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10 Sales Essentials Every Business Owner Must Master to Scale Your Business

If you've ever caught yourself saying "I'm not a salesperson, I'm here to help my clients," this post is for you.

After running multiple sales trainings this week and coaching both group and individual clients on sales, I realized there are 10 non-negotiable elements that every business owner must master to truly scale their business.

Some are mindset shifts. Others are sales psychology and process. But without these fundamentals? You'll never 10x your business.

Let's dive in.


1. Ditch the "I'm Not a Salesperson" Mindset

The harsh truth: Every time I hear business owners say "I'm not in the business of selling, I'm here to help," all I hear are limiting beliefs that don't serve them.

Here's what you need to understand: Business IS sales. Without sales, you have no clients. Without clients, you have no business.

But sales isn't about being that sleazy car salesperson trying to push something broken onto someone who doesn't need it.

Real sales is about helping. It's about showing your ideal client (who already has a need or desire) how your service is the perfect solution for them. You're helping them make the best decision for themselves.

Mindset shift: Instead of "I'm not a salesperson," try "Through sales, I help my best clients get exactly what they want."

2. Incorporate Sales Content Into Your Marketing Strategy

If you're not including sales content in your online marketing, emails, and social media, you're literally sending your nurtured audience to your competitors.

Think about it: You've worked hard to attract and educate your audience. But when they're ready to buy and you haven't told them how you can help them, where do you think they go?

What sales content looks like:
- Educating clients on how you can help through your services
- Answering their questions and addressing objections
- Showcasing case studies, client stories, and testimonials
- Demonstrating that you can help people just like them

I've had clients with audiences way larger than mine who weren't making sales simply because they weren't incorporating sales content into their strategy. Once we fixed this? Their revenue skyrocketed.

You're working too hard to send great clients to your competition.

3. Understand the Emotional Psychology of Purchasing

Here's a game-changing fact: 95% of purchasing decisions are made emotionally, then justified with logic.

This isn't my opinion—it's scientifically proven research from Harvard Business School Professor Gerald Zaltman in his book "How Customers Think: Essential Insights into the Mind of the Market."

Key emotional triggers that drive purchases:

- Pain points and frustrations (when they become too acute to ignore)
- Aspirations and desires (we all want better futures)
- Fear of missing out (how trends work)
- Need for belonging (wanting to be part of the group)

Understanding what moves your ideal clients emotionally is crucial for helping them make decisions that serve them.


4. Don't Fear Objections—Embrace Them

Objections are actually GOOD news.

If a potential client truly didn't want what you offered, they wouldn't have questions—they'd just say "no thanks" and leave.

Objections are simply unanswered questions. When someone has concerns, it means they're considering your service and just need more information.

Maybe you haven't fully explained how you'll get them from where they are to where they want to be. Maybe they misunderstood something. Unless you address these concerns, they'll hold back from making a decision.

Remember: The higher the price and involvement level of your service, the more information clients need and the longer their decision process takes.

5. Master Your Sales Cycle

As the CEO of your business, you need to become a student—a scientist—of your own business operations. Your sales cycle is one of the most important things to understand.

Here's how decision timelines typically work:

Low to moderate purchases (haircuts, massages, lower-ticket items):

- Decision time: 5-30 minutes, maybe a few days
- Clients compare a few options but don't overanalyze
- You need to convey key information quickly at the point of discovery

Higher cost or important services (transformations, significant changes):

- Decision time: A few days to several weeks
- More research, reviews, price comparisons
- Your job is to provide comprehensive information and answer questions throughout this period

Major investments (coaching, consulting, real estate, high-end services):

- Decision time: Weeks to months, sometimes over a year
- Extensive research, 1-on-1 meetings, financial planning
- Multiple touchpoints needed, especially in B2B with multiple decision makers

Understanding your sales cycle allows you to create a process that matches your client's natural decision-making timeline.

6. Build Safety and Trust Above All Else

6. Build Safety and Trust Above All

The predominant feeling clients need to buy from you is safety.

They need to trust that when they give you their hard-earned money, they'll get what they want (and maybe more). They need confidence that you'll deliver results better and faster than they could achieve on their own.

How to build trust:

Credibility: Demonstrate your knowledge, authority, and track record of helping others
Reliability: Do what you say you'll do, when you say you'll do it (this starts with small commitments during the sales process)
Authenticity: Be genuine, be yourself, and focus on serving the client
Lead with value: Put the client's needs first, connect what you do to their specific situation

7. Adopt "You're Selling at Every Touchpoint"

Your selling doesn't end when a client pays your invoice—that's just the beginning.

Think of your new client as an excited student. They've made a decision to pursue their dreams or solve their challenges, and they're full of hope that you can help them.

You need to capitalize on that high energy through:

- Exceptional onboarding: Don't let their excitement drop while they wait to hear from you
- Outstanding service delivery: Every interaction should confirm they made the right decision
- Thoughtful follow-up: Continue building the relationship beyond service completion

I recently switched chiropractors, and their customer journey is impeccable. My husband receives video messages after appointments, gets small gifts during treatment, and feels more excited about each visit. Guess what? We rave about them everywhere we go.

That's the level of service that creates raving fans and referrals.



8. Follow-Up Shows You Care (It's Not Nagging)

Follow-up is relationship building, not begging.

The best friendships don't happen after one coffee meeting—they develop over time with multiple touchpoints. The same applies to client relationships.

What follow-up accomplishes:
- Shows you're reliable (you do what you say you'll do)
- Demonstrates you don't forget about people
- Proves you care about them as individuals, not just deals
- Keeps you top-of-mind when they're ready to decide

Reality check: The majority of sales happen in the follow-up, not the initial conversation.



9. Create a Documented, Strategic Sales Process

There's no scaling without an established, thought-through sales process.

You can't wing it with every client and expect to reach seven, eight, or nine figures. You need:

- Documented touchpoints with clear purposes and client benefits
- Mapped client journey from discovery through service completion
- Intentional marketing to attract ideal clients
- Conversion rate tracking and optimization strategies
- Streamlined onboarding, delivery, and referral processes

Everything should be intentional, tested, and optimized. This is how you scale systematically rather than chaotically.



10. Learn to Love Sales

As long as you're in business, you'll be selling.

Even if you hire a sales team, as the leader, you'll need to motivate and help them thrive. How can you do that if you hate what they're doing?

It's like wanting to get married but hating dating. You can't create serious relationships if you're not willing to enjoy the initial stages.

Get to love sales by:
- Understanding your client's psychology
- Having clear processes that work
- Focusing on the service and value you provide
- Celebrating the transformations you create



Your Next Steps

Look at these 10 points and identify 1-3 areas where you need improvement right now. These might be the exact areas preventing you from taking your business to the next level.

Which of these resonates most with your current challenges?
- Mindset around sales?
- Missing sales content in your marketing?
- Not understanding your sales cycle?
- Lacking a documented process?

The businesses that scale successfully master these fundamentals. They don't skip steps or hope things will work out—they build systematic, strategic approaches to sales that serve both their clients and their growth goals.

Remember: Sales isn't something you do TO people. It's something you do FOR people who need what you offer.

Ready to establish a proper sales process and customer journey that positions you to scale?

Learn more about working together through my T.O.P. CEO Framework, where we build the systems and strategies that create sustainable, scalable success.

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July 29, 2025

Older Posts

Self Development
#branding
How a Small Business Coach Can Help You Grow and Scale Your Business

I love networking and meeting amazing business owners and other coaches.
Wade Thomas, a fellow business coach, and I met through networking and decided to do this collaborative podcast interview together.

We review strategies and tools business owners can use to exceed their business goals and evolve into high-performing CEOs.

As a coach, of course, I believe that every entrepreneur should have a business coach, just like every athlete has one.

Common Blockers Business People Face

Many would-be or beginning entrepreneurs dream of one day running successful businesses. They are lured in by the freedom and possibility of owning their schedule, transforming the world, and not having to answer to anybody. Yes, running your own business is glamorous, but the reality looks slightly different. There will be challenges, and you will have to figure out how to solve them, which will feel uncomfortable and hard.

Most business owners lack core business skills. They are good at what they do and maybe experience some success. But here’s the thing, passion alone is not enough. As your business grows, gradually, you'll need to master every aspect of running a business, from sales to marketing to people management. This is something that is very hard to do on your own. Yes, nobody knows your business better than you do. But an outsider’s expert perspective will help you scale because they can see your blind spots and are not emotionally married to existing business processes or strategies.

Why Every Business Owner Needs a Coach

Business owners are used to wearing many hats. They are involved in marketing, sales, product delivery, HR, accounting, etc. Handling many roles can lead fast to overwhelm. It’s hard to let go, but if you continue being everything to everyone, you’ll surely burn out. Also, doing everything means you don’t know whether you’re making the best use of your time and whether those activities align with your business goals.

There comes a time in every entrepreneur’s life when trying to do it all is not sustainable. It doesn’t matter where you are now; as long as you know where you’re headed, a coach can help you shorten the journey. They will help you address areas in your business that need nurturing and keep you accountable. Remember, your business cannot outgrow your mind. A natural cap to any business is set on how much the owner is willing to develop themselves. If your goal is to stay competitive, grow, and scale the business, you need to keep growing yourself as the CEO and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

The Power of Applying What You’ve Learned

As a business owner, you're constantly learning. You’re reading books, listening to podcasts, attending seminars, whatever it may be, you’re focused on enhancing your skills and overall knowledge. There’s a big difference between absorbing information and putting new knowledge into practice. Without the latter, all that knowledge absorption will be in vain. This is why it’s so important to have a strategy for implementing what you are learning. Plus, know what to implement and what to leave out.

Anything new isn’t learned until it is implemented successfully. Knowledge is not power. Knowledge combined with intentional action is the power which is what the path to success is all about.

Creating Time For Coaching

Think you don’t have time for coaching? Here’s some news: saying you don’t have time for coaching or some form of training is like saying you don’t have time to grow your business. This also means you don’t have time to make a profit or develop your team. You see, coaching is not about adding more to your plate. It’s actually the opposite. Athletes, actors, and soldiers do not see coaching as something that takes time away from their duties. They see it as something that directly impacts the quality of their performance. Nonetheless, everyone needs some coaching, but not everyone is ready for coaching. It requires a willingness to look inwards, be challenged, and commit to creating time for it.

Listen to the entire podcast episode here.

To connect further with Wade Thomas

LinkedIn HERE

Website HERE

Instagram HERE

AimToWin Podcast HERE

And if this episode sparked your interest in hiring a coach and you'd like to talk more, schedule a free consultation with me HERE.

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August 19, 2024
Self Development
#branding
Coaching and Naming Wisdom: The Value of Listening to Feedback

A guest article by Grant Polachek

Effective coaching and leadership rely on one common thread: listening and responding to feedback. We explore this complex arena of feedback's multiple facets - its significance to coaching, leadership, business naming decisions, client testimonials, market research results, feedback channels, market research, and its use across industries all impact coaching/naming strategies and techniques. Finally, we uncover its science, technological evolution, and transformative potential, providing more significant insights into its indispensable role in coaching/naming strategies.

The Science of Feedback: Understanding How It Shapes Coaching and Naming Decisions

Feedback is more than an accumulation of opinions; it can significantly influence coaching and naming decisions.

  1. Feedback as a Catalyst: Feedback is an avenue for growth and improvement within coaching methodologies and naming strategies.
  2. Feedback Provides Valuable Insights: Feedback can provide invaluable behavioral insights that assist leaders and decision-makers alike.
  3. Psychological Effect: Understanding the psychological aspects of feedback allows coaches and business leaders to tailor their approaches for maximum effect, leading to improved results.

Feedback Channels: Utilizing Technology for Improved Coaching and Naming

With digital technologies advancing at an extraordinary rate, feedback channels have transformed, offering new ways of collecting and analyzing information.

  1. Online Surveys and Forms: These tools offer an efficient means of gathering feedback from clients, employees, or customers quickly and effectively.
  2. Social Media Monitoring: Monitoring social media channels can offer insightful information into public sentiment and market developments.
  3. Artificial Intelligence-Powered Analytics: Artificial intelligence can assist with processing massive volumes of feedback data to generate actionable insights.

Feedback channels have become indispensable tools for coaches and naming experts alike. By harnessing cutting-edge software and data analytics, professionals can now access real-time insights and suggestions, ensuring they can identify and select the best names available today. This dynamic synergy of technology and expertise not only streamlines the naming process but also guarantees that the choices made are truly top-notch, setting the stage for successful branding and communication strategies.

Feedback's Influence on Market Research: Navigating Trends and Preferences

Feedback is integral to market research, helping businesses understand trends and customer preferences.

  1. Product Development: Consumer feedback can play an invaluable role in shaping product or service developments to meet their expectations and needs.
  2. Competitive Advantage: Conducting comprehensive market research through customer feedback can give businesses an edge against their competition.
  3. Adapt to Change: Conducting frequent market analyses incorporating customer feedback is vital for businesses that aim to remain relevant in evolving markets.

The Role of Client Testimonials: Validating Coaching and Business Naming Success

Client testimonials provide robust evidence of coaching success and can serve as proof for social proof purposes.

  1. Trust and Credibility: Positive testimonials help build potential clients' or customers' trust and credibility.
  2. Case Studies: Remarks by former clients can be influential case studies to showcase the actual results of coaching or naming services.
  3. Referral Engine: Delighted customers often become brand advocates, sharing their stories about your services with their contacts and encouraging others based on these recommendations.

Feedback Across Industries: Examining Variances in Coaching and Naming Practices

Different industries present unique coaching and naming needs; feedback strategies must adapt accordingly.

  1. Healthcare: Patient feedback drives improvements to healthcare delivery and service quality.
  2. Startup Tech Companies: Feedback drives innovation and product creation within the rapidly developing tech landscape.
  3. Creative Industries: Customer feedback drives innovation across advertising and design, shaping brand identities.

Feedback and Innovation: Driving Creative Solutions in Coaching and Naming

Feedback and innovation form an indispensable pair in coaching and naming processes.

  1. Creativity Unleashed: Feedback promotes an environment for continuous improvement and innovation.
  2. Risk Mitigation: Iterative feedback processes help manage risks associated with business naming and coaching strategies.
  3. Adaptive Leadership: Leaders who embrace feedback-driven innovation tend to be more flexible and responsive in meeting changing conditions.

Conclusion

Feedback is essential in coaching, leadership, and business naming environments, providing invaluable guidance when making decisions, sparking innovation, or validating success. After exploring the science and practice of feedback, its evolving channels, and its effect across industries, one thing has become apparent: those who listen and utilize feedback are better poised for growth and excellence. At a time of data-driven insights and customer-centric approaches, harnessing feedback is one of the hallmarks of effective coaching, leadership, and brand naming. By harnessing its wisdom, you'll discover opportunities to foster meaningful change while inspiring transformation - using feedback wisely can bring great rewards in all three arenas of endeavor. Embark upon its power today & watch as your works take flight with meaningful transformation!

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August 19, 2024
Self Development
#branding
Growing a Service Business Through Easy Wins and Continuous Improvement

When I start working with a new client, I quickly see "low-hanging fruit" growth opportunities.

We all have our blind spots. That's why you can only see them once you look at your business from a different perspective. No matter how mature the business is, there are always at least a few opportunities. In client acquisition, retention. Or organic growth.

These are the ones we start with because, usually, they are simple to implement and create fast results for my clients. Just like the one I told you about Wednesday - a new and very simple business growth opportunity for my new client G.

Then, it's time to move on to Continuous Improvement.

It's more like farming. Going through every key aspect of your business to find opportunities. From business development through client journey and service delivery to back office operations. Adopting a methodical approach to continuous improvement can grow your revenue without expanding your business capacity through significant investments or adding hours to your days.

That is what my client Andrew's experience was like.

He has a private brick-and-mortar practice. Without adding days of visits to patients or hiring another doctor, his revenue grew 30-40% and became the new norm.

At the same time, he built so much more demand that he is ready to expand the clinic's capacity to accommodate it, without working more himself.

The power of the 6-month coaching package lies in identifying and implementing the low-hanging fruit first and then identifying smaller opportunities to keep the momentum of growth going. While preparing the business structure to take on all the clients while maintaining the high quality of their experience with you.

I'm there with you, step by step. Helping you implement, tweak, and refine.

Explore how your business can start scaling today. Schedule a sales consultation with me HERE and find out the three key areas that will generate the fastest results simply.

In Diamond Effect Podcast Episode #120 - Andrew shares concrete examples and tips of how we explore how Continuous Improvement can help any business grow.

https://youtu.be/fllW5WBy-IM

EP # 120 of the Diamond Effect Podcast - Business Growth through Continuous Improvement with Andrew Springer

Description

In this podcast episode, I interview one of my clients, dr Andrew Springer, a chiropodist and the owner of the Foot Advantage clinic in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. In the conversation, we explore how Continuous Improvement can help established businesses grow.

Continuous Improvement Journey
My guest shared their experience of getting help from a business coach and the secrets to successful implementation. We address the common struggle of having great ideas but failing to implement them.

We also discuss the challenge of getting staff members to embrace and support the implemented improvements. Andrew shares his strategies and techniques for managing change within a team, emphasizing the importance of collective buy-in.


Overcoming Resistance to Marketing Videos
The conversation shifts to the resistance, particularly among those over 40, to create marketing videos and engage in social media.

My guest shares their personal journey in overcoming this resistance and offers valuable insights for those facing a similar hurdle.


Tangible Positive Results
We conclude by exploring the tangible positive outcomes resulting from implementing the improvements.

Andrew provides real-world examples of how their business has flourished thanks to the changes made.

This episode offers a comprehensive look into the benefits of business coaching, as well as the intricacies and power of continuous improvement, making it a must-listen for business owners seeking to elevate their enterprises.


How to connect with dr Andrew Springer:
website: https://thefootadvantage.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ThefootadvantageTFA
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thefootadvantage/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-foot-advantage/about/

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August 19, 2024
Self Development
#branding
How to grow your business faster by focusing on fewer things

As an international business and leadership coach, I've had the privilege of guiding countless entrepreneurs on their journey to success.

In Episode #141 of the Diamond Effect Podcast, I delved into a concept that is both simple and transformative: strategic constraint, or as it's often phrased, "less is more." Today, I want to share with you some key points from the podcast and show you how applying this principle can lead to exponential growth in your business without the stress of being stretched too thin.

The Pitfall of Overextension in Entrepreneurship

In the entrepreneurial world, there's a common misconception that more effort, more offers, and more directions equal quicker success. However, my experience has taught me that this scattergun approach often leads to decision-making driven by panic, fear, or frustration. These decisions typically result in short-term fixes that don't serve the long-term vision of your business. Instead, I help my clients make decisions from a place of courage, determination, and other more serving positive emotions.

The 80/20 Rule: The Pareto Principle in Business

One of the most powerful tools in strategic constraint is the Pareto Principle. This principle suggests that 80% of your results come from just 20% of your efforts. When applied to business, this can mean that the majority of your income and profit may be generated from a small fraction of your products or services.

Understanding and leveraging the Pareto Principle allows you to focus on what truly matters, compounding your growth and improving results without piling on more work.

Strategic Daily Actions for Maximum Impact

The Pareto Principle isn't just about what you offer; it's also about how you operate on a daily basis. Identifying the actions that yield the most significant results is crucial. Instead of trying to fix everything at once, concentrate on key areas that will have the most substantial impact. This approach not only saves time but also ensures that your energy is invested in the most productive tasks.

The Role of the Pareto Principle in Team Leadership

Leadership is another area where strategic constraint can be incredibly effective. Recognizing and rewarding your top performers can lead to a more motivated and productive team. Conversely, it's essential to address underperformance and I talk more about it in the podcast.

Invitation to Leverage the Pareto Principle for Your Business

I invite you to consider today how you can apply the strategic constraint concept in your business.

And if you're looking to double your business without overwhelm or working more and are curious about how my T.O.P. CEO framework and Winning Strategy can help, schedule a sales call with me here.

In conclusion, strategic constraint and the Pareto Principle are not just theories; they are practical, actionable strategies that can lead to sustainable results. By focusing on what truly drives your business forward, you can achieve growth without the overwhelm. Less really is more :).

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August 19, 2024
Self Development
#branding
Navigating the Growth of Your Business: A Leadership Perspective

Embracing the Mindset for Success

Hello everyone, I'm Maggie Perotin, your guide through the intricacies of business and leadership growth. As the host of the Diamond Effect podcast, I share insights and strategies with entrepreneurs and business leaders from around the globe. Today, I want to delve into a topic that's close to my heart and critical to your success: the importance of mindset in business growth.

The Evolution of Challenges in Business

In my recent podcast episode, I drew an interesting parallel between the stages of parenting and the phases of business expansion. Just as the challenges of parenting change and grow as a child matures, so do the problems you'll face as your business evolves. It's a journey that requires continuous work on your leadership skills and an expanding capacity to solve problems.

As a business owner, you must become bigger than the problems you encounter. This doesn't mean that the problems shrink; rather, it means that your ability to handle them grows. The increasing complexity of challenges that arise with business growth is a testament to your progress. Still, it also demands that you develop the skills and mindset necessary to navigate this complexity successfully.

Problems as Opportunities for Growth

I often emphasize that problems are a natural part of business. They're not just obstacles but indicators pointing to areas where personal and professional growth is needed. When you start to view problems as opportunities for growth, you begin to develop the capacity to handle increasingly complex challenges. This shift in perspective is crucial for sustainable business growth and for preventing stress, overwhelm, and burnout.

Practical Tips for Expanding Your Leadership Capacity

In the episode, I shared practical tips for business owners looking to grow their capacity and become better leaders. One key piece of advice is to minimize the number of small, irrelevant decisions you make daily. Decision fatigue can cloud your judgment and reduce the quality of your decisions. By learning to let go of small issues and implementing a predetermined filtering system, you can make quick and high-quality decisions that move your business forward.

Another tip is to focus on the big picture. It's easy to get caught up in the minutiae of daily operations, but as a leader, your role is to steer the ship toward long-term success. This means prioritizing strategic planning and delegating tasks that don't require your expertise.

Join Me on the Journey to Double Your Business

I invite you to join me on this journey of growth. Together, we can work to double your business without adding more work to your plate. My goal is to help you eliminate overwhelm and stress while creating more balance in your life. It's not just about working harder; it's about working smarter and developing the leadership qualities that will enable you to thrive in the face of business challenges.

Conclusion

The path to sustainable business growth is paved with continuous personal and professional development. By embracing the right mindset and developing your leadership skills, you can become bigger than the problems you face and turn challenges into opportunities for growth. Remember, it's not the absence of problems that defines success, but the ability to overcome them.

I hope you've found these insights valuable, and I encourage you to listen to the full episode for a deeper dive into these topics. Let's grow together and shine bright like diamonds in the world of business.

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August 19, 2024
Self Development
#branding
How to Make Highly Effective Decisions in Three Steps

As 2024 is started and you feel a renewed energy to improve things in your business to create better results, with this article I want to help you decide what to change and improve.

“My business is so busy that despite working all the time, I can barely meet my client deadlines. So then I offer them discounts because I feel bad they had to wait. But I can’t find anyone skilled enough to hire to help me. And even if I did, I can't pay them when they’re asking for. And what if I don’t have enough work for them.”

How many business owners stay stuck in similar situations for months or years on end? Unable to make decisions that would move them out of the current unwanted situation towards a better outcome.

Decisions are what creates progress and grows your business.

There are three principles of making decisions as a high performer.

1) There’s no one universally right decision

There is the right decision for you at this moment based on your values, mission, long-term vision, and short-term goals you’re trying to accomplish.

2) It’s never written in stone

When you make a decision and implement it, the results, you get are new data and knowledge to consider as you move further. It’s OK to tweak, modify, or change your decision altogether when it’s no longer serving you. You are the CEO of your business. Making decisions is the most important and fun part of your job :).

3) You must commit fully to the decision before you implement

Once you make a decision you want, commit fully to it. That happens when you love your reasons for it. This way you don’t flip-flop going back and forth on other options when trying to implement it. The last thing you want is to sabotage the results by flip-flopping.

As a coach, I help my clients master the skill of high performance. A critical part of it is making effective and strategic decisions.

With my coaching, you get out of black and white, two options, thinking. You learn to see that there are always multiple solutions to your problems. I help you explore them effectively. You learn how to assess the risks and benefits of each option so that you can make the best decisions for you and your business and know how to implement them successfully.

During our weekly CEO Power Hour coaching calls, I help you stay committed to the decisions you make when your busy mind starts questioning them. It does it naturally because as a business owner, you are exposed to so much new information and so many opportunities every week. With my help, you keep focused, and consistent and keep getting closer to achieving your goals.

When you coach with me, you don’t stay stuck in a problem for weeks or months on end. You learn how to make powerful decisions, take calculated risks, and move your business forward while saving money and time and eliminating overwhelm. This is how I help you double your business with less work.

Click here to schedule a free initial consultation so we can discuss in detail what it would look like for you.

With much love and to your success,

Maggie

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August 19, 2024
Self Development
#branding
How to Achieve Any Goal
5 Steps to achieving any goal

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.

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August 19, 2024
Self Development
#branding
How to Raise Your Pricing Without Losing Customers in 5 Steps

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.

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August 19, 2024
Self Development
#branding
How Women are Shaping the Future of the Tech Industry

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!

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August 19, 2024
Time Management
#branding
How to Gain More Clients Through Effective Sales Follow-up

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.

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August 19, 2024
Self Development
#branding
How to Attract High-Value Clients to Your Small Business
ethnic female cafe owner showing welcome we are open inscription
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels.com

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
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August 19, 2024