by Clate Mask, CEO of Infusionsoft

One of my favorite moments was when someone taught me about synergy. The example they used was two horses pulling a cart. Each horse can pull approximately 500 lbs. (I’m making that up, because I don’t remember the actual number.)

A basic understanding of math would logically determine that by strapping the two horses together, they could pull 1,000 lbs. In reality, two horses working together can pull three times the amount they could on their own–not double.

This same principle is the reason business owners need to consider using affiliates. You see… you can’t be the “perfect” entrepreneur. You can try. And, maybe get close. But, at some point in time everybody needs additional skills, markets, and time they don’t possess.

So, what exactly does having affiliates add to your business? Here are just a few benefits:

• More Referrals
• A Larger Market (yours + your affiliate’s)
• An Outside Promoter of Your Products/Services
• Increased Networking Abilities
• Ultimately More Sales!

Consider the value of having another “brand advocate” reaching out to your customers. Now, you don’t have to grow your company on your own. By creating an affiliate program, you can achieve much more than you will EVER be able to achieve alone!

When you develop lasting partnerships, your business is going to grow automatically, just from the leverage you gave it.

Strap yourself to affiliates, and see where the synergy can take you!

There is no such thing as a great company. There are only great teams. At LeapZone, we highly promote Daily Huddles and Weekly Management Meetings. Want to see one in action? These 2 videos are  great examples of  how to stay connected, engaged and effective as a high performing team.

To learn more about how LeapZone Strategies can help you increase team efficiency, brand culture and profitability through business and branding strategies, strategic planning, performance coaching and brand development, fill out our free Needs Assessment Questionnaire today.

Follow LeapZone on Twitter.

We all know that selling features is a thing of the past. Today, in order to sell any products or services, we need to sell benefits, based on emotions, rather than features.  I just came across an article by Clate Mask, CEO of Infusionsoft this week and I wanted to share it with you because it’s not only very relevant, but it’s totally accurate.

As we sell the emotional benefits of our product or service, it is that much more important to know a thing or two about our prospects to better understand their needs and desires.  So here is Clate’s list of 7 things you absolutely MUST know about your prospects.

1. Age: Everything you say and write, including slang, allusions, word difficulty, and topics should be adjusted to meet age appropriateness.

2. Gender:  Despite the dual roles men and women tend to fill, most individuals can be segmented (and sold to) based on gender-specific interests or needs.

3. Location: Values and culture tend to vary based on demographics. Having a clear understanding of regional difference will improve your targeted messages.

4. Education Level: Similar to age appropriateness, education levels should determine how you address your prospects and what benefits they will find in your product or service.

5. Income: The needs and wants from one social class to another should be a guide to the types of products and services you should be selling them.

6. Marital Status: The values, needs, and desires of married persons greatly differ from those that are single. Marketing family messages to single persons (and vice versa) can lose the deal for you.

And last but certainly not least…

7. What Keeps Them Up At Night: This is the most important one. You’ve got to know your prospect’s fears, worries, concerns, excitements, hopes and dreams. When you know the conversation inside your prospect’s head, you can enter it, speak to it, and build a relationship that leads to a loyal customer.

Thanks Clate for a great reminder!

Got 3 minutes? Want to find out the Key Ingredient to becoming more successful at reaching your goals and delivering on your priorities? Want to find out “the one thing” that will help you win the game of business in 2010?

This quickie video is for you.

To learn more about how LeapZone Strategies can help you increase brand equity and profitability through business and branding strategies, strategic planning, performance coaching and brand development, fill out our free Needs Assessment today.

Follow LeapZone on Twitter.

By Kate and Eddie from www.WorthEthic.com

Most of us start the New Year with a few goals for changes we want to make. Current research on the brain shows that we are more likely to accomplish our resolutions if:

• We select a limited number of goals.
• Goals are focused and specific.
• Goals are doable within a reasonable time frame.
• We identify an initial, definite action step.
• We develop support to accomplish the goals.

Many people use coaches to support them in creating sustained change. We are often asked the most important qualities in selecting a coach who will make a big difference in someone’s career.  Here are a few qualities we consider important, in addition to business and coaching experience:

Evidence of sustainable results: Has the coach clearly applied their own wisdom to their life’s work, which shows up in the success they have created? Does the coach have a track record of helping their clients make significant and sustainable changes?

Useful, practical guidance: Does the coach communicate complex changes that are easy-to follow and systematic? Do you come away from each meeting with insights and learnings that you can apply to your current situation?

Direct and tenacious: Does the coach take the risk to confront and challenge your thinking, even if it’s momentarily uncomfortable? Is there a process that is used to follow-up and help you stay on track with your commitments and agreements to change?

Collaborative partnership: Does the coach actively build a partnership with you which is focused on the goals you want to achieve? Does the coach fully assist you in making these goals actionable?

Commitment: Does the coach help you see mental models that can become barriers to your commitment? Do you finish a session with a deepening sense of commitment with more clarity about your next step?

We continue to be energized and inspired by the changes that people create through their commitments.

Cheers to a profitable 2010!
Kate & Eddie
www.WorthEthic.com