By now, experts agree on how a good article has become a powerful and efficient tool in online marketing. Compared to traditional forms of advertising, it is easier to do and is more cost-effective. Although web entrepreneurs recognize how articles can drive significant traffic (and later on profit) to their sites, many still don't have a clear idea on how to craft an informative and effective article that will do just that. Here then are 4 essential factors that will spice up your articles and later drive considerable income to your doorstep.
What is your intention for your business? Are you going with the flow or are you creating the current? Are you going by default or by design?
One of the key things that I have learnt about business is that a plan is vital. These were the words that my business coach continually and thankfully drummed into me. I took her advice and to my delight it rang true. I began my business with very clear goals in mind. I pursued them, worked them and fine tuned them. I had a plan and I stuck to it. The result – my business growth is exactly on track and in fact, is moving slightly faster than I initially estimated.
What I've noticed when coaching my business clients is there isn't enough intentional planning for their business. Reflect on this - the majority of people spend more time and money planning their holidays then they do planning their life or their business.
Think about the amount of hours, dedication and intent thought that goes into planning a trip. Not just any trip – a trip of a lifetime. What about a three month road trip around Europe with your partner and children? (It's been done – we did it!)
Imagine for a moment the amount of hours you would expend organising the trip. First it would begin with a dream. Then there is a decision to go for it. Then there is the reality of doing it and the commitment to pull it off. You would have to organise the house, the pets, the bills, the tickets, spending money, lease a car, organise accommodation, passports – the list would be endless.
Believe for a moment what your business would be like if you put a good deal of dedication and planning into it?
This I know - successful people build their business by design not by default. They don't just go with the flow; they are the current that creates the flow. They know what they want, decide how to get it and go for it. They have a very clear vision for what their business looks like and where it's heading.
When creating a business with intention, consider the following-
1. What's working in your business? Take some time to take a bird's eye view of what's working. It's easy to get caught up in the day to day of what has to be done, that we cease to notice what could work better. Consider a monthly review and assess your areas of strengths.
2. What's not working? The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result every time.--Albert Einstein. Make a decision to let go of what's not working. It's easy to become sentimental about your business. Learn to let go and take it as a learning curve.
3. What's possible? Start asking the question - 'what's possible?' You'd be surprised at the outcome to this question. I frequently look at ways to support others with the result of creating a 'win win' for both parties. Begin to look outside the square and you will begin to notice solutions to challenges and business opportunities that you never imagined were possible.
4. What do you need to eliminate from your business to free up your time and energy? Whenever you hear yourself saying – 'have to, got to, ought to, should or must' I encourage you to ask yourself – 'according to whom?' It's easy to get caught up in doing the right thing, the expected thing or the done thing in business. It's your business. Make decisions that are right for you and not anyone else. Remember – you're the one that has to pick up the bill at the end of the month, not your mate!
5. If money were not an issue, what would have you spring out of bed for every morning? Does your business get your heart pumped? Is it something that you are truly passionate about? Are you inspired by your business or do you need to be motivated to show up? Think about this -- when you are in a place of complete inspiration it requires no motivation. It's a 'no brainer'. You wake up and you're there. So, is your business an inspiration to you (want to) or does it require motivation (got to)? Perhaps this question will guide you in the direction your business is heading.
6. Finally, create your plan. You need to put your plan on paper otherwise it's just a good idea. There are many different ways to do this. The most obvious being a business plan. I also find it helpful to use a vision board to keep my eye on the target. I have it in my living room (my office!) on the wall where I can see it each day. It has my business targets, goals and deadlines to remind me of what is important as opposed to what is urgent.
If you act on these 6 steps your intention for your business will be fulfilled. You will become the current that generates the flow of all areas of your business. The captain of your ship!
Copyright Ludwina Dautovic 2009
Want to use this article in your e-zine or website? You can as long as you include this complete blurb with it:
Ludwina Dautovic is the director and founder of The Red Tent Woman, an organisation supporting women in small and home based businesses. They host networking events, offer business mentoring and provide online and offline resources. Ludwina specialises in low cost and innovative online marketing strategies.
The Red Tent Woman is the 2008 MCEI National Marketing Award Winner for the 'Women in Business' Category and the recipient of the 2009 Australian Home Based Business of the Year Award.
If you are looking to start your own small business or have been struggling with your existing one, then go to www.theredtentwoman.com.au now and get your free gift valued at $97.
If you have a new website or blog to promote, there are many techniques you can use and avenues to explore in order to do just that. What's the best thing about these methods? They're for free, and you'll have fun and some education too along the way. While these approaches break no new ground, I will still summarize them for you. Read on and learn the various free ways you can promote your site or blog this 2009.
