If you’re like most people, before you lay down your hard-earned money on a product or service, you check it out first, whether by asking a friend, looking at the customer ratings online, or reading the testimonials. No one likes to buy a lemon, so it just makes sense. If you see enough testimonials from people you “know” it removes the risk factor, and you’re ready to dive in.
So how do you get great testimonials, especially when you’re just starting out? When I created my first ebook years ago, I gave out a few free copies in exchange for customer feedback. Their positive reviews became my first testimonials. You can do the same thing if you have a service business–give a few complimentary or discounted sessions in exchange for a glowing testimonial.
After you start selling your product or service, make it a routine to ask for comments to keep your reviews fresh. In addition to encouraging people to purchase what you’re offering, endorsements will always enhance your expert status. (Click here to read more…)
Posted on April 26, 2012 by Ali Brown
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“Elevate Premier Member Spotlight: Karen Davis from Houston, Tex.”
One of the best ways to get inspired is to learn from others’ successes.
That’s why in my Elevate online training program, we spotlight one of our Premier members during our member Monthly Access Calls.
Elevate Head Coach James Roche and I select and interview one Elevate Premier member who is making great strides with the program.
Some successes are large, some small, but it’s all about taking steps forward and making progress.
Today, you’ll meet Elevate Premier member Karen Davis, an interior decorator and founder of Karen Davis Design (www.KarenDavisDesign.com). She was our spotlight on our April 2012 call.
Enjoy our quick interview with Karen below, and be sure to take notes. There are several golden nuggets you can apply to YOUR business right away! (Click here to read more…)
Posted on April 23, 2012 by Ali Brown
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Ask Ali: “How Do I Manage My Time when My Business Grows?”
Question: “Ali, my business is growing, and like most I’m struggling with time management, and where to focus my energy to move forward toward success! HELP!”
—Tina Brown, Sweet B’s, Forth Worth, Tex.
Ali’s Answer: “Hi Tina. Congrats on your business growing! And… a growing business comes with a growing to-do list. Your issue is a common problem among business owners. There is SO much to do, and not enough time for one person to do it all. Here is my short answer to get you started. The key is to determine what the most important things to do are. To start this process, make a master “brain dump” list of everything on your mind that there is to do. Anything that is stressing you out or that you feel needs to be done in the business. Then take a deep breath, as it will be a BIG list. (Click here to read more…)
Posted on April 19, 2012 by Ali Brown
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“Why You Should NOT Wait for a Clear Vision Before You Move Forward” by Ali Brown
Whenever I’m speaking to entrepreneurs—whether they are around the country or around the world—I’m always asked to share my now famous “ATM Story”. It’s one I kept close to the vest for years, because I was too embarrassed to reveal it. But today, I know it’s important to share. And why.
You see, we always look at successful people and think their rise to the top must have happened overnight. They must have had the big vision, the perfect plan, and lined-up circumstances. But that is NEVER the truth!
I quit my last job in 1999 and launched my first little venture offering business-writing services in New York City. I literally worked from my 600-square-foot pre-war apartment in the West Village, using an old computer that sat on my folding kitchen table.
(Click here to read more…)
Posted on April 18, 2012 by Ali Brown
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Since I started working with women business owners years ago—and I’ve worked with thousands at this point—I immediately noticed how different we were compared with men who start businesses.
