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 […]

Q: What is the best way to leverage eBooks on social media?   I love eBooks and I have a lot of them built already but I have not found a way to make them sing online yet. A: That will depend on strategy, audience and topic. How do you want to leverage them? As a lead magnet? Opt in offer? Or a paid offering? While information products, including eBooks can have a great deal of value, they appeal mostly to self-starters and there is not always a way to guarantee the content is being consumed (unless you have a strategic follow up plan or bundle your information/eBook with consulting or coaching sessions).  Regardless of how you plan to package, promote and position your eBook product, you’ll need an individual strategy for each creation. Here are three tried and true […]

Q: How do I tailor my message to a corporate audience?  My biggest challenge is finding what resonates with corporate decision makers.  After years working with the entrepreneurs, I’m finding that what resonates with them is NOT the same thing that catches the attention of the corporate decision maker. I am finding that the more I research the company (their values, initiatives, etc.) the easier it is to speak to them in their language. And, at times, I find myself wishing for a one-size-fits-all opening… what do you suggest? A: By identifying how corporate decision makers respond differently than entrepreneurs, you’re a step ahead of most.  While I don’t have a one-size-fits-all solution,  I do believe you can apply this customizable approach.  The “Challenge. Solution. Invitation.™” formula provides a simple framework to create marketing messages that speak to your ideal […]

A:  Why isn’t my landing page converting? This is a common question. The answer can be applied to landing pages, sales pages, social media posts and more. Here’s what happened and how I responded. I was asked to weigh in on a landing page (web page designed to get people to sign up for email messages) that wasn’t getting any conversions.  At first glance I noticed immediately that: there was no headline (this is the #1 most read part of all copy) there was no qualifying information about the person who created the landing page (as in — who are you and why should I listen to you – credibility) it wasn’t really clear why the offer was being made (clarity is crucial) it didn’t spell out how it would benefit a person when the opted in (value proposition was missing) there was not a compelling reason why a […]

Q:  What are your best time management tips? How can I find time to take care of myself — i.e. exercise, get everything done and keep up on industry reading. A: Great Q. You must make yourself a priority.  How you do this will vary depending on your schedule, family commitments, dedication to your health and well-being as well as learning style preferences.  I tend to batch my time to leverage and maximize productivity. Let’s break it down based on your question. It’s best to start with self-care because you cannot give from an empty cup.  So, you must make sure you’re eating nutritious foods and carving out time for YOU. For example: Self-care is my TOP priority. Because I spend a lot of time at the computer I try to walk at least 1/2 hour each day. When […]

What type of messenger are you? In order to build a solid foundation for your business, your message and your strategy are KEY components to your success.  And, when it comes to creating marketing messages with integrity there are 3 types of messengers. Take this quiz to discover which type you are and how you can level up your message and strategy no matter where you are on your business journey.   As you build your business there are key areas you’ll want to focus on.  These areas include: Messaging/copy – to connect and convert prime prospects into paying customers/clients Planning/strategy – to get your message to the masses to make more money Brand/image – to ensure your business is recognizable and relevant Publicity/PR – to be featured via ink, air and facetime in the media (print, radio/podcast, & TV) Revenue streams/packaging […]

Q: What’s the best online learning management platform for a solopreneur that does all operations? My audience wants an interactive experience. A: That’s a big question and it depends on YOUR strategy and the desires of your audience. I wish there was a magic answer for this. Like most business building activities, there is no cookie cutter solution for developing and hosting your online course. You’re going to have to do your due diligence to find what will work best for your community (and answer the questions I’ve outlined below). I am going to assume that you want it hosted elsewhere (this is just a guess on my part since you didn’t specify). Consider researching online learning platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, and Thinkific. There are too many variables to give a concrete answer but hopefully this will help. Some questions […]