You've been trying to make $3K - $5K monthly this year.
You get close to it, but every month something happens.
Something prevents you from reaching, not to mention consistently making this amount. That's what worries you the most.

Today I want to share with you a method I use to achieve any goal.
I follow it myself in my business and life and when coaching my clients to ensure they, too, can achieve any goals they set.

I'll share it by telling you a story of my wanting to see an annual salmon run in our area. It's a miracle of nature in the fall that I didn't want to miss this year.

1. Pick a strategy that aligns with you and your business

My goal was to see the salmon run. We live close to a forest and a stream offering a fantastic view all year round. And in the fall, an adventure of salmon laying eggs after having swum hundreds of miles in their lifetime journey. It usually happens between September and October but the exact timing changes every year.

There are a few streams in my area where this happens. Each one of them has many access points. In your business, think of many marketing tactics for you to choose from.

We picked one that aligned with the experience we wanted to have. It's close. Less known. Not frequented as much. It has a beautiful trail along the stream with stunning views.

2. Give it time to succeed.

Every Sunday, we usually go for a walk as a family. Since I'm not an expert in fishing or salmon runs, I didn't know the exact start date. So we started hiking in that area early in September to ensure we didn't miss the run.
The first Sunday, the salmon wasn't there. The walk was super fun, but I didn't achieve my goal yet. The following Sunday, salmon wasn't there either, even though we had a great time hiking together.

3. Be willing to fail

I thought, "O.K., if we go the third week again, they will 100% be there." There have been years prior, we came in mid-September, and the salmon run was well underway.
My kids made me promise that it would be the last time I'd take them for a walk to the same spot :). And guess what? Even on the third try, the fish weren't there.
Yes, I was a bit disappointed. But I didn't make it mean anything about me as a hiker or nature lover.

4. Evaluate and learn

I started evaluating by asking myself why the run hadn't started yet. I asked experts, fishermen, that happened to be there that very third week. They taught me about the temperature and the water level and how that changes every year. The salmon need rain and cooler temperatures to be able to enter from the Great Lakes into their childhood streams.

In your business, think about your ideal clients. They're waiting at the doorsteps for you to create perfect conditions for them to say YES to your offers.

• It might be the way you communicate with them.
• It may be where you are visible.
• Maybe you're not offering to help them often enough.

5. Adjust and implement

Two weeks passed. It rained a lot during that time. The temperatures fell.

I knew the run must have started, but I promised my kids not to take them there again. And I keep my promises. So I had to figure out another way.

One sunny weekday morning, I decided to enjoy it by walking with my husband. We went to the spot alone. And guess what? The salmon was there!
The sight was priceless. Yes, I did take a bunch of videos and pictures to share on my social media that day. I was soo proud :)!

You can achieve any of your goals.
Be willing to pick an informed and aligned strategy.

Give it time.

Don't shy away from failure.

Learn what you're missing.

Adjust the execution of the strategy and keep going.

P.S. Are you tired of constantly trying new marketing techniques in hopes of signing more clients faster? Ready to ditch overwhelm and feel super confident that what you do is creating the income you want? I can help.

First, you want to know why despite your commitment and hard work, you're not where you want to be. Then, out of 100 things you could be doing, what are the three essentials you should focus on to start signing more clients faster & consistently?

I'll offer you that knowledge during a free 45-mins consultation -schedule it HERE.

As an international business and leadership coach and the host of the Diamond Effect podcast, I've had the privilege of guiding countless business owners through the intricate dance of pricing their services. Today, I want to share with you the insights and strategies that can help you navigate this critical aspect of your business with confidence.

Understanding the Mindset Behind Pricing

Before we dive into the mechanics of raising prices, it's crucial to address the mindset that underpins your business's growth. I firmly believe that a business cannot outgrow the current level of thinking of its leadership. That's why in the Diamond Effect Podcast, EP # 138 - 5 Steps to Raising the Prices of Your Services Without Losing Customers, I address the psychological barriers often leading to underpricing and the subsequent impact on business growth.

The Challenges of Setting and Increasing Prices

Raising prices for services is a challenge that many business owners face, especially when they're experiencing high demand and are ready to elevate their expertise and pricing structure. One of the most common hurdles is the fear of deterring clients by charging more. However, it's important to recognize that fair pricing is essential to the long-term sustainable growth of your business, and underpricing can lead to attracting difficult clients and feelings of resentment due to inadequate compensation.

A Coach's Approach to Pricing

In my experience as a business development and leadership coach, I've developed an approach to setting and adjusting prices that accounts for several key factors. These include business costs (both fixed and variable), profit margins necessary to make your business successful and competitive long-term, and the positioning and branding of your business in the market. It's also vital to understand and consider the short-term and long-term value your services provide to clients. The effective communication of such value in your marketing and sales efforts is one of the critical components of being able to raise your prices without losing your best customers along the way.

The Disproportionate Value of Services

During the podcast, I shared practical examples to illustrate how you can set up your services to offer much much greater value for your clients compared to the pricing. It's crucial to align your pricing with the value delivered to clients.

A Five-Step Process for Raising the Prices of Your Services

Raising prices doesn't have to mean losing customers. Here's a five-step process that can help you increase your prices thoughtfully:

1. Assess the New Price: Ensure the new price is realistic, fair, and affordable for your target market.
2. Gauge Demand: Have a strong demand for your services before considering a price increase.
3. Communicate Effectively: Overcommunicate the change to your current customers and be available to address their questions and concerns.
4. Add Value: Consider ways to add more value to your services to justify the price increase.
5. Implement Gradually: Introduce the new pricing in stages, if possible, to ease your existing clients into the change.
   

Conclusion: Doubling Your Business Without Doubling Your Work

To wrap up the Diamond Effect podcast episode on pricing, I offered my coaching services and a T.O.P. CEO Winning Strategy Blueprint designed to help business owners double their business without adding more work. This holistic approach focuses on pricing, service delivery, and effective business development strategy to convert more clients in less time.

If you're looking to take your business to the next level, remember that pricing is more than just a number—it's a reflection of your value, your brand, and your commitment to your clients. Don't shy away from charging what you're worth, and watch as your business flourishes in response.

by Laura Clay

At a time when technology is evolving faster than ever before, it is no surprise that women are becoming more involved in the development of innovative breakthroughs. From coding to product design, there has been a rise in female participation throughout the tech industry.

As a result of this increased involvement, women have become integral contributors to our future digital landscape—from game design and software engineering to cybersecurity initiatives—and overall help shape how both men and women interact with technology as we move forward.

It's incredibly exciting to witness this shift in power within the tech world – come along with us as we explore how incredible female contributors are changing things up for good.

Despite being a minority in the tech industry, women are playing a major role in shaping its future.

Women in tech are trailblazers, inspiring an exhilarating and progressive future in technology.

Women have utilized their skills and experience to bring much-needed diversity to the industry and solve long-standing problems with innovative solutions. Women have been instrumental in crafting the foundation for corporate culture and company values that prioritize inclusion, progress, and collaboration.

They are leading from the frontlines, combining creativity with practicality to come up with groundbreaking ideas that not only impact but also transform every aspect of tech's potential. This new wave of women-driven innovation promises a brighter future—one where women can continue making meaningful contributions toward shaping the evolving industry ahead.

Women are founding more tech startups than ever before

While women have traditionally been overlooked when it comes to taking the lead in technology-based projects, the big picture has been changing a lot in recent years. In 2021, women-founded startups made monumental strides, with women securing more venture capital funding than ever before.

The 2021 Annual Review of Funding for Female Founded Companies revealed that 3,871 capital-funded deals totaling $54.6 billion were given towards women-led projects in just one year. That's an impressive 146% increase from the 2020s already promising figures showing women making their mark on tech, with women-led firms receiving 2% of VC funding! It's clear that women are not only shaping but revolutionizing the future of tech as they become increasingly represented in many aspects of the industry.

The number of women earning computer science degrees is on the rise.

Women in tech are showing us a better future for the industry. With more women than ever before earning degrees in computer science, there is an increasing number of women taking leading positions in the world of technology. Women in tech are revolutionizing how we interact with technology and other businesses that rely on it, from powerful algorithms to artificial intelligence-driven robots. As a result, women drive inventions and innovations that benefit society and make workspaces more diverse and equitable.

Tech companies are making an effort to become more gender-inclusive

The tech industry is rapidly changing, and women are leading the way. Women have been challenged by a male-dominated industry for too long, but now women in tech are receiving the respect they deserve.

Companies are making an effort to become more gender-inclusive, and that's just the beginning. With female innovators developing the latest tech products and services, stepping into executive positions, and advocating for advanced technologies that benefit us all, the future of technology is brighter than ever. Women's valuable insights provide a distinct edge to businesses — enabling them to thrive in today’s evolving technological landscape.

Women are using social media to raise awareness about gender inequality in the tech industry

By harnessing the power of social media, women are able to draw attention to gender equality issues in tech and make their voices heard loud and clear.

This is incredibly important because women continue to come up against obstacles in male-dominated industries such as technology. Thankfully, women are inspiring others through their efforts to break down these systemic barriers and pave the way for greater success with women in tech.

As each day passes, women become less underrepresented in our digital world and can experience equal opportunities both on the job and off. It's an exciting time to be part of women's collective journey that involves using social media as a powerful advocate for change.

We need more women in the tech industry - here's why

Women in tech are revolutionizing the industry for the better.

More women than ever are bringing diversity, creativity, and innovation to the sector. With perspectives that break from traditional norms and create better solutions, women in tech are creating products more
inclusive & suitable to today's world.

By championing women’s involvement in the field of technology, companies have an unprecedented opportunity to drive forward their successes on a global scale while also building trust and relevance with new audiences.

Women are playing crucial roles in building a fitter, healthier tech industry that reflects the needs of women around the world and thus contributes powerfully towards transforming society as a whole. It's time we recognized women's immense potential - let's empower more women into tech and see what
happens!

In the realm of business, distinguishing between sales follow-up and consistent marketing is crucial. While both aim to nurture potential clients, they serve distinct purposes. In this blog, we’ll explore three types of sales follow-ups and the strategies to implement them effectively.

1. Follow-Up After Initial Contact

This scenario involves a potential client who has shown interest in your services. Perhaps you’ve had a sales call, an initial consultation, or exchanged messages. The client expresses a need to think it over or promises to get back to you. This follow-up type is critical as it often leads to a final decision.

Key Strategy:

• Establish a clear follow-up plan at the end of your initial interaction. Schedule a specific time to reconnect. This gives them a deadline to make a final decision and also reduces the chances of your potential client forgetting due to their busy schedule.

2. Cold Prospecting Follow-Up

Cold prospecting involves reaching out to potential clients who have not initiated contact. While the conversion rates are typically lower compared to warm leads, this approach can still be valuable in certain industries. The key here is persistence and a well-structured follow-up process.

Key Strategy:

• Be prepared to follow up at least 5 to 7 times. Without a robust follow-up strategy, cold prospecting can become futile. Combining cold outreach with warm strategies can enhance effectiveness and accelerate the client's journey from interest to purchase.

3. Post-Purchase Follow-Up

Once a client has purchased your service, especially if it’s a service they might need repeatedly, follow-up is essential. This shows you care about their ongoing satisfaction and helps build a long-term relationship, fostering loyalty and repeat business.

Key Strategy:

• Implement a nurturing process that keeps clients engaged and satisfied. This can include regular check-ins, special offers, and personalized communications that demonstrate your commitment to their ongoing needs.

The Importance of Follow-Up: Insights and Statistics

Statistics underline the significance of follow-up in sales:

• Only 3% of your potential clients are active buyers at any given time. The remaining 97% need to be nurtured regularly.

• 60% of customers say "no" four times before saying "yes," and 75% appreciate and want follow-up reminders.

• 80% of sales require multiple touchpoints, with only 2% closing on the first contact. This means the majority of sales happen between the fifth and twelfth touchpoints.

Understanding these numbers highlights the missed opportunities if follow-up is neglected. A structured follow-up process ensures you're not leaving potential sales on the table and helps in building a solid client base.

Building an Effective Follow-Up Process

1. Set Clear Expectations: At the end of each interaction, establish a follow-up plan. This reduces ambiguity and keeps the momentum going.

1. Be Consistent and Professional: Gentle, professional follow-ups are appreciated by most clients. Avoid being pushy, and focus on providing value and addressing any questions they might have.

1. Utilize a Systematic Approach: Implement a follow-up system that works for your business model. Whether it’s through automated emails, personalized messages, or scheduled calls, having a process in place makes follow-ups more manageable and effective.

Conclusion

Effective follow-up is not just about closing a sale; it's about building relationships and showing your clients that you care about their needs. By implementing a structured follow-up process, you can significantly enhance your sales and foster long-term client loyalty.

Ready to double your business without adding more time? Book a sales call with me HERE and let's talk about how it would look like for you.

When you run a business in an industry with a lot of competition (ex. financial services, health and wellness, or online business support) marketing yourself the same way all your industry peers do makes you blend in the crowd, not stand out from it.

And when you blend in, the only clients you attract are the ones looking for the cheapest service. These clients will switch to another provider as soon as they get a better price.

They will never refer you. Therefore, growing your business is so much harder. Because it forces you to keep finding new people over and over and over again.

That’s why you want to attract the type of client who wants to work with you for you. And you can’t do it without a unique creative marketing strategy that showcases your competitive advantage. That simply and clearly explains why your ideal client should be working only with you.

When you work with me one-on-one, we develop a T.O.P. CEO Winning Strategy with the Owner-First Approach. Part of this process is mapping out your ideal client journey with you to extract everything that’s unique about how you serve them and convert it into marketing and sales materials.

Yes, we do use the best marketing and sales practices but expanded from various industries (not just your own) and we tailor them to your unique value proposition so that you stand out from the crowd, shining bright like a diamond :).

With my support, you start attracting your ideal high-value clients.

The ones that don’t switch providers because they found a $200 discount somewhere else. The ones that value a strong relationship with you. The ones that will rave about you and refer you to their friends and family, and everybody else they talk to.

Growing a business with these clients, it’s so much easier and more fun. You enjoy serving them. And marketing doesn’t feel hard either. Because some of it is done by your clients, not you.

If you want to double your business without adding more work with only your best and ideal clients, we need to talk. Book a sales call with me today here.

With much love & to your success,

Maggie

P.S. All my clients get results.

No matter the industry they come from. If you want to learn from some of them, I invite you to tune in to these Diamond Effect podcast episodes.

1. Like Dan, a mortgage broker, who after 15 years is having his best year in business yet. Even though he thought the best years were Covid times when everyone was moving and that he wouldn't be able to repeat that. This year he is doing even better. Even though he also had to deal with unexpected family issues. You can learn more about Dan and his business in a Diamond Effect podcast interview we did EP # 158 - Running a successful mortgage brokerage in a way that makes you happy with Dan Wowk, owner of Zoom Mortgage
   
2. Like Millie, a financial planner, who doubled her business within 6 months of coaching with me, while reducing stress, going back to her hobbies, and taking time off. Learn more about Millie through Diamond Effect podcast EP # 115 - Value, Time, and Money - CEO Breakthroughs with Millie Gormely, CFP (Financial Planning Services)
   
3. Or Andrew, a chiropodist, whose clinic is thriving like never before (after over 20 years in practice). And we continue to work together to keep growing it. Find out what helped Andrew the most in Diamond Effect podcast episode EP # 120 - Business Growth of a Private Medical Practice Through Continuous Improvement with dr Andrew Springer (Chiropodist)
   
4. When Glory, a therapist, and I started working together. I helped her double her business and scale to multiple 6 figures in 12 months. We also created a 3-year plan to expand her mission and the online clinic to $ 1mln in revenue. This year is that year. And now Glory and I will be working together again to go beyond that while starting other projects she's passionate about. Learn more about Glory and how she helps kids and their families via EP # 70 - From overwhelmed therapist to confident CEO with Glory Lichon