and focus on what is lost by NOT working with you, the idea of “price” becomes secondary. Your prospect’s budget isn’t the issue at hand. Now the conversation is about what they might lose by not moving forward with you and how valuable your services are to them.
3. Offer “next steps” for your current clients
One of the biggest problems people face in slowing economic times is losing faith in people and businesses. They feel that everyone’s out to get their money. And in many cases, they’re absolutely correct.
Hopefully, your current clients already know, like and trust you. They’re not worried that you’re trying to rip them off so they’re receptive to new solutions that you have for their problems.
Clients are much harder to obtain than they are to keep as long as you have a history of providing them with value. And many of your clients are sitting there waiting for you to offer them the next step. It’s not their job to ask, but it’s yours to offer.
Again, assuming you offer a service or product that is truly valuable to your market, this is an ethical step for you to put into place.
What could some next steps be? * Group coaching or mentoring * Packages not previously offered * Affiliate products and services of other known and trusted professionals * Platinum level programs whereby they get more hands-on with you
One of my favorites is group coaching and tele-classes. You can keep the investment relatively low while delivering a tremendous amount of practical information and solutions because you gather several people on a call. This is a win/win. You get paid what you’re worth for your time and they receive incredible value.
Action Steps:
1. Find at least one social/business networking site that you can join. Then become an active community member. Don’t get too wrapped up here though. You can spend hours on these sites. I have a countdown timer on my desk and I set it for 30 minutes when I get on Facebook. When the time’s up I’m gone. Social networking is only ONE aspect of running a successful business.
2. Think of at least 3 critical reasons your prospects would want to work with you. Focus on what they lose or miss out on by NOT working with you. Begin communicating these ideas in your sales conversations and marketing material.
3. Create 2 logical “next steps” for your current clients. If you have a difficult time coming up with something then just ask. You can ask your clients the next time you talk with them or send a survey to your client list. Trust me, they will appreciate that you are thinking of them and asking for their feedback before randomly creating solutions that may or may not work for them.
A great site for creating quick and easy surveys is http://www.surveymonkey.com/
You can start creating very cool surveys for free. This is a great resource that you should get used to using in your business.
Cheers and Success
Tom Buford “The Fee-Setting Go-To Guy”
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