Stamping Is My Business!

35 Hours Left for Blogger's Boot Camp Early Birds

Just a quick note to let you know that if you haven't already registered for the 2010 Blogger's Boot Camp,
you only have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern time tomorrow (Tuesday) to qualify for the Early Bird Discount.

You'll still be able to register after tomorrow night, but it'll cost you an additional $10.

If you're looking to build a proper, business-building, revenue-generating blog, would like to know how
to find and post the most response-generating content and/or need to learn the most effective marketing techniques to get people to your blog, then this is the Boot Camp for you!

The Boot Camp begins April 13th, but you only have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern time tomorrow (Tuesday) to save $10.

For more information, or to sign up, visit:

http://www.stampingismybusiness.com/2010blogboot1.htm

Hope to see you on the calls!

What Would YOU Say?

This morning, I'm returning to my old high school to speak at their Career Day. 

I'm a little nervous (it's been over twenty years since high school), but I'm also very excited, as I going to be speaking to 16 and 17-year olds about owning their own business. 

It was something I personally didn't give serious consideration to until I was in my late-twenties, and I often think about how much further along I would be if I had those extra ten years.

It also got me to thinking about you and your businesses.

• If your high school invited you to speak at their Career Day, what presentation would you give?
• Would you position yourself as a stamping business owner, or, if you have another 'day job,' would you talk about that?
• Do you feel confident enough in your stamping business opportunity to present that?

If you have trouble speaking to prospects about the business opportunity, the answers to these questions may give you some insight as to why.  It's important to understand our fears in order for us to deal with them effectively.

If there's something you're particularly afraid of when it comes to speaking about the business opportunity, leave a comment below or e-mail me.  I'll be happy to do what I can to help you overcome it.

Have a great weekend!

Two Things You Can Do To Make Money TODAY!

Over the past several weeks, I've had many conversations with stamping business owners whom I don't actually work with.  These were frank conversations revolving around how much money they were actually making.

I know that my clients, for the most part, are making money and their numbers are still on the rise.  I specifically chose people I don't work with because I wanted to get a better sense of what was happening in the community-at-large. 

I have to say, I wasn't thrilled with what I was hearing in those conversations.  For many of you, it's been a struggle.

It doesn't have to be, though.

There are steps you can take to make things easier, and make your business more profitable.

Here are two things you can do RIGHT NOW to make more money TODAY:

1.  Get on the phone

There's nothing you can do that's more time efficient and cost effective than getting on the phone and calling your customers.

Making those phone calls today will yield you sales TODAY! 

It will put more people in your classes TODAY!

You will book more workshops TODAY!

Nothing brings you a better return on investment than getting on the phone!

2.  Ask for the business

Often, we leave it up to our customers to guess that we'd like them to purchase some product or come to a class.  

Rather than leaving it up to them, take matters into your own hands and ask for the business.  

If you're on the phone, ask your customer if there's something they'd like to purchase.  

If you're writing a blog post, don't forgive to include a call to action at the end of the post.  

The more guidance you give them, the greater the chance they'll do business with you!

 

Both of these suggestions are really about taking control of your business.  

In other words, don't let things just happen…  Make them happen!

• If you want sales, go out and make some sales.  
• If you want workshop bookings, go out and book a workshop.  
• If you want people to attend your classes, go on and invite people to your classes.

Don't let this business run you.  Remember... YOU RUN THIS BUSINESS!

I'm just trying to get you paid!

VIDEO - How Much Is This Class Worth?

In my last video, I told you that if you were having trouble coming up with the inherent value of a class you were offering to send me the information, and I would let you know my opinion. 

Well, one of you took me up on this offer, and gave me permission to share.  So, here you go:

If you haven't already done so, don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel. Just click the YouTube logo on the right.

Announcing: The 2010 Blogger's Boot Camp!

THE 2010 BLOGGERS BOOT CAMP will take place April 13th thru May 11th, 2010.

This Boot Camp is responsible for over 1,000 awesome stamping business blogs!

If you have questions about how to set up your blog, what to post on your blog OR how to market your blog, this is the Boot Camp for you!

NEW FOR THIS BOOT CAMP

    * We're going to add WordPress blog construction to the curriculum, which already includes TypePad and Blogger
    * We're going to look at different ways to automatically generate content for your blog
    * A SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY HEATHER WRIGHT-PORTO (Blogs by Heather)
      on 'Blog Designs That Work!'

My motto is, 'if you want to blog, blog right!'

This is the Boot Camp that will teach you how to do that.

The Boot Camp begins April 13th, and we're currently in the Early Bird Registration period.

To learn more and register, visit:

http://www.stampingismybusiness.com/2010blogboot1.htm

Hope to see you on the calls!

Banned From Facebook, pt. 2 - Q&A

I've received several questions and comments regarding my earlier post about using your personal Facebook page to advertise your business, and how it will get you banned.  I think the best way to address them is by compiling this post.  Please feel free to share it, and my original post, with your fellow stamping business owners.

First, a comment from Paula:

"This is true!  Facebook pulled a page I had for a wellness company I was involved in.  Thanks for the heads up."

Now, some questions:

"I do have a FB Business Page that I advertise classes, specials, etc.  I am also a fan of my FB Business Page, which means that my Fan page shows up on my personal page, which non-fans can view, as well.  Is this in violation?

Answer: No.  The updates are posting to your personal page because you're a Fan of your own Business Page.  As such, even though updates are posting to YOUR personal page, they are NOT posting to your Friends pages.

Another question:

"When I post to my Typepad page and click twitter and facebook and it posts on FB,  I am violation of the rules because it is going to my FB account and not to a fan page?  If so how do I differentiate between the 2 on Typepad?"

Answer: Do not post to your FB account through your TypePad page.  Instead, go into the edit section of your Facebook Business page and link to your RSS feed through the Notes section.

Last question:

I really need help with this one.  I can't figure how to post my fan page on my main wall so that they can switch over from being friends to fans.  Do you know how?

Answer: Rather than posting it on your Wall, I would go into the Messages section and send a private message to all of the Friends who really should be Fans asking them to move over.

Finally, the social networking landscape is a tricky one.  Things are always changing.  If you're looking for the most up-to-date advice to help you steer clear of trouble (from the social networking platforms or your company), please feel free to subscribe to this blog or my mailing list.  This is my full-time job, and I don't succeed if you don't.

This Piece of Advice Will Get You Banned From Facebook

I've received several e-mails over the weekend and this morning about a piece of advice that's been circulating in stamping circles regarding promoting your stamping business through your personal Facebook page.

Please note, this is a violation of Facebook's Terms of Service.  You cannot use your personal Facebook page to promote your business.  If Facebook discovers you're doing this, either on their own or because someone reported you, Facebook WILL yank your account.

You also cannot set up a second personal account to promote your business exclusively.  If Facebook finds out you're doing this, they'll yank both accounts.

The only way Facebook really allows you to promote your business is with a Fan Page.  And, frankly, it's also the best way, as Fan Pages are public and searchable.

Please remember, whenever anyone gives you a piece of advice, no matter how well-meaning they are, to double-check it.  Especially if it's not their area of expertise.

And if you ever have any questions about social networking, or any other aspect of running your stamping business as a business, please always feel free to e-mail me.

The Means To An End...

Enjoying the day with my son.  He's throwing tiny footballs to/at me.  Dodging some... but not all of them.

As I veer left and right, and love every minute of it, I'm reminded of an important fact:

Your business is not the end.  It's the means to an end. 

Keeping those ends in sight... knowing that your business will get you there... helps you focus more intently on your business, and get more done in less time!

Enjoy your weekend!

Why One Demo Said NO To Taking Over Another Demo's Club

One of my Coaching clients, Kathleen Innes, shared with me an e-mail she sent to her downline yesterday.  She was kind enough to let me share it with you.  Please read it all the way through.  I'll share my thoughts at the bottom:

John Sanpietro has posted another video on pricing. This one is entitled, "How To Compete With People Who Charge Less Than You." Find it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMw6ht0yS9M

It's excellent.

Once you've watched the video, you'll understand why I recently refused to take a 12-member stamp club from another demonstrator who is quitting. One of the club members contacted me because they "loved" my blog and website. They loved me so much they wanted me to lower my club minimum (by half!) and waive my supply fee.  I compromised slightly, but only slightly....knocking the minimum down by $5 and pointing out that I do three projects, including a 3-D item (Their demo only does two cards.)

I knew if I accepted their terms that I would resent it every time I was preparing for 12 people and driving to their houses every month.

I also knew that I could prepare half the number of projects and make the same amount of money with only six people in the club who cheerfully pay my normal minimums and fees....and come to my classroom.

Did I give up something? Sure -- the possibility of finding a crafter who might spend big and possibly a potential recruit in the 12 leads...but here's the thing. This group's current demo is quitting because she's not making any money. Of course she's not! She's undervalued her services, committing profit hari kari. I did point out to the club's representative that I would still be here in a year, and two, and beyond and that if the group changed their collective mind I'd be happy to work with them...but on my terms. (I delivered the message much more gently than that, BTW.)

I'm sure there are those of you who are shaking your heads and wishing I'd passed the contact onto you. But think about it. I value your work -- and mine -- too much to tempt you with an opportunity to undervalue your worth and undermine all of our businesses.

I don't think my dentist would be amused if I offered him half the fee he usually charges because the dentist down the block charged so much less; nor would my hair stylist be excited about the "opportunity" to cut my hair for half-price because that's what another beauty salon charged before they went out of business.

We have a great product to sell. We have access to training, resources and ideas. We have each other to support, challenge and encourage us. We do fabulous projects. We have oodles of expertise, talent and teaching ability. 

Why sell that short????

As John would say, here's wishing you a profitable and productive week. :-)

I think this is a fantastic message to send to you downline.  Letting them know they don't need to jump on every 'opportunity to undervalue themselves' is a powerful... and empowering message that will help them, and you, grow your businesses in a sustainable, profitable way!

Great job, Kathleen!

Ask yourselves, by your words and actions, what message are YOU sending to your downline?

Just trying to get you paid!

The Winners of the Stamping Limerick Contest Are...

Congratulations to everyone who entered the SIMB Stamping Limerick Contest!

This was a contest I held exclusively for my Facebook Fans, and I was impressed with the amount of creativity you all brought to the challenge!

Originally, I was only going to give out one prize, but the limericks submitted seemed to fall into two distinct categories, Stamping and John/Stamping Is My Business, so I decided to give a prize in each one.

And the winners are...

Stamping Limerick

The prize goes to... Jenn Turroff!

There once was a girl who made cards
Her floor covered with paper shards
She got the Big Shot machine...
Now her stamp room is clean
And she has cutouts to use by the yard!

SIMB/John Limerick

The prize goes to... Nichole Taylor!

For some time, I was in a commotion.
Where to start, I had not a notion.
To the web I did look ...
And found John's great ebook.
Now, my business is in forward motion.

Jenn and Nichole both win the SIMB CD of their choice.  Congratulations!

Thanks to everyone who participated! 

And if you're not an SIMB Facebook Fan, you can become one by going to www.facebook.com/stampingismybusiness.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Wishing you all a wonderful St. Patrick's Day!  We're having fantastic Irish Sweater weather here today!

 May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

The rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

 

VIDEO - How To Compete With Someone Who Undercuts You and Charges Less

You're happily going along conducting your stamping and scrapbooking classes.

Suddenly, another stamping business owner comes in and charges half of what you charge!!

How do you compete? The answer is the video below...  

Watch other business-building videos and subscribe to the SIMB YouTube Channel.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK - Patience

"The harvest is in a different season than the planting."

 - Unknown

VIDEO - The Formula Revealed! HOW To Set Your Class Prices!

Yesterday's video generated a lot of feedback, and a LOT of people asking for specifics on determining price.  So, here it is:

In the video, I mention the Business Stampers Coaching Group. Click the logo in the upper-right corner for more info.

And don't forget to subscribe to the Stamping Is My Business YouTube Channel!

VIDEO - Five Reasons To Raise Your Prices

There's a real epidemic of stamping business owners charging too little for what they do.  Even worse, you're hearing lots of advice about giving stuff away for free!  I couldn't disagree with that advice more. 

In the video below, I lay out my five reasons why you should seriously consider RAISING your prices.

Please feel free to share this video with your downline, upline and/or stamping business colleagues:

And don't forget to subscribe to the Stamping Is My Business YouTube Channel.