Sunday, December 31, 2006

So you want to be a published author?

Over the years I have talked to thousands of people who want to become a published author, but stop short of fulfilling their dream because they either don't take the first step or they quickly become overwhelmed.

I found this blog posting on writing a book that I thought was perfect for anyone who wants to see their works published in the coming year.

http://wordshavepower.blogspot.com/2006/12/you-can-be-author.html

Happy New Year.

Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker and Author
http://www.kathleengage.com

Current Issue of Street Smarts Marketing and Promotions Ezine
http://www.turningpointpresents.com/newsletters/enewsjanuary2007.htm

Friday, December 29, 2006

Some of the best publicity tips you will find

Joan Stewart, aka The Publicity Hound, is definitely an expert. Her information is solid, works and some of the best that you will find.

Get her "best of the best" eBook officially called ”The Best of The Publicity Hound’s Tips of the Week of 2006″ ebook.

Put your 2007 publicity campaign on steroids with her special holiday gift to you. You will be glad you did.

http://tinyurl.com/yysrnk

My best to you for an incredible 2007.

Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker and Author

The Secret - Mini Version

The next few minutes may actually change the way you view your thoughts.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7171300465002057435&q=the+secret&hl=en

This is a glimpse into The Secret

Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker and Author
http://www.kathleengage.com

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Quit Singing the “Business is Slow” Blues

For some businesses, December is the busiest month of their year. For others, the slowest. Regardless of when your “slow” period is, utilize the time wisely.

Here are a few tips on building a consistent flow of business throughout the year.
When someone first uses your service, send some type of a follow up to him or her. This can be done via email or USPS. Since email is becoming so commonplace, you may want to consider an actual letter or card in order to stand out from the crowd. Do this when appropriate.

Additionally, if you have a slump in business take that time to call clients/customers in your database. Recently I stopped into a pet store I get my supplies from and have my dogs groomed at. The groomer was frustrated because several people had made appointments for that day and didn’t show up. What her customers may not realize is that if they don’t show, she doesn’t make money. I asked if there was a system in place to assure a higher rate of people showing. As I suspected, there wasn’t.

My suggestions were as follows:
1. Require a 50% deposit when the person makes the appointment. No shows forfeit the deposit. It will only take once before people realize they need to be certain when setting the appointment. A simple explanation to someone who is doesn’t want to put a deposit down should take care of the situation. If someone refuses to put down a deposit you may not want to do business with them. It is about setting appropriate business boundaries.

2. After the appointment, send a thank you card to the pet – of course addressed to the c/o the owner. This is not a common practice so the groomer will suddenly become someone who cares about your pet rather than someone who simply grooms the pet. And by sending the card to the pet you add a pinch of humor and difference in a way that the owner may show his or her friends because it is so unique.

3. When business is slow, pull out the past and current client list. Get on the phone and let people know that the holiday season tends to fill up rapidly. A dialogue such as, “Hi Mary, I notice that Max is due for a grooming. We tend to get very busy this time of year and I want to make sure you are able to get an appointment. Let’s go ahead and book you for one right now? Great, let me go ahead and get your credit card number so we can take care of your deposit on that. Thanks and see you on _____.

4. Each day, spend a few minutes going through the booked appointments for the following few days and make a quick call to remind people of their pet’s appointment. You will be amazed at how this will reduce the no shows.
You say you don’t have a pet store and grooming services. No problem. Think about what you just read and how it might apply to your business.

In these changing times, it is up to you to be as flexible and creative as possible. Instead of singing the “Business is Slow” blues, take advantage of slow times to keep in touch with your customers and clients. You will be amazed at the results.

Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker and Author

So you want to be a professional speaker?

Lots of people have the dream of getting paid to do presentations, yet they have no idea where to begin.

My business associate and co-author, Lori Giovannoni has developed an informative, content driven ebook that is a great resource for anyone interested in the speaking profession.

Visit http://www.lorigiovannoni.com/professionalspeaker.htm to download it this easy to read resource by a 20+ year veteran. Lori Giovannoni is an award-winning professional speaker and bestselling author.

http://www.lorigiovannoni.com/professionalspeaker.htm

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Creating the Wealth Mindset

FREE Teleconference
Creating the Wealth Mindset
featuring Amy Scott Grant
Hosted by Kathleen Gage
Thursday, January 4, 2007
5-6 P.M. PST

If you are ready to learn principles of success and abundance that really work join Bestselling Author, Kathleen Gage for this one time call as she interviews Success Coach and Author Amy Scott Grant

Discover How to Have the Most Incredibly Successful 2007 ever!


Start the New Year off right!
Discover what’s been holding you back from earning the income level you truly desire

Find out why the majority of people actually repel money away from them with this one word.

Learn proven techniques for raising your “deservability” level

Increase your ability to receive

Gain enhanced peace of mind by ending your struggles with money

This call is FREE but seaint is VERY limited. Register today.
http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/Abundancecall.htm

Your success is more than your marketing

My friend and colleague, Kevin Eikenberry, has an excellent article in his current issue of Unleash Your Power. Kevin's insights are outstanding and I would recommend you subscribe to his online newsletter at http://www.kevineikenberry.com/

My best to your for your continued success
Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker and Author


Unleash Your Potential
Issue 3.52 - December 26, 2006 - ISSN: 1551-6571

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In Kevin's Own Words

Seven Ways to Improve Your Professional Results
by Kevin Eikenberry

While success certainly does not come from a checklist, we all can use checklists to remind ourselves of ways we can achieve more. And who doesn’t want to ‘resolve’ to achieve more, especially this time of year?

As you are looking forward and thinking about how you can make year-end 2007 even better than year-end 2006, here are seven specific tactics that address seven specific areas of our professional lives. Each of these tactics, when applied, can have a massive, positive impact on your professional happiness, satisfaction and success.

The Seven Ways

1. Create more energy in your life. The starting point for greater results is greater energy. Greater energy will allow you to be more productive and is required to apply any of the other tactics on this list. Coincidentally, energy often is cited as a major reason why people don't make positive change in their professional life as well. Three simple suggestions will get you on the path to greater energy:

eat better – consume healthier, more natural foods in smaller quantities;
exercise more – build your stamina and strength; and
sleep smarter – develop a “sleep routine” to ensure you get enough sleep to be alert and positive each day.

2. Commit to better working relationships. While we are typically hired for, or select our work based on, our technical competence, more often our success is defined by our interpersonal skills. Make the commitment to improving your working relationships. A quick reflection on your strengths and white spots in his area will reveal where you need to start. Improving your working relationships doesn't mean finding a best friend at work (although there's nothing wrong with that), but it does mean building relationships that create greater communication, connection and support.

3. Project a contagious, positive attitude. A positive attitude is contagious! (So is the alternative.) Ask yourself which attitude you want to promote in your workplace. Making the choice to be more positive, supportive and enthusiastic will make a huge difference in your productivity and will positively impact the productivity of those around you too.

4. Talk less, listen more. Nearly everyone will benefit professionally by this advice. Talking less and listening more will improve communication with customers, colleagues and everyone else. The value of this tactic cannot be overestimated.

5. Mentor someone. Make the time to help and support someone else on their professional development path. It might be someone in your department or in your organization, or someone external. In any case, you will be helping another person succeed by benefiting from your experience. At the same time, you will benefit greatly from the experience as well. The process of mentoring someone else will help you reflect on your own advice and help you reinforce those techniques and approaches within your own work as well.

6. Keep a journal. A journal is an amazing learning tool! It can be electronic, in your day planner, on a steno pad, in a dedicated book of your choice, or anywhere else you choose. Where you journal is less important than that you journal. Use your journal to jot down key ideas to refresh your memory, new ideas you want to capture, lists of the books you want to read, a list of the books you have read, a list of your goals – you get the idea. A journal is a tool for reflection and forward thinking that can become one of the most valuable development habits you'll ever create.

7. Set a big goal. Simply setting a goal would be a good tactic, but setting a big goal is a better tactic. Your goal can be related to one of the areas above, it can be about other skill development, or it could be related to a promotion. Your goal could be a financial one, or it could be something totally unrelated. Whatever it is, setting it provides you greater focus and raises your intention for success. But make it big. Stretch yourself beyond where you think you ‘should’ be to believe something big is worthy of your plans and then do it!

Reflecting on the Seven Ways

I brainstormed a list of far more than seven tactics before I pared it back to this final seven. My observation of the longer list, and of this final list, is that two themes prevail: relationships and learning.

Even if you forget my specific tactics, please remember that taking steps to build your working relationships and to be a continual learner will always result in significant and satisfying professional (and personal) development.

Here are two more observations about the seven tactics I’ve suggested – none of them have to cost any money, and all of them can be implemented right now, by making a choice to do so.

This should leave nothing in your way – there is no cost, no equipment or technology to acquire, and no specialized skills to master. The only thing these tactics require is your decision to implement them.

And there will never be a better time than right now.

Friday, December 22, 2006

Do you know what your market wants?

Before investing a lot of time and effort developing products, you absolutely must find out what your market wants. Far too often, people develop a product without finding out if their market is really "hungry" for the information. Then they are surprised when their "Million Dollar Idea" doesn't make any money.

When you can find an unserved or underserved need that your market has you are on track.

If you don't know what your market wants, ask.

Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker and Author
http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

What are the laws around Can Spam?

Most people have heard there are laws about spam emailing. Yet, many have no clue what the laws are.

To get a very detailed overview go to http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/canspam.htm

Friday, December 15, 2006

Keep it fresh

If you want people to visit your site on a regular basis, you must make it "sticky". One way to do that is have fresh content.

Regularly updating information can be time consuming. Time you may not have. One way to add fresh content is through a free resource called Fresh Content.

With a simple Java Script that you add to you page, you can be off and running with fresh content that is updated on a regular basis.

http://www.freshcontent.net

Take a look to see if this is something that would benefit you.

My best
Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker and Author
www.kathleengage.com
Marketing Trainer
Women's achievement speaker

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Resources for teleconferences

Teleconferences are fast becoming one of the most valuable market strategies you can use to increase your market position, your opt-in subscriber list and your profit margins. You can quickly become known as an expert in your field and with your market through the power of teleconferences.

With the right marketing strategies you can have hundreds of people register for your calls with very little out of pocket money.

Additionally, hosting a call does not have to be a costly venture. You will need a reliable bridge line.

There are a number of free services for bridge line.

Here are two:

http://www.freeconferencecall.com
http://www.freeaudioconferencing.com/

It is a good idea to record your call. This provides you the opportunity to send the link to the recording to anyone who could not make it on the call. Many of the conference services provide recording opportunities.

To record your own call you can use a recording device from your computer or you can use a service like http://www.audioacrobat.com/

If you have not yet utilized the power of Teleconferences this may be a perfect time to begin.

My best
Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker and Author
www.kathleengage.com
Marketing Trainer
Women's achievement speaker

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Google alerts can alert you to great information

To find out what is going on in your industry or field you can get daily updates by seeing up a Google Alerts notification.

You can also find out when information about you is being posted on the Internet.

Simply go to http://www.google.com/alerts to set up the notification.

If you want to narrow the search put " " marks around the topic or subject matter.

For example to find out what is being posted on Kathleen Gage I simply set it up to send me the information by keying in "Kathleen Gage"

Under type, I put Comprehensive
Under how often, I put daily. If you put as it happens you may be overwhelmed with the amount of information you receive.

My best
Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker and Author
www.kathleengage.com
Marketing Trainer
Women's achievement speaker

Keys To Knowing Your Market

Recently, I facilitated a workshop on how to market a business. I asked participants who their market is. Many responded with, “Everyone!” I’ve got news for you, not everyone is your market. If this is your thinking you are headed for trouble – double time. No business can be all things to all people. You will do better to think in terms of expanding your ability to reach specific customers and satisfy their particular needs.

Although marketing does involve a great deal of creativity, it also requires incredible logic and systems. Unfortunately, many people focus primarily on the creativity with little, if any, logic. Prior to investing too much time or money on your marketing and PR, it is essential to understand who you will be marketing to. You can save countless hours of frustration and vast amounts of money by being clear on who wants to buy your product or service, how they want to buy and where they are.

Regardless of what your product or service is, you must identify your customers and understand as much as possible about what they want and why they would do business with you. Ask yourself the following questions:

Why would they do business with you?

What is the benefit you bring to them?

What makes you unique?

Who are they?

Where do they live?

Where do they hang out?

The process of finding your customers/clients doesn’t have to be difficult, nor does it need to cost a lot of money. However, it does require that you find out as much as you can about who they are. The more you know the more focused your marketing efforts can be. The more focused your efforts, the better your outcome.

Demographics - Who are they? The place to begin is to analyze your current customer base. Describe them. What is their income level? What are their interests? What encouraged them to buy from you? What publications do they read? What associations do they belong to? What charities are they involved with? How old are they? What is their marital status? Are they of an alternative lifestyle? Where do they live and what area of town do they live in? How do they like to spend their spare time? What are their hobbies? What are their spending habits? Where do they go on vacation? How do they like information communicated to them?

Another thing to consider is their generation. In other words, are they the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Y Generation or the Millennium Generation?

For example, Generation X people were born from 1961 – 1981, their ages range from 20 – 34 or 35. There are approximately 93 million people in this age group. They have the remote in one hand a mouse in the other. They spend $125 billion annually eating out, buying clothes, and taking vacations. They are creative, techno savvy, independent, and energetic when tapped into their passion.

The Silent Generation in America was born between 1925 and 1942. Over half this group is retired at this point. By 2010 there will be few, if any, of this generation in command of an industry. They will mostly have gone well into more silence. Depending on their financial status will determine their spending habits.

What cultural influences do your customers have? Are they extremely wed to the Internet or do they prefer to read newspapers? Do they have an active lifestyle or is their idea of a lot of activity getting up to change the channel on television rather than use the remote? Are they bilingual and bicultural? The answers are key in determining how to market to them.

Customer needs – Consider reasons people buy your product or service. For example, if they are going to purchase a car, what is the motivating factor for them? Are they interested in the features or the benefits? Features would be the tires, gas mileage, size of engine, air bags, etc. Benefits would include things like low risk of harm coming to you or your loved ones due to the type of tires you have. Another benefit could be the money you can spend on other things due the savings you will realize because of great gas mileage. Another benefit could be a feeling of power due to the size of the engine.

Geographic region – Where does you target market live? Based on geographic region, what are their lifestyle habits? For example, if they live in an extremely cold climate, their level and type of outdoor activity will be different than someone who lives in a warmer climate.

These are just some of the areas you will want to consider as you develop a marketing campaign. Again, the more you know about your customer and target market, the more efficient your campaign can be. And the more efficient the campaign, the more cost effective.

Kathleen Gage is a bestselling author, keynote speaker and corporate trainer who works with individuals and organizations who want to increase their market position, sales and level of achievement. Access her free ebook STREET SMARTS EMARKETING Click http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/free-ebook.htm

Saturday, December 09, 2006

Invest in Your Development

Wherever you look there are free resources on just about any
topic you can obtain. With enough time and effort you can find
just about anything for free. Fact is, although you may think
you are saving money, you may be wasting countless hours
searching for something you would be better off paying for.
It's really a matter of what your time is worth.

As you grow your business, whether it be a brick and mortar or
an Internet based business, evaluate your ROI – return on
investment for time spent trying to save a few dollars. You may
find you are actually losing money for all the time spent to
save a few bucks.

Most successful business professionals invest heavily into
their professional development. They know the importance of
continually staying on the leading edge of their industry. And they are
willing to pay for it.

Getting traffic to your blog

I found an excellent resource on how to get traffic to your blog. As with anything, driving traffic is a proactive process.

Read more at

http://paulstamatiou.com/2005/11/03/how-to-boost-your-blog-traffic/

My best to you for your continued success

Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Marketer and Speaker

Saturday, December 02, 2006

December Issue of Street Smarts Marketing Ezine Ready

Enjoy lots of free gifts and bonuses in my December issue of Street Smarts Marketing Newsletter.

http://www.turningpointpresents.com/newsletters/enewsdecember2006.htm

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Write, Publish and Market a Book with no out of pocket money

Discover how to Write, Publish and Market a Book with No Out of Pocket Expense

Do you want to write a book, but don't know where to start?

Wondering what it takes to get your book published?

Confused about how to effectively market your book?

Not sure how you will fund a book campaign?

If you answered Yes to any of these questions, join me on

Wednesday, November 29, 2006
5 - 6 p.m. PST

for a FREE Teleconference

Very limited space. sign up now!

http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/teleconferencespeakers.htm

Discover how to write, market and publish a book with no out of pocket expense

Learn proven strategies to complete a manuscript in 60 - 90 days

Discover how to sell thousands of dollars worth of books before your book is even published

Find out the amazing benefits to self-publishing your book

Learn the benefits of publishing both hard copy books and eBooks

Learn about the power and profit that comes from being an established author in your market

An interview of a different type

I had the opportunity to be interviewed by Amy Scott Grant for the 99 Ways to Wealth website. This interview has nothing to do with marketing and everything to do with my spirit.

Enjoy

http://99waystowealth.com/kg_intvu.html

Kathleen Gage

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Join me for a teleconference on Internet Marketing

If you are looking for effective, tried and true ways of utilizing the Internet in your overall marketing then you will want to join me on November 15, 2006 for a one hour session called Making Money with the Internet.

http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/teleconferenceOR.htm

This will be a very content filled hour.

Kathleen Gage

Monday, August 14, 2006

Visibility Creates Credibility

The more visible you are within your target market, the more credibility you create. Familiarity breeds credibility. Key here is to be very clear on who your target market is. It is easier and more cost effective to create visibility within a target market than it is to be all things to all people. As the saying goes, “If everyone is your market, then no one is your market.”

Take time to determine specifically who your market is and who you would ideally like to do business with. The clearer you become, the more business you attract and the more enjoyable that business becomes.

Kathleen Gage
http://www.kathleengage.com

Saturday, August 12, 2006

Roses from my garden


Making Money with the Internet


Have you ever wondered if you can really make money using the Internet. Yes! You can. But it is a process and it takes time and skill. Yet, even if you have no knowledge right now you can learn.

Join me on Thursday, August 17, 2006 for my FREE teleconference Making Money with the Internet.

http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/teleconferenceOR.htm

Find out how I became an Amazon.com bestselling author in less than 24 hours.

Joint Venture Partnerships Increase Book Sales

A great way to sell lots of books through Amazon is to develop Joint Venture Partnerships with a cross-section of experts. Each expert offers bonus products to those who buy your book. Partners also agree to send out a message on a specific day via email, blogs, or Ezines encouraging their readers to visit a webpage to purchase your book and enjoy the bonus gifts. Bonus products can be eBooks, teleconferences, MP3 files or anything that is electronically accessed after the purchase. Once the book is purchased, buyers are given a special link with all the offers. They pick and choose according to their needs and interest. Buyers will most likely be required to fill out a download form with their name and email address for any of the gifts they choose. The benefit to you in this type of campaign is other experts are helping to spread the word about your book. The benefit to your Joint Venture Partners is they gain visibility to thousands of other people and increase their database numbers with qualified leads from those who download their offer.

Learn more about this strategy during my free teleconference, Making Money With the Internet, Thursday August 17, 2006 Visit http://www.http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/teleconferenceOR.htm to learn more and to register.

Saturday, August 05, 2006

Discover Insider Secrets to Making Money with the Internet! FREE Teleconference

Success strategies for Entrepreneurs, Professional Speakers, Authors and Consultants.

Thursday August 17, 2006
4 - 5 p.m. PST

FREE Teleseminar

Very limited spaces. sign up now!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Discover how to drive highly qualified traffic to your website

Find out how to turn visitors into paying customers

Learn strategies to instantly become known as an expert in your market

Discover 3 surefire no-cost ways to market on the Net

Understand the incredible power and profit from high visibility on the Internet

Register Now - http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/teleconferenceOR.htm

The Relocation Market Could Be a Goldmine for Your Business

With my recent move from Utah to Oregon, I had the opportunity to experience marketing from a powerful perspective: a consumer in need of numerous products and services. As I have been settling in, I realize what an incredible opportunity this is for countless businesses to increase revenues by tapping into the relocation market. Sadly, not many companies take full advantage of what could literally be a goldmine to their business.

Depending on the location of the move, some of the consumer needs may include: an accountant, carpenter, dentist, doctor, electrician, financial planner, gym, hair and nail salon, health food store, insurance agent, landscaper and plumber just to name a few. More and more people are moving hundreds, if not thousands of miles.

Ask yourself this question: “Is it a wise business decision to tap into the ever increasing mobility of consumers or is it better to let this segment of the buying public pass me by?”

I have been intrigued by my own process of selecting potential vendors and my decision to either do business with them or not during my move.

Admittedly, I chose to initially call various vendors based on the different marketing strategies they used. This reinforced the understanding that there is not one particular way to market. Some businesses will benefit from a strong Internet presence, coupons, yellow page ads, newspaper ads, television and/or direct mail, while others will greatly benefit from building a strong referral network.

Once I put an offer in on my new home, I needed to find an insurance agent. The process was made simple by doing a web search for someone within the same insurance company we have been with for decades. I found the name and number of an agent in Eugene, called her and immediately realized this might be someone I would be happy to do business with.

Not only did Christine Dambach of Farmer’s Insurance in Eugene answer all my insurance questions, she inquired as to other needs I had in moving to a completely unfamiliar area. Within a few hours she emailed me a lot of great information. The names and numbers of these companies and individuals definitely made the transition easier.

I found that her level of service is far superior to just about any vendor I have done business with. Not only did she help us before we made our move, she also made arrangements for a welcome gift basket to be waiting for us upon arrival at our new location. That completely surprised me and made me realize I made a great choice in selecting her.

Our new home is a 1938 farmhouse sitting on several acres. The home has a very distinct personality. My goal is to keep any upgrades and improvements in theme with the era and character.

As vendor after vendor bid on jobs, some were very aware of this fact, while others totally ignored this essential piece of information. Our fence builder, Folsom Family Construction, paid close attention to the look and feel of the fence matching our vision. Another builder completely ignored the era of the home and drew up plans for a very modern deck and barn. Although they were beautiful ideas, it did not fit the theme we wanted. For this reason we went with another vendor for the deck.

The company that we hired to install the indoor window coverings didn’t miss a beat as they stayed within our theme. They paid more attention to what our desires were than any of the three companies who bid on the job. And in doing so, we made a purchase that was greater than we had originally intended.

The common thread tying all of this together is that the vendors I ended up choosing all kept in mind what my needs were and chose the product or services they offered that would best match that need.

As you think about your customers’ needs are you paying attention to what they are conveying, whether verbally or not? Are you matching your services with their needs? When dealing with prospects and clients keep in mind that it is what is important to them, not to you. If what they want and what you offer is a match, it is very likely you will get their business.

Kathleen Gage is a bestselling author, keynote speaker and coach working with people who want to gain massive visibility on the Internet. Access Gage’s FREE eBook Street Smarts eMarketing Tips Guaranteed to Jump Start Your Internet Presence to Put You Miles Ahead of the Competition at http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/free-ebook.htm

Thursday, July 13, 2006

What Would it Take for Your Clients to Sing Your Praise?

One of the most effective ways to build your business is when others willingly promote you and your company. A recommendation from a trusted colleague, friend or family member can do wonders to increase revenues while keeping advertising, promotions and overall marketing costs down.

Regardless of your industry, service or product, your job is to create an experience that the client feels good about. People feel good when they are treated according to their own standards rather than someone else’s. When people feel good they tend to tell others.

When someone decides to do business with you, there are often many assumptions they make in regards to the level of service, communication, follow up and response time you offer. Your job is to find out what the client wants and what will make them happy. Many deals have gone sour due to misunderstandings that could have easily been avoided by knowing their client’s expectations.

Two great examples come from my recent decision to relocate. Although I dealt with several vendors throughout the process, these two in particular are worth sharing about.

My decision to hire my realtor, Darlene Dipo of Distinctive Properties, was based on a number of factors: her reputation, respect of others, how she treats her staff and her level of expertise and skill. I have never doubted my decision for a minute.

Not only did she meet my expectations, she exceeded them. She addressed common concerns a home seller has as well as addressing some I didn’t even think about. She kept me fully informed throughout the process of listing my home, finding a buyer, signing the papers, and closing the deal. It was the smoothest home selling experience I could imagine.

Once my home was sold (which took only 3 days), it was time to arrange for movers. I wanted a vendor who would take a personal interest in my move. Within days of my home being listed, I received postcards from several moving companies. I called three.

The first moving company sales rep arrived late for his appointment. Not a good start. Regardless, we had a very nice chat, his prices met my expectation, and he seemed to think he could handle the job. He never called back after the initial visit so he lost my business.

The second company took my information over the phone then sent me a bid via email. Not once did they visit me to see what I was moving. I did not receive a follow up call. Their pricing was similar to the first company and yet, with so little personal contact, my decision was not to use their services either.

The third company surpassed my expectations from the start. Doug Shell of Sugarhouse Bekins was punctual; he didn’t rush through reviewing the details of the move; he addressed my concerns in a very sincere fashion and left me a full information package with a checklist of how to make my move easier. He called the following day to thank me for my time and answer any other questions.

A few days later he called to find out how things were going and let me know he would really like to do business with me. His question was, “What would I need to do to earn your business?”

I set another appointment with him to make sure I was making the correct choice and this meeting was as positive as the first. With his personal attention, his true desire to work with me, and his attention to detail, I chose to give him the business.

What made the difference in selecting both Darlene and Doug to do business with is their willingness to find out what my expectations were, answer all my questions, provide me with information requested, return calls and show up when they said they would and their follow up. If someone asked me for a referral to a great realtor or moving company, you can be sure they will be on the top of my list.

When I asked both Doug and Darlene how business is, both told me they are doing extremely well. It doesn’t surprise me. After all, I wonder how many of their overly satisfied clients are telling others that they are the ones to do business with.

What are your clients saying about you?

Kathleen Gage is an author, keynote speaker and trainer who works with organizations who want to increase their market position, sales and level of achievement by going beyond the obvious. Visit www.kathleengage.com

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Law of Achievement Reaches #6 and climbing on Amazon

Did you know that at 211 degrees water is hot. At 212 degrees it boils. When water boils it creates steam and steam can power a train. A one degree difference can make all the difference.

The reason I share this with you is to let you know The Law of Achievement is within one degree of becoming the #1 best seller on Amazon.com today. It just reached best seller status by hitting #6 on Amazon.com. Yet, it is within one degree of reaching #1 best seller status. Which means even one book purchase can make a huge difference.

If you have already ordered your copy thank you very much. Both Lori and I appreciate it.

If you have not yet ordered the book you still have time to take advantage of all the bonus gifts (over ten thousand dollars worth) you will receive with your purchase and help us reach #1!

Thank you for helping us to reach our goal of raising lots of money for the Reading Rally and taking our book to #1.

http://www.lawofachievement.com/special.htm

Please forward this message to others so they too can get their own copy of The Law of Achievement and enjoy all the great bonuses.

With heartfelt appreciation.

Kathleen Gage and Lori Giovannoni

Big Announcement from Kathleen Gage

Today is a VERY exciting day! Today is the day Lori Giovanonni and I launch our newest book, The Law of Achievement: Discover Your Purpose, Possibility and Potential.

How the book came into existence is really a miracle as you will read when you click on the link below.

When you buy it today, May 2nd, you get lots of FR.EE bonus gifts from experts around the globe worth thousands of dollars.

http://www.lawofachievement.com/special.htm

You are invited to purchase your own copy. It would mean the world to both Lori and I if you did get a copy or two or three or ten. Again, when you read how the book came to be you will understand why we are asking for your support on this.

Not only do we think the books creation is a miracle, what it can do is also a miracle.

For each book we sell we are donating a portion of the sale to a program called The Reading Rally which promotes reading and literacy in young people. Our dream is to take the book to #1 on the charts and raise lots of money for the Reading Rally. With your support we can do this.

I have a big, big, big favor to ask you. After you get your copy can you send the link below to your friends, associates, co-workers, and customers who may want to get a copy of their own? We could really use your help in spreading the word about the book.

http://www.lawofachievement.com/special.htm

With heartfelt appreciation,

Kathleen Gage

Saturday, April 15, 2006

New book soon to be released

On May 2, 2006 my newest book, The Law of Achievement, will be released.

Here's a bit about the book:

The Law of Achievement offers a rare look into what it really means to discover your purpose, possibility and potential.

Authors Kathleen Gage and Lori Giovannoni dare to reveal uncommon and rarely explored philosophies in this unique book. Having been driven by the traditional measurements of success, Kathleen and Lori have discovered the counter-intuitive laws of achievement that had been brewing in their consciousness for years.

The catalyst for writing this book was a life changing experience for both authors that forever shifted their perception of success.

Both Gage and Giovannoni have been sharing these philosophies for decades at conferences and conventions throughout the world. Now you can enjoy the same insights that have been thrilling audiences for years.

The Laws of Achievement appeals to all walks of life, expanding the concept of achievement beyond the common self-help and standard business book to a personal journey of growth and success. With a relaxed style and gentle approach, the authors offer a way to success that allows for nurturance and safety in the process.

The Law of Achievement offers the burned out and over-burdened reader the opportunity to be lit up and ready to engage in life once again.

Monday, March 27, 2006

AUTHOR 101 UNIVERSITY

AUTHOR 101 UNIVERSITY

May 18 in Washington DC

AUTHOR 101 UNIVERSITY is the place to be if you're an author, publisher or aspiring author. You'll hear top publishing and marketing experts reveal tools and techniques to get your book published and double or triple your income as an author or publisher.

The amazing Mark Victor Hansen will be the MC of the event. You know Mark---
right--- the guy who has sold over 100 million 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' books with Jack Canfield! You want to learn how to sell books- LEARN FROM MARK! We will also have 5 other speakers- AND a Publishing Panel of publishers, agents, and editors that you can meet and talk with. This is going to be an amazing event and it is going to sell out fast. Your registration also fee entitles you to attend the after-event cocktail party - where you'll have the opportunity to meet and network with the speakers at the event plus the industry experts from the Publishing Panel and all the other attendees.

The AUTHOR 101 UNIVERSITY is priced at an incredible low price of $299. But you can get the early bird special now for only $199. Space is very limited so please don't miss out.

Go today to http://www.author101university.com?afid=376724 and get the details.

Wednesday, March 22, 2006

The Truth about Driving Qualified Traffic to Your Website

Companies large and small are constantly seeking creative, high return strategies to increase visibility on the Internet. The quest for a high ranking position seems to be a never ending process. With most people there seems to be an endless search for the one answer on how to drive traffic to their website and turn those visitors into buyers.

There are countless methods to increase your visibility and revenues. Some are tremendously effective while others are a complete waste of time and money. Some require an extremely high financial investment while others require no money, just an investment of time. The goal of any company is to convert website visitors into buyers. Before you can do this, you must create a value for them.

The first method starts with becoming a resource before you are a vendor. This means creating credibility with your potential buyers before you ever ask for the sale. Hands down, one of the best ways to accomplish this is by offering something of high perceived value at no cost to visitors from your website. This could be a white paper, a content driven report, a how-to MP3 file, or an invitation to sign up for a seminar or business briefing.

In order to access the information or sign up for the seminar, have your visitors leave their contact information. It can be simply a name and email address or full contact information. The visitor will receive your free product and you will have gained a new contact.

The question then becomes, “How do I drive qualified visitors to my site?” It’s great to offer something from your site, but as with anything, you must know how to market your site to potential buyers.

One of the most cost-effective strategies to drive qualified traffic to your site(s) is through article writing and distribution to forums, discussion groups and Ezines that are specific to your market.

The articles must be content driven, not a blatant sales piece. With most online resources you can add what is referred to as a “resource box” at the end of the article. A resource box contains 2 – 4 sentences about you with a link back to your site.

A second effective method to drive traffic to websites is with solo ads in specific locations. Rather than trying to sell something in the solo ad, offer your free resources by giving a description of the item with a link back to where they can download or register.

Solo ads are very cost-effective and work well when placed in the right publications and sites. Again, it is based on knowing your market rather than randomly placing an ad and hoping for a result.

A third effective method in generating site traffic is to participate in Joint Venture (JV) Campaigns. In JV Campaigns, one person sells a product and dozens of other people offer a valuable bonus product with the purchase.

Basically, a bonus eProduct is offered as an incentive to buy another eProduct, book, product or service. With this type of campaign each JV Partner agrees to send a message to their readers about the campaign.

In order to have access to the bonus product, customers visit a landing page where there is a description of the bonus as well as a place to leave a name and email address in order to get the bonus.

The cost is minimal and yet the market reach is incredible, often exceeding millions. Only participate in JV campaigns with people who are reputable and their product fits with your market or message.

Regardless of which strategy you use to gain opt-in subscribers you must make sure your backend marketing systems are in place. Many businesses fail to utilize the power of Internet marketing to the fullest potential because they have no backend marketing systems. To not do this is a waste of time, money and energy.

By keeping in touch with current and potential customers you build trust and name recognition. You will be recognized as a resource before you are a vendor, putting you miles ahead of the competition.

Kathleen Gage is an award winning entrepreneur, keynote speaker and corporate trainer. Get Gage's F*R*E*E eBook STREET SMARTS EMARKETING Tips Guaranteed to Jump Start Your Internet Presence to Put You Miles Ahead of the Competition! Click http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/free-ebook.htm

Saturday, March 18, 2006

More posts to come

It has been a little while since I have added anything to my blog. The reason is I have been writing my next book - The Law of Achievement. The book will be released in May, 2006. More to come.

Kathleen Gage