Mike Michalowicz's Blog, page 44

What’s Your Costume?

I talk a lot about standing out in order to have a successful business. One of the aspects of standing out includes how we distinguish ourselves from others. So here’s a question for you – what’s your costume?

Depending on who you are, you’re thinking one of three things: “Mike must really like Halloween”, “How did he find out I go to Comic-Con?”, or “Costume party? Sign me up!”. Whichever you are, that’s not exactly what I mean.

It’s important to be unique when establishing yourself as an authority in your industry. Seth Godin, Michael Gerber, Steve Jobs and many other successful entrepreneurs knew this and all developed their own style. You will notice I wear a vest (check out the most recent addition to my collection here!). This is my signature style, helps me stand out, and is a way for people to differentiate me from the crowd.

So go for it! Identify your costume and stand out!

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Increasing Customers with Bold Titles

Bold titles are compelling. Maybe you have a business podcast or you’re writing a business blog, book or a keynote speech. One of the first steps in building a profitable business is to attract your audience. To do that, you need to create bold, eye catching titles. A bold title that speaks to people is one of the most powerful keys to attract and increase customers.

Take this magazine cover for example. The text on the latest MIT Technology Review caught my eye through a crowd in a busy airport. On the way to my gate I took the time to dart into the newsstand and buy this magazine – ignoring all the others. Why? Because the cover instantly drew me in. The title? Heck yes! Tell me old age is over! Even more potent is the simple bold block font used for the text. It really drives their title home. OLD AGE IS OVER. Awesome! Take my money! See? They know a thing or two about increasing customers.

The world is constantly evolving and there is so much “new” to keep up with every day. How do we differentiate ourselves in this current climate to make our business stand out, increase customers and create that truly profitable business? What can we do to make them choose us? It starts with marketing and advertising, and whichever method you use, be it print or online, it’s got to be bold.

Number one tip? Keep it simple. Simple is striking. Simple sticks in a client’s mind and delivers a powerful message. Keeping it simple is one of the top trends in advertising and it’s likely not going anywhere. When creating a brand or title, keep in mind your goal is to compel an audience to become new customers and quickly, because our attention is so easily diverted by the next best, boldest thing.

This simple messaging goes for the language and design chosen for your title. Let’s face it, a long title in cursive isn’t something people will slow down to read and contemplate as they’re speed walking to their gate. The covers of my books (Fix This Next, Profit First, Clockwork, The Pumpkin Plan, Surge and The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur) are eye catching with bold text and design directly related to those titles. When naming your work, it’s important that it is representative of you and what your business stands for. At the same time, it needs to be a stamp, a quick and convincing message, that says you’re a profitable business and that the customer, in turn, will be successful as well. That’s how you increase customers, you let them know you’re profitable and can provide them with tools to run their own profitable business. In as few words and as boldly as possible. Like a billboard!

So I ask you, how are your titles looking to your customer base on your website, books or advertising? If you’re not 100% confident, consider simplifying your messaging to increase customers and enjoy a more profitable business.

If you want more tips like this go to Mikemotorbike.com or Mikemichalowicz.com and click on Get the Tools for tons of tried and true resources for business help and how to run a truly profitable business. Let’s rock entrepreneurship!

The post Increasing Customers with Bold Titles appeared first on Mike Michalowicz.

Bold Titles to Increase Customers

Bold titles are compelling. Maybe you have a business podcast or you’re writing a business blog, book or a keynote speech. One of the first steps in building a profitable business is to attract your audience. To do that, you need to create bold, eye catching titles. A bold title that speaks to people is one of the most powerful keys to attract and increase customers.

Take this magazine cover for example. The text on the latest MIT Technology Review caught my eye through a crowd in a busy airport. On the way to my gate I took the time to dart into the newsstand and buy this magazine – ignoring all the others. Why? Because the cover instantly drew me in. The title? Heck yes! Tell me old age is over! Even more potent is the simple bold block font used for the text. It really drives their title home. OLD AGE IS OVER. Awesome! Take my money! See? They know a thing or two about increasing customers.

The world is constantly evolving and there is so much “new” to keep up with every day. How do we differentiate ourselves in this current climate to make our business stand out, increase customers and create that truly profitable business? What can we do to make them choose us? It starts with marketing and advertising, and whichever method you use, be it print or online, it’s got to be bold.

Number one tip? Keep it simple. Simple is striking. Simple sticks in a client’s mind and delivers a powerful message. Keeping it simple is one of the top trends in advertising and it’s likely not going anywhere. When creating a brand or title, keep in mind your goal is to compel an audience to become new customers and quickly, because our attention is so easily diverted by the next best, boldest thing.

This simple messaging goes for the language and design chosen for your title. Let’s face it, a long title in cursive isn’t something people will slow down to read and contemplate as they’re speed walking to their gate in the airport. The covers of my books (Fix This Next, Profit First, Clockwork, The Pumpkin Plan, Surge and The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur) all have eye catching covers with bold text and design directly related to those titles. When naming your work, it’s important that it is representative of you and what your business stands for. At the same time, it needs to be a stamp, a quick and convincing message, that says you’re a profitable business and that the customer, in turn, will be successful as well. That’s how you increase customers, you let them know you’re profitable and can provide them with tools to run their own profitable business. In as few words and as boldly as possible. Like a billboard!

So I ask you, how are your titles looking to your customer base on your website, books or advertising. If you’re not 100% confident, consider simplifying your messaging to increase customers and enjoy a more profitable business.

If you want more tips like this go to Mikemotorbike.com or Mikemichalowicz.com and click on Get the Tools for tons of tried and true resources for business help and how to run a truly profitable business. Let’s rock entrepreneurship!

The post Bold Titles to Increase Customers appeared first on Mike Michalowicz.

The Benefits of Business Podcasts

Phew! I just completed the fourth podcast for the day. Here at my studio we record two podcasts: GMAP, which is a business podcast specifically for accountants and bookkeepers, and Entrepreneurship Elevated, which includes topics such as…drum roll please, entrepreneurship and how to create a profitable business. I hope you are a subscriber to both podcasts. The goal of our business podcasts? We provide business help you may have been seeking or you discover something new and become even more motivated in your business. Successful business owners know we must continuously learn and evolve, and what better way to learn and get the inside scoop on a profitable business than from the experience of other successful industry leaders?

Podcasts have garnered immense popularity over the last couple of years. Regularly updated podcasts keep listeners current in an ever evolving business market. Priceless. They are the Cliff’s Notes to books, a crash course in business and can even offer a bit of what business leaders discuss in their keynote speeches. Business podcasts have become the most effective format of marketing that exists, as well as the most powerful way to retain an audience. Read that again. And, you can easily increase customers when you have a solid 30-40 minutes of direct marketing and full engagement. Boom.

So what makes a solid podcast? For one thing, ensure your production quality is top notch. These aren’t merely padded walls I am surrounded by (ah here come the jokes)! We made the investment in quality material so we can have a world class podcast. From soundproofing to monitors to microphones, all the high-tech bells and whistles are in place. It’s the perfect atmosphere to deliver our podcast. Great. All set. So what else do we need?

People, people! Yours truly, my partner Ron, Kelsey and Amy from my office are regulars! Our guests are business leaders from a myriad of industries from around the world. They generously share their business expertise and stories, lending valuable insight regarding how to develop a profitable business and eradicate entrepreneurial poverty. Read, free coaching. It can’t be beat! And since we are talking about people – yes, this is a business podcast, but we’re all pretty funny and engaging! In fact, bringing the humanity, A.K.A. quirks, is imperative if you want to remain authentic and increase your podcast audience. Besides, what better way to stand out than to be yourself?

Alright. We have our equipment, the dynamic hosts and guests, now what…do you hear that? Crickets? What are the topics? For engaging and compelling business podcasts, you’re going to need content that provides business help to guide an entrepreneur on their journey to profitable business. My view is, you can read, so you don’t need me to read a copy of Profit First to you! But the podcast crew can discuss aspects of running a profitable business with dynamic industry leaders in a fun and entertaining way that results in you receiving the business help you may be seeking at the same time. If you check out the Entrepreneurship Elevated podcast page, you will see topics ranging from how to be a millionaire to building your brand to automating business. There’s no shortage of guests or topics, you just have to pick what directly relates to your business and your mission.

If you’re considering a business podcast, I cannot encourage you enough – your business can only benefit. You got this!

If you want more tips like this go to Mikemotorbike.com or Mikemichalowicz.com and click on Get the Tools for tons of tried and true resources for business help and how to run a truly profitable business. Let’s rock entrepreneurship!

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When You’re Through Changing, You’re Through!

“If you always do what you’ve always done, you’re going to get what you’ve always got.”

-Henry Ford (Then Tony Robbins, followed by other forward thinkers!)

In other words, when you’re through changing, you’re through. (I said that. After I heard it….)

Ok, this guy just told me not to change too much in his last post, that my business will morph out of control! Hang on, that’s not quite what I meant. Our world is constantly changing, and for us to succeed we keep up, or be left in the dust.

In business, change usually represents growth and a stronger perspective of what our clients need us to deliver. One of the best ways to succeed as an entrepreneur is to recognize and embrace the growth required to obtain optimal results for you and your clients. Doing the same thing over and over? Likely not going to drive success. Not for long, anyway.

For instance, we recently updated our website. I felt there were elements to revamp because I didn’t see the site was driving results to its full potential. We didn’t veer away from our mission in any way. In fact, we are constantly striving to fulfill our mission to eradicate entrepreneurial poverty. To achieve this, we must keep an open, forward thinking mind to continuously improve success.

Don’t be through changing. Always look for opportunities to improve any element of your business and enjoy the benefits!

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The Winchester Mystery House

When you think of your business as a whole versus day to day operations, what is your vision? Are you proactive or reactive? Do you create and follow a well analyzed plan, or are you adding systems on here and there, ultimately building a maze?

In my next book, Fix This Next, this is one of the topics I discuss and I use The Winchester Mystery House as an analogy. The Winchester House was built by Sarah Winchester, heiress to the Winchester fortune. In it’s early phase, it began as a farmhouse but quickly morphed and grew out of control with no real plan or vision. Why? Winchester believed there were demons haunting her from her husband’s business dealings and was compelled to appease them at any cost. She thought the more she added on, the more satisfied the demons would be and the better opportunity for her to escape. The mansion is known for its curved hallways and staircases leading nowhere. Errors were built over or around. Each day was a work around a new problem that arose – a trap most of us have landed in at one time or another.

Now imagine this house isn’t a house, but a business. Not a solid representation of profitability and long term success, is it? You can clearly see the parallel between the Winchester House and an entrepreneur’s journey gone awry.

Ask yourself, what are the choices you are making and how will your business look as a result?

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Seal Training

The foundation of our physical and mental health is exercise. I run not because I love it, but to stay in shape and bring my A game in the rest of my life – including my business.

One day I learned a little lesson that can be applied to running our businesses. I was running through Coronado and saw a group of women gathered near the waterfront – and it looked as if they were looking at me. Man, I must have been bringing it! No Mike. As I turned around I saw another group – The Navy SEALS.

Many of us are health conscious, but the SEALS? Pretty tough to beat. They ran by me, their steps in unison, drawing cheers from the women watching. I kept running, but man, talk about setting the bar high.

There’s a business lesson here. As an entrepreneur, there may be others working better or harder. One of the ways to continue to better yourself and your business is to train. Build healthy, simple habits to increase your health as well as your profitability.

It doesn’t have to be complicated. Remember to check out www.Mikemichalowcz.com for more tools to keep entrepreneurship simple.

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R&D – What’s Your Competition Doing, Anyway?

How do you stay above the fray in your industry?

One answer? R&D – Research and development, otherwise known as rip off and duplicate. Ok not exactly, but what lessons can you learn from how other businesses operate?

A critical device to stay ahead of your competition is to observe how they succeed, as well as fail. What do they do that is remarkable and truly effective? What are some pitfalls? Learn from them and utilize those strategies in your business – in an integral way, of course.

What kind of R&D are you doing? Research how your competition is performing and what their strengths are. Check out their websites, attend their conferences, speak with them. A fresh, innovative and competitive approach can only empower your business.

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Reset Your Mindset

Health, wealth, love and happiness. This is my morning mantra.

I share this with you because as entrepreneurs, we are always on the go. But there has to be a balance. We need to have some moments to get centered, reset our minds and get laser focused on where we want to put forth our energy.

I find the most successful entrepreneurs serve others and the world. I’ve also noticed one of the tools used in that success is practicing a ritual to begin their days. Maybe yours is meditation, exercise or even journaling. Whatever it may be, a morning ritual gives you an opportunity to set your intention for the day, and that my friends, can create a very powerful impact on you and your business.

While traveling in India, I discovered (ok I didn’t discover them but it was new to me) singing bowls, which are traditionally used in meditation and personal spirituality. I brought a few home for me and those close to me and began to use it as a tool to meditate. Now I don’t know about you, but mediation can be tricky for me. It’s human nature for stillness to feel challenging. At times it’s downright impossible to shut off our monkey brains, feelings and the rotation of to do lists. When you strike the singing bowl, it feels like a call to pause. The beautiful sound of the singing bowl somehow clears the air, sending out the vibration of the bowl, along with your attention – and intention, out into the world.

So again, health, wealth, love and happiness. This is the intention I set. I say this for myself, my wife and children, extended family, business partners, my colleagues, community – really, the whole world. Including you. Even if subconscious, your intentions you set will manifest throughout the day.

How do you start your day? Consider resetting your mindset to have the most positive impact in your life.

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Recognizing Your Clients and Members

While I was in the green room with CEO Warrior I saw these amazing belts that are given out to their members. Some people even become members for life!

So it got me thinking – how do you make your clients feel recognized?

Client recognition goes a heck of a long way. Universally, it’s nice to do nice things. We do it here as well. From birthdays to life events, we try to acknowledge milestones in our clients’ and coworkers’ lives.The benefits are awesome all around.

TPsych 101 again – recognition promotes a sense of well being to the client as well as the business providing that recognition. Now we’re all smiling.

Secondly, clients see you care beyond the dollar. Going that extra mile creates a unique culture of appreciation, trust and loyalty that strengthens client relationships. This can facilitate clients communicating more with you, therefore allowing you to serve their needs better. Win win!

 

So think of some actions to take to grow your business relationships through a simple act of recognition. It takes just a little time, for a great reward.

 

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