Breakthrough Suggestion--Here's What I'd Be Doing Right Now
Sunday, March 15, 2009 at 09:40AM Those of you who studied How I Built My First List (the 3 class series) know my story...
I jump-started my business by aligning with other people's buzzing movements (this is a large event, initiated by someone who already has a large following, and who shares information that resonates with people in your target audience).
Of course, I wasn't just doing it because there was a buzz, I did it when I saw I could contribute value in some way to the "other person's" audience in order to attract my own audience (build my own email list and have a line of prospects calling me).
If you do what I describe here (leverage a buzz and provide real value by leaning on someone else's big name through a win-win situation, or by leaning on their content and marketing) you've got a ringer.
I actually used this strategy a few times to give a big boost (understatement) to building my list and to increase my credibility ranking at a record pace, without having to be the inventor of all the great stuff (value, message, excitement) initially. I built upon what others already had going.
If you've read The Attraction Marketer's Manifesto, you already know something about how value, a message and credibility ranking can attract a flood of business your way, for a network marketing business or a product of any kind (for any type of business model).
Now Is Better Time Than Any Opportunity I Had to Leverage a Movement!
My suggestion below is written primarily for our Renegade Professional students, coaches, consultants, and trainers, but even if you're in a completely different industry (representing a completely different kind of business) you will gain tremendously by recognizing the power of this strategy and applying it in your own business when the opportunity arises. You'll know what to look for.
The rest of this is written directly to those who are involved in consulting, prospecting, network marketing or any business that can benefit by having clients with business needs.
What would I do exactly?
This is most certainly what I'd be doing right now -- aligning with what is happening here with the launch of Renegade Professional, and all the content Ann Sieg's been putting out there.
I'd share her content, talk about it, and then add my own two cents to it where I could. I'd be hunting down needs people have, questions, etc. I'd build my list faster because of all this (leveraging the buzz and side-interest created all around by the large numbers of people all talking about the same thing and seeing other related content on this topic at the same time). An individual just starting out can't create that kind of wave on their own (I couldn't when I started so I leveraged events like this instead).
But There Is Something Else...
But the BIG thing I wanted to share, is THIS is the time to be talking to your prospects. This is the time to send an email to your list with a short 'value based' opinion about what you see going on, or your interpretation of some content Ann Sieg put out there--and then INVITE the person to call you. Invite poeple on your email list to call. Invite people at your blog and at the end of each article to call you. Make sure a decent photo of YOU is everywhere with your name and the invitation to call to just 'talk shop' about what's going on and how it can help their business.
No big agenda at this point... just network like crazy about THIS news event (Ann Sieg launching Renegade Professional). Let people know YOU are in the know. PLEASE don't misunderstand what I just said. Don't just pitch the launch of Renegade Professional (any direct mentioning of the launch should be less than 10% of your message EVER and should not even be mentioned in most conversations or content, unless it's just a link to a post about it. When I say 'leverage the launch of Renegade Professional' I mean to discuss, reflect and answer questions about the content and training she is putting out there--and talk about how her message (attraction marketing) can benefit their business. No pitch fests!
Those who do not know me or my story will read what I just suggested and think, "this Mike guy is one selfish dude... trying to get people just to promote his launch, that's what he's doing." But those of you who have worked with me know that's not what's going on here. Yes, I benefit by any one of you going out there and talking up the Renegade Professional launch... absolutely. But before Ann Sieg really knew who I was, do you think she benefited when I invited 120 of my clients to a conference call to introduce them to her book? You bet she did. Think she benefited when I started doing FREE trainings to hundreds of people on how to implement things in her book? Yep.
So why did I do things that benefited her? Because I was able to build my message off of hers. I was able to leverage her work and name and buzz and create a win win. That is what you can do. (Note that I did that strategy with many people and events, not just with Ann--and it has worked like a charm everytime).
If you do what I've suggested (particularly the part where you invite people to call you about all this and how it can benefit them or to answer questions, or to hold your own call about it, etc)... when the launch comes you'll be at the center of attention. You will already have done the initial work so you can capture the bigger piece of the expanding pie. Success in business is about relationships. Attract them fast and set it up so you have an instantly higher 'credibility ranking' and you are light years ahead of 95% who dream to be in business but never have a big enough audience (list) to offer their own products and services or opportunity (or whatever it is).
Don't wait until the height of the buzz to start taking action to ride a wave. Now is the time to wax your surf board (get on the phone with your prospects and invite them to call you)... not when the surf's up!
There is plenty of training in the Professional back office on how to be 'attractive on the phone' but I gave you some really easy to follow tips above that you can implement right away.
Gotta run! Waxing my surf board ;-)
Remember, check in at Ann Sieg's blog (address directly below) and follow the event there--tons of free training there. Study, focus, follow, lead (that is what I've done time and time again...works every time).
http://www.RenegadeProBlog.com
-- Mike Klingler
Follow Mike Klingler on Twitter
P.S. If you're not with Renegade Professional yet you can do the same thing! It's not rocket science :-) I agree, until you are in the right mindset about some of these things (i.e. give value to attract an audience, serve before you sell, build a list, leverage a movement) then you're in the dark. But once you see the light there's only one thing left to do--GO FOR IT with massive and immediate action. There it is.
P.S.S. Log into Renegade University or Renegade Professional to find "How I Built My First List" a 3 class series that breaks down the 5 major components that have worked for me every time to build my list and income fast by leveraging an event (can work in any industry, not just this one).
Reader Comments (37)
Hey Mike. I just started reading your blogs and following you on Twitter. I think the info you provide has been VERY strong so far! I look forward to continue following you! My site / business is all about list building.
Thanks!
Shawn Wollenberg
MyNextRehab.com
I have been learning Twitter from you and in just a few days I have increased my followers 4 times over, even though I still have less than 100 people, I know that my followers will continue to grow. I have already learned from the people that I have begun to follow also. Thank you for sharing such great information.
Mike:
I enjoy your willingness to share what has worked for you in this business. I am a firm believer in building relationship and following you and reading what you have learned is going a long way to establishing that trust. I look forward to continuing to follow you!
Chris Nwakobi
“We Become What We Think of Most of the Time”
Tel: 916-983-2232
idegroupllc@gmail.com
Skype: idegroupllc
http://idegroup.successin10steps.com
Mike has some excellent advice here. If you are not sure what to do, contact me at my email and let's talk.
Hubspot did the same thing with David Meerman Scott. Hubspot founders were inspired by what his was saying and built a business around it.
Kelley, great example! Also, you'll notice people who provide Twitter training OR Twitter applications to others on Twitter--that's another example of how people apply this SAME strategy in completely different ways for other types of businesses.
It works!
With all of the 'noise' on the internet, we must filter it all and decide who to listen to and who to tune out to avoid information overload and FOCUS on a path. I'm listening to Mike and Ann a LOT these days, and my respect for them grows.
Mike, I'm finding that people are hungry to know WHO to follow. They WANT to follow people who seem to be where the ACTION is and who can help THEM get momentum in their business. So many people have reached the end of their own knowledge of how to get more prospects and are confused about where to focus online.
What better movement to leverage than one that teaches givers gain, relationships first, and building long-term wealth by providing VALUE to the marketplace.
It's EXCITING to look forward to the relaunch of Renegade Professional and to realize how many thousands of people, literally, are going to be helped with this training.
Hope y'all are getting some sleep -- probably not much!
Warm regards,
Becki Maxson
Expect To Connect!
Hello Mike,
You always have deliver great content. I really appreciate all your suggestions for how to create a better online business. We all know lead generation is KEY to building your business.
Thanks,
Becky Johnson
http://www.your7figureonline.com
Mike recently made a post over on the RenegadeProBlog that I think ties in with his message here beautifully...
It's all about "giving with intelligent design". In other words, connecting with people without pitching them. Showing them the way without selling them. Giving value without asking for a return.
This is the core message of "attraction marketing" that we all must learn in order for our business to bloom. This is EXACTLY what we teach inside Renegade Professional.
Not only will you find step by step video tutorials on how to set up your account at places like Squidoo, Hubpages, YouTube and Facebook... Inside RenePro you'll find help and advice on how to work with your leads in a non threatening "attractive" way. How to follow up via email to get people asking you how to join your business.
Want to get a sneak peak at the type of training you'll find inside Renegade Professional? I invite you to take a look inside The Rec-Room. It's a site put together by Renegade Professionals FOR Renegade Professionals.
The Rec-Room is Live and video training/support to help new Renegade Pro's support their prospects and team members while they get up to speed themselves. It's your answer to "I've got a lead... Now what?!!"
Drop by www.aRatRaceRebel.com and check out what your fellow Renegades are doing. This is our way of "giving with intelligent design" and we hope you find value in it.
Live Your Dreams!
ShellyB
TheRatRaceRebel
Mike,
Renegade Professional is great. I joined Renegade University and immediately joined Renegade Professional. I heard people talking about blogs but didn't even really know what they were. Now I have made my own blog all by myself without the expense of hiring a web designer. I have no one to thank buy you.
Mike --
I'm ready to wax my surf board, too, and get ready for the "big wave!" You and Ann are a true complement to each other. All of us that are involved in this "movement" will look back at this day and count their blessings for being open-minded and willing to take advantage of this phenomenal opportunity!
Thanks.
Surf's up!
-- Greg Marshall
http://financial-safety-net.com
Hello Mike,
I've been a professional member for probably six months, and have spent most of that time learning, and understanding the process. I also have a part-time business doing MLM, besides my day job. What I don't really understand about your comments above was the suggestion to go and send a message or call your prospects. Isn't this business model actually supposed to create prospects for us, so that we won't need to call them first. I know that we have to have a servant's heart first, and offer something to our prospects, so shouldn't I be posting something on a blog, talking about the relaunch of the Renegade Professional and then create qualified prospects.
BTW, you and Ann are doing phenomenal work. Thanks!
Carolyn
Good content Mike. Riding the waves of other "events" in your market is a great way to build your business and your list... not to mention help to position yourself as a leader.
It is one of the key lead generation strategies I teach my business partners and coaching clients.
John
TopMentorSecrets.com
Mike,
Thanks so much for all the value you are giving. I have searched relentlessly for a leader like you now for over 2 years. It is so easy to get caught up in training with so many different "leaders" in network marketing that you actually get lost in the proccess. I am really thankful that I have found a leader I can follow and feel confident about. Everyone always tells me to build my list but not once has anyone ever bother to really tell me how to generate that list.
THANKS!
Well, gotta go build my list!
Sherry Prince
Thank you for this post. Your words of aligning with a movement also helped to align my head and heart.
I believe something very big is happening here, not just of business building but of integrity building.
I have followed some of the fruit of people who are aligning themselves with Ann as well as yourself and their works are wonderful.
They augment this fine work. Everyone has their own unique voice and way to offer. We are all seeking our own identity in marketing as well as life.
What you and Ann are teaching promote this process.
I highly recommend everyone with the gift of hearing take you leading advice.
I promote Remarkable Connections and you are a great example in my books.
Thanks again,
Linda DeNike
Mike, this is absolutely the essence of what tons and tons of stores do when Wal-Mart comes to town. They simply ride the wave, that is what you are talking about and it is pure genius. It simply allows you to bite a piece of the pie that is already placed before you.No need to bake or remix when it is already done for you. Riding the waves of launches or buzz has allowed myself over the years to build a ton of relationships and I know it works for getting internet network marketing leads as well. Keep doing what you do Mike, because you are a true blessing to the industry
Jimmy R Williams,
The Methodical Marketer
Hi Mike!
I love your website and all of the wonderful resources :) I will be checking out everything, and I'm going to add you to our rss blog carnival on the GreenGroveBlog site.
The power of Twitter to bring people together is amazing!
Dear Mike,
I have been a student at Renegade U. Professional for 3 months. I can't remember a time when I was so excited about business. I am getting through the training, absorbing everything you are teaching and applying the training as I go. Each day it becomes a little clearer how all of this works. I know I have a long way to go, but that's O.K. I am so enjoying the journey that I want to go at it step by step and not rush too much. Ann's e-book added some much needed information, and I'm working on an article right now concerning one small portion of the teaching. Thanks for continuing to provide the support I need, and I hope one day that I can contribute in a significant way to Renegade Professional.
I was watching a TV program a few months ago. They interviewed Warren Buffet (Billionnaire Investor) and asked him his tricks to build his financial empire.
He gave, right on that show, the strategies he's been using for years. The show host asked Mr. Buffet why he was sharing all of this for free.
Didn't he mind about competitors...
His answer: I'm not afraid of competitors because I've been sharing all my strategies for many years and I found that most people don't use them anyway.
Many people had doubts about their success with strategies being taught in Renegade Professional. I didn't. So I went ahead with total confidence and did what you told me to do.
Months later, leads are coming in each day, people contact me and I'm happy to say you kept your promise.
Thanks for everything. And I definately look forward for what's next as I guide my personal team each day on the right activities for this launch.
Stephane Page
Creator of www.SOSmlm.com
Great comments! I am continually amazed by the depth and insight. It's just more proof of the quality of people the model "attracts"--an indication of how big this 'model' of business will become now that the word is out!
Anyway, wanted to address this question:
Carolyn wrote above, "What I don't really understand about your comments above was the suggestion to go and send a message or call your prospects. Isn't this business model actually supposed to create prospects for us, so that we won't need to call them first. I know that we have to have a servant's heart first, and offer something to our prospects, so shouldn't I be posting something on a blog, talking about the relaunch of the Renegade Professional and then create qualified prospects."
My response:
You have to invite prospects to call you if you want them to do so in large numbers. If someone is standing at your door and you open it, a percentage of them will feel comfortable enough to walk through the door (though likely it's going to only be those already very close to you). But if you invite people in people will feel comfortable doing so.
I see this as being the biggest mistake people make who have blogs, content, and who provide communication and value to their email list. If you want people calling you first, give them reasons to within your content and invite them to often.
I also see a lot of people with a blog or content with no picture, name or phone number. If you don't want people calling you than don't invite people to call and don't give a number of course... don't give them reasons to. Instead, focus on giving them reasons to go to a lead capture pages or sales page (or do whatever it IS you want them to do). But always, always, always put your name and face wherever you can. People respond to name and face. That is where the relationship starts.
Again, I should reiterate... you may not want people to call. Maybe you want people to go to a lead capture page and get on your email list. Or maybe you want people to go to a sales page. As your list grows you will do this because you will want to further and further qualify people before they can reach you. But when you're starting out, particularly if you're building a network marketing business or a business that requires phone contact, you best be inviting people to call, giving them reasons to do so, and making it really easy for them to find your phone number!
That is how you get people calling you first.
The value (content on your blog, other web content like on Squidoo, and that you send in emails) builds trust and your credibility ranking--so that when you invite them to call, or to go to the lead capture page--they are eager to do so.
Mike
Heheh great article thanks man!
I second 'the dude's' comment. thanks!!! hehe. putting our phone number out there, everywhere... ya, I like it! I may be fumbling my way on the internet still. cramming and learning as much as i can from you and Ann. but in the process...... I KNOW I CAN TALK ON THE PHONE. heck anyone can do that. and.....IT is so INCREDIBLY REWARDING when you talk to someone who is INTERESTED in what you have to offer getting a opportunity to meet their needs, serve them, bring them value before ever pushing a sale.... i just get chills. people are looking for someone who is 'real' that they can 'touch'. that builds trust and credibility right there. so much power in that. makes sense. gotta start somewhere. i think this will help me stoke the fire as i'm learing what you and Ann are teaching... for some of us like me, its like learning a whole new language. lol. BUT i know the knowledge gained -MIKES TWITTER TRAINING VIDEOS (my very first introduction to mike:) Ann's Marketer's Manifesto (where i first 'met' Ann), Mike's video tutorials HOW I BUILT MY 1ST LIST, webenars, all the amazing blogs and comments by both Ann and Mike, BETTER THAN GOOGLE video with the DYNAMIC DUO that blew everyone out of the water and so much more.... with this will open so many many countless doors, multipied opportunities. Really the opportunities are ENDLESS.
ps. if you do give out your phone number, make sure that its professional and be creative. it may be someones first impression of you. :)
much much love and respect Mike,
jennifer
641-257-9355
leading by example... feel free to call me if you have any questions, how i got started, about any of the trainings above. i'm still learning, so if i don't know the answer, i will do my best to find it. blessings.
Dear Mike,
Boy, I am kicking myself! I've been on the fringes for a couple years, thinking this was all just hype. But, with so many people saying that their list IS growing, I am realizing that it is time to jump in with both feet.
My products are for home and personal use and if I look up some information on the benefits of product ingredients, I can help give my customers health! Who doesn't need that?! Plus, I can build a downline, which I haven't tried to do at all.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Deborah
760 855-2703
hey mike I just love the way you just keep giving to the people following you.You are one fantastic teacher! I'm so glad I found you and Ann sieg.Been learning from you both for about a year and half now,can't wait to get my computer running better.I've been hit by a virus and lightening over about a months time.I can only use pc for about 30 min.before it shuts down but looking for a new mother board to fix the problem.Try to get as much as i can done before it shuts down.haven't been able to watch all the videos yet but what I have seen is great cant wait for more ! Kimberlykabel 816-718-4900
Getting Prospects Calling You FIRST (and in large numbers)...
I love this! See how the last few people have their phone number in their comments.
Not everyone wants phone calls so I need to say that.
But those of you who DO want prospects calling you have to make it easy for them to do that! So this is a good sign to see phone numbers on the comments above, very good!
How to Get a Line of People Calling You...
Now, start squeezing your creativity (may take a while to formulate, maybe not) to give a REASON for someone to call you and continue to modify how you word that, and you'll consistently increase the number of people who call you until you have a line of people wanting to talk about whatever it is you want them to talk to you about. Put that 'reason' near your phone number near your Bios on social sites like Twitter, or in your comments such as the ones above here... or, at the bottom of articles you post at your blog, etc.
It could be as simple as, "Hey, give me a call about how to get your kids to eat their veggies" (if you sold whole food nutrition products for kids, for example) or "Give me a ring if you have questions about how the attraction marketing model could help you build your business." These example could use some work, but even something as simple as those examples will bring better results than no reason at all.
Many times after someone follows you a bit on Twitter or reads your blog post, they WANT to call you but without giving a reason they don't know they really can or should.
Again, you can work on the 'reason' over time... just make sure that your reason is aligned with the message you are putting out there on your blog, video and/or twitter, etc. Over time, you can improve the short message with some good copy writing (telling them more the benefit, such as in the example above instead of just saying "Give me a ring if you have questions about how the attraction marketing model could help you build your business" you would say: "Give me a ring if you have questions about how the attraction marketing model could help your business to generate more leads, sales and fun in YOUR business."
I want to reiterate, that as you move forward, you may want to direct people to your lead capture pages instead of inviting them to call, so you can further qualify people before they call you. But for many, getting your phone ringing will be a great first step in attraction marketing... a real confidence booster and definitely a real sales booster if you're still at a point in your business where you need that first boost!
Mike
On the topic of phone calls, Skype is an amazing tool to use. I'm sure everyone is aware of the program. But have you considered that it bypasses the need to lead capture because you can mine people's contact data automatically when they communicate with you? It also keeps a log of contact touches.
Wow Mike, It's amazing to see the valuable information you provide even in your comments. A great lesson for all of us to learn from.
The attraction marketing principles you are teaching others is helping grow me grow my list of prospects. My best success has been from sharing this information with other network marketers I know that are still not using the Internet or barely catching on.
Daniel mililli
Mlm Tips Newsletter
Hi Mike,
As always, you provide amazing value which really helps.
First of all, I have to say I love the surfing metaphor! I love in Orange County, CA and surfing is pretty big here. So to extend the analogy a bit further, I have to admit I've been sitting on the beach for a while now. My board's been waxed but I haven't charged the waves.
Ok, the translation is: I've read all of your stuff and all of Ann's stuff and others. I've produced lots of great content and even have a great website - if I don't say so myself :)
But I've been laying low and not gettting out there and connecting with the world.
I think there are lots of people who get excited and start something but then quit too soon when they don't see immediate results. How common is that in our industry?!
But I want to say that what Mike and Ann teach really works and the best part is, you CAN see results right away!
I'm now riding every wave I can! A BIG THANK YOU MIKE for all the work you've done to produce the best content out there. I can tell you really want to help others. And that's a big deal!
Heidi Marshall
Co-Founder, Female Millionaires Club
Heidi--ur right! Your site rocks!
One of the things I have learned that I'd like to encourage you (and everyone reading this) to try to do is to take what you have done and constantly ask yourself, how can I leverage this?
There are a gazillion opportunities to pursue in this new 'attraction model'--the one right for you is a combination of things (your interests, experiences, tools you are already familiar with, what is suggested by those you learn from, etc)... but one of the BIGGIES that should dictate your next move is looking at what you have in place now and finding the best way to leverage it.
Looking at your site Heidi, I see a potential smorgasbord of high leveraging opportunities to spin out of your present 'display' of experience, knowledge and skill sets. For example, next to the video you can have a link that says 'want some help getting started with using video in your marketing? call me for a free consultation' or direct them to your own lead capture page that helps with just that area.
Referring to Heidi's situation here, since her site is fantastic, Heidi, you can have a little area on the nav bar "need help making your blog stand out?" -- links to just that topic which all lead where? To call you for help in THAT area or link to a lead capture page on just that topic.
You get the idea.
If you don't have a fantastic looking site (uh, like mine :-) then you leverage something else. For me, you notice I am constantly leveraging events and other people's information, building upon the discussions I have started like this one and then directing people to continue that discussion (like right now) through Twitter, email, etc. I am constantly leveraging my previous discussions and trainings!
Take what you have now and leverage it... that should decide your next steps more than anything else once you've gotten something going.
If you're brand new and haven't started yet. Start anywhere! We gave a training recently on how to set up a Squidoo lens. Follow it, do it, then discuss it! Build on it. In Renegade Professional we show you how to set up several content areas, and how to use Twitter, and other ways to get people to your content. Do it and then discuss it, ask others questions related to what you just did or learned. Join the conversation... it will keep spinning and building and opening up more and more higher leveraging opportunities for more attraction power (more leads, sales, phone calls if you want them, prospects wanting to join you due to increase credibility ranking).
Like I said, you get the idea. If you're frozen in inaction it's an emotional issue, not a technical one at this point. That is normal. I listened to a lot of coaches like Tony Robbins, Ellie Drake and read some good books to help me over that part of things.
"It's easy to do and easy not to do. The choice my friend, is up to you!"--Jim Rohn
Mike
I so appreciate the the training and the ongoing insight on what to do next. Mostly I find listen to your gut instinct just like Mike says look at ways to ways to leverage what you have already learned. Reading thru these posts this morning actually make me feel like going to a meeting my MLM meeting. I would like to show others what I am doing. It is so unfortunate that some I have shown are still running around cold calling and showing the presentation to hoping that they will sign. I will not waste my time doing that. My time is valuable and I know that being on line thru Attraction Marketing is the way to build your business. The biggest thing I have been telling people is to dream. Imagine the endless possibilities of what they can do with their lives. Lots are scared to believe in them selves. That is unfortunate. I am here to ride the wave!! There have been many things in life that have scared me but this is so exciting! And I can't stop learning! Going forward in life is so rewarding everyone should be on the wave. Thank u Mike for being out there and being the beacon of light for so many people. 780-991-1890 Jaci
Mike,
What your providing to the marketplace is just amazing. You have proven yourself to be a great leader and I am very excited to be one of your followers. I am soaking on every piece of information that you have provided. Keep up the great work, your efforts are appreciated!
Great post Mike,
I did this with Mike Dillard's material and came in 4th in sales out of all of his affiliates. That resulted in over $3,000 profit to me in only 2 weeks and for sending 3 emails. The surprise to me was that I had only about 6 months of your training and was up againist other affiliates who have been marketing on line for many many years!
Thanks to you Mike, I am so much more ahead on this marketing thing then most on the Internet. All one has to do is search for home businesses and they will see most people do not use attraction marketing at all.
Thanks again for everything,
Bob Andolina
Mike,
I found you and Anne's info through facebook ---it's fantastic! I watched the twitter video, read the manifesto and I'm getting ready to become a RP so I can continue to learn. I can't wait to read "How I built my First List" ! Plus I want to build my Blog. Thanks for all your hard work.
Chantelle Proia
www.NanoTechFuel.com/4vitality
I think i've seen this somewhere before�but it's not bad at all
Do not a lot of cash to buy a car? Worry not, just because that's possible to get the credit loans to work out such kind of problems. Thence get a commercial loan to buy all you need.
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