Kim Page Gluckie's MPowered Marketing — marketing help maximized for part-time entrepreneurs

7 Small Celebrations You Can Enjoy In The Moment!

My 3 year old daughter had several milestones today. First, she cleaned her room (almost) by herself. She was bursting with joy as she skipped on one foot to me saying “mommy, come see come see!” Then she came back a few moments later in awe of herself saying “mommy NOW I CAN DO BUTTONS!” Her mini celebrations continued. And while part of me was happy to celebrate her “small” successes with her, I got shivers for a minute as it sunk in how these seemingly small milestones are actually HUGE.

The smallest successes are actually the critical foundation for EVERYTHING that comes next. For her, it’s going to be tying her shoes and doing up her own zipper. But that got me wondering, what small celebrations matter most for you. I came up with 7 ideas. I know there are more! Please share what you can think of.

7 Small Celebrations (That Are Actually Huge)

Making a Facebook business page. It’s actually the simplest thing to create, but until you’ve done it, it feels intimidating because you don’t get “how.” Celebrate that you’ve done it if you have or when you do. Because this can transform your business, after about 5 minutes of work. (Visit MPowered Marketing, look at the bottom of the left column of the page, click “Create A Page”, follow steps from there)
Receiving a call or email from someone who was referred to you. Even if it doesn’t pan out into business for you, it is still the first time someone thought highly enough of you to pass your name along. Celebrate being valued for what you do!
Creating an online payment system. Paypal is extremely simple. Everyone can do it themselves. And getting a Paypal button on your website is only a smidgen harder. Doing this one simple thing opens you for business 24 hours a day. Celebrate not waiting a moment longer to have e-commerce on your website.
Writing down a goal. Yes, seems simple. But the act of writing it down rather than just thinking about it engages the brain into remembering it. Write it where you can see it often. Writing + seeing it helps you stay focused on why you are doing what you are doing and helps make good marketing decisions too.
Saying yes! Celebrate when you say yes to something new. It’s a sign you are confident enough to step up to an opportunity.
Saying no! Celebrate being able to say no to something that you know is wrong for your business. It’s a sign you are confident enough to to walk away from the wrong opportunity knowing the right one now has space to be noticed.
Taking your business cards and handing them out! (Inspired in the moment by a friend who just told me she “is actually taking her business cards tonight”). Confess, you often don’t even think about it. What do you think you printed those puppies for anyway? When you take your cards, and hand them out when you introduce yourself to someone, celebrate making a connection as the professional you are.

None of these take you much time at all. But that does not mean they aren’t significant. Some of them are downright huge for your business, so don’t overlook them. They mean a great deal. I’m celebrating with you!�
Now, what are you celebrating like a 3 year old? Comment below, I’d love you to share… and then go celebrate that you shared! Repeat)

Freebies & The Art of Old School Marketing

free offers

A business pal posted an interesting status today about tolerance for how to access “free stuff” in online marketing… and if it should have opt-ins (giving up your name and email address) for customers to get that free stuff. Before you get all bummed out, feeling like you’ve just cracked the “opt in” concept for your business and now are to be told not to bother, or feeling like you’ve been duped the last time you gave up your email for an information product, let me remind you this is actually REALLY old school marketing – like real world marketing, not just online marketing. And I think it’s fine!

You know when you stand in line for that free draw for a barbecue at the local Home & Garden Consumer Show, or sign up for a free Bath & Body Works sample coupon? You were doing the same thing for bigger businesses. You were extremely happy to give up your name to get the goodies! So why should your small business, solo entrepreneur friends lose out on the same style of marketing that, frankly, works. It’s a win-win-win – for you, for the company, and for a potential new relationship that could actually benefit you personally or your business if that freebie turns into a loyalty for your business (ahem – that’s the ultimate point).

If I take off my marketing hat for a few minutes, I see the pain… I have a daily chore of unsubscribing from stuff I opted in to, to “try before I buy”. But I’m also finding myself NOT unsubscribing from surprising lists that I never would have discovered had I not saw a free business product that caught my eye.

“Opting in” may feel a bit gimmicky. But if what you get out of giving your name and email address is of true value, then you have nothing to lose but an extra 30 seconds to unsubscribe anytime you like. And by the way, what is value? It’s not what your best business friend told you is value… it’s what YOU value. If it’s something you want, sign up for it! If it’s not clear what you get, ask for more information or move on.

Put on YOUR business hat for a minute. There are consumers out there who collect free stuff like they are about to end up on an episode of Hoarders! You don’t want to clutter your inbox with non-qualified, uninterested looky-loos who are JUST in it for the free stuff. When you offer free with opt-in… make sure you are offering something that proves your credibility and expertise a level deeper than everyone else. Let your unique gifts and voice shine in e-books, worksheets, audios, videos or whatever it is.

My Facebook response… But yet what’s always worked still works… delivering exceptional customer value. I was thinking on this more… I think some can use a double opt in because they have created a strong brand, with great value and high trust… plus a “you know what you are going to get” experience. Those who are inconsistent, inappropriate and ineffective in actually delivering value will not be able to “ask” from customers as easily as those who have built a relationship or a brand or a reputation that is solid already. And different audiences have different levels of sophistication and tolerance for “savvy marketing”. If it’s slick and smooth it generates either a “you are so professional, wow what an expert” response. Or it generates a “yuck – this is too good to be true” response. Isn’t marketing fantastic!? Love it.

To really amp up your credibility, offer loads of high quality free content without opt in on your blog, on Twitter chat, on Facebook statuses/notes/discussions, in articles for others, chapters in others’ books. Build your reputation. I am still clunky at the online opt-in processes, but I’ve come a long way baby in integrating my strong traditional marketing methods with online marketing ideas. And I think I’m getting enough to believe this post I just wrote.

I have no fear of asking for your name when I’m giving you something that has a high value to MY business. If you value it to, you’ll let me know who you are. And it won’t hurt my feelings if you opt out after you get it. For now, until my online expert colleagues show another win-win way (I’m sure they are working on it right this second), I think it’s an age old system that works in real life on a trade show booth, at a retail store, at the coffee shop, and online.

Bottom line in how you operate YOUR business is to know your audience and where you stand with them – whether your business is online or in real life. Have you built trust and credibility enough to ask more of them in return? Is your offer so delightful that you don’t need to build trust for them to enjoy giving their name and email address? How much time do you have to cull a huge qualified list? Would a small, easy to connect with list be better for you right now?

My fear always is that you will undervalue yourself and your business. And offering something for free with nothing in return, if you haven’t already built your reputation and set your prices and created value in your business, is that you’re not worth it. You’re not valuable enough to take a tiny risk of sharing an email address to get your brilliant work.

But you are worth it. Asking for what’s fair isn’t just about proper pricing. It’s about not giving away your best stuff for free inappropriately. You’re worth it! Don’t miss the opportunity to build your business.

“On the Side” Just Got Street Cred in Business!

Free Stuff

You know how you pretend you don’t really want the salad dressing with that salad, but instead of just saying “no dressing” you make a half-commitment to get it “on the side?”

And then you proceed to dump the whole thing on top of the salad, because the truth is, the dressing on the side comment was just for show. You had every intention of fully committing to dumping that little cup of dressing all over that salad!

Do you have a part-time business “on the side” that you are treating the same way? To the outside world you are dismissing it as if it’s unnecessary and not a big deal if you take it or leave it? But as soon as everyone’s backs are turned you are deeply engrossed and passionately committed to enjoying every second of the delightful project you are growing?

I’ve met people like you. Many people. Hundreds of people! And I’m one of them. Or I was. But not anymore!

As of today, “on the side” businesses shall no longer be dismissed or pretended away as if they don’t matter. You will no longer hide what you really love from the rest of the world just because they don’t get you, support you or care as much as you do? You will not act like something that you care about all the time gets less effort JUST because you have less time!

Welcome to the world of credibility for part-time entrepreneurship. Welcome to exactly what you need if you are motivated and committed to making your “on the side” business into a happy and successful part of your full-time life.

Welcome to International Alliance of Motivated Part-Time Entrepreneurs (IAMPTE).

This is my passion project that elevates “on the side” business owners into credible, capable, successful and happy entrepreneurs… no matter how little time, money or support they feel they have!

IAMPTE is the first and only organization dedicated solely to the success of part-time entrepreneurs… anyone who has fewer than 30 daylight hours a week to work on a business is a PTE! And this organization is launching with 17 experts, selected by me with great purpose and intent, to share exactly the right kind of information and how to steps to use that information!

This is a project I’ve been thinking about for a year! And my passion for it has become amplified every month of 2010 that passed as I heard stories of committed PTEs trying desperately to make some money at what they do while also raising their children, volunteering, holding down other jobs, going to school and caregiving for friends and family. I heard these stories as these PTEs shared the impacts of post-recession… devastating rebound effects that hurt families and businesses through 2010. I’ve heard how commitment and passion stay strong no matter WHAT… but that alone doesn’t grow a business.

A sneak peak launch is unveiling on Facebook!

Don’t miss out. Sign up now (on the Facebook page) to receive a free “How to Be a Successful PTE” mini-zine plus get on the list to be the first to hear about $500 in bonuses and offers on January 26th.

Introducing A Commitment to Entrepreneurship Around the Globe! How you can help…

IAMPTE is committed to entrepreneurship in our own communities, as well as those in countries less fortunate than yours! That is why we are also thrilled to kickstart IAMPTE with a commitment to Kiva microfinancers for impoverished but spirited and succeeding entrepreneurs around the world. When you join our news list (via Facebook) 50 cents may be donated to Kiva. We are attempting to raise $500 in 1 week! Hop on over to help!

There is much for you to gain this week and in the year ahead! And much to give and share in the spirit of community and support! Get on the list- your sneak peak week bonuses are waiting!

Monday Morning Marketer

(updated. originally published April 2010)
Time and again I find myself re-checking my expectations – those I hold for myself, and those my family have of me. And time and again I realize I don’t have them aligned. That’s marketing speak for “crap! this just ain’t workin’ yet”. For as much as I “know my stuff” as a marketer for small businesses, I’m still new at being an entrepreneur and ALL that it entails. Not only that, I am still new at being an entrepreneur trying to create a repeatable, sustainable business model while still being mom first!

Marketing, Missions & Movements Oh My!

Monday morning marketer

I’ve been in a marketing “cone of silence”… fairly unchatty on my blog of late. Which, if you don’t know me (or follow me on Facebook or Twitter) could be seen as a business #fail. Because, of course, staying top of mind is key to business building success! However, at times, we can break our own rules (if we know what the rules are – build some credibility for what you do, and you too can withstand a tiny break on good merit) for the greater good. And the greater good… well, it’s freakin’ GREAT!

I Am on a Mission – Soon You’ll Be Invited to Join Me!

In a few short weeks I’ll be telling you what I’ve been up to while I’ve been silent on the blogosphere. I will tell you that if you have a business “on the side”, are a direct seller, or squeeze your fledgling small business into the extra hours you have (because you have a full time life with another job, parenting, volunteering, going to school, etc)… you will LOVE the major project that is going on behind the scenes. And it’s not just me working on it. I have 18 leading experts joining me. I am on a mission to make the world a more inviting and encouraging place for part-time entrepreneurs. Can you hardly stand it!? Watch for official news coming January 20th!

Now would be a good time to say Happy New Year and Happy Holidays (since I was remiss in that as well).

Last year at this time I told you I don’t do resolutions. I still say that, for the most part. BUT… again, in the theme of breaking my own rules… I have bent to resolve a few things this year. NOT just because 2010 turned into 2011, but because I turned 39 last week… and 39 will turn to 40 all.too.fast.

I promised myself, at about 3 months into my pregnancy with my third and last child, that “by the time I am 40″, I’ll be back in control of myself again. I won’t feel like a new bride (it’s been 9 years and I still feel like I’m learning this one), I won’t feel like a new mom (I have this one handled), I won’t feel like I’ve lost myself in the constant change of life since 2001 (two houses, three babies, one husband, several jobs, entrepreneurial spirit thriving amongst maintaining my family values). So, I’ve made myself a few promises. But I honestly don’t yet have a clue how I’m going to keep them!

I’ve given myself a year dedicated to finding my way to Fabulous 40s!

Up until a few hours ago I had given myself about two days to figure out how to be fabulous in 360 days when I turn 40. Because as a planner, I thought I needed a PLAN to hit all my goals by the time I’m 40. But plans work for business. They don’t work for EVERYTHING. And I was stressing… like serious inner turmoil that I.Don’t.Know.How. to make the changes I want to see in myself this year.

But… I’VE JOINED THE HAPPINESS MOVEMENT… and don’t feel turmoil any longer

What happened a few hours ago to give myself permission to take the year, rather than create a PLAN RIGHT NOW was Kimberly Englot’s launch to HER new major movement… the NOW of Happiness. She has launched a program in which she intends to influence 10,000 women this year to BE HAPPY. Tonight she held part 1 of a 2 part call describing the movement and setting the stage.

Ironically, I had to leave the call 20 minutes in as my oldest called urgently to leave her gymnastics class – hit by the flu. But that’s okay… I had a MAJOR take away in the time I spent on the call. My epiphany was that in the face of crisis, I am one to go all in and try to create change. I’m not fearful of change. I’m a calculated risk taker and a change agent. And wow… does that EVER work for me as an entrepreneur and in guiding my clients.

But personally, being a change agent isn’t working anymore! I no longer have to adapt every 9 months to pregnancy, post-pregnancy, career, no career, restart career cycles, eating for 2, eating for 1, eating for 2, etc. I no longer have to learn how to be a mom. I’m a mom of 3 for goodness sake! The last 9 years of my life have been CONSTANT change. And, I suspect I just might be addicted to change. My whole career before marriage and family life was dedicated to fast-paced client businesses that needed change. And personally, I seem to thrive on chaos. Or used to. But it doesn’t feel good or fun anymore. Kimberly’s advice on the call, was that for some, change may come in the form of BEING STILL. Meditating. Holding in place. Being silent. Reflecting more, acting less.

(Do you want to join the movement? Find Kimberly’s NOW of Happiness Movement (and forthcoming book) here: http://thenowofhappiness.com/kickoffcall)

My 2011 – Being still and silent with myself more.

HUGE. Personally, this is a MAJOR shift. So… you may find more silence on THIS blog as I sit still with my thoughts for a bit longer. As I personally reflect. I am now entering year 3 of my 5 year business plan (in case you don’t follow me, my business plan mirrors the timeline of my baby in diapers to my baby being in school – I grow at the pace my time allows). I have built oodles of credibility, my visibility is growing and well, I’m doing the work I need to do to be profitable.

I will continue to share marketing advice on this blog! No fear. But you’ll find me more active on Facebook and Twitter for the next little while. Stay tuned. I’m still your best advocate for small business success. Two weeks until you see what’s up my sleeve!

Until then… I’ll be learning how to meditate instead of trying to move forward at the speed of light! Who’s with me!?

A Sweet Story of Brand to Follow & Learn

branding

Imagine you are a highly refined expert in a craft that has been passed down by generations. You take that craft and you grow an incredibly successful brand that is revered as providing one of “the best” products in the industry.

Imagine that the brand is built on three things:

a business name anchored to a personal brand
exceptionally high quality product (or perception of)
perception of “best” developed from the implications of high price, elegant storefronts and packaging, knowledgable staff and European lineage.

Sounds great right? Imagine then that you are Bernard Callebaut – famous chocolatier most recently newsworthy for entering bankruptcy and leaving his personally branded business in the hands of others. Imagine being forced to walk away from a company you built, on generations of craftsmanship, family recipes and your own passion. What would you have left? Would you carry on? See what Bernard Callebaut says about that:

On a smaller scale (hopefully) you face challenges every day that call into question the profitability and viability of your business. Every time you make a decision with your time or money, you are making a decision that affects the eventual outcome of your business. In the long-game of business, we all should have an exit strategy, and ideally it is a lucrative one. The question is, can it be for Bernard Callebaut. While his namesake business goes on without him, his sweet story is clearly far from over. And whether or not he has a lucrative outcome after all might be a story of branding.

So, how does THE Bernard Callebaut restart at all, never mind compete with a business bearing his name?

It’s a brand thing. Even though Bernard Callebaut may not use his own name, he IS still Bernard Callebaut and the characteristics of quality, European craftsmanship and being the “best” are HIS brand qualities, not just the qualities of the chocolate confections. He will compete against his namesake company staking success on his personal brand. Ironic? Yes.

This is going to be a tough challenge, in my opinion, as the Bernard Callebaut business is so well-established that Bernard Callebaut the person will not be able to distinguish himself from it. So the only option left is to leverage the qualities Callebaut created in his first business for his new business, because his name will continue to be associated.

This is more than a name game. It is evidence that the name, storefronts, packaging, products are only the “window dressing” of the brand. It is evidence that brand strength is rooted in the experience someone has. And in this case, a person knows when they eat Callebaut chocolate, from Bernard Callebaut the business or Callebaut’s new company, the experience is delicious. Brand experience goes beyond the product into customer service, ease of access to product, understanding of what they get and why, differentiation from competitors. These are all challenges Callebaut will face. But he has a footing to launch into success immediately BECAUSE of his name and product quality, that many never will achieve.

Welcome to “Papa Chocolat”

Launched just last night (on the swell of a nicely crafted social media campaign – congrats to Kali of Front Step Communications – and that’s another story), the marketing effort here is visual re-brand (new logo, new graphics, new personality) but also much leverage! The Callebaut name relates to quality product and is leveraged from the Bernard Callebaut business, a social media swell in support of the #bernardisback launch is leveraged off the intrigue of Callebaut’s bankruptcy situation, and the timing of Christmas is leverage too.

Papa Chocolat. The name evokes images of bearded European Saint Nicolas at this time of year. So what does Papa Chocolat have that Bernard Callebaut (business) doesn’t? A soft-centred appeal much sweeter than the refined, elegance of the namesake company.

Will leveraging the Callebaut brand into a new company be enough? No. A great business model must follow. And I have heard rumblings from some who are not fans of the business man… bankruptcy in business draws out strong opinions. But success can be created with business models and good product, on the back of a good brand, and even overcome controversy.

#bernardisback. Watch this interesting brand and marketing story unfold… it is truly an opportunity to see marketing practices in action if you have the mind to learn from this lesson! In the meantime, eat chocolate! Here’s where you can do both: (Papa Chocolat is taking orders now)

Values-based business planning – lessons from the kids!

family

I am a Dragon’s Den uber-fan! When I see companies in real life that I know were on Dragon’s Den, I shake with excitement – dying to grill them about their experience. I don’t know why – I lived the real life dragons den for 7 years pitching the advertising agency I worked for to win business every month. But maybe that’s why – it’s a HUGE rush for me.

And that rush stirs up all kinds of possibilities, ideas and ‘I HAVE to get on with it’ feelings. I have big, big plans for this business and a new top secret project I am working on. Oh what fun it’s going to be.

BUT… the BIG BUT… my kids are my constant reminder I’ve made a values-based decision about my business. I AM a PART-TIME Entrepreneur. I am a full time mom. This is not something I feel sorry for myself about… FAR from it. I am empowered by it. I have chosen to dedicate my full time life to chauffeuring, cooking, bum wiping, boogy killing, dream catching, cookie making, clothes washing, disciplining, laughing, jumping, running, crying and celebrating with my 3 young daughters.

My “middle child” turns 5 today. So we celebrate. I have an invite to an exclusive event tonight that I’d do anything to go to … except give up celebrating the birth of my child.

This particular child is hard to figure out. And in her, I face challenges that I assume other face about their growing businesses. Bold and broody. Full of heart and passion, sometimes directionless. But she is growing up. She is coming into her own. She is starting to make sense to herself and to others. She has found her voice and it is brilliant and interesting and spicy.

She is simply delightful. Imagine your business as a young middle child… sometimes feeling caught in the middle but with the opportunity to grow in many different directions, guided by those with more experience and those with less experience. Always wanting to find the leadership role in the crowd, but it’s exceedingly difficult. It takes mentorship, patience and self-care. It takes giving yourself a break and focusing always on what IS working, not what isn’t.

Today I celebrate 3 years in this business and 5 years as “mom” to my “big-little” child who asks me questions I have never thought to ask myself, who thinks deeply and shares honestly. She reminds me of who I am and want I want in all facets of my life.

I am a part-time entrepreneur. I practice patience growing my business while my kids still want me to be a full-time mom. Because this is right for me. And I celebrate my slow growth… because it’s growth. And I celebrate my family. Because the three curly-haired girls in my life matter most.

December is a month of celebration! What are you celebrating?

Development – It’s a Process

family

This morning I’m taking 5 minutes to reflect on reflection. This is something I don’t do often enough, and it is essential to growth and well being. It’s essential to business persistence and clarity.

But my inspiration comes in the form of my oldest daughter today. She reached a goal yesterday, and showed that even the tiniest bit of challenge and negative perspective can alter your future, which also shows how a persistence, even when not feeling positive, actually can also make a difference.

My daughter passed a gymnastics level for the first time in her “developmental” program, which is essentially a training program to prep her for the ‘big leagues’ of competition when she’s 9 (in a year or so), should she choose to. Like in business, but unlike in many other sports programs, reaching a big milestone can take a year or more. It takes a year of miniscule subtle improvements. The turn of a hip, the point of a toe, pushing the muscles for 2 seconds longer than the last time – all subtle successes, barely noticed. And these subtle successes, in many ways, deserve more applause than the ribbon she won and the approval to move onto the next level.

She overcame slight adversity to get to this point. She had a back injury that had me evaluating whether this was the best thing for her to be doing – particularly after hearing “I want to quit” throughout September and October. But, in spite of her outward attitude, her inner self persevered. I often asked her to think about why 12 hours a week of gymnastics training is special or important to her, even when it’s hard and even when it’s not a great day. Her answer? Because it’s mostly fun.

A-ha! Mostly fun. When you lose perspective that even a subtle success, or 5 minutes reflection matters, you can change the course of your history.

Development program. I like that. We are all living in a development program. It’s a process where the prize is reaching our dreams. But there are many subtle successes along the way. And if we can take 5 minutes to remember what the fun is, how we are succeeding in tiny ways every day, we are progressing. We’ll remember it’s fun.

Now take 5 minutes. And carry on with the process of fulfilling your dreams.

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