 One of the biggest struggles I see Second Act Entrepreneurs make is to try and sell to everyone.  It is a battle that is hard fought to narrow your niche, but it is also the fastest way to the promise land and selling your services. This week's episode unpacks the three reasons why. Listen to the entire episode. Why do Second Act Entrepreneurs struggle with narrowing down their audience? There are two main reasons people don't narrow their niche: 1. They want to serve everyone. Their product/service works for everyone. It makes sense to market to everyone if you aren't familiar with the current marketing landscape.  But, between the influx of businesses hopping online in 2020 and the number of people ignoring marketing because they are frankly "over it" - marketing must resonate with people at a deeper level if it's going to grab their attention. 2. They are afraid to narrow down their audience. It can be scary to narrow down to a specific person and create marketing that speaks to that person. But the more poignant the message, the more likely you are going to grab attention. In the episode I talk about the big "a-ha" that I realized recently when trying to convince a client to narrow their marketing.  We have to spread our marketing message wide, but ensure that our messaging is very very narrowly speaking to a specific market. There are three key reasons why specific messaging increases sales quicker. 1. Narrowing your message affords you the opportunity to create conversations.  There is a misnomer out there that you need millions of followers to make a lot of money.  The reality is - online businesses are still successful because conversations are happening between two people.  Relationships are built, trust is earned.  People crave connection, more now than ever and by creating an environment that nurtures connection, you are building both trust and conversation. 2. Narrow messaging helps people self-identify when you are speaking to them. Automatically causing them to stop the scroll, listen a little more intently and want to know more and most importantly helping you to stand out from all the other "noise" on the internet. When you can get people to stop and pay attention, but you have the opportunity to continue the conversation - if they scroll on by, there goes your chance. 3. When your people self-identify with what you are saying, you are building an emotional connection. You become relatable, trustworthy and it becomes easier to move them toward purchasing and working with you. 95% of buying decision are based on emotion. When you can connect with someone on an emotional level, it increases the speed of getting to "yes". Want a few more examples or ready to dig a little deeper? Watch listen to the entire episode. If you enjoy the episode, please share it with a friend - it's you and your support that help spread the word. Until next week, be well and take care! ~Alisa

Feed U Podcast

Why Targeted Marketing Will Get You Clients Faster

I had a client ask me the other day, should I just go ahead and add all of my previous clients to my email list? This is a question that comes up more often than not because they are customers after all - I'm sure they want to be on the list.

Should You Automatically Add Former Clients To Your Email List

One of the #1 mistakes 2nd Act Entrepreneurs make is to make assumptions with their marketing and their product offers. Making assumptions cost you time and money and ultimately sales.   If you have had a successful career but want to increase your impact, revenue and leave a legacy using your education and expertise with an online program - you are a 2nd Act Entrepreneur. I partner with 2nd Act Entrepreneurs to create strategic marketing that builds relationships and sells their programs and turns them into Thriving Digital Impactors.  On today's show, I share the biggest mistakes I see business owners make when trying to create and market their services. You know what they say if you ASSUME you make an A** out of U and ME.  Nothing could be more true than when you are promoting a program that has no input from the people you want to serve. When assumptions are made in marketing it costs more time and money because: 1. People don't know they need what you are selling. 2. People don't want what you are selling. 3. People feel rushed into your sales funnel before they are ready and it just feels wrong (and a little bit sleazy). Instead before creating a program offer or your marketing ask yourself some specific questions: Question #1: When was the last time someone asked you for ________________ (insert the product you want to create) If the answer is all the time, recently, or anything in that area then dig a little deeper because you're likely onto something. If the answer is deer in the headlights or "uh no" then dig deeper - because you're likely about to spend a whole lot of time, energy, and money creating something that nobody wants or understands. Instead, ask people what they want instead of what you think (read know) they need.  People buy what they want, not what they need. Sell them what they want, serve them what they need. Questions #2: Many 2nd Act Entrepreneurs make the assumptions that people know that they have a problem and that they know how to solve it.   -If they knew how to solve the problem, wouldn't they have already solved it? -If they have a pressing awareness of the problem, wouldn't they be taking action to find a solution? Chances are very high that they either don't know where to start or they are embarrassed to ask someone for help.  If you present them a confusing solution to their problem or something so high level they feel dumb - they not only won't buy they will likely tune you out forever because they will be searching for someone else to solve the problem. This isn't because they aren't smart.  It's because they are busy, they are distracted and they just want an easy-to-understand solution that will make their current pain stop. If you give them a clear, easy solution - they will buy. The last assumption 2nd Act Entrepreneurs often make regarding their business is assuming their customers mirror their money beliefs.  This week's episode dives into the dangers and frustrations that money blocks can have on your business.  Tune in to hear all the details as well as examples, stories, and antics for the other questions discussed in this episode. Enjoy this episode? Share it with a friend and leave us a 5 star review on your favorite streaming platform.  

Why Marketing Assumptions Are Killing your Sales

Entrepreneurs especially in light of COVID are plain out exhausted. It's easy to give your all to your: Clients Family Friends Team Students You name it, but at the end of the day if you are feeling bone-tired - you my friend are headed toward exhaustion and ultimately burnout. In this week's episode learn my personal journey with entrepreneurship and exhaustion and what I did to turn it around. Discover 5 tips that will empower you to take back your energy, time, and reign in your business so that you can build your business around your life instead of the other way around. Listen to the entire episode here. COVID has and is still wreaking havoc on all of us. But as an entrepreneur, it may be affecting you even more than you realize. You are likely accustomed to working from home - as I am.  But the added stress of having everyone there, feeling like you can't ever get away and just plan or think or even trying to find 2 minutes of quiet to focus is enough to make even the calmest person twitch. I found myself in this VERY situation - which is why in this episode I bring light to the warning signs so you can check your mental health as well. Learn the top 5 ways to solve the exhaustion dilemma and give yourself permission to take care of yourself.  Self-care is NOT an indulgence or luxury, it's a necessity. You don't have to pick up and just keep going. Listen to the entire episode here and give yourself permission to create a business around your life and not the other way around. Need a little more entrepreneur love?  Head on over to the Small Business Builders Facebook group - and introduce yourself.

Unlocking Exhaustion and Entrepreneurship And How To Cure It

You've spent time creating a fabulous lead magnet and yet . . . No one is joining your email list. Alas, you are not alone in the battle to win new subscribers. We are in a VERY competitive landscape since COVID, especially in online business. With every corner you turn, someone is hanging up their "I'm in business" sign.  Meaning you've got to put on your game face and stand out among the masses if you're going to win the favor of the email exchange. Tune into this week's episode to learn the five reasons most course creators, consultants and coaches struggle to grow their email lists. Hint, hint - it's probably your lead magnet. Learn the top mistake that most business owners make when creating their lead magnet and what will entice people like hot fudge on ice cream to grab yours. You will also hear some tips on how to fix the hiccups in your lead generation funnel and start attracting new leads that you can turn into customers. Stay tuned until the end! There are not one, but TWO bonuses for you this week to whip your lead magnet into a powerful marketing tool. One of the biggest struggles second-season entrepreneurs have is developing an overall strategy.  When you are in your business, it's hard to take a birds-eye view and see where you are aiming and if your tactics are getting you closer. This is why I've created a brand new 5 Step Marketing Strategy Guide and am planning live pieces of training in September to help you kick start your strategy.  Join me in September for the live training that accompanies the guide. In the meantime grab your free copy here: https://alisaconner.com/strategy. Listen to the entire episode and dive into the BEST lead magnet strategies that get you results quicker and faster. Are you wanting some feedback on your free download?  Head on over to the Small Business Builders Facebook group - and ask for some support.

The Real Reason No One Is Signing Up For Your Free Download

What in the world? Golf and entrepreneurship?  That seems to have come out of left field. Recently I took up golf and I know little to nothing (after my 4 games of golf this summer about technique, swings, or even putting). But the similarities between running a business and taking on a new hobby were apparent after the first drive in the golf cart. In today's episode, come on a journey with me as I compare my new golf hobby and lessons in entrepreneurship.  Discover the 5 different lessons that can be applied to not only your golf game but your business, and any other new venture you begin. When was the last time you picked up something completely new and looked at it through the eyes of a beginner? You won't want to miss this week's podcast episode and it would be worth it to pull out a pen and paper to take some notes to see which of the five lessons you could apply to build better relationships and conversations with your current and future customers. See you inside. -Alisa    

What Golf And Entrepreneurship Have In Common

Help! I can’t get any traction! You may have noticed that the online marketplace is a bit more saturated now that people have been trapped at home for a year because of COVID.  There are more businesses, course creators, and entrepreneurs hitting the online space than ever.  Alas, that doesn’t have to be an issue for your small business.  Because you have the insider secret. In this week’s episode of ACC-TV, I teach you the 3 ways to create a personalized experience for your customers and future customers with your marketing.   Personalizing your marketing may seem overwhelming and almost impossible.  But one of the easiest ways to get in front of your audience and deliver them exactly what they want is through email marketing. When you understand your ideal clients, know what they need and then deliver it to their inbox – they are more likely to read your email and talk about it with others. I talk a little about segmenting and tagging your list so that know how to put the right content in front of the right people.  I also share several real-life examples so you can see how it would work for your business. The quickest way to stand out is to do things other people aren’t doing.  How can you get in front of our audience in a new and unique way? I also share in the episode my upcoming LIVE training The Email Uprising.  Registration is open sign up to learn: The best expert headline hacks that get your emails open The 4-step NO LOSE email formula that gets your emails read to the end The 1 thing you can do that will catapult you beyond your competition Choosing what to write in your weekly emails The power of customizing your emails to earn your subscribers respect sooner than later Go ahead and get registered here. This week’s episode wouldn’t be complete without a bonus, you can find this week’s here. I want to hear from you! What is your biggest frustration with standing out online?  Join me over in the Small Business Builders Facebook group and let’s talk it out.

Standing Out In A Crowded Market As A Small Business

 We Can All Agree 2020 Has Been A Doozy But, there are some positive things that came out of this year.  In this week's Feed U Podcast Episode I give you the 5 lessons I learned in 2020 in hopes that they will inspire you to reflect on what you learned this year. I encourage you to tune in and listen to the entire episode here so you can end this year with a focus on what was positive about 2020 and what you want to leave behind as you move into 2021.  Things will never go back to "normal" and in Episode 111 I share with you how you can adapt your business to meet the new landscape that lies before us. I give you my opinion on how things will play out, things that are irrevocably changed, and how you can adapt to fill the need in this new version of business going forward.  Dive into the entire episode here. We have to accept a new "normal" after 2020 Just like 9-11 the world (not just the United States) has irrevocably changed. Things that we took for granted, concerts, eating out, shopping, and many other previous "luxuries" will never exist the way they did before COVID-19. Restaurants have gone under. Shopping has been done largely online this year. The post office reported processing over 300 million more packages this year than last.  People have now normalized things like food delivery, online shopping, and virtual doctor visits.  The early adopters were already taking advantage of these options - 2020 just added gasoline to the already ignited flame.  For more on this tune into the entire episode. The reality is the same - either adapt or die.  Unfortunately, this will be the case for many of the small businesses we know and love.  But let it be a lesson for you and your business to keep your eye on the horizon for market changes and adapt sooner than later. The world is craving connection. Online connection via bantering and arguing opinions through the comments has become exhaustive.  The world is tired of arguing.  They are tired of being disconnected.  They want real relationships, and to do business with real people.  The spammers and follower buyers were on their way out before 2020 now they are no longer tolerated and I predict BIG changes in the way social media and marketing, in general, will be used in the future.  The sooner you can connect with your clients in a personal way - the faster you will catapult past the competition.  Niching in will no longer be optional and the quicker you can do it, the further ahead you will be.  It enables you to align with influencers in your market and create one of a kind buying experiences for your people.  Creating a boutique type experience for every business model.  No longer will the one-size-fits-all marketing campaign be tolerated or relevant.  I encourage you to brainstorm which steps will you take today to align with the people you most want to help and the influencers already helping them. What is old is new again People do business with people.  You've heard me say it before.  Today I will add they do business with people who make them feel memorable and special. This happens through nurturing relationships. If you haven't committed some time energy and marketing planning into nurturing your current and future customers, it's time to get on the bandwagon.  This will be another BIG differentiator for those who excel and those who fall away.  In the episode, I give you two specific examples of companies I recently did business with that are killing it when it comes to creating an experience for their customers.  Tune in here to listen in. I give you three other lessons and some homework in the episode, tune in to learn how you can align your business for success in the New Year.  Wishing you the best of 2021!   If you loved this episode . . .  I would be so grateful if you would share it with a friend and leave me a review over on iTunes so that we can help more people grow their businesses.

5 Grateful Lessons Learned From 2020 and What To Take Into 2021

 You followed all the guru's advice and built your sales funnel but . . . . . no one is opt-ing in.  Worse, no one is buying.  What the heck?  You did EVERYTHING right.  Why isn't this working?  It takes one of two things to get a sales funnel set up: Either a lot of time or A pretty hefty investment.   When it isn't working it can be infuriating and leave you feeling hopeless.  Alas, all is not lost.  There are still tweaks that you can make.  In this week's episode, I share the 3 reasons most sales funnels fail. Dive into the entire episode here. Don't give up on your funnel until you fix these three things first. 20 years of experience in marketing has taught me, everything can be fixed.  That includes your sales funnel.  If your emails aren't performing, no one is signing up for your freebie or you're not selling any products, then this week's episode was made for you. 1. You're too general. Somewhere along the way you probably bought into the story that broader is better.  Well, in an ultra-competitive world (think the internet) the opposite has proven to be true.  Those who try to help everyone, market to everyone, and sell to everyone, end up serving no one.  Why? Because people are searching for a specific solution to their specific problem.  When you are offering a basketful of generic solutions, they will just assume that you can't help them with their specific problem.  Or worse, they will be confused about what you do and they won't waste time wondering if you can help them, they will just move on to someone who can. In this week's episode, I give you a couple of simple examples, you can check those out here. 2. You are your own best-kept secret. Oh boy! You've spent hours getting your copy right.  You have just the right image.  You checked and double-checked everything and now you wait. And wait. And wait.  Where is everyone?  Well, here's the thing - no one knows about your awesome new stuff because . . . you didn't tell them about it.  So many times I have worked with clients who have created a new website, landing page, or freebie and they are astounded when the internet gods have not smiled on them and sent them a bushel full of customers.  ***NOT SO SECRET*** >>> There is no internet magician.  If you want people to find your awesome website, landing page, freebie, or whatever you create you have to promote it.  I know it can be hard to "toot your own horn" but you're a badass business owner, get out of your own way, and get your stuff out there. The latest research shows you have to put your stuff in front of people a MINIMUM of 8 times before they ever even pay attention.  So put yourself on repeat for a while. 3. You're not solving a problem. I alluded to this in number one, people aren't looking for your product or service.  Seriously!  They aren't.  They are looking for someone to end their pain.  Whatever the pain may be.  They want a solution, they want it now and they don't want to have to work to find it.  The easier you can make it for them to understand that you can help them get out of pain, the faster they will move from not knowing who you are to a customer.  But, if you focus your marketing on what you do - you will lose out every time. To overcome losing out on them and their business, solve problems.  I give you an extra bonus in the episode, tune in to get the extra tip on how to ensure that your sales funnel is doing EXACTLY what you want it to.   If you loved this episode . . .  I would be so grateful if you would share it with a friend and leave me a review over on iTunes so that we can help more people grow their businesses.

110 You Built It Why Haven't They Come?

 You can have the best freebie in the world, but . . .   . . if no one wants it or opts-in, how good is it really?  Not so good.  If you are struggling with getting people to sign up for your free download, it is costing you more than just email subscribers, it's costing you money and new customers.  If you wonder how all the "other people" are getting traction when you are lucky to get people to visit your website, or if you are wondering why your list isn't growing - this week's Feed U Podcast episode is for you.  I break down the three reasons your freebie isn't working and tell you how to fix it so you can get some traction, increase your sales, and finally reach the people that need you. You can tune into the entire episode here. Before you even think about running ads, you will want to fix these few things first. Running ads is a great way to increase traffic to your website and get in front of some new peeps, but if you don't have your landing page and free giveaway in spit spot shape, you might as well fogettaboutit.  This week's episode is going to help you make sure that you are putting your best foot forward - let's dive in.  1. Your freebie is crap. It's better that you hear these things from a friend, seriously!  If you are putting something out there that is not useful to your people, they simply walk away.  Leaving you scratching your head wondering, what in the heck?  The reality is, the internet is crowded.  People are smart. Buyers are smarter.  They know giving you their email address has the potential to open them up to endless sales emails. (you wouldn't do that though, would you?). Which means you have to be smarter.  You have to offer something that is SO good, that they can't resist.  A great measurement is to put something out there that your competitors are charging for. Before you freak out and say to yourself "I can't give away the farm for free!" Stop that thought.  Here's the deal.  People pay for processes.  If they could do it themselves, they would have done it by now.  They will pay you for the system to get it done (the less time the better). So giving away a doozie piece of that process is just the thing to get them hooked and wanting more. 2. You want too much info This one won't apply to everyone, but there are definitely some doozies out there.  People are protective of their info.  The more information you ask them to provide, the less likely they will complete the opt-in form.  The easier you make it for your new lead to say yes, the greater the chance they will say yes.  Adding a checkbox asking for permission to email them for example. Only asking for a name and email address.  Only the first name is even better. Keep it simple, give the relationship a chance to grow.  Do your due diligence in showing up, and building the relationship instead of asking for their social security number on the first date.  That would not only a "no" but a "hell no!"  The moral of the story, less is more.  Ask for less and then as time goes on, trust builds and they will provide you with more info. 3. Where the heck is your CTA? I can't tell you how many emails I have looked at and wondered, what in the heck was the point of that email?  If you aren't laying out breadcrumbs for your clients to follow in your emails, then don't even bother emailing them.  You MUST have a call to action (CTA) in every single one.  Does this mean selling them your product every time?  Absolutely not!  A call to action can be to gather your newest resource, listen to your latest podcast, watch your latest video, any number of things.  Just keep them moving through the funnel whenever possible. I give you an extra bonus in the episode, listen here to get the extra tip on how to increase your sales.  It's a goodie too. If you loved this episode . . .  I would be so grateful if you would share it with a friend and leave me a review over on iTunes so that we can help more people grow their businesses.

Why Your Landing Page Isn't Working

 Can I see a show of hands real quick? How many of you out there reading have set up a single email to deliver your free download and have called it an email sequence? My guess is that more than one of your raised your hand. But the reality is that it takes 8 times or more for the human brain to absorb information. Meaning, if you aren't staying in front of your leads at least 8 times, they have already forgotten about you. In this week's Feed U Podcast episode, I talk about the 3 most important email sequences you can create in your business.  You can tune into the entire episode here. Before you start to worry . . . These sequences are important, but, they don't all have to be set up right this minute.  I know you have a business to run and sometimes marketing takes a back burner.  In the episode, I go into detail about each sequence.  I encourage you to choose which one you think will have the biggest impact on your business today and start there. Without further ado, here's the short version of those email sequences: 1. The Nurture Sequence This is the sequence that is your "hey, good to know you" sequence.  It's your opportunity to build the relationship, gain trust, and move that need subscriber into a paid product. You CANNOT do that in one email. It will take some insight into your customer and also some ingenuity.  This is critical if you are growing your list and trying to convert new leads into customers.  Also, leads shouldn't drop off into oblivion after this sequence, strategize where they can go next. 2. The Re-Engagement (break up) Sequence I talk quite in-depth about the mindset around the break-up sequence in Episode 108, but here's the dealio.  If you have peeps on your list that aren't opening or engaging with your emails, you are paying for those peeps.  Regardless of what you send them.  If they aren't interested, let them go and make room for the people who DO want to hear from you. Holding onto subscribers for vanity is not helping your business. It is MUCH better to have a list of leads than it is to have a list of emails who never buy from you. 3. Cart Abandon Sequence I  lay down some serious stats in this piece of the episode regarding conversion.  >>>SNEAK PEAK

3 Email Sequences You Can Use To Increase Sales

Why is your marketing being ignored?Marketing can be summed up by one phrase, get the right message in front of the right people at the right time. But, what most businesses do is create one message for everyone. If your potential client is not at that phase of their customer journey, they are going to pass you by like a wooly sweater sale in July. In this week's podcast episode I share the three ways to stop the scroll, grab the attention of your audience, and get traction with your marketing.I even threw in a bonus tip to help you narrow down your messaging. You can listen to the complete episode here.Here are the cliff notes for you:The biggest mistake most business owners make is trying to create one version of their messaging that applies to everyone.  I spend the first 10ish minutes of Episode 107 explaining the buyers' journey (customer journey) in very simple terms.There are three levels, learn about those here and only the first level has buyers that are ready to pull out their credit card and buy.  But . . . don't get your dancing pants on yet . . . that's only a conversion rate of 8%.  Which means, you are leaving the other 91% singing in the rain.  We have GOT to go get that other 81 %, otherwise, we are working too hard and constantly struggling to find new customers.After you figure out where your new lead is on the buyers' journey. . .Then your marketing traction boils down to 3 simple things.1. Delivering the right message (in their language) to the right person at the right time.2. Making sure you stay top of mind, that they know who you are and how to buy your products or services.3. Standing out from the crowd (read stop being a snooze fest!)I cover each of those in-depth in this episode, plus give you a bonus tip on how to find the words your audience is looking for (in case you're stuck!). You can listen to the whole episode here.If you loved this episode . . . I would be so grateful if you would share it with a friend and leave me a review over on iTunes so that we can help more people grow their businesses.

107 Why Your Marketing Is Being Ignored

 Which email strategy will give you up to a 3800% return on investment? If your a frequent podcast listener and you haven't guessed yet, I will be surprised.  If you've tuned into any number of Feed U Podcast episodes, you know I'm a HUGE fan of email marketing done right.  Notice that last part "done right". In Episode 106 of the Feed U Podcast, I lay out some of the latest email marketing stats that will have you salivating. If you're ready to take your marketing to task, then this is the episode for you. Email is the best return on investment marketing strategy hands down. In this week's episode, I give you the facts, stats, and tips on how to clean up your email and make it work for you and your business.  Listen to the entire episode here. First, the facts: According to this Hubspot Study, Every $1 spent on email marketing has a return on investment of $38.  If we compare that to the average cost of a Google ad which is approximately $2 in ROI for every $1 spent (campaign monitor) there is a big difference in ROI. So, maybe $38 doesn't seem like much.  Let's take a real-world example.  If you were to spend $100 on your email marketing using the average ROI you could generate $3800. Now, let's compare that to Google. That same $100 would only generate $200. $200 vs. $3800, I know which I would pick. 73% of millennials prefer business communication via email. This stat surprised even me.  Millennials being known for their text preferences, who knew that they actually preferred to do business via email? So what does that mean to you? If you are trying to woo the millennial generation, you better up your email game. (more tips on that in the episode) 78% of marketers have seen an increase in email engagement in the last 12 months. What does that mean to you? You're not a marketer (or maybe you are). Well, those marketers represent brands and businesses. They work with all types of industries and are giving their perspective based on the success of their clients.  That means you. If it's working for them, it can and will work for you. Let's take note of one VERY important word in that stat.  "engagement".  Not only are subscribers opting in and receiving the email, but they are also in some way engaging with the email.  Translation - they are opening, reading, and or clicking - or all three. Engagement is the key.  If you can get in front of your audience and get them to engage, that is when profit shifts happen. In Episode 106 several other stats are mentioned, give it a listen to get all the latest email marketing data. I also give you my perspective on why people are more engaged now and will be in the future as well as 5 hiccups to avoid with your email marketing so that you can gain traction and not steer your subscribers away or toward your competitors.  Tune in to the episode to get all the details. What did you learn from this episode?  Come and tell me in the Facebook Group. Not in the group yet? Consider this your official invitation to join the Small Business Builders Community in the Facebook Group. Small Business owners unite to feed each other with inspiration, information, experiences, and knowledge.

The 3800% ROI Marketing Strategy

 The first day of fall brings external and internal change. But are you aware of the impact that seasonal changes bring to your business and success? We are connected to nature whether we are aware of that connection or not. In this episode, I talk about the way each season impacts us and our business. If you are making decisions in your business without seasonal alignment and are struggling, this episode may shine some light on why. The 22nd (when the episode was recorded) was the Fall Equinox. With that comes shifts from outward work to inward connection and reflection. As we move toward winter, our goals and focus should shift as well. In Episode 105, I discuss the different phases of planning and aligning your business with each season. Because we are entering in fall, I began with the fall season. FALL: During the fall, our businesses and our lives should focus on the harvest.  This will make more sense as we move through the other seasons. But this, as in nature, is the time we gather our rewards for the hard work we produced. Whether that is financial or in recognition. If you notice, many of the awards shows are held in the fall season. In fact, just this past week was the Emmy Awards. I bet you didn't even realize that the alignment of rewards and recognition of the year's worth of work, happened during the fall season. If we focus our business on gratitude, resources, our wealth, and what we need to let go of - we will align with the fall season. Just as nature lets go, leaves falling from trees, gardens dying back to rejuvenate the soil for spring, we also must let go. Make space for creativity and planning and what is to come. Learn more by listening to the entire episode. WINTER: During the winter our focus should be toward hibernation, rest, recuperation, and inward reflection. This is the time when we set our goals for the coming year. Allow new ideas to percolate and come to us. Dive into our purpose and the alignment we have with what we want to accomplish on a bigger scale, the scale of who we are as humans.  As the years pass, are we in tune with what we want to leave as a legacy for future generations? Are we moving toward that legacy and the reasons we started our business in the first place? Winter gives us the space (and the darkness with shorter days) to go within, rest and reflect. SPRING: If fall is the season of harvest, then spring is when we plant the seeds so that we will have something to harvest. This is the time of putting new ideas into action. Renewing our zest for what we do, what we want to accomplish, and the impact we want to make. It's time to begin plans to launch new products or services. To bring the ideas we have been creating focused on during the winter to the light of spring so that they can bloom forth. SUMMER: As we come to the end of this summer we can reflect back on the power of the sun. The warmth it shines, even in offering relief (although temporary) from the Coronavirus. The sun is powerful - and with longer days and shorter nights, we are filled with power.  Power to put the energy into ensuring our well-laid summer plans come to fruition.  It's when we put the action fully into achieving our goals. We are fueled by connection, growth, and accomplishment.  This is when the "big" growth happens for us and our business.  It is the accumulation of what we planned for during the winter and spring. For the low-down on all of the seasons, be sure to tune into this week's episode. What does this alignment truly mean for your business? When you are aligned with the seasons, you: Become more aware of what you are doing, why you are doing it, and what you truly want out of life and your business. You eliminate outside distractions, activities, and focus stealers so that you can truly align with what brings you joy and success. (However you choose to define it.) You free up your time to focus on your true purpose, and the legacy you are meant to leave. In the episode, I challenge you to look at the season your business is in and evaluate, just like nature, what you need to let go of so that you can make space for what is to come. I encourage you to pull out a piece of paper, draw two columns, and label them simple keep and stop. Identify the pieces of your business that it is time to let go of.  This could be relationships, clients, products, services, ways you are spending time, etc. Letting go of them may not mean eliminating them altogether.  It could simply mean outsourcing them or setting them aside to reevaluate in the spring.  The idea is, where will you make space for the new? Because without space, there is no room for the "new" to settle in and find it's way to you. I would love for you to share what you are letting go of over in the Facebook group so that we can support one another. What did you learn from this episode?  Come and tell me in the Facebook Group. Not in the group yet? Consider this your official invitation to join the Small Business Builders Community in the Facebook Group. Small Business owners unite to feed each other with inspiration, information, experiences, and knowledge.

The Role Seasonal Changes Play In Your Business

 Email marketing can seem overwhelming . . . And when you aren't having the success you want, it can also be frustrating. But, you could have picked up some really bad habits along the way that are not helping you in the way of email marketing success. This week I share three email experiences, my reaction, and how to improve them in Episode 104 of the Feed U Podcast. If you're sick of fighting with your email conversion, tune in to this week's episode and learn: The #1 thing that is causing your email marketing to fail and three important lessons to learn from, so you don't eliminate your customer connection before you even have a chance to build it. Losing your leads before they have even had the chance to get to know you and fall in love with your brand. In the episode, I talk about the GDPR (which is legal speak for don't add people to your list without permission.)  I also reference this interview Episode with Aidan Durham.  She gives you the entire scoop on GDPR and what it means to your email marketing and your business. I also give you 3 specific "no go" email experiences that you DO NOT want to repeat.  This episode is short but mighty and you definitely want to tune in to get all the details. I talk about being on the receiving email end from someone who only shows up when they are ready to sell me into something and how yucky it feels to be used for sales and ignored the rest of the time.   This isn't nurturing, this is straight-up used car salesman territory and there are better ways to grow and build your audience. I also talk about audience size and how size is MUCH less important than engagement and interest in you and what you do.  You need to listen to the whole episode to get all the details on that. The second example was from my experience of signing up for a new membership. How the onboarding system went (or in this case, didn't) and how to ensure that providing your new customers a top-notch experience will skyrocket you past the competition.  There were some definite hiccups in this process, and I share them with you here. Last but not least, I tell you the story about the email from someone I met over 5 years ago and I never asked to be on their list.  (See GDPR note above). This is not only a great way to piss people off (had to be said) but it's also illegal in a LOT of places (all of Europe, CA, HI, MD, MA, NJ, NY, WA, and the list keeps growing.) Protecting personal data is A BIG DEAL.  Just ask Mark Zuckerberg who had to fork out $5 Billion dollars in fines.  This is a PRIME example of what not to do.  Be sure to listen in as I talk you through that example. That's a wrap for this week.  I would love to hear which email marketing "don't" you've experienced from this episode.  Head on over to the Facebook group and let me know. What did you learn from this episode?  Come and tell me in the Facebook Group. Not in the group yet? Consider this your official invitation to join the Small Business Builders Community in the Facebook Group. Small Business owners unite to feed each other with inspiration, information, experiences, and knowledge.

The #1 Reason Your Email Marketing Is Failing You

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