The Golden Circle - A Huge Pearl of Wisdom from “Make Mine a Million $ Business” Event

If you were among the 400 or so women business owners in attendance at the Make Mine a Million $ Business event in Seattle earlier this month, good for you. You are thinking big and lending support to others who are in the same boat.

A highlight of attending the event was hearing Simon Sinek speak about a concept he called ‘The Golden Circle.’ The Golden Circle is an amazingly simple, yet profound way of defining who you are and how you contribute. Simon says most people start with the ‘what.’ Then, they launch into the ‘how.’ They conclude by talking about the ‘why.’

Simon says that by gaining clarity and articulating the ‘why’ that inspires your business, amazing things happen. Rather than try to explain it and steal Simon’s amazing thunder, I urge you to visit his site and be inspired to doing business in an entirely new way. And, if you or your organization ever require an engaging speaker with big, actionable ideas to share to inspire your business to heightened levels of success, Simon Sinek is one to consider without hesitation.

As for the ‘why’ behind my business, here it is. I am on a mission to empower and inspire business owners everywhere with useful tips, resources, tools, and contacts so they get into immediate action to get seen, heard, and celebrated in their own backyards … and beyond through the power of do-it-yourself publicity.

Everyday I receive ‘thank you’ notes from business owners who apply the tips, resources, tools, and ideas I share to their buzz building advantage. I know the ‘why’ that inspires my business is powerful, inviting, and much needed among those hungry for effective, affordable ways to differentiate and stand apart in today’s demanding marketplace.

That ‘why’ is so much bigger than the free publicity. It’s about empowering others to help themselves so they are never hungry for publicity again or beholden to high priced PR agencies that stop short of helping them help themselves. Join me in the DIY publicity movement, and let’s see what magic we can manifest in the marketplace under our own power. If ever there was a time to jump on this bandwagon, it is now. Come on in. The water is fine. Great rewards are waiting.

By the way, have you signed up for the Media-Savvy-to-Go ezine yet? Please do. The sign-up form is on the right hand side of this page. When you sign up, you’ll receive by immediate digital download 12 sassy newspaper columns to empower your DIY publicity success. You know you need some good summer reading material, so let this be the start of your DIY publicity education today. And, of course, I invite you to subscribe to the RSS feed so you never miss a Mainstreet Media Savvy blog post. The sign up is a the far lower right corner of the blog. Sign up today.

It is sunny and beautiful in Seattle today. I hope you are enjoying equally magnificent weather from wherever you are in the nation or the world. Get out there and enjoy this fabulous day!

Five Lessons to Catapult You Faster Along Your Road to Success - Make a June 6 eWn Lunch Date with 31-Year Veteran Entrepreneur Alice Cunningham

Don’t miss out on hearing award-winning entrepreneur Alice Cunningham speak on Friday, June 6 at the luncheon meeting of the Everett eWomenNetwork. At this powerful event you’ll learn:

• Why compassion is good for you…scientific proof to convince you to ditch the judgments
• Getting in the zone. Striking a balance between sociability and solitude
• Procrastination, Pessimism and Perfectionism-3 silent killers of your Passion
• Gratitude, gratitude, gratitude-seeing the greater good in everything you do
• Raise the rafters-raise your sights, the bigger your vision the more you’ll succeed

I’ve had the good fortune to work with Alice Cunningham, co-founder of Olympic Hot Tub Company, over the last several years, and her generous sharing of practical, proven tips to advance success is part and parcel to who she is and why she is so successful.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with a very successful, inspiring 31-year veteran entrepreneur to learn lessons that can catapult your own journey faster on its road to success. Here is a link to the press release posted to The Open Press with all the relevant event details. And, here is a link to make it easy to register and enjoy preferred rates for doing so when you register before June 3.

By the way, The Open Press is a free press release distribution service that makes it easy to share your event information and other news with the Internet for free. Visit www.theopenpress.com to learn more about it, and put this free service to the test next time you have an event to share or news to report. It’s free to use, and it just might be the fuel to spread your news far and beyond so you and your events can enjoy more success with greater ease.

Finally, with the high cost of gas and challenging economic news giving people a run for the money, consider now if this summer is perfect timing for a ‘Stay Cation’ for you and your family.  With a new hot tub in the backyard, you’ll always be steps away from relaxation, stress relief, and connection with your loved ones — without ever leaving home in the first place.  We’ve been having a lot of fun pitching the concept of ‘Stay Cations’ to the local and national media since this idea is so timely, newsworthy, and relevant.  I can’t wait to share some of the press we earn as a result.  Stay tuned.

What timely, newsworthy and relevant story ideas can you create in light of all the news we’ve been reading about the high cost of gas, groceries, and vacations and how your business fits in?  Give that some thought as you jump into the media relations waters with both feet.

And, do consider coming to the Friday, June 6 meeting of eWomenNetwork to benefit from sage advice to grow your business, thanks to the generous sharing of Alice Cunningham.  See you soon!

Are You and/or Your Business Thriving, Even in a Down Economy? The Seattle Times Wants to Hear from You!

The Seattle Times is doing a series of occasional columns that will examine the economic downturn’s consequences at the grass roots level. Today’s story by Jon Talton highlights how locals are coping with rising prices for gas, groceries, and housing. The paper is inviting readers to share how they are coping with economic hard times. If you have been affected by the current economic slump and are willing to have your story and photo published in the Seattle Times, you can visit this link to share your story.

Here is the thing. I believe the news isn’t all doom and gloom. And, I am a champion for balanced coverage. I know for a fact that some businesses are actually thriving in a down economy. Alice Cunningham, co-owner of Olympic Hot Tub Company, tells me that hot tub sales for year-to-date 2008 are actually stronger than in 2007, and 2007 was a very good year. She says people are being more thoughtful and deliberate about their hot tub and home sauna purchases, but they are buying nevertheless and making choices that offer more amenities than was the case last year.

Melinda Wade of Sport Boats Northwest is actually expanding to a larger showroom. Even during these very challenging economic times. She said, “Our customers are looking to relax and unwind. Talk of a poor economy isn’t slowing them down. At least not at OUR dealership. She added, “At Sport Boat Northwest we carry high-end product lines, with high quality fit and finish. Sales continue to rise, and we’re looking forward to an exciting summer!”

Could it be that “big boy” toys and amenities to provide comfort and joy in the backyard are recession proof? I don’t know the answer, but I do know that there are plenty of positive stories about how local companies and individuals are thriving, even during these challenging economic times.

Maybe we haven’t heard enough about them because they don’t want to call attention to their good fortune while others are struggling. Still, bright spots are shining on a number of local businesses. If you are one of them, I challenge you to share your story so readers can get a more complete picture of how things are really shaking out right now. Again, what kinds of positive stories can you share? Now would be a great time to chime in. Here is the link to make it easy.

My Cup Runneth Over — Compliments about Publici-Tea are Brewing Big Time

Today is my son’s 1th birthday, and I am so grateful for his life and proud of the great little person he is becoming. His birth gave me the reason to start my business, and I am grateful for that, too.

I’ve been having the time of my life hosting these Publici-Tea™ events since last November, and these events are a joy for me to share with others. Receiving amazing testimonials from my guests reinforces that I am on the right track in my service to business owners. Check out this post and this one and this one too that earned places on influential blogs this morning.

One of the things I teach my Publici-Tea™ guests is to have the courage to ask for what they want because when you ask for what you want, you often get what you ask for. That being said, allow me to be bold in making a request of my own.

I want to enlist support and advocacy to support others’ success powerfully with at least two Publici-Tea™ events each month that exceed expectations, build buzz, and empower others to help themselves. If the testimonials I reference above resonate with you and others you know, thank you in advance for thinking about how the Publici-Tea events, training, and Media-Savvy-to-Go publicity products can serve. Then, invite me to be of service in these ways. It would be my pleasure.

Save June 12 to Learn Why Making Your Products and Services Easy to Buy, Own, and Refer is Essential

Business owners and managers seeking to build a powerful army of advocates for their products and services are invited to make plans now to attend the Thursday, June 12 lunch meeting of Marketplace Ministries in Auburn to hear from 31-year, award-winning entrepreneur and multi-unit hot tub, spa, and home sauna retailer Alice Cunningham. Cunningham is co-owner of Olympic Hot Tub Company (www.olympichottub.com). This is the oldest spa and hot tub company in the Northwest. Cunningham is responsible for sales and marketing for the company, which has annual gross sales of nearly $11 million. An accomplished public speaker, Cunningham was named one of the Puget Sound Business Journal’s Women of Influence in 2006. Event guests will learn proven tips to:

• Help their own customers become strong advocates for their products and services;
• Spend less on advertising and reinvest the funds back into their companies;
• Ensure that customers continue to do business with them and recommend them to others.

Date Thursday, June, 12, 2008

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Location: Copper Falls Restaurant on the Auburn Golf Course

29630 Green River Road SE

Auburn, WA 98092

(253) 876-1957

http://www.auburnwa.gov/golf/

Cost: $20

Register:  Online registrations are preferred - visit this link — or call (253) 859-0832, extension 309.

Questions: Ask Marketplace Ministries Contact Bonita Cooper or send email to marketplace@riveroflifefellowship.org, or visit the website.

The Inspiration Behind My Business

I love my son. I love my dog. Both gave me inspiration to create a business I love. I am grateful to my husband for encouraging me to launch a business that funds my humble desire to buy better groceries while also serving others with information and resources they can use to grow their businesses. Have a great Mother’s Day everyone!

If You Crave Endless Referrals, May 13 Bob Burg Book Group Discussion is For You

Zita Gustin, the Savvy Networker herself, sure does read all the best business books and surround herself with the right people to propel her business forward. If you want to learn how to attract endless referrals for your business, check out this blog post about an event coming to The Village Bellevue on May 13. Zita is bringing Bob Burg to Bellevue on June 19, and you won’t want to miss that either.

One Phone Call Leads to a Fabulous Opportunity — for You and for Me

A few weeks ago, while pondering the explosion of social networking sites, blogs, and other things internet related, I learned about a media list that would make it easy for me to connect with internet radio talk show hosts to suggest my clients as fabulous radio show guests. As I often say, knowing the right people to call is the first step toward earning the “ink and air.”

I read about Street Smart Marketing Guru Kathleen Gage and called to introduce myself and purchase her list. Kathleen and I had a great conversation that resulted in an invitation to contribute to her “Top of Their Game” teleseminar series that kicks off May 20. What an honor to be asked to contribute among such impressive company. The good news is that you can participate in every teleseminar. There is no charge to participate, other than your long distance charges. I invite you to visit this link to view the line up of experts and sign up to participate. You have nothing to lose and much to gain.

And, if you are looking to position yourself as an expert on internet radio shows, this list is the best $27 you can spend to make contact with the right decision makers. I’ve been making pitches just about every day, and I know great broadcast opportunities are waiting just around the corner.

All this is to say that you never know when a simple phone call can open doors to great opportunities to contribute. Be open to the possibilities by really listening to those who pick up the phone. You just might get an opportunity to share your expertise with the world. It happened for me. You could be next.

Asking for Testimonials Need Not Be Hard - Here’s How

I spoke before an audience of business owners today, and I suggested that everyone connect with their ten best clients to request a testimonial about the products, services, and/or ideas they offer that support their clients’ success. Having compelling comments like these posted to one’s website, blog, and marketing collateral materials can go a long way toward making it easier for decision makers to “get to yes” faster.

As I looked into the audience, I noticed a number of blank stares. When I returned to my seat, one of my table mates asked, “How do I ask for testimonials?” She wanted to know the right words to say. If you are wondering the same thing, why not say something like this:

Dear (Client’s Name Here):

Thank you for the opportunity to contribute to your success by providing (offer brief details about what you have provided). What a thrill to contribute to your company’s improved business results as a result of our (products, services and/or ideas.)

We have enjoyed every aspect of this engagement and would like to serve other clients in a similar way to bring about equally compelling results. Would you do us the honor of offering a quote that we can use in our promotional materials to highlight from your perspective how we helped improve your company’s results as a result of our (products, services, and/or ideas)? We would gladly attribute your comment to your company and offer a link to your website or blog to invite even more interest in your (products, services and/or ideas).

All you need to do is send a message to me by return email with your testimonial, and we’ll be proud to share it. Thank you again for the opportunity to contribute to your company’s success. Thank you also for contributing to our future success as a result of your much appreciated testimonial. I’ll give you a call in a week to follow up on this request, unless I hear from you first.

Sincerely,

About seven years ago, I had a conversation with Art Oberto, who — at the time — was chairman of Oberto Sausage Company. He said, “Most people like you and will be happy to help you, if you can just be specific about what you need.” If what you need are ten amazing testimonials from happy clients so you can earn ten new engagements with clients for whom your intent is to earn similar delight and satisfaction, ask for what you want. It doesn’t have to be hard.

Ask for what you need. You’ll likely get it. And that is the first step to earning more success with greater ease.

Powerful Lessons Learned in Business Celebrated in Business Women 2008 Special Section

If you haven’t yet seen the “Business Women 2008″ special supplement that debuted this month within the Snohomish County Business Journal, here are links to make it easy and convenient to benefit from the wisdom of a number of leading Puget Sound business women with powerful lessons to share.

Among them include Alice Cunningham, co-owner of Olympic Hot Tub Company and Jean Thompson, CEO and owner of Seattle Chocolate Company. These are women I am proud to call my clients. Both offer lessons learned while creating lasting and very successful companies. I know you’ll benefit from their sage advice, and I invite you to pass it on to others who can benefit. And, if you have comments to share about your own most telling lessons, please share so the readers of this blog can benefit.

I love this special section that comes up every year around this time. If you would like YOUR expertise to be seen, heard, and celebrated in the 2009 Business Women special section, declare that as a goal. Then, anticipate the editorial opportunity by suggesting a timely, useful, relevant, and compelling article to showcase your expertise about six weeks prior to the May publication date. Assistant Editor Kimberly Hilden is the decision maker at the newspaper, and you can find her contact information in the “contact us” section of the website.

Oh, by the way, I have an article in this special section, too. Here is the link so you can why building your reputation as an expert makes great sense in the best and the worst of times. I’ll be speaking on this topic on Tuesday, May 6 at the Museum of Flight at a lunch-and-learn session taking place between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. If you’d like to attend AND receive the Media-Savvy-to-Go Publicity Tips Booklets as part of your event registration, here is the link to sign up now.