Hi All!

Read these statistics carrefully. They are fightening:

According to this 2010 report, The EBRI Retirement Readiness Rating^TM: Retirement Income Preparation and Future Prospects, by Jack VanDerhei and Craig Copeland of EBRI.org: 47.2% of older Boomers (56-62) are at risk of outliving their retirement savings. And 43.7% of younger Boomers (46-55) are at risk of not having enough money for basic monthly expenses when they retire.

These sobering statistics have millions of Boomers currently wondering, “What can I do to generate income, full-time or part-time, that is flexible, interesting, fun, possible to start on a tight budget, and do way into my golden years?”

I wrote my newest book, “Boomers into Business: How Anyone Over 50 Can Turn What They Know into Dough Before and After Retirement”, to answer those questions. I explain how to take what you know, from your career experience or hobbies, to develop a “topic expert” platform that can lead to consulting others, conducting training seminars online and offline, developing many strategies for on-going passive income, and much more.

And it doesn’t matter whether you’ve been an employee your whole career or whether you are currently self-employed. Nor do a person’s education level, career background, or business experience matter. The book was written to take a lot of guesswork out of the process.

Basically, most everyone knows something, from their career background, life experiences or from a hobby that other people will pay to learn about. Whether you’ve been an HR professional your whole career, or a construction worker, homemaker, lawyer, Life Coach,  housepainter, or a lover of growing roses, my book teaches Boomers how to monetize what they know to create a good income, in a wide variety of ways, as a topic expert.

And the book not only teaches how to determine a topic focus and how to create a unique brand platform, but it also outlines the tools needed to launch. Plus, I asked 15 other business experts to provide chapters on PR, marketing, and social media strategies, plus many more business-building and revenue generating ideas.

The reviews on Amazon have been great so far, and here are 2 examples of how my new book is helping those who read it:

“I’m now 50, a single mom with a teenage son, and I’ve worked at Title Insurance companies for over 20 years. I currently don’t have enough money to retire comfortably in my 60’s and have been trying to figure out what I can do make money on-the-side of my day job,” says Kathy F. in San Jose, CA. “ ‘Boomers into Business’ was a godsend! It opened my mind to possibilities I had never thought of before and I’m now developing ideas for an expert platform and consulting business that will provide me with the additional income I need to be more comfortable now and later in my life.”

“This book was so helpful, easy to follow and really fun to read! It’s loaded with
ideas that I can refer to again and again,” shares Marilyn F., a 62-year old Boomer in Santa Cruz, CA. “I’m already self-employed but learned how I can expand my services to be much better off financially. Plus, I learned tons of new marketing strategies that are really effective. I highly recommend this book to any Boomers wanting to improve their financial futures or who are seeking ways to change their career path.”

So, if you can relate to anything you’ve read in the blog post, check out my book on Amazon. It’s available in both Print and Kindle versions, and for a small investment it could bring you a serious return that can help your retirement picture!

Cheers & Happy Marketing!

Lisa

Teri Sjodin's New Book Now on Amazon!

Hi All!

When I was offered an advanced reading copy of Teri Sjodin’s, new book, “Small Message, Big Impact: How to Put the Power of the Elevator Speech Effect to Work for You”, I quickly accepted. Why? Because it’s a great topic and one that I see many people struggle with.

In a nutshell, I have to say that Teri’s new book rocks! And you can now pick a copy because it became available on all major online book retailers, like Amazon, this week.

Here’s the scoop on why I highly recommend reading her book, and why I felt compelled to tell you about it:

• For anyone who is responsible for selling ideas (to clients, co-workers or family members), or for anyone who sells products or services, or for anyone who conducts presentations, this book will improve your technique and effectiveness.
• It’s straightforward, with no fluff, and it’s also a fun read. She has a very entertaining style so it’s not a typical “dry” how-to guide.

Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll learn:

• How to incorporate new creative illustrations and bring your message to life.
• How to build a compelling and persuasive case using six of the most consistently effective arguments in today’s market.
• How to morph your elevator speech content and employ your best material in a variety of presentation opportunities, including the internet and social media platforms.
• How to speak in your own authentic voice-it’s not only what you say, it’s how you say it.
• This book includes outlines to help you craft your next talk, worksheets, a complete sample elevator speech, evaluation forms…and much more!

And it’s not just me giving the book great reviews. Business Guru, Harvey Mackay, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller, “Swim with the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive”, as well as Selling Power Magazine and many others, have given it rave reviews, too.

Are you curious about Teri and why she is qualified to write a book on this topic? Here’s her brief bio: Terri L. Sjodin is the principal and founder of Sjodin Communications, a public speaking, sales training, and consulting firm. For over twenty years, Terri has served as a speaker and consultant to an impressive list of companies, industry associations, academic conferences, CEOs, and members of the United States Congress. She is also the author of “New Sales Speak: The 9 Biggest Sales Presentation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them” (Wiley).

Okay! Go get a copy! And thanks, again, to Kevin Small, an amazing Literary Agent, for offering me an advanced copy…also congrads to Teri on writing a great book!

Cheers & Happy Marketing,

Lisa

Hi All!

Okay, so I have some cool news to share, therefore this post is a bit self-serving…but I can occasionally share news about me, and not just helpful tips, on my own blog…right???

Here’s the news I wanted to tell you about…it’s the actual Press Release that was deployed on PRWeb.com:

Lisa Orrell, Branding Expert and Marketing Consultant, Recently Voted “Top 30 Most Influential Brand Gurus in the World”

Voted on by over 22,000 industry peers and business professionals, Lisa Orrell makes BrandGurus.net’s prestigious Top 30 Brand Gurus List along with other globally known marketing experts, such as: Stephen Denny, Martin Roll, Sally Hogshead and Dan Schawbel.

Lisa Orrell, The Promote U Guru, is a well-known 20-year Branding Expert, Marketing Consultant and Certified Success Coach who works with small business owners, entrepreneurs, entertainers, professional and aspiring speakers, and book authors. And, based on her track record, she was recently included on BrandGurus.net’s “Top 30 Most Influential Brand Gurus in the World” List. According to BrandGurus.net, the winners who made their final Top 30 list were voted on by more than 22,000 industry and business professionals around the globe. 

“I didn’t even know I had been nominated to be considered for this list. Apparently they had a rather large list of candidates and then put it out to their industry database and social media networks for voting,” explains Lisa Orrell. “I wasn’t notified until the Top 30 List had been selected, so it was a total surprise! And, after looking at the experts who were on there with me, I realized I was in great company. I actually know some of them personally or I have read their popular business and branding books.”

Aside from coaching and consulting with clients, Lisa is also the author of 3 business books: “Millennials Incorporated”, “Millennials into Leadership”, and of her highly anticipated new one coming out in August 2011, “Boomers into Business: How Anyone Over 50 Can Turn What They Know into Dough Before and After Retirement”. And, as a professional speaker herself, Lisa conducts popular workshops and seminars on Personal and Business Branding, Marketing, PR, Publicity, Social Media, Book Marketing and Publishing, and launching a Speaker Platform.

“I think Lisa totally deserves to be on that list,” says one of Orrell’s clients, Stacey Vulakh, a Time Management Coach, founder of the Timestyle Time Management Approach, aspiring author, and professional speaker. “She has been amazing at helping me create my branding and positioning, launching my coaching and consulting business, building my speaker platform, and helping me develop the concept for my first book. Lisa is so good at what she does…it’s what she’s done her entire professional life!” 

Because of her vast business experience and notoriety, Orrell has been interviewed by, or written articles for, a wide variety of media, including: ABC, MSNBC, NPR, The Wall Street Journal, NY Times, U.S. News & World Report, Cosmo, China’s Her World Magazine, BNET.com, WomenEntrepreneur.com, and countless others. Plus, aside from being selected for The Top 30 Brand Guru’s List, Lisa is also the recipient of over 75 national and international awards for marketing, creative and strategic excellence.

People follow Lisa’s business insights, tips and advice on Twitter @PromoteUGuru, through her Promote U Guru blog, and on her Facebook Fan Page: Facebook.com/PromoteUGuru.

For media inquiries, to contact Lisa about her services, or to have her speak at your next Professional Association event, contact her at: Lisa@PromoteUGuru.com, phone: 408-340-8789, website: PromoteUGuru.com

OKAY! So that’s the cool news I wanted to share!

Cheers & Happy Marketing!

Lisa

Hi All!

This week, May 16-May 20, is National Small Business Week! It’s an annual event, mandated by the President of the United States, and was started in 1963 to pay tribute to all the small businesses across America each year (now totaling 27.2 million in 2011!).

Other quick factoids: More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and small businesses also create 60-80 percent of new jobs in the country…so we contribute to the economy big time!

And, because I coach and consult with small business owners, coaches, consultants, speakers and authors, and I see how much they struggle with their branding, marketing, PR, sales, book marketing, and/or social media strategies (prior to hiring me, of course!), I wanted to celebrate this annual event by providing you with a special offer to help your business succeed.

Special Offer Details:

- Receive a 15% discount on ANY consulting package that I offer. I provide a wide variety of package options ranging in cost so you are sure to find one that fits your budget!

- In addition to the special savings, I will also ADD one “bonus” consulting session to any package you choose!

- This is limited to the first 5 people who contact me by the end of this national event (by Friday, May 20^th).

So if you are struggling with your branding, marketing, PR, social media, sales and/or book marketing efforts, contact me right away. I can also help you develop a “topic expert” personal brand platform to attract paid public speaking opportunities and media interviews…I help most of my clients with that!

Again, this is limited to 5 people and you need to contact me by May 20^th. Just send me an email or give me a call and I will email you my complete Services & Options Overview Package. Contact info: Lisa@PromoteUGuru.com or call 408-340-8789.

Let’s get your brand, business and bottom-line booming in 2011!

Cheers & Happy Marketing!

Lisa

Hi All!

The New Year is here…are you ready with a Marketing Plan and Strategy to enter 2011 organized, poised for revenue growth and career success? If you are, fabulous!

However, if you’re like many of the new clients who hire me, you’re probably “hoping” 2011 will be better but don’t really have a plan to make it happen. You may even know your previous marketing efforts have been ineffective, but have no clue what to do to fix and improve them.

Oftentimes, I find that small business owners, speakers, authors, coaches, consultants, etc. are good at what they do in their profession, but aren’t that great at marketing themselves, their businesses, and/or their products. They run in circles in a “reactive” mode (versus create a strategic plan) and then wonder why they are struggling to land new clients, sell books, secure speaking opportunities, or generate more income for their businesses through other avenues.

If any of this resonates with you, keep reading!

Here are 7 steps to help you create an effective Marketing Plan and Strategy for the New Year:

1. It’s time to really research your target audience. Do you really know what your customers and potential customers want? Do you have a profile that describes your “ideal” customer/client? Or, perhaps you want to expand out of your current target audience and find new types of clients. For example, maybe you’re a Coach or Consultant and want to start attracting clients who are willing to pay higher fees for your services. Do you know “who” they are and where to reach them? You can’t effectively market to them if you don’t know all of this important information first!
2. Research your competition. Sure, this may sound like common sense but many small business owners don’t take the time to do this. What do your competitors offer? What do they charge? What products or services do they offer that you don’t? What types of marketing strategies are they using that could also benefit your business? Not only is it good to know what they’re offering and their pricing, but you can get fresh ideas for marketing your business by learning from their strategies.
3. Focus on what makes you “unique”. Back in college when I was an Advertising Major, one of the key phrases mentioned in my classes a lot was “Unique Selling Proposition” (USP). It’s still a key phrase and used by major Ad Agencies a lot when working with a new client. What’s your USP? Great, you’re a CPA, lawyer, landscaper, speaker or executive coach…but so are many other people! So, what makes YOU different? Find your USP, focus on it in your branding and marketing communications, and “own” it. Making yourself different from all the other people who offer what you do can be the difference between struggling or excelling this year.
4. Outline your marketing goals. You can’t create an overall strategy if you don’t know what you want your marketing efforts to accomplish! You want to write down specific goals, such as: Secure 2 paid speaking engagements per month; land 4 new clients per month; get 75 new subscribers each month for my e-newsletter; or attract more targeted fans on my Fan Page and get 100 new “likes” per month. These types of targeted goals will enable you to start thinking about “how” to accomplish them…and this leads to determining the strategies, messaging offers, and marketing mix you’ll use.
5. Determine your marketing mix. Once you’ve determined who your target audience is, what makes them tick, where you can find them, what your competition is doing, and what your USP is, you can develop your strategy for reaching your marketing goals. Create a list of 3-6 strategies, ranging from email, social media, sales calls, direct mail, online services, speaking at events where your audience attends, writing articles, PR, finding strategic partners, etc. Don’t feel like you have to use everything! Pick a few, focus on them, and implement them.
6. Develop your plan. Once you’ve determined the mix of tools you’ll use, you can focus on implementation, messaging, frequency, budget, etc…this becomes your actual Marketing Plan! Work backwards from your goals, and chart your map for the year…what will you be doing each day, month and quarter to reach your goals using the mix of tools you determined? Example: You want to do eblasts. How many per month and what will you send? You want to speak at association events to reach potential clients. But what are the associations and what is the presentation topic you’ll pitch them? You want more “likes” on your Fan Page. Will you develop more strategic partners to help you achieve this? Run ads on Facebook? And if you decide to run ads, what is your budget and what will your ad say? You have to write your Marketing Plan so you have a direction!
7. Evaluate, measure and assess regularly. Marketing Plans are not set in stone! You can change a strategy in your plan if it’s not working well. You have to! But you can’t even get to the point of “being strategic” about your strategies if you don’t start with a plan and monitor the results.

Sure, this 7 step process is a simplistic approach (there are some Marketing Plans that are much more detailed and complex), but you don’t need to make it complicated; that’s what can scare you from even trying to create a basic plan! I’ve helped clients outline an effective Marketing Plan in an hour, so trust me when I say this doesn’t have to be a drawn-out process.

I don’t care whether your plan ends up being one-page or 50…just make sure you have some sort of strategic plan so you enter 2011 feeling more organized and in control of your new year! And here’s a link to a Marketing Plan software solution that can help you: Marketing Plan Pro.

Cheers to a Prosperous New Year and Happy Marketing!

Lisa

Hi All!

As a professional speaker, I do a lot of in-person presentations. And they range from workshops to seminars to keynote speeches. Also, because I owned my ad agency for 20 years, I’ve done hundreds of sales presentations pitching propects. But whether you do presentations as a “speaker”, or as a salesperson to land new clients for your business, you will benefit from these 8 tips…so let’s get started!

Here are my 8 strategies:

1. Prepare…a lot! This may sound like common sense, but unfortunately it’s not common practice. I’m typically booked anywhere from 1-3 months in advance (sometimes more) for the speaking engagements I do. And I use that lead-time wisely! The more prepared I am, the more confident I am, and the more confident I am the better I “perform”. Lack-of-preparation is the kiss of death for being able to deliver a killer presentation. I have some consulting clients who prepare the night before and then wonder why their presentation was a flop. Just because you know your info/topic, doesn’t mean you can just wing it (successfully). Map out your entire presentation and take time to add in interesting things into the PowerPoint (video clips, cartoons, pics, etc.). And know your flow and timing!

2. Don’t Read. I always present with a notes outline, but I don’t “read” it. I use it to refer to and I have my main “content” in my head. I had a client who actually put a majority of her content on her slides and then proceeded to pretty much read them for a one-hour seminar. Problems: Her back was to the audience a lot as she looked at the screen; the font size on her slides was TINY; and it was boring and distracting for the audience. I had asked her to send me her slide deck BEFORE the presentation and she didn’t. BIG mistake. Needless to say I helped her re-do the whole thing, and provided her with some basic training for her next seminar gig, and that one went MUCH better!

3. Smile. It makes people immediately feel at ease. NOT some toothy, fake smile­; a nice, honest, pleasant smile. And smile a lot during your presentation. People will react warmly (most people) and you will build a nice rapport quickly.

4. If you get “I’m bored” signals from your audience, DO SOMETHING! Don’t just break a nervous sweat and continue babbling on. Ask a question! Take a break! Get more animated! Increase your energy level! Speak a little more loudly! Ask a trivia question and give a prize! This is why it is SO IMPORTANT to be “dialed-in” to your audience (even if it’s one person) instead of being “all about you” and your presentation. Every presentation you do is about THEM, not you.

5. Use humor. In Ed McMahon’s book, Superselling, he states (3) facts when it comes to sales:

• We tend to buy from someone we trust.
• We tend to trust someone we like.
• We tend to trust someone who makes us laugh.

His overall conclusion? You can be a more effective and successful presenter by using humor in your presentations. Do I mean become a stand-up comic? No. Do what is comfortable for you. But have some funny short stories or one-liners that pertain to the presentation…something!

If you are not a naturally “witty, funny” person, this will take some work, but don’t panic! Simply consider hiring someone for a few hours to help you improve your presentation with some “fun” visuals (cartoons or video clips) or verbal communication. This person doesn’t have to be a comedy writer, but perhaps employees, friends, family, etc. A few simple, funny elements or comments can go a long way! The top sales trainers and presentation pros recommend it, so consider it!

6. Always let people know at the beginning of the presentations the steps you’ll be taking them through. Example: “Today we’re going to discuss 3 steps to help you build your brand. Each step will have an exercise that you’ll do as a group, and after each one we’ll have a discussion, followed by a 5-minute break. Then the last 30-minutes of the workshop will be for Q & A.” This is a good tactic to immediately establish “control” of the presentation (which you want) and to set audience expectations.

7. Create a Great Slide Deck: Studies done by major University’s have proven that people who use colorful, impressive visuals (don’t overdue it!) in their presentations are more likely to get favorable results. Don’t know how or don’t have the talent? Hire a graphic designer for a few hours to help you. For a minimal amount, you can have a great looking PPT presentation…that you can keep using!

8. Have all your electronic accessories prepared and tested. That may sound obvious but many people really blow it here. If you present using PowerPoint and will use your own laptop (and projector) make sure your computer is charged and that you have several extension cords of different lengths (for the computer AND projector).

There have been many people who couldn’t do their presentations (effectively) because their computer wasn’t charged, or their laptop power cord(s) was too short to reach the outlets, or the cord was too short to run the projector.

5 BASIC Lifesavers:

• Buy a 3-prong outlet converter that can change a 2-prong outlet into a 3-prong. Many people (yours truly) have arrived to presentations only to realize the conference room outlets can’t handle a 3-prong cord!
• Carry a spare bulb for your projector. I’ve seen them burn-out in the middle of presentations and you WILL look like a total pro if you have a spare!
• Carry 2-3 extension cords in your computer bag.
• Bring your presentation on a flash drive in case you end-up having to load it onto a different laptop.
• Bring your own “clicker”. I’ve gone to big events where they handled all the A/V but didn’t have a clicker for me to progress my slides. I never travel to a speaking engagement without my own laptop, clicker, and a back-up of my presentation on a flash drive. And if I need to use my projector (this is rare), I also bring the projector back-up supplies listed above.

Sound like a lot of stuff to carry? Well I’d rather show-up with a larger computer case on rollers (like a small travel bag) than a smaller briefcase without emergency resources. If you run into any of the issues mentioned above, your audience, and/or the client who hired you, will be VERY impressed by your preparedness…versus annoyed by your lack thereof.

Okay! There are your 8 strategies to deliver a successful presentation…good luck and knock ‘em dead!

Cheers & Happy Marketing!

Lisa

Hi All!

I just posted my newest video on my YouTube Channel. In this video I share 5 quick tips on how you can use video, easily, to build awareness for your brand, blog, products, website, etc. I also share a great tip on how you can quickly and inexpensively create video products that you can sell on your blog or website to generate income online.

And, in this vid, I also mention Kristi Hines (follow her on Twitter @Kikolani), social media expert an blogger, because some of the tips I share are from a blog post of hers. In that post she focused on “5 Types of Videos for Bloggers“, but I expanded on those with additional info to help you.

Whether you’re a small business owner, solopreneur, speaker or author, you’ll find the tips helpful. And you’ll quickly see that creating promotional videos, how to videos, tutorials, or video products is VERY easily (you don’t need to be a video producer to create them!)…and they can be done (nicely) for free!

Ok! I’ll keep this blog post short because the info you really need can be found in the video!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE VIDEO!

Cheers & Happy Marketing!

Lisa

Hi All!

Social Media Strategist, Chris Tompkins, CEO & Founder of Go! Media International, has written a very comprehensive “how to” e-book that clearly maps-out the steps and strategies you need to know to improve, or start, your social media marketing efforts. This is ideal for small business owners and solopreneurs!

Here is a brief overview of what he covers in this terrific e-book, “Social Jump Start”:

1. How to create a clear picture of what your social media marketing environment will look like

2. What your “voice” and purpose is

3. Creating an organized marketing strategy

4. How to identify your target audience(s) and know what makes them tick

5. Determining your “schedule strategy” for your social media efforts

6. How to ethically interact online

7. And MUCH MORE!

Plus, he concludes the e-book with his Top 30 suggestions on how to effectively get started. These quick-hit tips are also loaded with great strategies about effective copywriting, creating easy products to generate traffic and build your list, starting online groups, info about blog tours, and a ton more.

Again, this e-book is FREE, so CLICK HERE to check it out. You’re not even required to provide your contact info to download it! The link takes you straight to the PDF.

Even if you only learn ONE tip, it may be one that makes a big difference in your branding, sales and business building efforts!

Cheers & Happy Marketing!

Lisa

Hi All,

I just uploaded my newest video on my “The Promote U Guru” YouTube Channel. In it, I provide 5 effective tips to help you get the media coverage you want to build your brand and business, and increase your credibility as an “expert” in your industry.

So, if you’re an author, speaker, small business owner, entrepreneur or solopreneur (coach, consultant, trainer, etc.), check out the 5 tips!

The video is short (less than 8 minutes!) and info-packed. You’ll learn:

- How to write an effective press release

- What NOT to do when writing your press release

- Where and how to deploy your press release online

- Why creating your own targeted Media List is critical

- How you can get more traction for your press release by promoting it through you social media channels

CLICK HERE TO VIEW IT NOW!

That’s all for now…

Cheers and Happy Marketing!

Lisa

Hi All!

One of the first things new clients ask me is, “How can I get clients faster?”. They know building a social media presence needs to be part of their branding and marketing mix, but that can take time to generate leads and sales. So here’s my short answer to them, “Start speaking and network.”

Some of you may be thinking, “Duh”. But I’m here to tell you it’s not something many people think of. I know many small business owners who stay huddled in-front of their computers “hoping” they’ll generate clients through Twitter and trolling around Facebook. They forget that part of social networking means leaving their home office and actually talking to other humans, in person.

Public Speaking:

One of the ways I get clients quickly is by speaking. I conduct seminars and workshops, and have my target audience for consulting and coaching sitting in front of me for a few hours. Basically, think of conducting a presentation as an audition.

And, yes, I charge registration fees to attend my presentations, and I pack them full of great info, but there’s always several attendees who approach me afterwards who want to hire me to help them with their branding, marketing, PR and social media strategies one-on-one. So, I can generate revenue from not only conducting the actual seminar or workshop, but also from the attendees who hire me after.

As long as speaking doesn’t totally freak you out, do it. And even if it does terrify you, but you want to try it, do it! I don’t care what your profession is, you can come up with at least ONE presentation topic that people will be interested in. So, think about that, and develop a presentation your target audience will benefit from!

And, just fyi, the clients who I help develop speaking topics for, and who get “out there”, benefit tremendously. So, it’s not just working for me personally.

Networking:

When I ask most new clients how they are currently generating business, very few of them mention “networking” in-person. That’s unreal to me! There has got to be one or more professional associations in your area that have members who are your target audience. It’s also a great way to meet people for strategic alliances, partnerships, support, and referrals.

Whenever I attend a networking event, I always walk away with leads OR with contacts who can refer people to me. And this results in getting clients faster.

So, I strongly encourage you to investigate networking groups in your area, grab a stack of business cards, and go to their next event or mixer!

As I say often, this all may seem like common sense BUT it’s not common practice. If you choose to try one or both of these strategies, you could see an up-tick in business faster than you thought possible.

Sure, I love social media, and have benefited from using it in my business building mix, but the 2 strategies I just shared typically get me more business, faster. And they can work for you, too!

Cheers & Happy Marketing!

Lisa