We’ve officially been ushered into 2016… with all of the hope, potential, and promise worthy of a new year, a blank calendar, a fresh start. The WOW office re-opened its doors today with a notable absence as Randi is officially now off for her maternity leave.
As Randi joyfully welcomes a new baby in 2016, I’m acutely aware that many of our members experienced loss and heartache in 2015. Please know you’ve been constantly on my heart and mind. I’ve heard from many of you — and see your Facebook posts — wishing 2015 good riddance and looking optimistically into the future… the future you will courageously create for yourself.
No matter what last year looked like for you, you are not alone in your excitement for what is to come in the coming year. Our members have been working hard to wrap up 2015 and we’re poised for impressive growth and expansion in 2016. We have every reason to be “chomping at the bit”… ready to take 2016 by storm… to make our mark… to take new ground.
I’m thrilled that the real-world, no BS business strategies you have come to expect from me have now been featured in all 43 business journals across the United States. Soon, they’ll post a new article from me regarding what will CHANGE as we move into 2016. I’ll link to it here as soon as it’s live. As business owners, we’ve learned to accept and even welcome change as a constant companion, but I wanted to start our year together with a list of things that are staying the same. Here, are five existing trends that we as self-bossers can carry — with confidence — into the New Year.
The formula for millionaire status hasn’t changed.
STILL, self-bossers account for just over 20% of the population at large, but make up over 75% of the population of millionaires. Bottom line: You’re on the right track. =)
Your clients STILL want to know that you’re on their side… that it’s about more than the monetary exchange.
Your clients STILL want to know that you want what they want, that you’re in their corner, that you “get it.” They want to know that you’re rooting for them! That you care for them beyond their check… that you’ll go to bat for them… that you care about how they feel… that you’re curious about things impacting their life, health, and business.
Education-based marketing is still en vogue… and becoming even more critical to your success.
In real-world study after real-world study, consumers continue to prove their desire to be educated about their buying decisions. CREATE ways to educate and connect with your customer base, regardless of your industry, and you’ll be way ahead of the game. Use your blog, a white paper, a speaking platform, or whatever you can in order to EDUCATE your target market.
This leaning towards education marketing has been true for many years. And as we move into 2016, you’ll need to make your “education marketing” both multitouch (more than one interaction before the sale) and multi-media (Think: text marketing + email marketing + a phone call).
Your Clients — still — Resent Being Chased, but Welcome Conversations With People Who Can Solve their Problem.
Anything you chase is — by definition — running from you. So, standard cold calling is still O-U-T. Instead, create a strategic way to attract YOUR target market into your pipeline. Perhaps it’s a simple brand audit for graphic designers or a recurring workshop on new tax codes for accountants, or tasting events for your new restaurant. Use INVITATION language to invite your target market to experience you for FREE and then… SERVE the SELL out of them. =)
Finally, Being Courageously Authentic is — still — the ONLY Way to Go.
In a world increasingly full of hype and lacking in authenticity, truth, and service, courageous authenticity will take you further than ANY other marketing or branding strategy possibly could. Authenticity is — still — magnetic.
We’ve got a lot going on in 2016. If you haven’t checked out our brand new membership platform, please don’t miss it. I’m soon launching a radio show — not where I can feature paying sponsors — but where I can feature YOU… the everyday business owner hustling and succeeding. Our closed facebook group is beginning to take shape and create a great deal of support. And this month, within our membership and on the blog, we’re going to be focused entirely on the foundational components of our goal: More Passion, More Profits, and More PAUSE.
Before I go, allow me to wish you a Happy New Year. I wish you the courage to create the 2016 you want… and deserve. I wish you the work ethic necessary to achieve your goals. And I wish you the invaluable GIFT of being ABSOLUTELY REPELLED by any excuse that threatens your achievement. Here’s to the 2016 we’ll create… day by day, action by action, commitment by commitment. Here’s to US!
