Here are three truths that I have found to be invaluable on my journey to success (which by the way is never-ending):

• Trust your intuition (If it doesn’t feel right, it’s probably not right– YOU always know what’s best for you WHEN you tap into your intuition)

• Surround yourself with a like-minded support system (Even your closest friends, family and sometimes your partner or spouse may question your new direction)

• Don’t do it ALONE (Get a team to support you — at the very least someone to help with admin tasks so you can focus on your magic)

Finally and perhaps most important find your tribe of business girlfriends (this applies to the gents, too — it’s important to collaborate with like-minded people). This is vital to your success. I have several close circles of women entrepreneurs who I value deeply. We meet regularly and we are there for each other to brainstorm, troubleshoot, create new ideas and sometimes just VENT.

I value these connections more than I can even articulate (that’s pretty profound coming from a marketing wordsmith). AND, that’s why I’m excited to be featured in the brand new magazine Mastermind of Women. You can access my interview in Mastermind of Women magazine here — Success is What YOU Say it Is and if you’d like more info about the magazine click here.

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There is a A LOT of buzz about TRUTH right now. Truth in advertising and marketing, the truth about success and in general being TRUE to YOU.

The truth of the matter is that marketing is all about building relationships. Those who build genuine relationships with their prospects have a better chance of converting them to paying customers. That’s why I say the REVENUE is in the RELATIONSHIP.

Building relationships is where it all starts. Keeping it real, doing what feels right to you, providing real value and coming from a place of TRUE service are the cornerstones of successful marketing. I’ve been teaching relationship based marketing techniques for many years (inauthentic behavior is one of my pet peeves and why I work only with preferred clients who keep it real). In fact, I’ve always marched to the beat of a different drum when it comes to marketing.  I’ve challenged the norm and teach marketing and copywriting techniques that truly connect AND get results (this has been going on for years — even before Write On Creative was born in 2003).  When I finally named the formula I’ve been using for years, people took notice and now have a  tangible framework to apply to their own marketing in a simple formula that makes sense.  You can read all about my “Challenge. Solution. Invitation” formula here, also known as  the NEW marketing and copywriting model for success.  The cool thing about this formula is that it can be applied to all areas of your life and work because it’s based on building genuine connections and relationships. For many this seems to be a missing piece to the marketing puzzle. I believe it’s because there tends to be a lot of “smoke and mirrors”, posturing and false pretenses when it comes to creating and designing success (and especially when it comes to marketing messages). This leads to confusion and unclear messages. The truth is that only you can define your own success AND you must listen to your intuition because if something feels off, it’s likely off. 

Have you ever felt like you were completely misunderstood?

This is something I hear OFTEN when preferred clients start working with me (not because they’re working with me but because of what they’ve been taught elsewhere). Have you felt misunderstood and as if your very BIG and special mission has not been taken seriously by  mentors, teachers and coaches?

Many people tell me they feel as if they have not been heard, or seen or fully understood by others. I understand that feeling all too well because I know some of the cookie cutter programs teach tactics that leave you feeling like you’re a square peg that’s being shoved into a round hole — and it just doesn’t fit. I’ve found that it’s absolutely vital to find the right team, mentors and colleagues who will push you in the direction of your own TRUTH (not something they are trying to push on you).

I invite you approach your marketing in a NEW way. Start building relationships from a place of TRUTH.

Here are some tips to help you keep it real.

• Revisit your values. Make sure your values are infused in everything you do including your personal mission statement, business mission statement and your story (your story is KEY).  
• Once these pieces are in place you’ll attract ideal clients instead of chasing not-so-ideal clients.
• Finally, make it a practice to infuse your values and story into all of your marketing  to truly connect with your ideal clients. Once you do this you’ll have a solid foundation to create marketing messages with integrity.

Over the years these are the elements I’ve found many struggle with and if you find you’re stuck I can help you can bring it all together to create marketing messages with integrity (in a way that is real and true to YOU). 

Remember, the REVENUE is in the RELATIONSHIP. What can you do to begin building relationships today? What’s the missing piece of the marketing puzzle for you? 

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When Spring rolls around I always feel like it’s time for fresh perspective. It also seems timely to refresh web copy and marketing messages (it’s recommended that you do this, at a minimum, each quarter).

What are you focusing on and where do you  need some fresh perspective? 

Lately I’ve received some cool visibility opportunities  So, speaking of fresh perspective, I’m sharing these interviews with you so you can grab some instant takeaways to apply to your marketing efforts.

Access the instant replay of Marla Tabaka interviewing me about how to leverage press exposure once you get it. We discuss my interview in Inc. Magazine and more. Listen here (access  my interview in the “recent shows section” to the right of the info about me).

During this quick 1/2 segment Cathy Alessandra interviews me on Innovative Women in Business Radio. We discuss marketing techniques that work for women and my new formula for marketing and copywriting success. Listen here. (feel free to hit the social media share buttons to share the love).

You can also read a bit about my back story in this online interview for Today’s Innovative Women where I am featured as the Innovative Woman of the Week. I think you might enjoy my definition of success. Your comments and social media shares are appreciated. Read it here. 

Finally, speaking of refreshing things, I’ve recently made some changes to the Write On Creative website and gained even more clarity about my mission and message (remember I’ve said that your website and marketing are ever-evolving — I wasn’t kidding). Take a peek here and let me know what you think? www.writeoncreative.com

Here’s how I’ve fine tuned my overall message and focus (remember you don’t have to change everything BUT gaining more clarity helps your prospects know how you can serve them when they become paying clients.)

At Write On Creative we focus on working with mission-driven entrepreneurs who are authors, speakers, coaches, trainers, teachers, artists, healers and light-workers. While these diverse thought leaders seemingly have nothing in common, they have ONE common thread. That common thread is a BIG MISSION. Often they struggle to turn their mission into a palatable marketing message because the “problem, agitate and solve” approach to marketing turns them off. That’s where my formula of “Challenge. Solution. Invitation.™” (as seen in Inc. Magazine) comes into play. My history changing approach is resonating with change-agents because it shifts the energy of marketing, builds relationships and gets results without being manipulative. If this resonates with you and you need copy, have copy that needs help or want to do it yourself, you’re in the right place. Our current entry point is the Manyon Marketing Web Makeover. This is one-on-one time with me and I only accept 4 per week (from there we determine what’s next for you and you’re eligible for preferred client investments for future services. This includes assistance with online and offline marketing strategies to grow your bottom line).

Is it time for a Spring cleaning of your website and marketing messages?

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What are you doing to maintain visibility and profitability?

One thing that I know for sure is that our business and marketing plans have to be flexible. There are several elements of plans that really challenge people

1)Creating a plan (you do have one, right? If not — it’s TIME)
2)Implementing the plan (too often there is a plan in place but no action to make it happen)
3) Reviewing and adjusting the plan based on performance (you have to track and measure results)

I’ve also learned that planning doesn’t have to be painful or complicated — although often we make it more so than it needs to be (I know I’m guilty and recently I had a big ah-ha moment about that). In fact, I’ve realized that collaboration with colleagues, mentors and clients is the KEY to successful planning and business growth strategies  (it’s not that I hadn’t known this but sometimes we are so involved working “in” our business we forget to work “on” our business).  I think sometimes we expect too much of ourselves and don’t reach out for support, wisdom and advice from others because we feel we should have a handle on it all.  I also see A LOT of people hiding behind their websites and social media.

While it’s true that one of the best ways for potential clients and prospect to connect with me is via my website– my website alone doesn’t generate ALL of my business.  You cannot rely on your website alone — especially if you don’t have a content strategy in place to drive traffic and consistently create engaging content. If you’re wondering why your website isn’t working as well as you had hoped, maybe it’s time to reassess your strategy both online and offline. 

Here are three ways you can increase your profitability and visibility:

1) Review your plan and make adjustments as necessary.
All too often we forget to plan the work and work the plan. This could be because we’re too busy working “in” our business instead of “on” our business. Take the time to plan and review and if it’s a challenge for you, get some help. I connect with trusted advisers in this area all the time. This is especially important for your website content and strategy.

2) Pick up the phone and personally connect with your clients and colleagues. In the digital age we rely on technology TOO much. In fact, too few people are making genuine connections with their clients. Actually speaking with them will give you a better idea of what they really need. Your clients will be be pleasantly surprised (sometimes even shocked) to hear from you. Your colleagues are an excellent referral source and it’s a great idea to stay in touch to see how you can build those relationships to increase profits via referrals.

3) Revisit your website content and strategy. All too often I see clients “set it and forget it” with their website. This means your information gets stale, your clients needs likely have changed and you’re not really connecting. I suggest reviewing and revamping your content each quarter (at a minimum). Perhaps it’s time for a Manyon Marketing Web Makeover?

Are you reaching your projections? What do you need to do to make that happen?

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When it comes to your web presence you have A LOT of decisions to make in order to be web ready.

One of the things that many of my preferred clients struggle with then you come my way is web copy and strategy. Some of the common challenges include (and often people don’t tell you this):

• Missing pieces: Often you’ve been given pieces of the online marketing puzzle but things just aren’t quite clicking (as in click through rates are low and copy isn’t converting). 
• No clear strategy: Another common scenario is lack of strategy on EVERY page of the website (yes, you need an overall strategy and an individual page strategy).
• Overwhelm: You see often it’s such a chore to get the website up and running (coordinating with webmasters, choosing domain names, writing copy and finalizing design) that by the time the site launches you’re just burnt out on looking at it.

In previous blog posts I shared two of the biggest struggles people face when it comes to web presence — Strategy and  ”Website Shame“. Without a clear strategy we can become stuck (overwhelmed) and when this happens it’s a challenge to know where to start. We know our websites need to be created or updated to engage, build relationships and generate new business. But when we are stuck… nothing happens.  The best thing to do is to set aside some time to strategize about your online presence. Figure out if you need to create a new website or perhaps transfer your current html based site to the WordPress platform.

If you are not sure what the best solution is here are some options to consider.

You can discover simple tips to revamp your own copy. I actually have two options for you.

When you’re still not clear on your own values and mission and you struggle to choose the right clients instead of chasing them and perhaps are a little unclear on what it really takes to create marketing messages with integrity you’ll want to  check out the details of my How To Create Marketing Messages With Integrity Program. (this program includes my ”Challenge. Solution.Invitation” marketing and copywriting formula (as featured in Inc. Magazine) and more. 

When you already have your mission dialed in, you know who your ideal clients really are and you’re ready to create the content for your website or refresh what you have in place now, I highly recommend the 24-7 Web Sales Secrets Course co-created by Ali Brown and me. Click here for details

Whether you want to do-it-yourself or get one-on-one support  I can help you create a clear strategy and craft copy that really speaks to your ideal clients. In fact, I’ve designed programs and services to meet you wherever you are when it comes to your messaging.  You can visit the Write On Creative copywriting solutions here.

What is keeping you stuck when it comes to your web strategy and content?

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One of the biggest factors between succeeding and not succeeding is facing your fears.

When was the last time you did something JUST for you because you knew it would change your life?

Have you been afraid to make a move?

Fear is common and in my article in Soulwoman magazine I share tips on how to face fear and step into courage. AND I also share more information about my journey to the magic writer’s cottage.

You can download the full article here Jan2013-LisaManyonArticlepdf (and I’d love to hear your thoughts).

You can also get instant access to the full digital magazine here (It’s FREE and opt in is required but this is NOT an affiliate link). I really enjoy the magazine and think you might, too. Plus, there are some great articles by many other courageous souls in the February issue. Mia Rose and her team have created a top-notch publication here. So, why not treat yourself to an inspirational read?

What do you fear the most?

What is the most courageous thing you have done lately?

Please share here? I’d love to hear more about your journey.

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There’s a BIG shift happening

We are bombarded with email messages, tweets, text messages, podcast, radio commercials, television ads, voice mail, phone calls, Facebook messages, Skype calls and more. Because of all this noise we cannot help but feel a bit overwhelmed… or maybe it’s underwhelmed?

The marketing noise has gotten out of hand and it’s even more difficult to capture and keep attention. That means your message needs to be sticky. And I don’t mean aggressive, pushy or over the top. I mean you have to create gooey messages infused with your values. The values your business and credibility are built on. Because your values equal value. They create trust, respect and loyalty over time.

The funny thing is not enough business owners are paying attention to the impact values have on value. Think about the companies and people you choose to do business with. What are the common qualities? Why do you choose to do business with them? Chances are your decisions are based on value. This includes how the business makes you feel (their brand essence). This likely doesn’t mean they are the loudest in the marketing crowd or the least expensive. What it does mean is they stand for something and you believe in what that is. They have created value by infusing values in what they do. There is consistency, clarity and follow through. They deliver and when they speak or market you listen.

Think about your own values for a moment.

• Do you infuse values in everything you do?
• Does what you do create more value?
• Have you based your mission statement, both personal and professional, on those values?

If not you may want to reassess how you’re doing business and especially how you’re marketing.

Communication counts. Our words are gold. Values equal value. There’s a reason many of the marketing messages out there aren’t sticking. They lack values and value.

I share more about this in my program How to Create Marketing Messages With Integrity: Attract your ideal clients with your authentic voice (I know, I know… the word authentic is being tossed around too lightly in many arenas — so is integrity — that’s why this work is so important). In this program I also expand upon my “Challenge.Solution.Invitation.™”" marketing and copywriting formula as seen in Inc. Magazine.  The program speaks to my ideal clients, female entrepreneurs, and rest assured gentlemen, you’ll gain value from it, too. You’ll also find other valuable resources in the www.writeoncreative.com marketing success store.

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I find it’s important to allocate time to planning, visioning and getting clear on how you want your life to look. It’s also VITAL to take action. You can wish for something your entire life and never get it if you don’t take action.

Here are some tips I use when focusing on health, wealth and happiness. I’ve also included a few actions items that might spark some ideas for you.

1) Health: Get moving. My best advice is to eat well (real food, not processed JUNK –don’t even get me started on what’s REALLY on the shelves in the grocery store) and to exercise. Personally I LOVE to go on walks.I’m also interested in yoga, weight training and maybe even kick boxing. I think it’s a great idea to try new things.  So, get MOVING. You’ll be glad that you did. Action item: List ONE thing you can commit to doing that will improve your health every day.

2) Wealth: Focus on wealth building activities that bring you security. While money doesn’t have to be your main focus, you should be moving your business forward in some way every day and this does mean generating CASH. One of my best tips is to build relationships with like-minded individuals who are serious about their business, too. It’s been said that often people will only invest as much in YOU as you are willing to invest in yourself. That’s why I invest in mentorship and training programs that stretch me to grow and expand. So, invest in you, build relationships and move your business forward. Action item: List one thing you can do every day to move your business forward (could be as simple as picking up the phone to make KEY connections that will help generate cash) and do it. 

3) Happiness: This one is simple. Have FUN.Do things you enjoy. Travel. Enjoy wine. Laugh with friends. Go to a movie. Dance. Listen to live music. Take an art class. Go wine tasting. You cannot take life too seriously and if you are not happy, something is seriously wrong. Action item: List one thing you LOVE to do but don’t do often enough. Do it. TODAY.

Success doesn’t happen by accident. It doesn’t happen in a straight line. AND it certainly isn’t going to happen if you don’t plan for it and then take action.

If you’re feeling stuck in your business when it comes to planning and more you’ll find tools to help you on the Write On Creative website. 

I’d also like to hear about your focus when you’re planning for success. Feel free to post your thoughts here and I’ll respond personally.

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There are typically three reasons clients come my way.

1) They need copy (they have realized they don’t want to be a copywriter, they don’t have the time or professional training and support is needed). The needs range from press releases, to web copy and strategy to sales letters and more.

2) They have copy that needs help (they’ve either written copy that isn’t truly connecting or hired a copywriter who didn’t deliver what was promised). — See how to choose the right copywriter for your project here

3) They want to do it themselves (they like writing but want fresh tips to write sticky copy).  The good news is I meet my clients where they are and once the copy and messaging is dialed in I even offer high-level marketing consulting to help reach even BIGGER goals.

I’m often interviewed about my marketing strategies and copywriting  techniques and I love to share valuable information help make your marketing more successful.  This interview with Inez Bracy of Living Smart and Well Radio covers some JUICY copywriting tips you can use right away. Click here to access the radio show where Inez Bracy interviews Lisa Manyon (me) about business copywriting (and feel free to share it with friends and colleagues).

You can get more details on the main section of the Write On Creative website. And, feel free to post your questions and comments here. I do answer posts personally.

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As we step into new territory planning becomes more important than ever.

I hope you’re one of the savvy people who have BIG plans to finish strong as this year comes to a close. Although the holidays can sidetrack us, now is a great time to evaluate where you are, where you’ve been and where you’re going. This includes reviewing projections, making adjustments and creating a solid plan for success.  Personally I’m working on revamping my website copy and creating my Content Strategy Plan for the New Year.

To help keep you motivated I’d  like you to ponder these questions:

• What are your BIG plans?
• How are you going to make “IT” happen (whatever “IT” is for you)?
•  What are you going to do to help more people?
•  How are you going to invest in yourself and your business?
• Are you really clear about your vision?

It’s important to remember that in order to achieve our goals we need to be surrounded by people who truly support us and are like-minded. Even the most successful entrepreneurs experience challenges. The solution is to align yourself with people who have your best interest at heart, deliver high-level value and understand your growing pains (we all have them). Without this support being in business can be a very lonely journey and without the right support it’s more difficult to reach our goals. What are you going to do to invest in yourself?

Here are 5 truths about being successful in business.

1.  You must invest in yourself to create your own economy
2.  True entrepreneurs are risk takers who don’t always know exactly how things will turn out
3.  You must have deep passion for your work and know you have a BIG mission to help others (while making a profit)
4.  Without the support of a like-minded community or trusted friends and colleagues, you’ll likely remain stuck
5.  It takes money to make money and investments in your business are just that – investments – not expenses (often they are a tax write-off)

If you’re concerned about making investments now, consider how it can benefit you. Are you committed to turning your dreams into reality and sharing your true voice? If so, making the commitment to invest in your business now could be a potential tax advantage when you make the investment before the end of the year. Of course, you’ll want to check with your CPA to get the full scoop about how making investments now could be a tax advantage for you. So, why don’t you pick up the phone and have that conversation? Then, take action and make an investment in yourself and your business. Or not. The choice is yours but if you really want to succeed, you really need to take action.

If you’re feeling stuck be sure to get the support you need. You can visit www.writeoncreative.com to what Write On Creative offers or reach out to another trusted resource.

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