122 Biggest Challenges Facing Solopreneurs
By Maria | May 13, 2012
85. It’s About Making Money by Maria Marsala
Topics: Startup | No Comments »
Your Thoughts Appreciated: What kinds of things do people try to get for free from you?
By Maria | May 13, 2012
Financial Advisors: Professional Boundaries–When to Say No
Query Deadline: 7:00 PM EST – May 20
Discussion for an article I’m writing. What do people want from you, professionally, for free, that may not be appropriate? OR they could be appropriate, but just not “on the fly”?
What kinds of things do people try to get for free from a Financial Advisor? Are there any other freebie or time consuming things you try to avoid?
I have a few things for an article I’m writing, such as “hot tips”, free information without seeing their portfolio or knowing their “risk rate”, or even resume writing — all things I was asked on a monthly basis when I was trading, but would love to know your pet peeves, too.
The article is for a well known advisory magazine.
NOTE: I will of course not include anyone’s name or firm in my article, unless we get, once the article is written, your specific approval in writing, in an email. 
Requirements:
You must be a financial advisor/executive/planner.
HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR THOUGHTS
Privately: Send responses to my content writer, Chris Mifsud, at chris@ElevatingYourBusiness.com
Publicly: You can also discuss here in our comments area, or at LinkedIn where we are posting this notice, if you wish.
Thank you in advance,
Maria Marsala
Business Strategist, Coach to Financial Advisors, Agents and Accountants, Monthly Columnist
Website: http://www.ElevatingYourBusiness.com/index2.html
Blog: http://www.MarketingWithIntegrity.com
Topics: Financial Services | No Comments »
Webinar: 5 Solid Steps To Increased Success: One Page Business & Marketing Plan
By Maria | May 12, 2012
Early Bird Special Ends May 14, 2012
Solid Steps to More Business Success
Do any of the following apply to you?
– Your profit doesn’t measure up to the work you’re putting into the business
– You are fed up with "putting out fires" and feeling like you don’t have enough hours in a day
– You’re frustrated and know that you need an effective planning and execution process to achieve results–every day
If you answered "yes" to our questions, read on…
— Terry Ray, Owner, Freetrac Inc., Everett, WA
— Elin Barton, Partner, White Knight Video, NY
What Difference Would It Make?
Imagine for a few moments what it would be like if everyone on your team focused their available time, energy, and talents on achieving your goals. Imagine how you’d feel as the owner of a company that runs like a well-oiled machine!
Early Bird Special Ends Today – Save $100 Using Discount Code PLAN
You Create What You FOCUS On!
Focus is the ultimate business and personal power tool, the first one to put in your toolbox. Focus assists you in running your business and keeps you on track. You get what you focus on.
Today, sharpen your leadership and management skills and stay ahead of the competition with this leading-edge seminar. Develop the best strategic plan to support your vision and your company’s goals.
This fast-moving course combines proven methods with new insights and ideas from business strategist, and former Wall Street Trader and executive, Maria Marsala. You’ll gain exposure to the best management practices using our templates, exercises, and support. Bring all your business challenges to this session and get solutions from Maria and your peers.
WEBINAR Takes Place: June 7, 2012 9am-1pm PST / 10am-2pm MTN / 11am-3pm CST / 12pm-4pm EST
Early Bird Special Ends Today – Save $100 Using Discount Code PLAN
How You Will Benefit
* Identify strategic planning issues in order to develop a unique competitive advantage
* Make your planning goals come alive by integrating strategy, objectives, metrics, and performance
* Generate new ideas and how they can be applied to your organization immediately
* Incorporate your customer needs into your strategic planning process
* Create actions plans that light your team on FIRE to accomplish your goals
– Stephen Covey
Why One Page?
There is an easier way, a faster way to make a quantum leap, AND we’ll provide you with a step-by-step approach.
You’ll bring more of these attributes into your company…
Focus
Clarity
Accountability
Simplicity
Communication
Action
What We Will Cover
We’re going to get down to the nitty-gritty of your plan so that at the end of the session you’ll have a working draft that fits on only one page.
Planning Program Overview
1. Create 3 distinct business visions that will make decision-making a no-brainer.
2. Design a mission statement that’s irresistible to your ideal clients.
3. Map out your company’s business goals for the next 12 months.
4. Discover the most important goals and strategies for your business growth during the next 12 months.
5. Create a customized action plan that propels your business forward.
6. Increase the focus and productivity of your team.
Who Should Attend
Business leaders, financial advisors, accountants, agents, small business owners, and other key members of your team who are involved in the formation and implementation of strategic planning or strategic execution.
If you’ve even thought about it, SIGN UP NOW and save $100. Stop procrastinating and join me for an experience that will transform the way you build your business!
Early Bird pricing ends today!
WEBINAR Takes Place: June 7, 2012 9am-1pm PST / 10am-2pm MTN / 11am-3pm CST / 12pm-4pm EST
Early Bird Special Ends Today – Save $100 Using Discount Code PLAN
Click here to join the workshop
Good news! You still have today get the early bird special and save 25%.
Your Roadmap to More Success — Your Plan for the next 12 months along with 3 distinct Business Vision Statements will be complete at the end of the program and ready for strategic execution the very next day!
–Kee Nethery, CEO
Kagi, Berkeley, CA
learn from."
–Jodi Macko, Senior Florist
Woodland Florist, Duvall, WA
Click here to join the workshop Register today with Coupon Code "PLAN" and save 25%! Only 6 more seats available.
"See" you there.
About Your Fearless Planning Leader
Maria Marsala founded Elevating Your Business in 1998 as an international coaching and speaking company offering innovative solutions, practical tools, and ongoing support to business owners who choose to create their ideal lives and businesses. Marsala brings over 35 years of business experience to the independent financial advisor, agent, and accounting sectors using a mixture of coaching, advising, and training that she calls EduCoaching™. Often quoted in the media, Marsala has authored a number of workbooks and hundreds of articles. She speaks at conferences and company events. To book her as a speaker your attendees will thank you for, call (360) 271-8418.
Questions? Contact Maria at 360-271-8418 or by email, or Skype Remember, we have only 6 more seats available. Maximum attendees in this event is 10, to assure as much 1:1: coaching and peer help as possible.
Elevating Your Business
National Office
19906 Hamilton CT NE Suite A
Poulsbo, WA 98370
USA
Tele: 425-440-9659
Topics: Business, Strategic & Exit Planning | No Comments »
Were You Too Busy?
By Maria | May 8, 2012
Most business owners would give an arm and a leg to avoid making just one more costly marketing mistake. So I’m wondering why you haven’t registered for “The One Page Business & Marketing Plan”. Been too busy to register?
Good news! The early bird special won’t end until May 14, 2012 (7 days from now) and you can save 25%.
In this four-session you’ll work with other business owners and executives as you:
1. Create a new business vision that help you make better decisions.
2. Design a mission statement that attracts clients to you.
3. Discover the most important goals and strategies for your business growth during the next 12 months.
4. Create an customized action plan that propels you forward.
5. Increase the focus and productivity of your team.
Register today with Coupon Code “PLAN” and save 25%! Only 10 seats available.
“See” you there.
Topics: Business, Strategic & Exit Planning | No Comments »
AVON Provides Safe, Unique Fundraising Opportunities
By Maria | May 3, 2012
Poulsbo, WA—May 15, 2012—In addition to the 860 million dollars raised for breast cancer research and access to care, prevention and domestic and gender violence though the AVON Foundation, AVON has been involved with independent fundraisers all over the world since 1955. Today they are the largest corporate philanthropy dedicated to women’s causes globally. Locally, organizations, associations, and schools can now raise funds with AVON’s best-selling products.
“Since before the recession, fundraising efforts have been on a downturn,” states Maria Marsala, independent AVON representative. “It’s arguably no longer safe to send children door-to-door. Car washes can negatively impact the environment. And very few bake sales take place because of government regulations. Most long-standing fundraising efforts have become extinct.”
AVON fundraisers offer many advantages:
- There’s minimal paperwork to complete.
- No need to buy merchandise up front.
- No door-to-door selling.
- The average customer order is more than $15.
- All products are backed by AVON’s satisfaction guarantee.
- The potential of funds raised is up to 40% of the orders received.
- An organization can have its money in as little as three weeks.
“AVON’s reputation for top-quality products opens doors and makes selling simple,” adds Marsala. “Skin So Soft, Bug Guard, and AVON’s Bubble Bath are just a few of America’s favorite products, and unlike gift wrap or candy bars, they are products the whole family needs.”
Fundraising participants can sell to people they know locally, or the entire fundraiser can be held online, using a special code for the group. Participants can then request support from family and friends all over the USA.
Additionally, AVON offers a unique USO fundraising program. AVON donates $4 of every $10 sale to the USO. Those who purchase products can keep the products or donate the bundle back to AVON where the donations are then delivered to USO.
To learn how an AVON fundraiser can work for your organization, or to schedule an information session for your Board of Directors or Fundraising Committee, contact Maria Marsala, Independent AVON Representative, at 360-271-8418 or online at http://www.YourAvon.com/mmarsala
# # #
Topics: Human Stuff | No Comments »
10 indispensable questions for advisors to ask — and 10 to answer — at networking events
By Maria | April 10, 2012
The art of the spiel. ”You’ll feel more confident in networking situations if you’ve already worked out a few ‘scripts’ ahead of time.” — Maria Marsala
Networking is something every financial advisor does to build local credibility and a stellar reputation. But it’s not only about that. Amid the numbers and goals, it’s sometimes easy to forget that people fuel our businesses. Relating and connecting to others on an interested, personal level is really the key to building trust and earning respect in your community.
Networking events provide prime opportunities to engage strangers; however, your interaction time is usually very limited. Therefore, it’s best to consider what you want to communicate about yourself and your business, and also what you’d like to know about others — before you attend any event.
Find the right words, read the rest of this article, at RIA Biz.com http://www.riabiz.com/a/12377001
Read all business management and marketing articles articles at http://www.riabiz.com/a/12377001#featured-listing-7654072
Like this business and practice management article? Read more like it weekly at http://www.CoachMaria.com
Women in Finance — Join our LinkedIn group at http://www.PinkAdvisors.com
Topics: Financial Services | No Comments »
Top 25 Reasons to Use LinkedIn®
By Maria | March 19, 2012
- You want to keep your brand name consistent throughout all social networking sites
- Help your website’s search engine ratings by increasing its visibility and click-thrus
- Build your email list as you connect with people who want to hear from you
- Be found by prospects and old colleagues who may want to do business with you
- Search for people you know to increase your online business connections
- Use it as a networking tool by posting your next event
- Grow your business more quickly when you personally connect with hundreds of people online
- Learn what your colleagues are doing so that you can help or suggest alliances
- Tell others what you’re up to without sending a press release
- Write recommendations to strengthen your relationships
- Receive recommendations to build credibility
- Learn what your competition is doing
- Learn about new products or services that are relevant to your profession
- Seek advice from people you’re connected to
- Seek advice from people in your groups
- Make more informed business decisions with all the information available
- Answer questions for those seeking advice, which establishes you as “an expert” over time
- “Give back” to your business community or peer group by becoming a resource
- Stay up to date on discussions relevant to your job, industry, or company
- Look for a new job
- Connect with classmates and friends to catch up and branch out
- Learn more about a company before you interview for a job or go on a sales call
- Find potential job candidates who fit your company best by reading their profile
- It’s one way to “touch” your clients monthly or yearly.
- There are 135 million members of whom 35% are decision makers!
(c) 2010 Elevating Your Business. Taken from the notes for LinkedIn® Demystified, a program of Elevating Your Business, faciliated by Maria Marsala as outlined here
Want some tips about using LinkedIn? I’ve written 29 tips or articles on the subject of social networking. Read them at My blog: Marketing With Integrity
Topics: Business, Strategic & Exit Planning | No Comments »
10 Steps to a Strong Personal Foundation
By Maria | March 6, 2012
This time of year I always seem to think of an old boss, Thomas Leonard. For 20 years Thomas was a CFP (Certified Financial Planner) but the more successful his clients became monetarily, the more he realized that helping his clients also meant creating a stronger personal foundation and life plan to create tangible outcomes. Out of his work, Life Coaching was born, and Thomas was the first Personal Coach.
While some claim they were coaching prior to Thomas Leonard’s introduction of Life Coaching, he is credited with “labeling” the work. He created the first coach training school, two national coaching trade organizations, and then one more coaching training program. He passed away on Feb 11, 2003, at the age of 47, which must be why I really think about and remember him this time of the year.
Thomas was a lot like Steve Jobs. Extremely innovative, he created simple things he liked and wanted, and yes, he was very demanding and not the most personable guy in the world. Yet he had a very big heart.
Some of you were on this newsletter list back in 2003 and remember the announcement I made the day after he died. I, along with many other coaches in training at Coach U, had the privilege of being trained by him, were on his R & D Team, and got to watch a master businessman in action. I also worked for him for 3 years behind the scenes. What a gift!
I bring all this up to let you know a bit about how coaching was started, but also to let you know that people who touch other people deeply don’t get forgotten. Thomas, “t” as he liked to be called, created so many different personal development and business programs — 100′s of them in his short lifetime. Coaches who were trained at Coach U and Coachville use many of those those programs today, including one of the first programs he created called Personal Foundation Program. “t” also wrote thousands of articles, a few books, and today’s newsletter article. Read it for more of an introspective look at yourself with paper and pencil in hand to write notes as you to through it.
So here’s to “t” and he’s done for hundreds of thousands of coaches and coachees around the globe.
Upwards and Onwards,
Marria
P.S.: Take action today to grow your business differently. If you realize that, when it comes to growing your business, that your very best sucks, it might be your Personal Foundation that needs some shoring up. Request a Breakthrough Session and become part of the next 12-week Personal Foundation group I’ll be faciliatating soon.
*Personal Foundation program is a CoachU.com program.
The 10 Steps to a Strong Personal Foundation
by Thomas Leonard
- Honor your boundaries. Boundaries protect you from people that your spirit cannot easily afford.
- Raise your standards. The higher your standards, the fewer problems you will experience in life.
- Clarify your requirements. Everyone in your life deserves to know what you expect/require of him or her.
- Finish your unfinished business. The fewer unresolved items in your life, the more confident you will feel.
- Get your personal needs met. Until your personal needs are met, it’s difficult to live powerfully and sustainably.
- Orient around your values. Then you orient your life and your goals around your values, fulfillment naturally occurs.
- Build reserves in all areas. Having more than enough calms the mind and affords more experimentation in life.
- Identify and reduce tolerations. What you put up with drains your energy and slows your development.
- Handle the money, completely. Until your money is handled, you are not at choice in life.
- Define success for yourself. When you define success for yourself, life becomes very, very simple.
Subscribers, if you would like this article in a PDF version to print, just ask http://www.CoachMaria.com/ticket/
What do you think of the 10 steps? Is there a step you really like or dislike (and why)? Leave your comments with us today.
Topics: Personal Development | No Comments »
Dangerous Tweets
By Maria | March 3, 2012
Almost two months ago posted a message about a horrific computer virus that took over my browser (and it takes over a few browsers) and left my laptop with no CD, no Wi-Fi, etc.
The virus fooled me and I am a geek! I started using computers in 1973 and I’m the one people call to consult on what computer or hardware to purchase. I also fix, upgrade, and speed up older computers, too. So if this virus got by me, boy, it’s a dozy. PLUS I got the virus by clicking on a Tweet from someone I knew.
Well, today I received another one of these dangerous messages and I wanted to share it with you (minus the link that sends you to a website that looks like you’re on a Microsoft website). Here is the message:
“Someone is saying some real horrible things about you, seen this? (link to the nasty website would be here) ”
WHAT YOU CAN DO
IF YOU KNOW THE PERSON
Delete these tweets. Contact your friend through their regular email and tell them that someone has hacked into their Twitter account and is sending their followers a link to a virus. What they should do is change the password on their account. You can also send them the link to this blog post http://www.marketingwithintegrity.com/?p=2631
IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE PERSON
Go to www.Twitter.com Look for their name in your connections. Click and unfollow them. If their website or email is attached to their profile contact them directly and send them to this blog post http://www.marketingwithintegrity.com/?p=2631
Maria
P.S. To read my original post on this virus, click here http://www.marketingwithintegrity.com/?p=2635
Topics: Computers & Websites | No Comments »
Don’t Go Social Alone
By Maria | March 2, 2012
By Caitlin Nish
A DOW JONES NEWSWIRES COLUMN
Posted here with permission. It appears on the DJ paid subscriber website www.DowJones.com
NEW YORK — 3/2/12 Social media may be the hot topic for wealth advisers these days, but that doesn’t mean they should abandon traditional marketing strategies.
Proponents of social media tout sites like LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook as an easy way to connect with existing clients and most effective to reach a broad number of prospects. But marketing strategists say social media should only supplement other marketing like hosting a radio show, writing articles for the local newspaper or conducting an in-person educational seminar.
Advisers have always wanted “magic fairy dust” when it comes to marketing, and social media is the latest version, says Marie Swift, chief executive of Kansas City-based Impact Communications Inc. She’s encouraging advisers to pick a site or two to try the medium out, “but it’s not a replacement for traditional marketing.”
In fact, a recent report by research firm Aite Group found that advisers are seeing limited or diminished returns from their use of social media, but most have unrealistic expectations or fail to use it correctly.
“If you’re not a good marketer in other channels, you’re not going to magically become a good marketer because of social media,” says Ron Shevlin, senior analyst at Aite Group.
The report concludes that wealth-management firms should focus on improving advisers’ marketing ability in all media.
“If advisers are creating content that is simply more digital noise, they are doing themselves a disservice,” Swift says. Building credibility by say, writing an article for a reputable publication like a local newspaper, is more important than ever, she adds.
So is knowing where your clients and prospects are spending their time and how they want to communicate with you. An adviser may be extremely tech-savvy, but that doesn’t matter if his clients aren’t using social media or want to use it only for their personal lives, notes Maria Marsala, a financial adviser coach in Poulsbo, Wash.
William Howell, a fee-only certified financial planner and CPA in Indianapolis, says he can count on one hand how many Facebook invitations he’s received from clients in the past three or four years.
Social media isn’t “something that we see as high priority for the clients that we serve at this point,” says Howell, who does have a LinkedIn profile. “If it does become something that is more noticeable in the future, we’ll certainly go in that direction.”
Howell’s target market is mainly over age 55, nearing retirement or in transition from active work to retirement. And Howell says he’s found those clients want to communicate by email, not Facebook or Twitter. Until that changes, he’s sticking with a more traditional marketing strategy. He works with accountants and estate planning attorneys to develop referral sources, keeps his website current and does a segment on a local television station a couple of times a year.
An adviser’s marketing should be designed to capture attention. And in an increasingly digital world, snail mail may well do that.
Maribeth Kuzmeski, founder of Red Zone Marketing in Chicago, won’t go so far as to say direct mail, the spam of yesteryear, is back. But it is “becoming more powerful than it has been over the past several years,” she says.
Sending a client a birthday or anniversary card adds a personal touch, and doing so through real mail can help an adviser stand out, Marsala adds.
–Caitlin Nish is a reporter for Dow Jones Newswires who covers wealth management. She can be reached at 212-416-2076 or Caitlin dot Nish at DowJones.com
Topics: Financial Services | No Comments »