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The Audio Version - 3 mins.30 secs Word for word 40 - Assume Meaning: Supposed (to be) …but actually without proof. Insight: Toni Payne - "Never assume you know what someone is thinking.... " One of my readers confided in me that he feels I find weird words to explain the importance of database building. When I asked him what he meant, he said “well I wouldn’t ordinarily associate some of the words with database building”. Then, I asked him if I at the end of each blog could he see the point I was trying to make and he answered yes… So I assured him that he was correct …I do select words that I hope will be thought provoking. Small business owners have a lot to think about and database building is often not at the top of the list. By creating audible bits of information to encourage proven strategies I hope my clients and my potential clients will receive different perspectives related to growing their most valuable business asset.  I’ve spent years talking about the technology revolving around brand building, email marketing, digital marketing and on and on. There are dozens …if not hundreds of apps to help you grow your business, but exactly what does that mean?
Well, it means something different to every business owner and yet it usually boils down to the same thing…making a profit. Even deeper … not every business owner is looking for the same percentage of profit …and that’s where this week’s word comes in. It took me long enough, right? So how does the word “assume” work into database building? Until a business owner shares their goals with me I try not to assume that I know what they want or need. Likewise, I hope to meet business owners who have taken the same path in building their own audiences. A great database is filled with clients whom you’ve created solid relationships. That means more than knowing their birthday (even though that can be a great bit of knowledge if you own a gift shop). A well-designed database includes not assuming certain things, but being specific when fact gathering and insightful when using the knowledge you’ve gained. There’s some work involved and it means having the right tools to help you manage the data you are collecting. Soon be communicating in ways that will exhibit your humanity as well as your business savvy …and that builds trust. Can you ever safely assume anything about gaining more clients? For certain …when you have a great product or service, and the right strategy, I believe you can safely assume you’ll reach your goals. At that point there’s no need for assumptions because you’ll have indicators and you’ll have proof! Connect with me for list of ways to increase those indicators and you’ll start seeing growth in your most valuable business asset …your database! Until later, bye-bye.
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The Audio Version - 3 mins.30 secs Word for 39: Missed Meaning: fail to hit, reach, or come into contact with (something aimed at). Insight: This week’s insight: Aim high. You may still miss the target, but at least you won't shoot your foot off. Lois McMaster Bujold - American Author _____________________________________________________________________ This week I'm going to start our conversation with a topic different from the usual database growth topic. For those of you who don’t know I’ve been working hard since the beginning of the year to get a nonprofit organization, off the ground. FOZA, Inc. that’s (Friends of Zayne Adams) is focused on Maternal Mental Health, specifically for awareness of postpartum depression, prevention of maternal suicides and supporting the children who are left behind. I’m happy to report that with God’s Blessings, along with help from Team DonPaul and FOZA Board Members, we’ve been able to get a lot of work done already, first of all our Podcast for Maternal Mental Health were I interview resources who provide information related to our cause and we’ve installed on the Web site what we call our FOZA Finder, and that’s a service that provides a resource list for postpartum moms in need of information and services in their local area around the nation. So I want to invite you to visit FOZAInc.org and keep in mind all of the mothers in your circle, especially the postpartum moms. They don’t always share their feelings and we don’t always know they are hurting inside. Look out for them, share our FOZA resources and of course your donations are welcome! In loving Memory Of Christina LaShawn Thompson-Adams With all of that said, you’re probably wondering why I selected the word “miss” for this week’s database building marketing moment? Well, it’s because for the first time this year, I missed my goal of publishing on my self-selected day of the week.. So how can a so-called expert at autoresponders and yes a user of one of the industry’s top email technologies miss a publication date?  No excuses … just a miss …however … new subscribers came into my database, yes I grew
and no I don’t plan to miss another publication but I wanted to let you know if you miss a goal, don’t let that slow down your intent. Keep working at it. You are building momentum and everything is not going to fall apart with one stumble. When I speak with my business clients about the growth they have accomplished in the past 38 weeks … even in this pandemic …Wow … it is amazing and uplifting and the best part is that there is still time in this year to continue growing or even to get started. I’d love to chat with you about what you are building so I hope you’ll connect with me. I know it’s going to be great and I know it all starts with one factor, your most valuable business asset …your database! Talk with you again soon … Bye Bye The Audio Version - 3 mins.50 secs Word for week 37: Commitment This week's insight: Commitment is pushing yourself, when no one else is around. - Taken From: QuoteMaster.org Here's another one of those words that can cause some of us to cringe and some others to smile and carry on. Too often we find ways to "wiggle" around commitments or to glaze over our original promises as related to our goals. Why do we do that? This week I've inserted an actual screen shot of the definition(s) for the word "commitment" and if you are an audio fan, it's okay because I'm going to talk it out, so I'll keep you in the loop.  Part one of the definition makes a statement about being dedicated and part two of the definition makes a statement about "restriction of freedom of action" Both parts of the definition have keywords. Part one: has words like dedication, devotion, allegiance, loyalty, faithfulness, and fidelity, while the keywords in part two go on with words like obligation, liability, burden, duty, and yadda, yadda, ...That's when the word "commitment" starts to mean something unattractive to many business owners, and that's typically when we begin to lose focus. After all, gaining so-called freedom and escaping some of this burdensome stuff that comes with a "regular job", that's why many people go into business in the first place right? Well, guess what? It's the keywords you find in the first part of the definition that keeps your business in business and keeps your database growing...humm ...all except "fidelity, unless of course you're also business partners with your marriage partner ...yes then you can throw in the entire upper level key-word list ...including "fidelity".  What you need to keep your client list strong, indeed, to keep any aspect of your life strong. can be found in first two keywords of definition #1.
The more dedication and devotion you put towards building your business relationships (not just making sales) the more allegiance, loyalty and faithfulness you'll see coming from your database. Over the years this is what I've observed; people who are passionate about their business, who strive to become a solution provider and do not lose focus on their intent ...well, those folks rarely succumb to feelings of simply performing a duty, or carrying a burden. It doesn't mean that the words in definition #2 are not true or not a reality, it simply means that definition #2 is not a part of their plan and never will be. If the words in definition #1 mean something to you, but the pandemic or any other circumstance is making you feel pressured with the words from definition #2, let's have a little chat. It'll be complementary ...and it will be intentional ... getting you back on track with your commitment to growing your most valuable business asset...your database....until next time Bye-bye The Audio Version - 3 mins.15 secs Word for week 36 – Criticism Meaning: found more than 20 ...listed them all in the message ... pick your poison Insight: John Wooden - You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one. -------------------------------------------------------------------------
I went to work, reviewing the content, images, call-to-action, ease-in-navigation, you know ... all of the typical stuff that visitors and and search engines look for in a new site and all of the reasons why a visitor wouldn't join his database. I found approximately a dozen, small, fixable items. I sent my report off, including possible recommendations and solutions, and moved along to another project.
A day or so later, I received a fiery letter from the owner expressing his disappointment in all of the "criticisms" (his word) that I'd reported about his site. I wasn't upset by his letter. I knew immediately there had been a misunderstanding, because I didn't have any criticism about his site. I only provided tips and recommendations on how to help his business reach the goals that he himself had projected. Long story short, the consultation was free and there was no obligation, but it did start me thinking about the word "criticism" and yes, I was surprised when I came across more than 20 ways to use the word! I've place them all here online, because if you have my curiosity you'll want to browse the list. The lesson I learned is this: I'll always be honest when I'm asked for advice about the alignment between a Website, it's social media presence, it's database and it's business goals. If that's the kind of honest evaluation that could help you add more contacts to your client list; then please connect with me. There will be no criticism, just enlightenment to grow your most valuable business asset...your database. Until next time, Bye-Bye The Audio Version - 4 mins Word for week 35 – Jewels Meaning: precious, special, and often considered valuable. Insight: Juvenal - Many individuals have, like uncut jewels, shining qualities beneath a rough exterior. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- I recently received a letter from a blog visitor who pointed out that my keyword list, while long and impressive, did not include a word starting with the letter “J”. I was happy to receive the message because it meant she had not only taken time to check out my blog, but also to send me a personal note. I promptly responded by thanking her and confessing that my keywords are intended to evoke thoughts on ways to grow one's database and business contacts. I’d never thought about the alphabet, but I promised her that I would consider a word starting with J, and hence the word “jewels” popped up. When we think of jewels, we typically envision things that are brilliant and attractive, but how would that vision relate to database building for your business? Well, like the quote for this week, shining qualities in individuals can be very much like jewels. Each contact that comes into your database can hold a resemblance to a precious gem and just as no two stones are identical, your contacts are unique. Here’s a huge difference; while value may be placed on an heirloom like a cherished diamond or ruby, your business database is priceless.  For sure, there are case studies conducted to make sound business decisions and to teach students a structure for determining what’s called the “CLV” or Customer Lifetime Value, and I’m not disputing the use of this knowledge or the studies.
The point I’d like to make is that every relationship has a beginning and from the very start to respect the possibility that you may be touching an uncut jewel. Take the time to learn what matters to each and every prospective client. Don’t assume you have the answer until you know exactly what’s pressuring them and even then, remember …it’s their belief that you can provide what they need! So keep your vision, stay focused and keep adding jewels to your collection. If you come across a stone that you’re not certain will yield it’s brilliance, be patient and use a consistent strategy of polishing and buffing until the shine comes sparkling through! In Database Fitness that process is more successful when you’ve put a marketing campaign together. There’s still time left in 2021 to reach goals that you may think are unreachable. Take the first step in discovering the hidden jewels surrounding you by connecting with me on a strategy call. And until next time don’t forget… your database is your most valuable business asset. Bye-Bye. The Audio Version - 4 mins Word for week 34 – Discipline Meaning: the practice of obeying rules or a code of behavior Insight: Jim Rohn – Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Do you feel as if “Discipline” is another one of those words that has drifted from the “Good” lane into the lane of “whatever”. Have we come to a point where whatever is easy, quick, instant and undemanding is preferable? When it comes to database fitness, do you believe discipline is still a major ingredient for a successful outcome? While I’m not going to delve into the depths of discipline, I can say from personal experience that there’s very little that’s easy or undemanding about keeping it. As Focus 3.com says: “Discipline is one word with thousands of opinions”. Some think it's punishment. Some think it’s obedience. Is it rules? Is it enforcement? Is it always doing the same thing? Is it always doing the right thing? Is it consistency? Is it doing what you’re told? Is it rigid? Is it boring? Do you even get a choice? Do you just comply?  You must admit some of these terms, if not all, come to mind when you conjure up the word discipline. So how can I convince you of the importance surrounding discipline and growing your database? Let me put it this way. We’re over halfway through the year, and many of my clients are still looking for solutions that are easy, quick, instant, undemanding and require no discipline.
Yet others who have followed the best practices of database building are now reaping the rewards of having new clients to care for. If you have a problem to solve, your ideal client is already out there. All that’s required is for you to stick with your plan and follow through. it takes discipline and consistency to reach your goals and those who have worked with me know, I stand ready to assist. Set up a strategy call with me today. Let’s create a bridge of disciplines that connects your accomplishments with your goals, to build your most valuable business asset … your database! Until next time..bye bye! On the road again? Check out the Audio Version! Word for week 33 – Habit Meaning: a settled or regular tendency or practice Insight: Octavia Estelle Butler – First, forget inspiration. Habit is more dependable. Habit will sustain you…whether you are inspired or not. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I’m certain you can imagine how good habits and database growth could go hand in hand, but just in case it doesn’t come to you easily, here’s how I see it. Your database grows from consistent, repetitive activity and yet, all the while you are applying unique and hopefully different approaches. Sound confusing? So what part of your database building process should be a habit? (And by the way these tips apply to your blog as well) here’s just three: The day(s) and time(s) you communicate with your subscribers –If you are new to business communication, you may not actually know the best day and time to reach your ideal audience. That takes a little research and patience, but after you’ve nailed that down…life can get in the way and you could find yourself missing the mark, this is especially true when you feel you are not progressing as well as you’d hoped. It’s times such as these that you should double down on your habit when it comes to publishing your communications.  Your branding – is critical to growing trust, and trust is also tied into your individuality and what you have to offer. Don’t underestimate the habit of presenting a consistent look and feel for your business. It helps your existing clients see you as constant and it gives potential clients a sense of something to look forward to. As of today, the Coca Cola brand is worth more than $80 billion dollars and it has not changed notably since the 50s …so why would you change your branding? Leave it alone until you’ve made 80 billion…it’s a good habit to hold on to.
Understanding your subscribers needs - never gets old and it will never go out of style. It takes a special habit to dig down and discover what people really need and what they want and how you can find a balance. It’s like piecing together a puzzle, because they don’t always know the difference and your skills are what helps bring light and a solution to them. The habit of scrutinizing what will really meet your client’s expectations is exciting and well worth the effort. They’ll thank you and remain loyal. I’d love to keep this marketing moment going, talking about some of the other habits I’ve seen my clients benefit from like:
Don't have time to sit and read? Check out the Audio Version! Word for week 32 – Disclosure Meaning: the action of making known new or secret information. Quote: From John S. Savage: "Storytelling is a form of self-disclosure". ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COVID is still an issue in many areas all over the world and the ways in which we build relationships have shifted or pivoted in order to preserve our businesses and our dreams. Some things remain the same, you need to gather information to build your database. It’s the nature of business. Our absolute desire is to meet new people and learn more about them. It shows in the innovation we put into our meetings, how things come about, and what we hope to come away, with is becoming increasingly creative. The bottom line is, in a one-to-one first-time “discovery” call, each party is looking for something; and that’s information. Without certain information, we are lost and we find it difficult to take the next step. Key information is what makes up the critical elements in a relationship. As an example, I’ll meet a potential client who is bubbling over with energy. They can’t wait to “disclose” their plans, their goals and their ideas. I love that, however, too many times I meet those who seem to hold onto their dreams in a cloak of secrecy … and even more remarkably I’ll hear them ask, “Well you’re the expert …aren’t you supposed to know what I need?” The answer is yes and no…Yes I can give you great recommendations for growing a client list and I can help you create an evidence-based plan to move forward …but that only happens when the client has disclosed their goals and expectations … in detail. When you’re scouting for marketing services, it can be maddening repeating your requirements over and over. But how can you avoid it and still get the services you need?  iHere at Team DonPaul we recommend looking into your business plan. Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs cringe when those two words are spoken … it’s as if I said a two letter curse word.
We’re not talking a 20 page booklet with an intent to impress the Shark Tank Staff (although that wouldn’t be a bad thing) …but to have even a high level outline of where you want to take your business and what you hope to accomplish in a designated amount of time …well, that can be a huge advantage when communicating with any prospective service provider. If you have trust issues then create an NDA or non-disclosure agreement and adhere to it … or create separate sections of your plan to only reveal your marketing requirements, but an NDA usually is enough. Remember, your dreams can’t grow if you hide them. When you schedule a complimentary strategy call with me, I send you a brief questionnaire that’s designed to use the information from your business plan. Then when we meet our 30 minute session, you see how very powerful and productive it will be. So let’s chat. You’ll disclose your marketing expectations, and I’ll disclose how they can be accomplished. Together we’ll make a plan to expand your most valuable business asset…your database. Until next time, bye bye! Back to Commuting? Try the Audio Version! Word for Week 31: Balance Meaning: Would you believe that Merriam Webster provides nine variances of the word balance, with more than twelve ways to apply it to a sentence? I chose: “Balance or equipoise between contrasting, opposing, or interacting elements.” Quote: Justice Earl Warren “… the balance we strike, as between security and freedom.” you’ve been following my articles, then you know by now I’m using everyday words to stimulate your imagination and bring about atypical thoughts regarding growing your database. Because there are so many ways to find and retain your target audience the word “balance” came to me and I’ll share a few of the ways the word applies. A few days ago, a new client came to me with a request for a Web presence. She wanted to create a campaign to promote a new service offering. After the pleasantries were out of the way, we got down to the business of discussing her goals and expectations for the campaign and I could soon see that the list of three or four steps she’d set for the meeting agenda was actually closer to ten or twelve items that needed to be considered. Although we were having a phone call and not a face-2-face or Web call, I could hear the exasperation building in her voice …that sense of. “Why do we need to do all of that?” Or “Can’t we just skip that part?” Or “Are you just saying that to pad my bill?” None of these questions were said out loud, but I could tell they were hanging around the edges of our conversation.  So where does BALANCE come into the picture? Primarily with the tools you use to determine the progress you’re making towards reaching your goals. Just as in physical fitness you use a scale to check your weight, you are aware that the number on the scale is not the only consideration in having a healthy body. The same principle applies in creating your Web presence and building your database.
Every step you take should be balanced with the outcome you hope to achieve. “It’ll work itself out…” is not a strategic plan. Knowing your target audience, getting and using the right tools to reach them and nurturing your relationships, can sound like an easy-to-do three step campaign, however, experience has taught us that it’s taking the time to insert the correct elements in between those three big steps that brings balance to your marketing and promotional campaigns. Do you have an upcoming project? Would you like to run a successful campaign that will land you closer to reaching your goals and expectations? A 30-minute call with me will open up genuine pathways and present to you the equipoise or balance needed for growing your most valuable business asset … your database! Just follow this link to get started. And until next time …bye bye. Here's an Audio Version for Your Convenience Word for Week 30 - Landing …. as in an online Landing Page Defined: A landing page, sometimes known as a "lead capture page", a "single property page", a "static page", a "squeeze page" or a "destination page", no matter how you refer to it, has one primary purpose and that’s lead generation. In other words to get people to take the action you want them to take … and most often that is to subscribe to your database. Insight: “Great ideas need landing gear …as well as wings!” – source: Charles Douglas Jackson Why am I discussing landing as in landing pages? Because there is so much that can be done with them to help grow your database. Of course, you can make a direct sale on a landing page …if you have the right impulse item, like shoes/clothing, food, books, music, etc. But what if you are not an impulse item seller? What if you are selling something that takes time and thought or decision making? How can a landing page help you? One word …CONTROL. Think of what it takes to land an aircraft. You can use some of the same primary terms for a successful landing page as pilots use for their flying machines … the controls. And similarly, to landing a plane, your on-line landing page can bring you success. How’s that? The goal in landing a plane is to walk away alive. The goal in using your online landing page is to walk away with ideal clients. That’s why when it’s time to land the plane all distractions for the pilot and crew are halted. In the same way the home page of your Web site does not serve effectively as a landing page, too many distractions from the primary goal. Concentration, know how, and focus will bring the plane smoothly to the end of its journey. The same three elements will bring your campaign smoothly to the meeting of your expectations.  Landing pages are very affordable, efficient, and can be the perfect start for an entrepreneur working with a tight budget. And yet, even well-honed, well-established businesses can profit from using landing pages. It can be the perfect bridge between the best of both worlds; maintaining a well-recognized brand, while expanding into new territory, with no need for major alterations to the primary Website. (Except of course to create a relationship between the two).
What type of Landing Page Should You Use? It really depends on your goals/objectives, but generally speaking, the more focused your landing page is, the better it will convert. Research has shown, sending visitors to your landing page as opposed to your homepage improved database submission rates by approximately 37%. (source: Omniture) Well, obviously I could go on about Landing Pages all day …but I know that you don’t have all day, so if you are interested in how Landing Pages could help you increase your client list… Let’s talk about it. Use this link, or the button that says schedule a consultation! You’ll walk away from our thirty minute consultation armed with knowledge to improve your most valuable business asset your database. Til’ next time…bye bye |
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