May 20, 2012

What Do Your Customers Really Want?

What Do Your Customers REALLY Want?

The #1 Question for Businesses, by Nancy MatthewsWhatCustomersWant 180x160 What Do Your Customers Really Want?

To have a successful business you’ve got to have lots of customers and, lots of happy customers.  Happy customers will gladly send you referrals, come back time and time again and become the lifeblood of your business.

So how do you acquire those happy customers?  You find out what they want and then, you provide it and serve them better than anyone else has ever done.  Michael Gerber (author of “The E-Myth” and numerous other business classics) says:

“There is only one justifiable reason for creating a company; to serve someone else’s desire better than anyone else has ever done.”

I love that he uses the word ‘desire’ in this description.  Desire is defined as “a longing or craving, as for something that brings satisfaction or enjoyment.” When you approach your business as serving someone else’s desire rather than selling what you have to offer, the tables are turned and pointed in the right direction.  To zero in on your customer’s desires, take a few minutes now and consider:

  1. What satisfaction will my customer have from using my product (or service)?
  2. What enjoyment will it bring to their life?
  3. What dissatisfaction have they felt in the past with others who provide the same type of products and services?
  4. What frustrations or challenges are they experiencing that my product or service can alleviate?
  5. How can I be “The One” to serve them better than anyone else has ever done?

If you’re in business and you’ve studied marketing, client acquisition or worked with business coaches, I’m sure you’ve been directed to focus on the benefits rather than simply the features to engage and attract clients.  I’ve discovered in working with thousands of business owners that the bridge from features to benefits is often times hard to travel.  The above questions will help you get to the heart of the matter and really identify your customer’s desires so that you can properly express the benefits of working with you and then, serve them better than anyone else has ever done!

Would you like to know what Mom’s want?  (FYI — that’s a TRILLION Dollar industry!)  Join me on Wednesday morning for the FREE Global Tele-class at 9:00 am CLICK HERE to Register for the live call or the replay)

Rock ‘N Roll Personal Development

Rock ‘N Roll Personal Development  rock n roll 1 300x225 Rock N Roll Personal Development

Tonight I’ll be reveling at the Atlanta kick off for The Wrecking Ball Tour of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.  The excitement coursing through my veins is electrifying and my energy and spirit are at an all time high!  Many have asked (and you may be wondering too) … “Why do you go to see his shows over and over again? Why would you be willing to drive to Atlanta from Fort Lauderdale, then back home and over to Tampa?  Are you crazy?  What is it?”

Some people think I have a crush on Bruce and want to marry him … that’s not it. Some people think I just love the music (which I do) … that’s not it. Some people think I’m just nuts (and I may be) … but that’s not it either.

As I reflect upon my 40 year history and experience with Bruce Springsteen I realize that what “IT IS,” is that he has been my source of personal development, hope and opportunity since my teenage years.  Through the years his songs have always represented the voice of the average American.  They reflect the duality of the “Darkness on the Edge of Town” where life is hard people can get stuck and stopped, and “The Land of Hope and Dreams” which we can get to by getting on board the train where dreams will not be thwarted and where faith will be rewarded.

It’s not always easy to get on board the train, there are obstacles, fears and challenges that will try to block us and it takes courage, faith and perseverance to get on board.  Bruce himself has demonstrated the courage and perseverance it takes to step out of the darkness and get on board the train to step into his own light.  Going against the wishes of his parents and mainstream society in not becoming a lawyer or a doctor and instead “Always walking around with that god-damned guitar.”  I for one am grateful for the courage he has had to follow his own path and in doing so   has led the way for others to do the same.

As a college freshman in 1978 I eagerly awaited the release of Darkness on the Edge of Town and listened to it over and over again, memorizing the lyrics, the music and the movement of the songs and incorporating the message of the “Promised Lands” and rising above these “Badlands” into my spirit.   Looking back now, I realize that Bruce Springsteen was my first motivational teacher and that he has been teaching, inspiring and causing me to reflect and grow with the release of each record and during each unique live performance.

Having seen Bruce and the band over 50 times through the years, one of my favorite experiences at the shows has always been watching the way Bruce responds and reacts to the audience and creates an experience for us every single time.  I have often had tickets behind the stage (as I do tonight) and from that vantage point get to experience the audience response to the evening.  Feeling and watching the waves of emotions that will be evoked by Bruce’s unique story-telling ability, as he takes us on a journey tonight .  His latest album, Wrecking Ball, describes the anger, frustration and desperation that Americans are feeling … the 99% and in true Bruce Springsteen style, he does not leave us there.  He invites us to get on board this train which can take us to the Land of Hope and Dreams.

Are you ready to get on board?  It may be dark where you are right now, you may be feeling the anger, frustration and the desperation and not know what to do next.  What’s next is to believe..as Bruce teaches in “Promised Land”

“The dogs on main street howl ‘cause they understand if I could take one moment into my hands. Mister I ain’t a boy, no I’m a man, and I believe in a promised land.”

Take this moment into your hands, believe in a promised land that you can have what you want and get on board the train to the land of hope and dreams.  Grab your ticket and your suitcase and get on board. **Be sure to join me every Wednesday morning for a FREE Tele-Class — your midweek shot of Motivation, Education and Inspiration.  Go to http://wpnevents.com/wow to register and feel the Power of WOW Wednesdays!

Marketing in this 2.0 World

Marketing in this 2.0 World

Let me first start by sharing … I LOVE MARKETING!marketing and strategy Marketing in this 2.0 World

And, I know that for most business owners marketing and selling are their 2 least favorite activities.  They much prefer to render their services and deliver their products. The challenge that creates is that marketing and selling are what bring the clients and customers to let you do what you love (i.e. deliver your services and products).

Why do I love marketing?  Because it gives me the opportunity to talk to other people about what I love to do, which is creating business strategies for success, speaking, crafting presentations, interviewing people, writing and providing sound advice to my clients.

I’ve listed some suggestions below which you can implement now to get better results. You can also come see me live on Friday, March 16th from 9 am to 1 pm at the Crowne Plaza with Loral Langemeier, The Millionaire Maker. — here’s the link for details and registration (oh yes, it’s FREE!)

Go to:  >> FREE Yes! Energy Event

Learn to Love Marketing and Get More…of Everything!

Marketing in this 2.0 world has provided more avenues and outlets to share your message — which in most cases is a blessing and a curse.  The challenge being you obviously can’t get your message into every outlet (without a huge team and a fat budget), so how do you choose the right marketing strategies for your business.  Here are a few suggestions:

1.  Know your target market.  If your answer to that is “Everybody can use what I sell” — it’s time to take a look at the commonalities of who has actually been buying.  Create a client profile that includes age, gender, average income, marital status, children, religion and hobbies.

2.  Know where your target market hangs out.  As this applies to social media, are your prospects mainly on Facebook? Twitter? LinkedIn?  Study their online habits and hang out where they do!

3.  Know what your target market really wants (not just what you want to sell them).  Get clear on the real benefits and solutions you provide.  How will your product or service enhance their life, solve a problem, make them happier, healthier, wealthier, sexier (yes, we all know sex sells!)

I know you may have heard some of these tips before but — have you applied them to your marketing strategy?  This is why I’m often referred to as a “Catalyst” — asking the right questions, at the right time to produce the right results!

This Friday, March 16th from 9 am to 1 pm, I’m teaming up with Loral Langemeier “The Millionaire Maker” and we are committed to offering you solid solutions to create more cash with less effort.  This is a free event and you’re invited!

Register at FREE Yes! Energy Event

or call me at 954-980-2134

To Your Success, Peace & Prosperity!

Nancy Matthews

Speaker~Author~Success Catalyst

www.NancyMatthews.com

March Madness? Stop the Madness!

March Madness? Stop the Madness!!!

By Nancy Matthews  March Madness March Madness?  Stop the Madness!

Oh yes, I know it’s “March Madness” and you’re about to see all kinds of promotional marketing loaded with March Madness special deals.  As a marketer it’s great to tie your content to what’s relevant, catchy and on the lips and minds of people BUT (and yes, I did say but), wouldn’t you agree that there’s enough “Madness” in the world

Working closely with business owners in this rapidly changing business landscape, the main challenges they express are (1) information overload (2) exhaustion and confusion from trying to keep up with the latest trends in social media and marketing (3) staying focused on their mission and purpose in contrast to keeping their business afloat.  If you’re feeling any of these challenges, take a moment now to “Stop the Madness” and apply these proven strategies

  1. Information Overload –  Before opening that email or clicking on a link that sparks your curiosity, ask yourself this question “Is this information likely to bring me closer to my goal and in alignment with my mission?”   Gain control of your time by scheduling time for exploration, research and inquiry (rather than allowing yourself to be consistently interrupted).
  2. Social Media Madness – We know that social media marketing is the hottest topic.  The exhaustion and confusion sets in because  just when you figure out the best way to manage it, ‘They’ make changes (i.e. Facebook timeline); ‘They’ add a new ‘hot site’ (i.e. Pinterest and Klout).  Alert:  To have success with social media you don’t  need to be on ALL of the sites, you need to be on the site that’s best for your business!  Get advice from trusted experts in the industry before you waste hours of time and lots of energy in places that won’t bring your desired results.  We have lined up 5 trusted experts to facilitate a Mastermind series where you can learn which are the best outlets for you and your business and learn how to use them properly!  (For details go to: http://wpninstitute.com/socialmedia .)
  3. Mission and Purpose – This truly is the driving force for your business and your profits.  Do you have a mission statement?  Can you recite it without reading it?  If not – stop the madness now and create your mission statement and read it every day!  Place it prominently on your walls, your screen saver, in your car so that your purpose is infused into every action you take, every client you see and every prospect you meet.

March on this month with a commitment to “Stop the Madness!” Slow down, step back and reflect.  Let the winds of March fill the air of your business with a fresh approach that causes you to fly!

To Your Success, Peace & Prosperity!

Nancy Matthews

***Stop the Madness and Master Social Media in our exclusive Social Media Mastery Mastermind

Go to:  http://wpninstitute.com/socialmedia

How About a Helicopter Ride?

How About a Helicopter Ride?

(guest blogger, Trish Carr — my amazing Sister!)

“What?!!? Are you crazy? I don’t have time to take off and get in a helicopter.  I’ve got work to do!” I’m here to say my friends that taking the time to get in your helicopter for a 360 view of your business is exactly what you need to ensure that you’re headed in the right direction.  In fact, it is the most important activity that all enduring and successful businesses do … they take the time to consistently review, revise and redirect their actions toward their goals and that is how they hit their targets time after time. helicopter view 300x225 How About a Helicopter Ride?

Throughout my career I’ve been fortunate to have been a part of many economically strong and profitable businesses and I’ve learned a lot along the way. Yesterday was my designated “helicopter” day.  As I was reflecting on the last few months, reviewing my goals, checking my progress and revising my path, I realized that this was the same process I learned while working with several Fortune 500 companies and that one of the main reasons they are Fortune 500 companies is due to their discipline of regularly getting in the helicopter!  The good news is that helicopter rides aren’t only for Fortune 500 companies! All successful businesses, whether a thriving Mom & Pop Shop, brick and mortar, online marketer, speakers, coaches and network marketing superstars, know that to have long term success they must regularly get in their helicopters.  They know that in order to grow, to make a profit and to continue to be the best they can be, that they must take a ‘helicopter view’ of their businesses.

I’m sure from reading this article you’re now ready to get in your helicopter which leads to the next crucial considerations …

a)    Do you have a qualified helicopter pilot?

b)    Do you have a world class navigator on board?

You can well imagine the outcome if you chose to fly the helicopter on your own without the benefit of the expertise of qualified professionals.

Every successful business owner not only makes the time and the commitment to take consistent helicopter rides, they engage, interact and mastermind with qualified professionals and advisors.

We are halfway through the first quarter of 2012.  I know that you started the year with excitement and enthusiasm and I invite you now to build your excitement!  Schedule your helicopter ride now!  Set aside a day to meet with your mastermind group, business coach or other advisors and take a ride in your helicopter!  Step back and  raise yourself above the noise, the fray, the day-to-day of doing business and simply look at where you are, where you’re going and adjust accordingly.

You know they say, “You can’t see the forest for the trees,” and nothing is truer when you’re mired in your day-to-day operations and your quest for profits. Successful people take the time to set plans, put them in motion and regularly measure success. When you get out of the day-to-day and into your “helicopter,” you can clearly see the path, gauge your progress, confirm that you’re still on the right road heading toward the same intended destination. You can only see that by stopping and taking the “helicopter view.”

To take a helicopter view of your business and your life, join us on Saturday, March 3rd for WPN’s “Strategic Planning & Implementation Workshop” in Boynton Beach…. Details and Registration at http://wpninstitute.com/actionday and you’re going to be thrilled to see the World Class Team of Experts we’ve lined up to help you fly!

How to Turn Cold Calling Into Warm Connections

How to Turn Cold Calling into Warm Connections

It’s as Easy as 1…2…3cold calls How to Turn Cold Calling Into Warm Connections

I believe that you should never have to make another cold call.  Just  the name of this activity sends shivers down my spine.  We have entered the information age and while at times it can feel overwhelming and even sometimes useless, with a slight shift of focus and intention, you can use ‘information marketing’ to turn cold calls into warm connections.  When I refer to ‘information marketing,’ I’m not referring to the process of selling your information to other people (that’s a conversation for another day), I’m talking about utilizing the information that’s readily available to you at no cost to improve your marketing efforts and increase your results!

Are you ready to put an end to cold calling?  Follow these easy guidelines and learn how to turn cold calling into warm connections that want to do business with you!

  1. What do you know about the person or group you are about to call?  Even if you’ve never met, the internet is the perfect resource tool to learn about your prospect.  Start by Googling them, then head to social media for more info.  (I just love how “google” is now a verb!)
  2. Look for clues to build rapport and find their ‘hot buttons.’  Anyone in sales knows that building rapport is one of the first steps in the sales process.  What do you (or your company) have in common them to start a warm conversation based on commonalities rather than a cold call out of the blue?  The receptionist who answers the phone is more likely to put you through to the head honcho and decision maker if you can quickly get to the bottom line of what’s in it for them.  You’ve got to know what it is they want (by doing some research first) to be able to concisely convey that message.
  3. Engage in their sales process, sign up for their newsletter or free course.  Today most businesses offer some entry level way of getting to know more about them directly on their website. When you engage in their process you receive two great benefits; first, you let them know you’re interested in them; and second, you become familiar with their culture and way of doing business.  Both of these benefits allow you to make a warm call instead of a cold call.

I understand that some of you may be reading this article and thinking “I don’t have time to do all that up front work.  I just need to bang through as many cold calls as possible.  I know the statistics … 1 in 100.” For those of you that like making 100 cold calls to find the needle in the haystack, go right ahead.  BUT (and yes, I used the word ‘but’), for those of you who prefer quality over quantity, I invite you to take a few extra minutes on the front end to reap huge rewards on the back end. Create your own statistic.  Use information marketing to your advantage and turn cold calls into warm connections that lead to fast results and increased revenue!

And…when you’re the recipient of a cold call, rather than abruptly hanging up the phone, make it a point to create a warm connection there too!  Ask where they’re calling from, how’s the weather where they are and thank them for calling you.  Understand they probably don’t like cold calling either and perhaps, you can be “The One” to treat them with kindness and respect that sticks in their memory as the best call of the day – even if you didn’t buy!

Join me this Wednesday (and every Wednesday) at 9 am eastern for my *FREE* Tele-Class.  A 30 minute class bringing you mid-week motivation, education and inspiration that keeps you consistently in harmonious action towards your goals.

CLICK HERE Now for Call Details and Registration

(Replays available)

Nancy Matthews

Speaker ~ Author ~ Strategist

www.NancyMatthews.com

Defining The New Normal

Defining “The New Normal”    the new normal 300x145 Defining The New Normal

I’ve seen this phrase popping up a lot lately and it refers to needing to change, to do business in a new way because what used to work and was considered normal no longer works.  Simply put the rules have changed and boy did they ever!

I have found myself resistant to this phrase “The New Normal” and just can’t buy into it and I suggest you don’t either.  Here’s why:

1)     Let’s start with the definition of normal: “ conforming to the standard or the common type” {Dictionary.com}.  Really?  Is that what you want to do?  If you’re normal and conforming to the standard type, what makes you and your business special, unique and different?

You want to be abnormal:  “not normal, average, typical or usual” {Dictionary.com}.  You want to be above normal and ahead of the curve bringing people new ideas, solutions and ways to help them.  Anybody can be normal, it takes someone special to be above normal!

2)    Settling into normal is a booby trap just waiting to backfire on you.  Things are always changing, in life and in business, and if you fall into the trap of getting used to “The New Normal,” you’ll soon find yourself being “The Old Normal” in this rapidly changing environment.

You may be wondering “What’s a person to do?  How can I adapt to all the changes? It feels like just when I get one thing figured out a new gadget or gizmo comes along claiming to be the next best thing since sliced bread.”  At this moment I must share a strong warning:  Beware of savvy marketers who send SOS offers (Shiny Object Signals) that have you believe you won’t make it without them and this is your be all, have it all Hallelujah answer!

My friends “The New Normal” isn’t really new at all.  Everything around us has changed and will continue to change, that is the nature of life itself.  In order to survive and thrive we must learn to be abnormal, adapt to the changes or get left in the dust.  Rather than focusing on trying to be normal, I suggest you do what all successful people have done.  They keep their focus on the pulse of the people, the marketplace and watch the trends, looking for ways to provide solutions to people’s ever changing needs and desires.

“…there is only one justifiable reason for creating a company; to serve someone else’s desire better than anyone has ever done before.” ~ Michael Gerber

To sum it up, take your attention and focus off being normal and instead focus on being RELEVANT:  “having direct bearing on the matter at hand; pertinent” {Dictionary.com}.  Speak with your clients, follow their trends, behaviors and patterns so you can provide solutions to their needs and meet them where they’re at and take them where they want to go!

Go ahead… I dare YOU! Be Abnormal and Make 2012 Your Best Year!

~ Nancy Matthews

Speaker, Author, Strategist

P.S.  I’ve got a free gift for you!  Go to:  http://NancyMatthews.com and enjoy my audio class “How to Make 2012 Your Breakthrough Year!”

What’s Your Footprint?

What’s Your Footprint?

With each step we take we also leave an impression on the spot we moved from.  What kind of footprints do you leave behind?  As you take each step be aware of the impact that step makes on the people, the community and the world around you.  Everything is cause and effect and I invite you to consider what effect you are causing.

When you leave the room, what do people say about you?

When you leave this earth, what do you want people to say about you?

You have the power in this moment to thoughtfully choose the steps you take, ever mindful of the footprint you leave behind.

You have the power now to make your steps count, for the highest good of yourself and others when you infuse each step with the awareness and intention for the footprint you want to leave behind.

This Monday, January 16th, Frank McKinney is taking steps and leading the way for us to do the same.  He begins the first ever “Survival to Thrival Tour” where he is visiting soup kitchens, homeless shelters and food pantries in 16 cities, spending time directly assisting these people and making significant donations to care-giving organizations that catch Americans when they fall.  As the amazing leader that he is, Frank has created an opportunity for US to take a step and support this cause and he’s made it so easy for us!  At each of the locations where Frank is stopping, he will give an aspirational talk on how all of us, including the most desperately poor and homeless can move forward from survival to thrival.  When you attend, $25 will be donated to the organization for each person that attends!  That’s right.  400 people show up and $10,000 gets donated to the organization.

Go now to http://wpnglobal.com/thrival for my personal invitation for you to take a step for a cause that will create a positive effect for Americans across the country.

Now that’s what I call a great footprint!

~ Nancy Matthews

Speaker, Author, Mentor

Clarity – Action – Results!

Who’s Driving Your C-A-R?

Take a Ride With Nancy and Get To Your Destination Now

What’s Your #1 Wish for 2012?

Happy New Year!New Years 2012 300x200 Whats Your #1 Wish for 2012?

Okay … it’s here!  2012 has arrived and brought with it excitement, hope, inspiration and anticipation of having this be your best year yet.

Quick…Answer this question:

What is the #1 thing you want to have happen in your life this year?

Write down your answer and brainstorm a list of all the things you can do to be in action moving towards that goal.  Napoleon Hill said “Patience, perseverance and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.”

2012 can absolutely be your breakthrough year if you have patience, with unwavering faith and the belief that what you want will happen for you.  If you have the persistence to never give up on your goal (like Jack Canfield who pursued 133 publishers before finding “The One” to publish Chicken Soup for the Soul.)  If you’re willing to perspire and put in the effort and energy  and be in consistent action toward your goal.

To achieve your goals it is essential for you to hold on to the excitement and enthusiasm you now feel throughout the days, weeks and months to come.  Go now to:  http://NancyMatthews.com/kickoff and access the replay of my special New Year’s Day tele-class “How to Make 2012 Your Breakthrough Year!”

To Your Success, Peace & Prosperity

…Creating a Space for Your Infinite Possibilities!

Nancy Matthews, aka The Visionary with Guts

P.S. Enjoy my free gift “How to Make 2012 Your Breakthrough Year!”

Go Now to:  http://NancyMatthews.com/kickoff


Holiday Meltdowns: Is Your To Do List TOO Long? How to Get More Done and Have Fun Too!

Holiday Meltdowns:  Is your to do list TOO long?   How to Get More Done and Have Fun Too!  holiday stress Holiday Meltdowns: Is Your To Do List TOO Long? How to Get More Done and Have Fun Too!

Stop, pause and affirm “I will get everything done today that I meant to get done and do it with grace and ease.” It is not the number of things we get done but rather the manner, method and energy we infuse into the things we do get done.

As the hustle and bustle of the holiday comes into full swing it’s easy to become distracted, hurried, rushed feeling like a “Chicken running around with my head cut off.”  (ooh – what a terrible image!)

Here are a few simple tips to help you this holiday season (and if you really want to get the most peace, prosperity and joy during this time go to: http://wpninstitute.com/holiday)

First, before you rush off to do all the stuff on your to do list, give yourself at least 15 minutes to stop and focus on your priorities for the day:

(a) How do you want to feel today? Happy? Productive? Creative? Social? Relaxed? Consider that you actually have the choice to direct your feelings and responses to what shows up. When you begin your day with attention on your intentions you will more easily handle surprises, challenges and obstacles.

(b) What are the 3 most important things you want to accomplish?  Take that long to do list and number the top 3 things.  You’ll feel GREAT when you can cross them off your list and be delighted when you do more than those 3 because you have more focus and clarity.

Next, keep your to do list at your fingertips all day long … and look at it repeatedly!  Guard yourself from being pulled off course by checking your email, checking out the link in that email, then another link on that page that spurs a new idea and …BAM! Before you know it 30 minutes (or more) are gone and so is the motivation to complete the task you started.

I trust these tips will help you today and always to remember …

“The most important things in life aren’t things.” ~ Anthony J. D’Angelo

Would you like more Time Management Tips?  To create more hours in the day?  Yes…It is possible and I can show you how!  Go now to:  http://wpninstitute.com/holiday for my teaching “Stop the Clock Time Management”  A Fresh Perspective on an Old Topic That Will Finally Make You Friends with Father Time! Plus “Holiday Happiness – A Prescription to Eliminate the Old and Blue and Embrace the Bold and New!”