Build Business Profits

Jay Conrad Levinson is known for his “gorilla marketing”  advice.  He recently listed on Rich Shefron’s blog his 7 Step Simple Marketing Plan.  I read this today and thought you might like it before we get to the main topic. This is a very good guide to remember.  Here they are: (for the complete blog article Click Here )

1) What is the purpose of your marketing? (What action do you want them to take?)

2) What is the main competitive advantage you stress to achieve that action/purpose? (What main benefit do you offer that your competitors do not?)

3) Who is your target audience?

4) Which marketing “weapons” will you use to achieve that action/purpose? (Expressed as a list.)

5) For your market niche, what do you stand for?

6) What is your identity, your personality?

7) What is your marketing budget? (as a percentage of your projected gross sales)

How To Market Your Business With Little or No Cash

Most consultants and authors offering training programs and services assume you have the cash to implement a sound marketing plan.  That is often a misguided assumption and this begins  to address a common issue of marketing with little or no cash. Many entrepreneurs and companies are experiencing a cash crunch.

The following steps are essential for marketing your business when you have no cash. They are also essential when you do have cash. Cash will help you advance your results faster.

The  Most Important Step – Always -  and There Are No Exceptions:

Spend Most of Your Time Marketing Your Business. This is a mindset coupled with a commitment and knowing what is productive time. Jay did not list this. Most do not. This is the number one item I work on with companies and with people I coach. This is the number one item I work on for my own ventures.  This is also a challenge for most people since it is easy saying “I was busy today”.  I say if you are not working on building new business and strengthening what you have,  most other activities are just busy work.

Second Step: Know How To Use The Tools Requiring No Money and Those Most Helpful When You Have Money

If you are reading this you are on line somehow and I realize there is a cost for a connection. A computer and a connection are required.  They cost money.  They are essential tools.  This article is how to market when you have little or no cash. You have to have a connection to market even if you are an off line based business.

How To Market When You Have Little or No Cash.

1. A web site is now required for credibility  and I recommend using  blog technology in most cases. If your business needs an html based web site fine.  You still need a blog.
2. Use social media to drive traffic to your blog.  The primary social media sites for driving traffic are Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.
3. Your goal is strengthening the relationship with your visitors and encouraging them to become part of your list. Even when you are selling a product on line, your primary goal when using the no money marketing approach based on social media traffic is to move your target audience from your social media network to your list where you can communicate with them.

Facebook groups have similar characteristics of an email list.  However, at no time will pounding on your network to buy from you be an effective marketing  strategy.  The Build Profits Group on Facebook is a good example.  All the content sent to the group is intended to be of value. At the same time there is no secret as to my business ventures and professional services.

I used and continue to use Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for the development and growth of three businesses that have cash profits this year. Last year two of the three did not  exist.  Two of the Three took less than $100 cash. Manifest Mastermind was less than $1,000.  Today all are marketed using social media.. time yes, cash no.

Manifest Mastermind:
New Digital Media, Inc
IR Consulting, Inc

I use one autoresponder account for all businesses and lists. I use one hosting account for all domains. If you have no cash you can use blogger and by-pass the autoresponder.  When you have some cash, convert your blogs to a WordPress based platform with individual C-Panel access. If you don’t know why you need these tools,  learn. I feel an autoresponder is a must have tool for building a list. No matter what is being discussed in social media circles, email is still very important and valuable.  So if you cannot afford an autoresponder, then track your email list manually until you can afford it.

Once I had built some cash flow, I outsourced certain of the work required to continue building the social media network and continue to do so.  Notice earlier I mentioned I do not spend cash on marketing. However, I do leverage my time which is very valuable. I view the development of your own social media network essential for business and your social media network is an  asset. I work on this everyday – everyday.

I do not outsource content origination meaning blog articles, posts to Facebook groups,  Tweets and autoresponder messages. Some of this work can be outsourced. I do all of it now and some of it soon, will be  outsourced.  However, some content cannot be outsourced as it is my voice.

I will cover key points in building your social media network in the next article.

The easiest way to follow this series is to become a member of  my Facebook Group Build Profits. Register for my list.  What is in it for you?  Candidly the information you receive here in most instances is more valuable than programs you will pay hundreds and even thousands of dollars for.  Why do I offer this information?  Because some people will want me to become part of my Executive Coaching Program,  some companies will want my consulting services and some will want help in building their social media network. Most of all some people will write and say ” I followed what you wrote and it worked – thank you”  That my friends is the greatest reward of all.

Sending you energy of health, happiness, prosperity

Steve Pohlit

Business Consulting, Executive Coach
Turnaround/Crisis Management
Temporary CEO, CFO, Controller Services
International Business Resources

Social Media Services
New Digital Media, Inc.

727-587-7871
Email

About: Steve Pohlit is a CPA,MBA and has been the CFO of several major domestic and international companies.  Steve is a business owner and an expert business consultant focused on building profits and net asset value. He is very experienced with Internet marketing and social media marketing.  All articles published by Steve unless specifically restricted may be freely published with this resource information.

In 2006, author Bob Scheinfeld published a book titled: Busting Loose From The Money Game.  I purchased the book based on the recommendation from another admired author and read it once  over the course of about a week.  I then went back and read it more closely, made notes, highlighted sections in yellow. In short I really studied this book.

I had not been exposed to most of the information in that book to that point.  I was very skeptical even after studying it in-depth. This was because the concepts were so different from anything I had imagined.  However, I found a part of me saying it made a lot of sense.

Over the subsequent three years,  I have learned that Busting Loose From The Money Game was based on what is known by scientists as the discipline of Quantum Physics.  During this time the movie The Secret was released. There has been a growing awareness of The Law of Attraction.  Quantum Physics  supports The Law of Attraction.

Here is a real life example from personal experience. If you have followed the articles published in this blog you know I have a lot of very valuable business experience.  I use this experience to  help companies improve their business performance and in some cases help them if they find themselves in a difficult situation (business turnaround consulting).

When I was near graduating from college I decided that I wanted to be a CPA and work with one of the Big 8 (at the time) firms. I visualized that experience as best I could, I interviewed with a few firms and I was not hired…then.  I ultimately relaxed that idea, but I did become a CPA and also went on to earn my MBA. Both were credentials I decided I wanted to have because one day I wanted an executive position and be in the board room running a large business. I felt those credential would help.

I was relentless on that idea. I felt certain it would happen.  Nine years after I was not offered a job with one of the Big 8, the number one firm in the world hired me . I went on to have a marvelous experience there for 10 years.  I left and went right to being a senior executive of a $360 million company.  I was in the board room with several other senior people running that company.  There is a lot more to this story including some of the near total disasters I experienced but the point is I attracted that which I was focused on consciously or otherwise.  That is The Law of Attraction.  ”Like attracts like”.

Today in business and in all areas of my life I am continually creating the picture that I want to have appear.  Now if you asked my most recent client how that turned out they would say not very well.  I would say one chapter is closed and another is beginning.  Soon I will prepare another article on change and surprises. For now I say to you,  The Law of Attraction works perfectly all the time.  The problem comes in when the outcome isn’t like we thought it would be. Sometimes the outcome is much better and sometimes it isn’t.

In the situation I just finished, the bank decided it was in their best interest to liquidate the company.  There is no way on this planet in my lifetime I thought I would  understand the bank’s position given the alternative solutions presented to them. However, Bill Bartman’s latest book “Bailout Riches” offers answers.  Do you see I was asking questions and I attracted answers.  Not only that,  but I attracted  an opportunity to profit from the current conditions should I pursue what Bill suggests. I don’t think I will but you can.

I love understanding and increasing my connections with that which I intend to attract.  I love sharing what my experiences and insight on these topics.  Nearly a year ago I had an idea of how I could blend my passion for The Law of Attraction with my experience and skill set in business and particularly the consulting arena.  Shortly thereafter, a number of things began to fall in place and today I have along with my business partner have growing business based on The Law of Attraction. That business is Manifest Mastermind.  What is most important I work on what I love and some people like it enough to stay as paying members.  How cool is that?

My purpose has been to give you a glimpse as to why I immediately purchased Bob Scheinfeld’s latest book: “Busting Loose From The Business Game”  I have not read it as I just order it today.  I encourage you to order it and for transparency purposes I am not an affiliate and Bob hasn’t asked me to write this and certainly hasn’t paid me any money to do so.  For the record I am not opposed to being paid .

I know this  book will have  as much influence on me as the first one I read and I am excited about all the possibilities.

Here is the link and if you decide to order, please tell Bob that you heard about it from Steve Pohlit.
<http://www.bustingloosefromthebusinessgame.com/opportunity.html>

Sharing with all my readers the energy of peace, happiness and abundance

Steve Pohlit, Expert Business Consulting

IR Consulting, Inc.

Email Me, Steve Pohlit to schedule A No Obligation Consultation On Building Your Business Profits.Need more customers? Let’s discuss how to use cutting edge Social Media Marketing in the revenue building cycle of your business to drive your profits sky high. If  your company is not growing revenue and profits,  if your company is not cash flow positive Click Here for more information about Turnaround Consulting Services for Business In Crisis

FREE Report:
How To Increase Business Profits by 30% or More in 90 Days or Less

When asked: what is the number one key success factor for business success?  The responses often are:

• A hungrey market with money
• Cash
• An effective business plan
• Management control system
• Experienced leadership
• etc.

There are many factors that contribute to a thriving business over time. I have led business consulting clients through all the primary steps necessary to operate a successful business.  Even after sometimes many months of work with very clear guidance, I have observed intelligent, experienced business people miss the profit mark and in some cases destroy what should be a successful business.

Personally, I have experienced successes and failures. Successes were not always sustained and failures were swift. In evaluating my own experiences and those of many other companies where I have had direct contact as an auditor with Arthur Andersen, CFO of several very large companies, business consultant  to companies ranging from small to large or as an entrepreneur, I discovered the key.

This key is present in every success story and absent in most failures. This key is the part of the reason for the idea of Manifest Mastermind  . Together with my business partner Manifest Mastermind was launched a week ago.  The first step we guide members to completing in the Manifest Mastermind process is having a clear definintion of what you want. I know a lot of life coaches and consultants start with that. Keep reading.

Most people when asked what they want start with a list that includes, more money, a new car, better home, financial freedom, improved relationships, vibrant health and so on.  But when challenged as to why they want the things they describe, the list sometimes changes.  On the topic of money, business people think in terms of revenue and profit milestones.  I have started nearly every consulting engagement with establishing a clear definition of the revenue and profit goals for the next year. But there is more to it.

While I am certainly not ignoring monetary and other metrics, I have expanded my  focus on what it is the business leadership really wants. Here is the key that I feel is most important:

Are you in alignment with the purpose of your business?

If your goal is money, you may realize your goal and not be happy.  So what is the point of the money? Or maybe your goal is money but the demands weakens your health. So what’s the point of the money? It is very clear that money, relationships and health are all interrelated.  If one is out of balance the other suffers. Alignment is the key.

Do you know anyone who really does not like their job? They are making money but how is their life and what effect does this have on their health and those around them?  What effect does this have on their spouse, partner, children? 

Do you  know anyone who is not making money and struggling financially?  That is a tough situation and most people in that situation have a single minded purpose which is to make money without regard to how happy they will be when the money is flowing. If they pursue just the money then often end up in the same pattern.

If you are in a less than successful pattern, it is wise to move out of that pattern. It starts with awareness, definition of purpose and associating with like minded people and masterminding for goal achievement.  That is what I have found to be true for me and others joining the Manifest Mastermind process.

You are invited to our free course and most welcome. Click Here 

Sharing with all my readers the energy of peace, happiness and abundance

Steve Pohlit,
The Profit Expert
www.StevePohlit.com

Network with me on Facebook: LinkedIn: Follow me on Twitter

Steve is the President of International Business Consulting Resources. His firm specializes in guiding companies to rapid increases in revenue and profits with a sustainable growth rate. Don’t miss my FREE Report: How To Make More Money With Your Business Now and Long Term I am building my practice and welcome new client inquiries. Call me for a fee consultation at 727-587-7871

This report may be freely distributed without restrictions with the original content including this resource box remaining unchanged. Author: Steve Pohlit, Business Consulting Services, Executive Coaching, please visit www.stevepohlit.com

PS. My doors are open for new clients and referrals are well compensated.

In doing research for my current business development project which will demonstrate the power of social media I discovered what seems to be a really cool tip for those looking for a job.  I found this tip on the very popular blog Mashable and here it is from Eric Pender

If you are a subscriber to any business or marketing content email mail lists you know that every marketing person who has ever read a business book,  walked in a bookstore, or touched the coat of an expert is coming out with headlines appealing to the fear that appears to be pervasive in the marketplace.  Let’s take a look at some of the headlines appearing in my email box recently:

Subject Lines In My Email Box – A Small Sampling

What Is Your Economic Bailout Plan?

Steve, Annihilate The Rat Race

Turn Recession Into Prosperity

Just Follow This and You Will Make Money

Stop The Roller Coaster, I Want Off

Steve, How To Prosper In These Perilous Times

Recession Survival

Melt Down,  What Melt Down?

Discover The Secret of Staggering Entrepreneurial  Success

Everyone has a story that includes successes and failures.  However only a few have experience that is valuable for others.  Select coaches, advisers, consultants based on what they have done in their own business and not just based on what they say they have done for others.

I purchased my first company in the mid 90′s.  It was a chain of drug stores in Tampa Bay with revenues of $50 million.  There were more valuable experiences gained from being an owner for two years before it was sold that in my entire business career up to that point.

Soon after, I started an Internet Service Provider company and while doing that “pushed the experience envelope” in quite a few areas.  I learned what can happen if  you are juggling too much and assuming all is well.  Can you feel that all did not go well?

Listen to those people who have experience with your business issues.  They do not have to be an expert with your product or service. They must be an expert in helping you move forward whether that be marketing programs,  organizational development, pipeline management, technology….whatever the areas that need the most attention.  The best advisers are those who have a very clear grasp on your business model and quickly see the “A Priority” opportunities that can be moved on to realize maximum benefit quickly. You will not find this guidance “in a box” or emai. Personal attention from a person who understands and will guide your business forward and help you achieve your goals.

One starting point is to call me – Steve Pohlit 727-587-7871

Sending all my readers the energy of wellness, peace and abundance

Steve Pohlit,  www.StevePohlit.com

Network with me on Facebook: LinkedIn: Follow me on Twitter

Steve is the President of International Business Consulting Resources. His firm specializes in guiding companies to rapid increases in revenue and profits with a sustainable growth rate. Don’t miss my FREE Report: How To Make More Money With Your Business Now and Long Term I am building my practice and welcome new client inquiries. Call me for a fee consultation at 727-587-7871