Q: Should I promote my waitlist?  I’ve been coached that it’s a good idea to promote my waitlist. So, I added this to my marketing materials, including a landing page to fill an upcoming program, and I’m not getting the conversions I’d hoped for.  What do you think about this approach? A: Promoting a waitlist can be effective when you actually have a waitlist.  Some coaches and consultants will tell you to add waitlist language to your message to create a sense of scarcity and urgency. The only time it is appropriate and effective to promote a waitlist is when it’s true. The effectiveness of your marketing messages to create long-term business sustainability hinge on your integrity. When crafting any message or using any marketing, advertising, promotional, or copywriting technique make sure you’re coming from a place […]

Q: Is long copy or more copy more effective when writing copy?  Some say long copy is ineffective and others swear that short copy is the way to go. I cannot seem to find a straight answer. Some articles I’ve Googled on digital best practices have conflicting information, too. I’ve also read your take on passion points versus pain points and have found your techniques work. What gets the best results when it comes to copy length and how much is too much? What’s your experience? 80% + open rates with long copy A: The answer is both AND it depends.  When writing copy, there are times when a long sales letter is going to pull better than short copy and there are times when short copy will get better results.  It will also depend on your audience […]

Q: What if I don’t have case studies or results to share? This question was posed after I posted this on Facebook: Just because something can work…take, for instance, focusing on pain points…it doesn’t mean you should do it. In most applications it’s manipulative and preys upon vulnerabilities and lack (not to mention amplifies buyers remorse and return rates). Plus, it creates a HUGE energetic disconnect. When you want to build trust, strengthen relationships, and tap into painting a picture of possibility to create long-term sustainable success, flip the script. Focus on PASSION points, meet people where they are with empathy and understanding (and treat them like people, not numbers), clearly showcase your value proposition to illustrate how you’re the natural choice (think case studies and results), provide solutions and information that positions you as the natural […]

Q: How often should I post on my blog? A: The answer is, it depends. First, start with a clear Content Strategy Plan. The best results for long-term business and brand sustainability come when you have a plan.  I recommend starting with strategy and writing into your strategy.  Start by mapping out your 90-day Content Strategy Plan with a focus on your overall theme/mission. Then chunk it down into your monthly focus and weekly focus.  This gives you and your team a clear guideline to follow. You can then create your content to lead to the specific sales and/or actions you want your readers to take. This allows you to pull content for social media, email and beyond to tie in with your theme and create brand message consistency. The key is to have a strategy for every […]

Q: How do I overcome sales objections? A:  This is such a great question. My short answer is “DON’T”.  When you are clear about your value and the value you deliver, you don’t have to overcome objections or push anyone into the sale (although plenty of coaches, consultants, and mentors will tell you otherwise). I’ve found that when you can articulate your value proposition, you don’t have to overcome objections. And, based on the type of objection, you will know if the potential client is a good fit or not. I often get inquiries asking “Will you sell my products or services for me?” – More on that here. My answer to that question is “NO.” and I ask a series of questions to find out where the inquiry is coming from. More often than not when […]

Q: Can I hire you to do the marketing for me? Will you sell my products or services for me? Can you fill my programs? A: My answer, in a nutshell, “No!”.  These questions roll in all the time. When it comes to implementation, sales and filling your programs, you’ll need a clear plan and strategy. I can help with the strategy but I won’t implement for you. You’ll need to fine-tune your sales skills or expand your team to support that role. These inquiries and similar questions prompted me to share some hard truths. Let’s start with a specific example. The inquiry: “I’m looking to partner with a marketing person. Can we connect to discuss?” Me: Rolling into ‘Who, What, Where, When, and Why’ mode… and asking pointed questions: “Who do you serve? Where do you currently market? […]

Q: Is email marketing dead? I’ve heard a lot of buzz about it and I wonder if it’s worth the effort? A: I assure you email marketing is not dead.  There’s been some buzz about email. Some say it’s dead Some say they don’t read it Some are afraid to get started Here’s what I know! Email is alive and well and you’ve got to feed it, nurture it, breathe new life into it. Let me ask YOU some questions. How do you feel about email marketing? Dead? Alive? Indifferent? Overwhelmed? It’s important to create content that your audience wants to consume. I’ve been publishing Manyon’s Musings for around 10 years now. The key to success is showing up, course correcting and getting feedback from your community.  Speaking of that, here are some interesting stats on  open […]

Q: What is the best planning system? Which hard copy system do you recommend and why? What planner do you think is best? A: This depends on your goals. In my many years of planning, including creating The POWER Planning Process, I’ve discovered that focusing on how we want to FEEL is potent. In past years I’ve used the Franklin/Covey planning system. This is a solid system that helped me map out many life milestones including buying my first home in my early 20’s.  This systems helps you map out personal and professional goals and included exercises to help you visualize the future. I’ve tried the Passion Planner. This planner allows you to track and map multiple projects and I found focusing on TOO many projects at once was a bit of a distraction. Most recently (for […]

Q: What tools do you use to map out content strategy plans?  Specifically, do you have a tool you recommend using when brainstorming content? I am working on building a content calendar and am not afraid of the time commitment it takes to do this, but I feel like I’m making it too complicated. I have Boards/Cards in Trello and a paper calendar. I am trying to coordinate three ‘businesses’ – my yoga teaching (classes AND workshops) with my essential oils business while also being mindful of the corporate gig that is currently paying the bills. Yoga and oils can generate better leads when tying into things like solstice, full moon, holidays, etc. But everyone is doing activities and posts at those times – so trying to get all of that on the calendar so that I […]

Q: How can I create copy for a crowdfunding campaign?  Specifically, how can I use  your “Challenge. Solution. Invitation.” framework  to get better results with a Kickstarter campaign? Since Kickstarter is for “creative projects,” perhaps it could address the challenge of wanting to find a place to give back, have more collaboration, support the arts, supporting each other? The solution and invitation are clearer to me. A: Sometimes “challenges” come in the form of opportunity. Crowdfuding campaigns can be a great way to rally the support of your tribe. With anything, you must be strategic about it. What’s the BIGGER purpose? Why should your tribe support it? What will the outcome be for them, for humanity, for society and for you? When crafting the “challenge” piece of content it’s important to meet people where they are and acknowledge that with […]