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Browse published articles attributed to Susan Regier, with full-archive search.
Many entrepreneurs and business owners believe that summer and Christmas are the seasons when most people avoid newspapers and business magazines. Everyone is away or too busy – therefore it’s not the time to send a media release out to editors and radio/television producers. But they’re wrong.
Time management is a huge issue for entrepreneurs. There’s always “one more thing” that must be looked at before you can tackle the real work. If you answer your emails now, you promise yourself you’ll get to work on the “big” project…but somehow, the small things take over and the day is gone – and you end up feeling you haven’t accomplished anything significant. Sound familiar?
Having a free report, ebook, audio recording (CD or MP3), start up kit, etc. is a fabulous way to give a “taste” of you to potential clients and help you to build your list. It’s a no-obligation, non threatening means of letting others get to know you before buying…but if you’re getting people to opt in for your freebie and then you don’t hear from them again, it’s time to take a hard look at what you’re giving away.
So, you want to be tomorrow’s headliner. Every day, you’re working in your business dealing with clients, selling products or services, and it seems to be the “same old same old.” Things are going okay, but there’s nothing new to report. Nothing exciting going on! How are you supposed to get ...So, you want to be tomorrow’s headliner. Every day, you’re working in your business dealing with clients, selling products or services, and it seems to be the “same old same old.” Things are going okay, but there’s nothing new to report. Nothing exciting going on!
I was writing a bio for a client recently – a darn good bio – that showcased her expertise, her talent, and a bit of her quirky side. It was engaging and told “her story” in an authentic way and hopefully, would make prospects sit up and say, “I want to hire her!” Now…let’s backtrack a minute. Before I begin writing a bio or About Page for anyone, they must complete a two page questionnaire filled with juicy tidbits about their life – and some not so juicy, but necessary details.
Recently, I sent out a media release for a company owned by my brother, Scot Morgan. Scot has been in business for himself for twenty years, and in all that time he had never tried to get the free publicity you just can’t buy – that is, by sending out a media release. And interestingly enough, I have been writing media releases and other marketing materials since 1997, but Scot never really understood what I did for a living or the fact that I have helped hundreds of businesses get free media publicity.
Whether you’re writing content for your Web site or putting together a brochure to be handed out at a tradeshow, you need to get your message across quickly and concisely, and of course, with one objective in mind – and that is for the reader (your prospect) to take action. Everything you write must have a purpose. What do you want to accomplish? Follow these five steps to ensure you attract the “right” audience and motivate them to take action. Step 1: Know Your Audiencer
Consider this…you recently met Mary at a networking event and got along well right from the start. You discovered that you have a lot in common and you know many of the same people. And you believe she fits your “ideal client” profile. Mary gives you her business card. What do you do next? File the business card and hope you run into her at another business function. Follow up with an email, telephone call, or hand written note card.r
Networking is a vital element in any marketing plan. Face-to-face meet and greets are a simple way to make a connection quickly and begin to build rapport…the foundation for any relationship…but it’s not easy for many entrepreneurs. Some find it difficult to stand up in front of a group of strangers and talk about themselves. I recall one networking group where an individual stood up and said, “We do a lot of things. My Web site is___________. Check it out and see for yourself.” And then he promptly sat down.
Have you ever thought to yourself, “One of these days people will realize I don’t know as much as they think”? If so, it’s okay – it happens to everyone – especially high achievers because they understand the more you learn, the more you realize how much you don’t know. This has become such a wide spread phenomenon that its been given a name – IMPOSTOR SYNDROME. It’s all about thinking – and believing – that you are not BEING ENOUGH. Usually, you end up looking at what you’re doing wrong and forget to look at everything you’re doing right in your life.
It’s not what you want to discover after you’ve spent days – weeks even – creating a new info product and it’s simply not selling. Before you throw in the towel, check out these 7 areas. rn#1 Keywordsr Is your product easily found? Your product solves a problem – if you had this problem, what keywords would you type into Google to find the solution? Check it out; do you come up? If not, who does come up? Your competitors or something completely off target? Ensure the words and phrases people are actively using to search for your products are integrated naturally into the content.
There are a lot of considerations that go into pricing your products and services, including the value you offer, your expertise, and what your market will bear. And when you know you’re priced right and prospects show great interest – but you’re struggling to make a sale, it could come down to your Sales Conversation. The words you say – or don’t say – could be the reason they walk away or look for help elsewhere. Read on to ensure you’re not making these mistakes.
Have you been putting off a project that you know will help grow your business? It could be hosting a teleseminar to attract more clients, writing an ebook, creating a new workshop or program, or whatever “dream” has been in your head but has never seen the light of day. Often, we let our clients get in the way of our business growth. Yes…you read that correctly. We let our paying clients get in the way of progress.
Just as with any great first impression, it has to happen in the first ten seconds or you’ve missed your opportunity – sometimes forever. And grabbing attention in a media release is no different. You have to hook the reader immediately so they will continue to read through until the very ...
It's the beginning of the year. Your slate is clean. This year can be anything you want it to be. If you want to have more fun in your business (and in your life), meet the movers and shakers, and see greater profits, now is the time to do it. Discover what you need to change or add into your "system" today to get more leads and more paying customers in the months to come. If you don't want to see the same results as you've had in the past, make change a way of life and really step into your extraordinary self. The choice is up to you.
With Canada’s new Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL), it’s hard for some businesses to get their message in front of new prospects – but it doesn’t have to be. It’s true; you can’t email a commercial message without permission. But you can mail a letter – the old fashioned way – through Canada Post. Marketing letters have never gone out of style. When everyone’s inbox is cluttered with unsolicited messages, mailing a letter stands out – but only if you do it properly. These 6 tips will ensure your letter not only gets opened, but it will get read. #1 Know the decision maker.r
When it comes to writing your Web site content, print ads, brochures, etc., are you keeping in line with what your competitors are saying…or are you standing out from the crowd? Many people use the same overused (and meaningless) words and phrases that everyone else uses. These include (and there are many more): • Lowest price • Best service • Highest quality • Most professional • Largest selection • Family owned • Most reliable • In business for 50 years
There are only a few weeks left this year…how’s your business doing? Are your sales where you want them to be? Have you reached the goals you set for yourself (you do set goals, don’t you)? Autumn is a time for change. It’s a great time to evaluate what you’ve accomplished so far and what changes need to be made moving forward. Too many people wait. They wait to create new products. They wait to add new services. They wait to change.
Whether it’s in person or long distance, connecting during the holidays takes on a lighter, more festive air. But there can be a fine line when it comes to maintaining a professional image. Here are 7 tips to help you network effectively this holiday season. #1: Get in the Spirit – If you belong to a networking group and it’s suggested that you wear a tacky Christmas sweater to the next meeting for fun – do it! It leads to great conversations, connections, and shows your “fun” side you may have hidden away.
Being extraordinary is a choice. Your business can be anything you want it to be. If you want to see massive changes and growth, it’s up to you to discover what you need to do today to make changes that will result in more clients and more profits. And if you choose to leave the status quo as is, your future results will be similar or you’ll see less growth. It’s up to you.
Who are the people you’d like to meet that could make things happen, and more importantly, make things happen for you. And how do you go about meeting them to make a good impression? Everyone has a circle of influence. That can be your friends or coworkers, or maybe your employees. ...Who are the people you’d like to meet that could make things happen, and more importantly, make things happen for you. And how do you go about meeting them to make a good impression?
Timing…oh what a controversial subject! Timing can mean the difference between success and failure for getting media exposure. There are a lot variables including time of year, what your competitors are doing, current trends in your industry, whether it’s good news or bad news, and the list goes on. To start, find out what the deadlines are for the various media during your initial research for publications and editors.
Having a story printed about you and your business is the best form of FREE advertising there is. Why you ask? Because it’s believable. A news story in a local or national publication can give more details about your business in a way that allows your expertise to shine. People skim ...
The easiest method to inform potential customers about your business, with the least amount of expense, is to mail out marketing letters to your target market. An effective marketing letter can get the results you need. A large, glossy ad looks great but can you be sure the ultimate decision-maker is reading it? A well-written letter, addressed to the right person, can transform a "prospect" into a "buyer."
One of the most powerful ways to meet new customers and/or get referrals for new business is still the old fashioned way – face to face networking. For many, attending a formal networking event – or even a casual meet up – it’s out of their comfort zone…and that’s a good thing. Because when you get out of your comfort zone the magic begins.
Networking is all about building relationships…and it’s no different when networking with the media. You are never trying to sell anything – you are simply getting to know the other person. By getting to know your local media contacts in print, online, and on television and radio you can be ...
Your clothes set the stage. Your words set the tone. And your actions set everything else in motion. If you’re looking for a job, selling to a new client, or motivating peers, your first impression speaks volumes about what will happen next. People form impressions of you by looking at ...Your clothes set the stage. Your words set the tone. And your actions set everything else in motion. If you’re looking for a job, selling to a new client, or motivating peers, your first impression speaks volumes about what will happen next.
You may be wondering how you can stand out from the crowd…that is from your competitors. What makes you different? You may sell the same product, but why should anyone buy from you? If you’re struggling with this question, the answer can be easy to find – with bonus ...You may be wondering how you can stand out from the crowd…that is from your competitors. What makes you different? You may sell the same product, but why should anyone buy from you? If you’re struggling with this question, the answer can be easy to find – with bonus results.
One of the easiest ways to become well known in your field, and the least expensive, is to have your own byline. A published article will promote your expertise, after all, if you've written about it, you must know what you're talking about. Getting started… Now you ...One of the easiest ways to become well known in your field, and the least expensive, is to have your own byline. A published article will promote your expertise, after all, if you’ve written about it – you must know what you’re talking about. Getting started…
Are you looking to update the content on your Web site, generate free publicity with a news release, or create a new brochure? Or perhaps you want to create a simple, yet effective marketing letter to help get your foot in the door. You may have tried writing promotional material about yourself ...Are you looking to update the content on your Web site, generate free publicity with a news release, or create a new brochure? Or perhaps you want to create a simple, yet effective marketing letter to help get your foot in the door.r
In the competitive world of business today it is imperative that all your written work be accurate and concise. Whether it’s sales letters, brochures, newsletters, or daily correspondence, clients and prospects will measure your company’s professionalism by the quality of your ...In the competitive world of business today it is imperative that all your written work be accurate and concise.
Yes, there are many differences between writing articles to promote your business and writing a media release to garner free publicity. And it may seem obvious, but sometimes I just have to say it…the main difference is “audience.” And of course, what follows is audience expectations. But let’s start with the 7 similarities between writing an article and writing a media release.
A well-written news release is a powerful tool that can give your business the free publicity money can’t buy. Publicity is the most effective way to gain customers. It differs from advertising, as you can’t control the message or the timing, but the benefit is great. A news story ...A well-written news release is a powerful tool that can give your business the free publicity money can’t buy.
No matter where you are…or what you’re doing…you could be asked, “What do you do?” Do you mumble an incoherent answer or simply stumble over words, leaving the inquirer confused. When it’s your turn to stand before a group of your peers and inspire others to ...No matter where you are…or what you’re doing…you could be asked, “What do you do?” Do you mumble an incoherent answer or simply stumble over words, leaving the inquirer confused.
Do you have a difficult time articulating what it is that you do? Have you noticed other people’s eyes glaze over when you respond to the question, “What do you do”? Whether you’re delivering your elevator pitch at a networking event, introducing yourself at a business reception, answering the question at a cocktail party, or promoting your services in print (online or offline), stick to the outcomes you deliver and spare the details on how you get there.
Let me be clear from the start; you can’t just declare that you are a thought leader, that’s up to other people to say. A thought leader is a person or organization that is a recognized authority in a particular field and whose innovative ideas influence and guide others – and that doesn’t happen ove ight. Thought leadership is not just about being known – it’s being known to make a difference. Here are 3 steps you can take to gain credibility, influence your industry, and be recognized as a thought leader. 1. Be genuiner
There is no doubt about it; LinkedIn is a different animal in the social world. Facebook may be ideal for accessing more prospects and generate brand awareness (because they have way more active users), but LinkedIn is the leader when it comes to generating tangible leads.
You put a lot of time into writing your blog posts – heck, you spend a lot of time just figuring out what to write about – so you want to make sure your blog gets opened and read. Here are 5 tips to make sure your audience will want to read yours. #1. Ignite the Spark. It can take time to come up with a relevant topic (and “relevance” is key) so do your homework. Research what your audience wants to read about then make it interesting.
After 22 years in business (where the heck did the time go), I felt it was a good time to look back, reflect, and share a few of the lessons I've learned over the years. Obviously, I encountered more lessons tha I'm sharing here, as I stepped out of my comfort zone time and time again. If I hadn't, I would never have attended my first terrifying networking event (hard to believe, right). But if I had realized the impact of the outcomes I learned, I could have saved a lot of time, and my life and business growth may have been easier and less stressful. Hindsight – don't you love it!
It’s no longer “business as usual” to say the least. During this COVID-19 pandemic, nothing is as usual. You may have found yourself working from home – with or without children to care for – or discovering that many of your customers have shut down operations, so you’re wondering what to do with this “found time” in your schedule. This could be an ideal opportunity to tackle those items on your business “to-do” list that you’ve neglected far too long. Here are 7 ideas to help you take back a bit of control in your business and prepare for when things get back to a new “normal.”
Content marketing continues to be a powerhouse move to gain exposure and maximize brand impact even though it may feel the Internet is saturated with blogs and social posts. The list of what “content marketing” is could go on and on, but in a nutshell, it includes the myriad ways you present your expertise to your audience/readers. • Blogs/articles that you’ve written • Blogs/articles you share from others with similar ideas and convictions • Social media posts • Videos
With today’s pandemic shutdowns, you may have “found” time to take a serious look at what’s been working when it comes to marketing your business – and what has fallen short of targeted projections. When you consider why things haven’t worked out as planned, the answer usually comes down to unresponsive marketing content; that is, your content falls flat. The good news, it can easily be fixed.
On a local radio show recently, an advertisement for an insurance agency was broadcasted in an interview format with the radio host asking questions to the agent. I've heard this ad several times, so I know they spent good money on promoting their business. Moreover, this interview format made the ad stand out from all the other advertising you usually hear. However, with the answer to the first question, I realized they had lost a great opportunity and wasted much money.
You've heard it before and you know it's true – testimonials are rewarding for your business. When someone checks out your products or services, they read the reviews and testimonials for unbiased feedback from your customers. It takes time and effort to get testimonials. Often you forget to ask for them. Or if you do ask, you don't follow up on collecting them. So here's a twist on testimonials to get them working for you.
With the growing expanse of social options to create brand awareness, do you know where you should be hanging out? It's impossible to be everywhere, so choose two or three platforms where your customers and prospects are hanging out and post, share, and comment regularly. To get the most out of your efforts, here are my top 7 actionable strategies to ensure your brand is receiving optimal impact.
There are a lot of considerations that go into pricing your products and services, including the value you offer, your expertise, and what your market will bear. And when you know you're priced right and prospects show great interest – but you're struggling to make a sale, it could come down to your Sales Conversation. The words you say – or don't say – could be the reason they walk away or look for help elsewhere. Read on to ensure you're not making these mistakes.
When it comes to marketing, conversational copywriting is essential. The outdated formal business communication is just that – outdated. Big words. Confusing sentences. Not only does it make the content challenging to read, but all too often, the reader loses interest before getting to the end of the first paragraph. Conversational copywriting resonates with your audience because your message reads as if it comes from a friend. It reads like you’re having a cozy conversation over a cup of coffee in a neighbourhood café – but more compelling.
When I begin working on content for new clients, I do what every competent copywriter does and I check out the competition's Web sites. And when speaking with a graphic designer recently, I discovered she does the same thing. This is not to copy or steal ideas – instead, it's a great launching point for something new and different. Sometimes, one word will give me an idea for a new slant than what I had been considering. Do this yourself. Check out your competition, both locally and internationally.
10 seconds... That's how long your Website has to grab a visitor's attention before they click away. And that number is quickly declining – some stats show you only have 7 seconds to let your audience know they're in the right place. Your Website has a lot to do in a fraction of a minute. Here are 5 questions you need to ask to ensure prospects stick around. #1 Are You Clear About Who You Are?
Recently, I stumbled upon an old episode of CBC's Marketplace (October 2014) on YouTube where they were searching for Canada's "Dumbest Charge." After speaking with Canadians across the country, they narrowed the results down to five contenders for this "notable" honour: paying fees for paper bills and bank statements, Touch-Tone phone service, ATM usage, airline seat selection, and Ticket Master purchases.