Stop drinking the DAMN Kool-Aid

Online business and marketing can resemble a high school lunch room some days. Full of cliques. [Close to cults]  

No worries this isn't a “oh woe is me” post.

I've noticed the cliques for some time, but never thought too much of it.

In high school I was the pretty girl obsessed with fashion, my friends, and track. My boyfriend was über popular and very charismatic. I hung out with everyone.

The cool kids. The athletes. The dramatic kids. The rebels. The nerds.

Everyone.

My bestie and I were reminiscing a few months back and she said I was always one of the cool kids.

I never did cliques. [I don't like being boxed in] <<notice that was in a box #oxymorons

I like who I like and who likes what I like. And remember I'm multi passionate so cliques were out of the question. I just had a lot of friends and associates.

One thing I'm good at is minding my business. Get it...minding my biz.

I'm in several Facebook groups. Why?

I love connecting with people.

In these groups you can always spot someone from a clique and you know exactly who their leader is. They do everything the leader does but change their name to theirs with a subsequent number behind it.

Stop drinking the damn Kool aid.

If you want to be successful, there's no secrets.

There's a lot of work. A lot of days and nights of wanting to give up.

There's a lot of failures.

A lot of uncertainties.

Mindset shifts will be needed frequently.

And self doubt.

And all of that is normal no matter where you are in your business.

You have to hold tight to your WHY.

You know the reason you went into business in the first place. And its not money. Even if you say it's money, it's not.

Money just allows us the opportunity to flow and live better lives, travel, spend more time with our families and friends, etc. those are your reasons not just money.

But being a carbon copy isn't serving you or your why any justice.

You have to find your spin and spin baby spin.

I challenge you to be different. I challenge you to own your greatness. I challenge you to pick through the BS [business stuff] and use only what works for your business. So and so has been in business so much longer and her way works for her. It may not work for you. That doesn’t make you a loser or a failure. It makes you a sexy savvy solopreneur engineering your path.

Live. Love. Action

1. Infuse your personality and quirks into your business

2. Choose Yourself

3. Stop drinking the damn Kool Aid

Networking No'No's

I'm all for networking! I am actually a networking ninja!

I love talking to people and getting to know their spin on things, hearing their stories, and whatever else they are willing to share.

Did you notice that none of that had anything to do with me? 

When you first meet someone you shouldn't have a "what can they do for me mentality." It should be the complete opposite. What value can I provide for them?!?

People love talking about themselves.

And not in a 'vain I'm super awesome and you suck' type of way. It's just human nature. If it's one thing we all know about, it's ourselves and our biz. 

Let me stop beating around the bush and get right to my point. 

Lately I've been experiencing networking no no's. 

1. If someone gives you their business card at an event. Do not think that this means that they want to be on your email marketing list. People are very particular about who they let in their email. Respect that. 

2. On Facebook, when you befriend someone in your field or just in business. Don't just add them to a group that you have. Asking them first, would be the polite thing. However, before even getting to the ask, interact with them first. 

3. Avoid asking someone something before asking google. I'm going to type this again. Avoid asking someone something before asking google. 

Now I know there's the saying that there's no dumb questions. 

Whatever! 

Sometimes we can admire someone and want their recommendation, which is A okay. Just make sure you're doing your part. 50/50 remember. 

Put forth some initiative. Remember you are networking to build relationships with people. Not saying everyone will be you business bestie. However, relationships are a two way street and you don't want to start it out being draining. 

If you were to email me how much does the book Compound Effect cost on Amazon.com I probably wouldn't respond to the email. The time that it took to email me and wait for a response that isn't coming, easily could have been utilized entering those same keywords into google or straight on amazon. You would have the answer within seconds. 

I know that was a very simple example, but truly we ask questions from others that we have instant access to. Don't give someone the opportunity to be annoyed by you instantly without getting a chance to see how awesome you are. 

Make it easy for your customers to pay you

It's not rocket science, I promise.

If you have a product or service available to the public, make it easy for them to pay you.

“If you have a product or service available to the public, make it easy for them to pay you.”

They don't need to email you for your rates, list your rates. 

Have a link for them to hit purchase, buy now, or throw it in the bag. Whatever tickles your fancy but clearly is understood this is how they pay you for your amazing service or product.

List your prices on your sales page.

Again, I should not have to email you asking what the price is.

Research shows that it takes 7-9 interactions with a brand for a consumer to make their initial purchase.

7-9 times is a lot. This means that you have to make it easy on your consumer. Remember whatever your thing is, is supposed to make their life better, easier, prettier, etc.

Then we have those that list their services and will have a range for their prices.

This is a bit better, not much, but at least now you are somewhat informed.

Ranges can be tricky.

If you're a graphic designer and you list your services, yet your prices are $1500-$6000 how do I know what service matches which price point.

Graphic design services usually have a starting point per package.

So the basic package may read: starting at $1500. Mid range package starting at $3000 VIP/exclusive package starting at $6000

I now know if I can add you to my list of “considers.”

You're in business, make it easy for your consumers to consume.

If this is a hobby or a busyness (passion project that keeps you busy and does not yield income worth your efforts), where you don’t mind leaving money on the table, keep it up.

If you went to a restaurant would you want to text the chef to know the prices?

3 Chic Tips to Mastery:

1. Look over your sales page. Is it easy to pay you?

2. If not, add your rates, and let Paypal assist you with those payments.

3. Pay it forward. Do something nice for someone today.

New project alert: Dreamer's Paradise Podcast

I'm a dreamer. Head in the clouds full of dreams, plans to save the world and truly make a difference. This is why I understand my clients so well. Those big dreams usually come with lots of reservations. And not the fancy 5 star restaurant reservations. But the can I really do this reservations. Hell yeah you can! 

Then I'm a huge fan/supporter of women crushing it! Women who choose themselves and make their own way on their own terms. 

I've started a new project, you read that right, another project: Dreamers Paradise. It's a podcast, audio through iTunes. I'm interviewing women of color who have created their dream lives through business and other passion based methods. The show will go live 9/9/14. New episodes will launch every Tuesday. The conversations are very candid, inspirational, transformational. I have them to break down their stories and process, because stories are so powerful in learning about a person. 

These ladies are phenomenal and doing amazing things in our world. I've recorded a few episodes already and can't wait until I can share them with you! 

Biz Bestie

Do you have a business bestie?!?

A biz bestie is your business' best friend. A friend that's also in business. Maybe you two are in the same field or maybe not. That's not required. Whatever works for the two of you.

You have each other's backs.

You share resources.

Listen and encourage each other often.

This person is  your sense of reason, the one you bounce ideas off of, your business’ ride or die.

She has you and your biz’ best interest in mind. She wants to see you win just as bad as she wants to win.

Being a solopreneur is not as sexy as most of us portray.

She knows some of the hardships that you may be going through and if she doesn't know exactly because you may be in different industries, she can definitely empathize because she knows business.

You may already have a biz bestie amongst your friends.

My biz bestie is actually my bestie. We aren't much of accountability partners. That just means we need accountable partners. She actually has one that turned in to her biz bestie.

If you don't know have a biz bestie yet, you must be thinking this sounds like a GOD send. And baby, she is! Wait until you find yours.

Just as with your ordinary bestie, you want the relationship to grow naturally.

If you're in need of a biz bestie: go to local networking events and become a networking ninja!

Make genuine connections with people. Are you gravitating to a certain person and not for the purpose of what can they do for me? Operate from the space of: this lady is awesome, I'd like to know more about her.

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Network online.

Join Facebook groups of like minded people. Is there someone you resonate with?

Befriend them on Facebook, check their stuff out. Talk to them. Cultivate a relationship through simple communication.

Hell, just ask!

I'm quick to say, hey! I love what you're doing, let's connect! Do I turn them into biz besties no, but if another were to materialize, I would be okay with it.

I always make note of people who I think are pretty awesome.

Then I note are they really awesome or is it an act?

If there were a market for finding frauds I would be top on that list on who to call and find out about someone.

If I still want to get to know the person then I do. Developing relationships will always be one of the best things for your business. And not just for the customers you want to attract.

If you're the smartest person in the room, you're definitely in the wrong room.

Live. Love. Action

1. Join a biz Facebook group today. If you're already in one add someone to your personal Facebook, you know the person that you talk to already and want to build on that relationship.

2. Be a good friend to them. No strings attached. See something that would interest them: maybe an article related to their biz or something they posted about. Send it to them.

3. Smile. You're beautiful! The world needs more people like you.

Werk Wednesdays Series: Instagram Hashtags

Hashtags are awesome for growing your Instagram account. Hashtags only work if your account is public. 

Hashtags are associated with spammers. 

Aka #followforfollow or come to my site for XYZ

Use hashtags to find dope accounts and for even doper people to find all your awesomeness.

Use relative hashtags to what you're posting.

Some people use popular & unrelated hashtags thinking that will work. That usually just annoys people. Rule #1 online: don't be anonying yo!

Instagram will allow you to use 30 hashtags. That's a lot so get creative so your ideal person can find you.

There's a science to selecting hashtags. It can be time consuming but the rewards are worth it.

Hashtag # needs to be in the range xxx,xxx. You want to choose a hashtag that people are interested in and searching on a regular basis, but it isn't overly saturated. Popular hashtags are usually in the range xxx,xxx,xxx and above. Your picture will be lost in seconds. 60 million photos are uploaded to instagram daily.  

Look below to see how to select a hashtag based upon the numbers:

See how many people are using happy

changing the wording the numbers are decreasing but still too large

And even though the spelling is way off this hashtag would be perfect for happy posts. 

I used to use #kimberleeonline but no one cares about that tag. Let's be real. However on my other account: #blackgirlseatclean is a tag I created and others contribute. So think about that too when creating hashtags.

I save my hashtags centered around what I'm posting in my iphone’s notepad app. I mainly post inspirational posts surrounding going after your dreams and how to be the best person you can be. However, I also use fun hashtags like #hashtagkilla or #lameiknow If I have a local event, I'll use my area code as a hashtag and local cities. 

You can type http://instagram.com/yourscreenname [enter your screen name though] into a computer browser (mobile doesn't allow for copy + paste) and just copy hashtags that you’ve used before. You can paste on the new post if you want to use the same hashtags. Note: add some variety as you want to increase your reach so not the same people who searched the same hashtags earlier or yesterday…

Instagram also allows you to delete old hashtags and enter new ones on older posts. I'm not sure how effective this is or how many times it can be done. Test it and let me know. :) 

Hashtags aren’t the holy grail of instagram, but they definitely help. A like means nothing, you want to engage with your community. Ultimately you want the people you follow and those that follow you to essentially be a community.

Search hashtags and like pictures and comment. Commenting goes further than just liking. Remember some spammers just go through certain hashtags double tapping. Lames. Don't comment just for the sake of it. Comment if the pic resonated with you.

Post regularly (1-3 times a day) so they can continue to consume your content. Post things relevant to your biz or account. Review your stats with Iconosquare to track when the best times are for posting and engagements. 

Werk Wednesday Series: Fiverr

Fiverr is an amazing gem. Fiverr is a site where freelancers start their projects at five dollars. 

Now depending on the freelancer the price can go up. I've never paid more than $20 for a project. 

I've had logos, flyers, business cards, photoshop work on pictures, video editing, and an Ebook cover created. 

Tips to have an awesome experience with Fiverr: 

1. Use high rated sellers, not just recommended sellers. 
2. Check their reviews
3. Does their sample work look like your desired end product?!? 
4. Read everything that's printed prior to hitting purchase.

The starting price is $5, so some sellers will have limited revisions. Be very clear with giving the directions for your project. 

5. Pay it forward- if someone did an excellent job, don't forget to rate them. That helps them and the rest of us knowing who to choose. I always rate and leave a nice review. 

One last thing look to see how long it will take to compete task and how many jobs in queue. You might not want to wait 11 days.

Please note: you pay through paypal and if your paypal is connected to a credit/debit card, your bank will charge you a fee for using an international merchant. However, if your paypal account is linked to a bank account, there will be no additional fee. At least this is what Bank of America does. 

Werk Wednesdays Series: Email Marketing

Last week I talked about the importance of an online business having their own website. Today, let's talk about mailing lists. Not mailing lists with addresses although if you want to send me something pretty or a sweet note, here's my PO box: Kimber Lee 1384 Norfolk, VA, 23501. 

Mailing lists for email marketing.

Marketing?!? Yep, you have to market your biz. Simply posting links and pictures on social media isn't enough, and honestly, that gets annoying.

Read Jab Jab Jab Right Hook for more on that.   

Every business should have the email addresses of their potential customers and previous customers. 

Why?!?

So you can communicate with them consistently and provide them with quality content. You know helpful blog posts, coupon codes and alerts on upcoming sales if you have products. 

Remember if the social media platform that you love disappears so will all those loyal fans/followers. 

Out of site out of mind. 

But when you have their email addresses, you can email them and let them know you're still around. 

I use mailchimp. I love the monkey. It has free and paid options. 

Then there’s  Aweber and GetResponse. Check the reviews. 

In the next few weeks, I'll talk more about email marketing, newsletters and opt-ins. But for now-go & get that email marketing tool!

Werk Wednesdays Series: Websites

I know this isn't rocket science, but I PROMISE I see this mistake daily. You are NOT an online business, if you don't have a website. Listen to the audio below for the importance of owning your own website. 

Kimber Lee Online Biz need websites

Let me know what tips or topics you would like to hear next week. Comment below or email me. 

Werk Wednesdays Series

Working online you learn the ins and outs of online business. That and the fact that I adore online biz. I read books, articles, listen to podcasts, and attend webinars all on business. Alot of people say the same things, but with their own spin. That's the beauty of the internets-adding your own spin. However, there are some things that are just classic and must have's/must do! 

On social media I see soooo many "no's" and "hunay who told you..." So instead of shaking my head at these occurences, I am offering some advice to the new online female entrepreneur. Audio + images + blog posts all designed to teach. It will be very simple things, that it would be assumed people know. However, post after post confirms...not everyone knows.