Business Challenge

Having a marketing system (http://www.bridgestwins.com/episode-31-when-my-sales-guy-is-out-my-sales-plummet-what-should-i-do/) for your business means running specific marketing (digital, postcards, print, direct mail, etc.) in a sp...

Business Challenge

When people think of brands they might think of Coca-Cola, Nike, or Ironman (had to toss the last one in).  These brands have spent years and billions of marketing dollars to ensure they are the top of mind when people think of their particular category (soda, sports apparel, triathlons).  While you might not have the vision of building a multi-billion dollar enterprise you can capitalize on the power of a brand in your local market.

The challenge that we are tackling today is:

“How can I build a brand without breaking the bank?”

(http://www.bridgestwins.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/brand-without-breaking-the-bank-web-size.jpg)

Listen in and read on to find out more:

Key Items

* If in doubt, there is value to a local brand - While we are direct response marketers at heart, there is no doubt there is great value to a brand name.  In the world of paid search you will reap the rewards on CPC savings with brand terms.  Whether you end up building a brand for your company or products (i.e. think Camry) or both, you will be able to drive additional direct response conversions when you build a brand as well.

* Small Giveaways - Small giveaways can be a great way to build your brand over time.  Common items that many businesses go for in this case are pens and keychains.  Pens can be great because they have a great deal of usability, but they don’t have a long lifespan.  Keychains can too easily get tossed as there aren’t too many times people will use yours as their primary keychain.  Consider a small giveaway like a coffee mug.  They can still be purchased for <$8 apiece and they have a long lifespan.

* Annual Activities- Annual activities can come in a variety of formats to extend your brand into the local market.  It could mean sponsoring flag day by putting flags in a local neighborhood, developing a calendar and giving it out in November/December, or even giving out pumpkins for Halloween.  Try to select an activity that you can repeat annually for maximum impact.

* Local Events -Local events are where you will likely have the most opportunity to extend your brand, but with many competing brands be aware that you might not get the top of mind recognition you desire.  Local event sponsorship can range from a local 5k race, little league team, Church fairs and much more.  If you are considering a local event see if you can get increased sponsorship awareness by agreeing to multiple years in advance (you can often get a better deal this way too).

* Track the results over time - While it would be great to see a new flood of customers calling, emailing, and coming to your office saying they saw your brand that isn’t too likely.  Consider putting a small paid search campaign together (at least on Google) and see if you can drive visitors who are searching purely on your brand.

Sponsors

* Perry Marshall (http://www.bridgestwins.com/perry) – As the co-author of the Ultimate Guide to Google Adwords, creator of the Adwords Bootcamp and one who has developed ninja level marketing programs you are sure to find a marketing strategies and tactics that will help your business get to the next level.

* Email Autoresponders (http://www.bridgestwins.com/email/) – Staying connected with existing customers and prospects can be a challenge when you are relying on only your own activity.  Implementing an email autoresponder sequence will help you to engage prospects over time until they are ready to do business with you and keep existing customers thrilled that you are staying in touch.  Find out more about the solutions that can help your business today.

Want Your Challenge Featured?

With each challenge we tackle, we look to not only solve the problem we look to shed light on new opportunities for our listeners.  We invite you listen to a couple of the business owners who shared their challenges (http://www.bridgestwins.com/challenge) and to submit your own today!

Mindset Challenge

It’s a new month and that means a new Mindset Monday.  While marketing strategies and tactics will be the drivers to greater revenue and freedom, the ideas and even energy for those methods will come from your mind.

With the Olympics fast approaching it reminds us that the athletes who are competing set the goal of becoming an Olympian and likely an Olympic Champion many many years ago.  For many of them making it to the Olympics is the result of thousands of hours of training.  During that time they likely had doubt, but they stayed true to their goal to get the prize.

While Bridges Brigade members might not be on the Olympic path (if you are please let us know) you are on a path to success. The path will be filled with challenges and to help you get to your Olympics we will tackle the aspects of Vision and Goals.

Listen in and read on to find out how you can challenge your mind to help you reach the success you deserve:

Key Items

* What goal(s) are you reaching for? - Goals don’t have to be limited to business.  You can set personal goals, spiritual goals, financial goals, relationship goals...you get the point.  For each area of your life do you have a goal defined?  Not one that you are pretty sure is a goal, but one that you have written down, one that you really are striving for.  By making specific goals you can then work toward them.

* Are you playing the “tape” of  success - In 2008 Michael Phelps won the gold in the 200 butterfly...but that wasn’t a surprise.  The surprise was that he did it with his goggles filled with water.  He knew how many strokes he needed to win and he “played the tape” of him winning in his mind long before ever getting in the pool so he knew he would be successful.

* What is your anchor? - On the way to your goals it will be challenging (if not, set a more challenging goal).  When times get challenging what will you set as your anchor point to keep you going.  In an interview with a Navy Seal about his time going into BUD/S he said he was going to come home a Seal or come home in a body bag.  His anchor point was death!  Now that is a strong anchor and yours may not need to be that strong, but consider a strong point of reference of how deep you are willing to go when times get tough.

Joe Says So

* Les Brown (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTeqxamzD_c) - In a great talk from Les Brown, he shares how one talk from his high school principal made a huge impact in his life.

Sponsors

* Perry Marshall (http://www.bridgestwins.com/perry) – As the co-author of the Ultimate Guide to Google Adwords, creator of the Adwords Bootcamp and one who has developed ninja level marketing programs you are sure to find a marketing strategies and tactics that will help your business get to the next level.

* Email Autoresponders (http://www.bridgestwins.com/email/) – Staying connected with existing customers and prospects can be a challenge when you are relying on only your own activity.  Implementing an email autoresponder sequence will help you to engage prospects over time until they are ready to do business with you and keep existing customers thrilled that you are staying in touch.  Find out more about the solutions that can help your business today.

Want Your Challenge Featured?

With each challenge we tackle, we look to not only solve the problem we look to shed light on new opportunities for our listeners.  We invite you listen to a couple of the business owners who shared their challenges (http://www.bridgestwins.com/challenge) and to submit your own today!

On a recent adventure of riding from the Clovis, CA, located near Fresno, into the Sierra forest to the peak of Kaiser Pass, 9,132 I discovered a bit about myself and how marketing challenges can be faced and conquered.

* (http://www.bridgestwins.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Kaiser-Pass.jpg)You have to prepare mentally as much as physically. I signed for this ride over 6 months in advance. I had done rides with over 10,000 feet of climbing, rides over 100 miles, and in the 8 weeks leading up to the ride I spent every weekend on a portion of the course. I also adopted the attitude that I would either finish or I would be pulled off the course. There was no option for not finishing in my mind. For your business you must prepare for the tough times that will come in advance.

* Even with the best laid plans you may need some help. During the steepest climb of the day my legs cramped up to the point where I had to walk. Eventually a nice support vehicle run by the other and daughter team of Marilyn and Piper stopped to check on me. They asked what I needed and I was able to get a coke and sit on the truck bed for a little while to rest. They helped show me how I only had a few more feet left and then a few miles to the next rest station. I had never had to walk a climb before...ever and they were able to help lift up my spirits and provide energy to get to the next station. Even when you have prepared you may need one, two, or more to help you reach your goal. Don’t be afraid to ask for and take help.

* Find people in your life who will cheer you on. At the top of the highest climb of the day, Kaiser Pass, there were flags, music, and a crowd cheering. It was the end of a near 10 mile climb and the last big climb of the day. I was tired yet found new energy to power up the last climb of the day. There will be times that you are tired and need an extra burst of energy. Find a group that is willing to cheer you on. A marketing group, referral group, or network of entrepreneurs that you can lean on when you are tired.

* Take time to celebrate the victory no matter how small. There were big climbs and small climbs. There were times that my body was so tired I was just happy to make the next stroke of the pedal. I would look to sections that were just a couple of hundred feet and tell myself to “stay in the fight” and “you can do it”. Stay positive and look at small successes in your marketing. It might be the first click, the first phone call, or the first form fill. Every great marketing campaign started with a first interaction. Take the time to celebrate.

 

Joe Says So

* Legendary Runner Steve Prefontaine (http://www.prefontainerun.com/) - A famed tough runner and one who had many quotes on mindset.  One particular quote that demonstrated how deep he would dig: “Somebody may beat me, but they are going to have to bleed to do it.”

Sponsors

* Perry Marshall (http://www.bridgestwins.com/perry) – As the co-author of the Ultimate Guide to Google Adwords, creator of the Adwords Bootcamp and one who has developed ninja level marketing programs you are sure to find a marketing strategies and tactics that will help your business get to the next level.

* Email Autoresponders (http://www.bridgestwins.com/email/) – Staying connected with existing customers and prospects can be a challenge when you are relying on only your own activity.  Implementing an email autoresponder sequence will help you to engage prospects over time until they are ready to do business with you and keep existing customers thrilled that you are staying in touch.  Find out more about the solutions that can help your business today.

Want Your Challenge Featured?

With each challenge we tackle, we look to not only solve the problem we look to shed light on new opportunities for our listeners.  We invite you listen to a couple of the business owners who shared their challenges

Business Challenge

There are many great businesses that are run from a garage or a home office.  Lest you think that all multi-seven figure businesses have great office buildings, there are quite a number that have armies of people who work remotely a...

Business Challenge

Many businesses will grow in strong economies and then struggle when a particular vertical or economic shift happens.  The businesses who consistently attack growth will do far more than rise in a high tide.  A focus on growth leads to greater stability in the business, happier employees, and a happier business owner.

Today’s challenge hits right at home of the problem or understanding that growth is necessary, and then struggling with just exactly the energies should be focused to achieve that growth.  This is a big challenge and the first few steps in approaching this challenging can make the world of difference.

The challenge that we are tackling today is:

“My business needs to grow, but I’m not quite sure where to start?”

Listen in and read on to find out more:

Key Items

* Where is the best Opportunity?  - Some businesses scale very easily.  They can dominate a certain geographic footprint and then pick up that model and apply it to another area.  Other businesses may have a national reach, but not enough product depth or width (i.e. XLAB started dual rear carriers; now they innovate with complete hydration and nutrition systems that have been specialized with aerodynamic testing).

* People Problem? System Problem? Both? - When you are looking to grow there is going to be an investment in that growth.  The investment can come in the form of investing in people, systems or a combination of both.  As you look to grow your revenue understand what the investment looks like.  There are many times that your systems are so well defined that you can simply add another person.  At other growth phases you may have outgrown your software and an overhaul may be required to support the increase in revenue.  Understanding where the need(s) are going to be will help you set proper expectations for budget and revenue. You will have to listen in to the show to hear how we tackle the opportunity of "job swapping" as we find it particularly valuable but is a bit more than we wanted to write up in the notes.

* Do I need help to achieve my goals? - As a leader of a division or owner of a business you likely already have a demanding schedule.  To achieve growth, where are you going to get the time?  While the growth plan might call for more employees are you ready for that?  Who on your team can help with the new software choices?  Adding more revenue can come down to re-prioritizing people’s existing workloads, engaging consultants, or even hiring contractors to help in the short-term.  Decide if you need help and what kind of help you need to ensure a successful execution.

Sponsors

* Perry Marshall (http://www.bridgestwins.com/perry) – As the co-author of the Ultimate Guide to Google Adwords, creator of the Adwords Bootcamp and one who has developed ninja level marketing programs you are sure to find a marketing strategies and tactics that will help your business get to the next level.

* Email Autoresponders (http://www.bridgestwins.com/email/) – Staying connected with existing customers and prospects can be a challenge when you are relying on only your own activity.  Implementing an email autoresponder sequence will help you to engage prospects over time until they are ready to do business with you and keep existing customers thrilled that you are staying in touch.  Find out more about the solutions that can help your business today.

Want Your Challenge Featured?

With each challenge we tackle, we look to not only solve the problem we look to shed light on new opportunities for our listeners.  We invite you listen to a couple of the business owners who shared their challenges (http://www.bridgestwins.com/challenge) and to submit your own today!

Lessons Learned

As we travel to different locations and tackle different races it is amazing what can be learned.  Inevitably lessons are learned that we don’t anticipate learning.

In recent travels to the big island of Hawaii and racing Hawaii 70....

Business Challenge

The second largest search engine is YouTube.  Mobile video viewing is climbing at a skyrocket pace on platforms like Snapchat and Facebook.  People love watching videos, for entertainment, for learning, and they can be used to attra...

Mindset Challenge

It’s a new month and that means a new Mindset Monday.  While marketing strategies and tactics will be the drivers to greater revenue and freedom, the ideas and even energy for those methods will come from your mind.

Today’s inspiration for Mindset Monday came from a Perry Marshall newsletter (http://www.bridgestwins.com/perry/).  Joe and I are part of the Perry Marshall Mastermind Club.  Despite our passion for technology this newsletter is delivered the old fashioned way...in our physical mailbox.  Anyway, I was reading one where a headline in the newsletter was this:

“New Solutions are Incubated in RAM & Implemented Under Stress”

In a nutshell, the section of the newsletter shared that we trap ourselves with so much activity and grinding in our business that we can miss evolutionary ideas.  In this day and age if we aren’t making space for evolutionary ideas in our business we can get into trouble quickly.

Listen in and read on to find out how you can challenge your mind to help you reach the success you deserve:

Key Items

* Mind gravitates towards tasks - The mind finds purpose in tasks.  It embraces the monotony of accomplishing goals and keeping you busy.  Great pioneers in thinking and business (think Aristotle from history or Elon Musk for today’s era) don’t let themselves get stuck in tasks.  Yes, tasks must get executed for the big mission to be accomplished, but being stuck being a “task master” will keep you trapped like a hamster in a wheel.

* When was the last time you had a really great idea? - Think carefully about this.  Now, when did that idea come to you?  What were you doing?  What were you feeling at that moment in time?  Where were you?  Understanding where you were and what you were doing are particularly key elements.  Great ideas (and yes implementation) are a lifeblood to remain competitive in today’s world.

* What can you do to free your mind? - Albert Einstein went for a walk to free his mind. Now maybe a walk isn’t something that you do, but the point is to free your mind from the activity that is occupying your brainpower.  For Joe and I, the activity is cycling.  It can take 30 minutes or more before our mind slows down and stops thinking about tasks and suddenly we are more aware of the sun, the direction of the wind, the sounds of birds and then ideas start flowing.  Our late friend Todd Bates (http://www.bridgestwins.com/special-episode-legacy-of-todd-bates-part-1/) would say the brain is constantly going at 9,000 RPM’s and if don’t take time to slow it down then the idea factory won’t be in business (he would meditate for 20 minutes daily).

* What are you doing to add a new dimensions of thinking? - Being the go-to source for information and/or products is great, but it will have limitations without innovation.  To innovate consider cross-pollination.  Subscribe to magazine subscriptions that don’t have anything to do with your industry, listen to a variety of podcasts, or even network with a group of people where you don’t have anything in common.  Approach the new topics and people with a passion for learning.  As you learn about seemingly unrelated areas you will find the dots can connect to what you are working on in ways you never imagined.

Sponsors

* Perry Marshall (http://www.bridgestwins.com/perry) – As the co-author of the Ultimate Guide to Google Adwords, creator of the Adwords Bootcamp and one who has developed ninja level marketing programs you are sure to find a marketing strategies and tactics that will help your business get to the next level.

* Email Autoresponders (http://www.bridgestwins.com/email/) – Staying connected with existing customers and prospects can be a challenge when you are relying on only your own activity.  Implementing an email autoresponder sequence will help you to engage prospects over time until they are ready to do business with you and keep existing customers thrilled that you are staying in touch.

Business Challenge

Time seems to go rather quickly.  In school you had the much anticipated Summer break to look forward to each year that denoted another past year.  In business it can seem that your quarterly goals come faster and faster and that you never can seem to get it all done.  In the land of podcasting we were reminded of our anniversary as we tracked our data.

It’s been a year of challenges that we have tackled.  We have heard everything from B2B marketing challenges, interviewed a dark horse candidate who became a Supreme Court Justice, shared about our time at Perry Marshall Renaissance Marketing Academy, and much more.  The privilege has certainly been ours as we have received comments, emails and received voicemails on challenges and heard how we have helped (phew...thankfully).

This is just year 1 in the books.  As we share on the show, our mission isn’t complete until there aren’t any challenges left for business owners, entrepreneurs, solo-preneurs, part-time-preneneurs, division executives...well you get the picture.

We invite you to listen in today as we talk about the top moments from this year.  While our schedule is aggressive, we will keep it to 1 episode as we have a backlog of challenges we need to tackle for the Bridges Brigade.

Top Shows

* Episode 72 - How do I bring more traffic to my site that converts- While this episode was launched In February of this year, this has been our top listened show in the last year.  What can we say...we love traffic that converts too!  Volume of traffic certainly isn’t an issue for businesses, but getting the right traffic to convert and transform into revenue is a challenge.

* Episode 9 and 10 Perry Marshall Renaissance Marketing Academy - If you have listened to the show this year you have heard us share about Perry Marshall and his group.  We had the honor of speaking at their RMA event and it was packed with information.  When you have a guest speaker like Jay Abraham, plus a great group of Ninja marketers who share everything on from LinkedIn to YouTube, what is not to like.

* Episode 8 - Judge Elect Fisher Wins the Day - The classic tale of David vs. Goliath.  In our first month of the podcast we were able to interview Judge Elect Lisa Fisher (now Justice Fisher) and John Fisher.  In perhaps one of our most fun interviews we were able to hear how they overcame the 18 year drought for the Republican party and win the seat on the Supreme Court.  Regardless of your political affiliation, listen in to see how they turned a politics challenge into a marketing problem.

* Episode 71 - Received Unexpected Press, How do I maximize it? - Seeing that unexpected write up on a popular blog or print (yes people still read print) is an exciting event.  Capitalizing on that press is where you can truly grow your business.

* Episode 5 & 6 - How to Avoid Looking like a Salesman?- No one really wants to look like a salesman.  Images conjure up of the sleezy used car salesman trying to put you in that “great” vehicle with the muffler falling off.  In B2B sales it can feel like you are always hounding clients.  In our first month we were able to tackle this challenge in a manner that would have prospects calling you.

* Episode 70 - How do I pick the right vendor for software or services - Selecting a vendor to do work for your business or identifying the right software to use can be a challenge.  This is one area we have done quite a bit and we breakdown the processes to make the decision process a bit easier.

* Episode 7 - Answering the Question of What do you do? - You don’t want to turn away business, but you want to look like an expert...now that’s a challenge.  In our first month of shows we tackled this challenge from Felicia, who has expertise in Financial Planning, Taxes and helping Parents find funding for college.

* Episode 68 - I can’t hit my goals, I don’t have time - As Tony Horton would say,