BoomerBizCoach Recommends...

BoomerBizCoach Recommeds EzineArticles

2011-11-06T15:26:00.000-08:00

I have repeatedly mentioned article marketing on by website and business building blog as a great way to gain exposure and build your business. But with all of the article directories available, which one should you use? Well, to be honest, many "experts" tell you to submit to all of them. But if you want to use a quality site that will help you gain the recognition and exposure you need, then I recommend just one, EzineArticles.

EzineArticles' searchable database of hundreds of thousands of quality original articles, posted by Expert Authors & Writers, allows email newsletter publishers who are hungry for fresh content to find articles to include in their next newsletter. And when they include yours, you gain exposure to a potentially new market. This is true of all the other article directories as well.

What makes EzineArticles different? For one thing, their size! EzineArticles serves millions of unique visitors monthly and has over 100,000+ RSS feeds plus 700+ email alert lists designed to announce every new article posted to over 100,000 permission-based members/publishers Since publishers are required to include your Resource Box (which contains your mini-bio or website contact information) and not alter or edit your article in any way without obtaining your permission first, getting your name and website in front of thousands of potential visitors.

They are also the only article directory I have found that actually provides training. I have read their training series, An Introduction to Article Writing and Marketing. It is concise, clear, and easy to understand. It won't turn you into an award-winning author, but it will give you enough information to create some great articles.

Another selling point? They are a highly reputable site. Each article is reviewed to ensure they are high-quality, original articles. When you are designated as an Expert Author on EzineArticles, publishers know that you are offering good, quality content that will be of value to their readers.

Best of all - EzineArticles is free! Go sign up today and start submitting your own articles. Who knows? I may use one someday in one of my blogs or websites!

BoomerBizCoach Recommends "The Celebrity Experience"

2011-10-22T21:15:00.000-07:00

Customer service should be a celebrity experience. At least that's what author Donna Cutting believes. As a customer, I have to agree. I'd like to experience that level of customer service. As a business woman, I also have to agree. It's exceptional customer service that can turn first-time customers into life-long clients.

I first read Donna's book, The Celebrity Experience, a few years ago. It made an impression on me but not as much as it did now that I am in business for myself. As I re-read Donna's book, I thought of all the times that my own purchasing decisions had been made based solely on the type of service I received. I realized that there were times I had actually paid more for a product or service simply because I was so impressed by the service. I remembered all of the times I had received the "red carpet treatment" Donna describes - and all of the times I didn't. And I came to one conclusion - I go where I am treated well. Price can be important, brands and familiarity will sometimes win, but being treated like I'm the most important customer in the store - that will win me over every time. And Donna's book will teach business owners how to give their customers that same experience!

The concepts outlined in Donna's book are so true that it was well worth a second read. In fact, I sat up most of the night to finish it. It was worth a few hours of lost sleep to be reminded how to make my clients feel like stars. I can't wait to begin applying some of the principles she describes. I just know they will help my business grow. I guarantee if you read her book and follow her tips, you too will create a bunch of happy, loyal customers! In fact, I'm so impressed with it, I'm thinking of buying a few more copies - for those businesses I now longer patronize because of their customer service.

What is red-carpet customer service? It’s mastering the basics of service, delivering a great experience, and then some! It’s in the “and then some” that your customers have a Celebrity Experience. Donna shows you how to do this through her stories of businesses that provide this level of service. (I LOVE the green M&Ms story). She shows you how you, too, can easily implement "The Celebrity Experience" in your business, really without much cost, but with simply a new way of looking at how to view their customers.

If you have this book already, you need to dust it off and read it again. It never hurts to be reminded of the value of exceptional customer service. If you don't own this book yet, I have only two words of advice for you - BUY IT.

The Celebrity Experience: Insider Secrets to Delivering Red Carpet Customer Service by Donna Cutting is available on Amazon.

BoomerBizCoach Recommends Growning Bolder

2011-10-09T11:25:00.000-07:00

I discovered the Growing Bolder Community shortly after joining Twitter. They were one of my first "followers" and I happily followed them back. I am so glad I did. I enjoyed their tweets greatly and found myself looking forward to reading what they had to share. So it wasn't long before I decided to check them out further. This what I discovered.

Growing Bolder shines the spotlight on ordinary people in pursuit of extraordinary lives. They believe it's not about age; it's about attitude, and they know that each one of us can pursue our own passions. They bring us stories that nobody else can or will - on their website, through Growing Bolder Radio, and on Growing Bolder TV, which airs on public television stations. I live in the middle of nowhere and even my public TV station carries it so I'm sure it airs on a station near you! That is the first thing you want to check when you visit their website.

After you find out where to watch Growing Bolder TV, you will want to join the Growing Bolder Community. Here you will find articles, videos, and audio on a wide range of topics, including health, money, relationships, sports, travel, and much more. I find there is always something new to learn or to inspire me everytime I visit. For example, yesterday I was inspired by the story of Laura Simon who wrote her first book at age 100 and is still going strong today at age 105. Guess that means I still have time to finish my book! And I discovered a great book by Julie Subotky called "Consider it Done: Accomplish 228 of Life's Trickiest Tasks." Sounds just like the kind of help I need. And I found an article on how to have a No Weight Gain Holiday Season. Since I always seem to put on a few pounds between October and January, I am very excited about this and looking forward to reaching January at my current weight -or maybe even less!

Once you are finished checking out all the great information on the Growing Bolder website, go shopping at the Growing Bolder store. Today I picked up copies of several books I've been wanting to read and found some recorded interviews I intend to get once I'm caught up with my reading and listening list.

From interviews with Lee Greenwood to the story about Laura Simon, you will definitely find something of value at Growing Bolder. I highly recommend it check them out today!

BoomerBizCoach Recommends Site Build It! (SBI!)

2011-09-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

It's hard to have an internet business when you don't know anything about Web design. That's one reason I always used someone else's site. But canned sites don't always work well - it's hard to compete when there are 1000 other sites identical to yours. And hiring an outside web designer had some advantages, but I didn't have the control I liked (card carrying control freak here!) and when my designer just up and quit and disappeared, I was left with nothing. Luckily I found SBI!

SBI! is the only all-in-1 step-by-step system of process-and-software that delivers thriving businesses. No other purchase is necessary. Everything you need is already included.
Spam check tool? It's in there. Want to publish and ezine? SBI! has an ezine publish tool. Autoresponders? Included. Form creation tools? Already part of the package. Plus some of the best analytical and statistical tools available to help you optimize your site to create a growing, profitable business.

How do I know SBI! works? My newest site, Boomer Business Ideas, is powered by SBI! And even though I know nothing about HTML or web design, the traffic to my site increases daily - simply by using the tools available and following the techniques provided by SBI!.

You are probably already asking what all of this costs. I'm sure you are thinking it must cost a fortune. Well it doesn't. It is completely affordable, regardless if you use the yearly or monthly payment option. Add the 90 day guarantee and you simply cannot go wrong.

Why build another site that gets no traffic? Or put yourself at the mercy of someone else having control of your vision? Or add one more canned site to the hundreds of thousands already out there? Build your own ebusiness with Site Build It. You know if I can do it, ANYONE can do it!

This is the part where I am required by law to tell you that I am not only an SBI! owner, I am also an affiliate. So if you do click here to find more information and decide to purchase SBI!, I will receive a commission. Thanks!

Boomer Biz Coach Recommends The Impact Factor

2011-08-23T21:22:00.000-07:00

If you read any of my other blogs then you know it has been a rough few months for me and my family. There were many times when I felt like just giving up on everything. Fortunately, I had good friends and family to keep me going.

Fortunately, along with faith, friends and family, I had books. I'm sure most of you know by now I am an avid reader. And I had plenty of time to read and re-read some of my favorites. One book in particular stood out. I first read it a couple of years ago. I re-read it again just a few months ago. I'm glad I did. I had forgotten how motivating it is.

The book is Ken McArthur's "The Impact Factor." In it, Ken reveals the key strategies used by some of the most influential people in the world. These people create measurable and undeniable impact on millions of people. The stories of these people and ordinary people alike, illustrate vital strategies that enable you to create your own legacy. Reading once again some of the obstacles that people in these stories had to overcome to leave their mark in the world reminded me that I too had a lot I still wanted to say.

Ken's book is loaded with advice on how to get your message heard. Step-by-step plans, lists, and bullet points are provided to help you put his advice into action. He illustrates everything with personal examples from his own experience and the experiences of others.

By sharing the stories of ordinary people who have left their mark on the world, Ken shows what is possible. By providing the steps and guidance to get us there, he helps make it possible for us.

I have known Ken for many years and I have always listened to what he had to share. He has never steered me wrong. His book is everything I would have expected from him and more. If you haven't read it yet, trust me. Go to Amazon right now and get your copy of "The Impact Factor." You won't regret it.

BoomerBizCoach Recommends Felicia Slattery!

2010-01-07T19:04:00.000-08:00

Felicia Slattery is a communication consultant, speaker, and coach specializing in training busy professionals to succeed by communicating effectively with clients and prospects. She teaches teleseminars, leads workshops, and offers private coaching to individual clients on improving their communication skills in order to present their best image.

I first met Felicia when we were both active on the Ryze network. Her posts were always insightful and informative and I logged on eagerly each day to see what she would be sharing. She taught me a great deal just by reading her articles, so when I heard that she was going to be speaking at one of Ken McArthur's jvAlert events, I knew I had to meet her.

Felicia in person is even better than Felicia online! Since she is a communications expert, you would expect an above-average presentation. Felicia totally delivered. So many times a presentation is nothing more than a thinly disguised infomercial. Not Felicia's. It was full of practical information that I was able to take home at the end of the weekend and put to immediate use. Not only that - it was fun! Felicia is so full of energy and excitement, you can't help but get caught up by her enthusiasm.

Since that initial meeting, I have taken her e-courses, subscribed to her newsletter, listened to her training calls, and have been so impressed, I now promote her to my own clients.

Felicia teaches teleseminars, leads workshops, has authored several e-books, and offers private coaching. She is also a wonderful speaker and is well worth inviting to speak at your next event. If one of your goals for this year is to increase your business, you need to communicate effectively. Let Felicia show you how. I promise it will be one of the best investments you will make this year.

BoomerBizCoach Recommends Karlyn!

2009-11-24T21:33:00.000-08:00

As I have stated before, the BoomerBizCoach does not have one artistic bone in her body. So I am always on the lookout for great graphics people. And I have found another one. It's her work you see on Traveling Bob's blog encouraging people to spay and neuter their fur babies.

I first met Karlyn through my membership in Boomer Diva Nation. And it is through BDN that I have really had the opportunity to see what great work she does. Check out her portfolio and you'll see many of the designs used by BDN were created by Karlyn.

When you see the quality of the work she does, your first thought is "Wow! She must be expensive." Not so. After pricing several designers to do the BoomerBizCoach logo, all I can say is "Wow! She's really affordable!" Check out her pricing and you'll see what I mean. I feel guilty getting such great work at these prices!

Great designs, affordable pricing. She must be difficult to work with. Not at all. She encourages your input, so while the design may be hers, it truly reflects the ideas and personality of her clients.

I am eagerly awaiting the completion of my new logo. I can't wait to unveil it on my new site. If it's anything like her previous work, it will absolutely perfect and exactly what I am looking for.

Karlyn does logo design, website design, custom Twitter backgrounds, buttons, banners, siggie tags, and other specialty items. If you're looking for an affordable yet fabulous design, I highly recommend you contact Karlyn today.

BoomerBizCoach Recommends Pop Art Diva!

2009-10-21T23:04:00.000-07:00

BoomerBizCoach does is not artistic. Not even a little! So when we came up with the idea for "The Adventures of Traveling Bob", I knew I was in trouble. With a concept like Bob, eye-catching graphics were a must. And I didn't think my little stick figure rendering of him would quite do it. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to have made the acquaintence of The Pop Art Diva.

Actually, The Pop Art Diva is just one of the many personas of this crazy (or as she puts it - "normal challenged") woman. I'll tell you more about them in a bit because I recommend you get acquainted with every facet of this multi-talented lady. But first I want to recommend her as an answer to your graphic art needs.

When I approached her about the idea for Traveling Bob, she was instantly excited at the idea. She knew almost exactly what I wanted and delivered it - quickly, completely, and very reasonably priced. Her design for the masthead on the Traveling Bob blog immediately conveys the idea of something that is fun and different - just like Bob.

She also created the designs for the line of Traveling Bob merchandise. I have to admit, I have not done as much with this yet as I should have. But now that I have discovered Zazzle (that's another post), Bob apparel and gifts will soon be available for purchase. Again, the graphics are colorful and unique and designed to appeal to buyers even if they haven't any idea who Traveling Bob is. And again, the price - can't complain.

Check out a sample of her work at http://travelswithbob.blogspot.com/ and www.cafepress.com/travelwithbob. Please forgive the appearance of the CafePress site and don't let it influence your opinion of her work. As I said, I have not done much with the site. Once you see what she has done for me and Bob, find out what she can do for you.

As for the many other faces of the Diva - as the Martini Diva, she taught me there was more to life than red wine. And Bob loves the Bow Wow martini for dogs. As the Diva of Tiny Foods, her appetizer recipes have helped rescue many of my parties from food-boredom. My husband loves her Italian Sausage Meat Pies.

I read her many blogs as often as I can. I am always sure to find something there to remind me of my own past (we are both boomers so we do share some history), or make me laugh - I mean REALLY, belly-shaking, tears running down your face, laugh.

So check out this pop art creating, martini-loving, tiny food making, normal-challenged, baby boomer gal. I know you'll love her as much as Bob and I do.

BoomerBizCoach Recommends Testosterone Free Marketing and Empower U!

2009-09-21T20:30:00.000-07:00

It's been 10 years since I decided to step out on my own - first as an associate for conference resource firm HelmsBriscoe, then taking what I had learned from growing that business and building successful businesses of my own - WealthTogether, network marketing with Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing, and the travel site for pets, The Adventures of Traveling Bob. Now I'm branching into something even more exciting - teaching other baby boomers that it's not too late for them to experience the pleasure of creating their own path through the newly launched (okay launching - it's still a work in progress!) Boomer Biz Coach.

During these past 10 years, I have learned much. Some of it by trial and error. Some of it from the wonderful mentors and coaches I have met along the way. As I work with others who are going through the same struggles I did, I find myself guiding them to these same resources. And that's where the idea for this blog came from - a desire to prevent others from making the same errors and missteps I did by getting the resources and people who can be most helpful to them right in front of them now.

It was a tough decision to decide who would be first. There have been so many that have helped me. So I did the only fair thing I could - threw all the names into a hat and chose one! The winner and first person to be recommended by the Boomer Biz Coach - Denise Michaels author of Testosterone Free Marketing and founder of Empower U!

Denise is a marketing mentor. Whether you need help in buiding your business, marketing your products or services, writing your own bestseller, copywriting, or sales, Denise can help you.

I found Denise several years ago on Ryze, a social network we both belonged to. She had a network of her own there - Real Women - Real Success. After reading her posts and interacting with her through the network, I discovered that this lady knows her stuff. And so I purchased her book. And I am so glad I did.

Testosterone Free Marketing is one of the best business books I have ever read. If you have ever dreaded having to get out there and ask for the sale, this is the book for you. My first sales job was cars - yes, cars! And I was taught the usual high-pressure sales tactics that most people associate with car salesman. I did okay but it never felt completely comfortable. I made myself do what I had been taught, but I hated every minute of it.

When I started on my own, I discovered myself falling back into those same old patterns. I still hated it, but I didn't know a better way. I began to dread picking up the phone or making the sales call. And my business suffered. Then I read Denise's book and it taught me that I don't have to be pushy, manipulative, and one of the guys. I could be myself and still make the sale. Instead of being afraid to promote myself and my abilities for fear of being thought pushy, I learned how to "toot my own horn" in a less aggressive fashion that's more comfortable to me.

I could on and on about what this book has done for me and my business. But I want to save some room for Denise's latest endeavor - Empower U!

Empower U is filled with information on everything from developing more self-confidence, better health, and personal growth to what's happening in the economy and on the social scene that's relevant to your business. There's also a section devoted strictly to marketing - from "Ahas for Women" to the tried and true "Marketing Classics". Need more indepth and personal help? Click on over to Empower U Academy for coaching and audio training opportunities on topics like Holistic Goal Setting and Making Customers Happily Say Yes!

I'm still looking at everything offered here. I know I'll be signing up for as much of her coaching as I can. Anyone in business - boomer or not - would be wise to do the same.