Stay Laser Focused – Increase Productivity

So how do you keep your marketing focus on?

How do you avoid distractions or ignore all the little interuptions to stay laser focused and improve your productivity and therefore your bottom line?

Believe it or not, those are very important questions. Don’t think so? Well let me ask you a couple more questions then.

How many emails do you get every day that promise you that they have the best way to get traffic, leads, more reps…all the things you’re looking for right…an easier way to build your business and make money faster? How many of those do you open?

And of those you open, how many videos do you watch…sales letters do you read…webinars do you attend?

How many times a day to you check your facebook, and not for marketing purposes either? I could go on and on and on, but you get the point I’m trying to make. You need to remind yourself to keep yourmarketing focus on all of the time you have allotted to marketing.

So how do you avoid all of these distractions and stay laser focused?

STOP CHECKING YOUR EMAIL AND FACEBOOK EVERY HOUR! That’s a great place to start.

Clean out your email subscriptions. If it’s not beneficial to what you’re working on right now, you have two options. Opt out, or set a filter on it to channel all emails into a folder upon arrival until you have some ‘extra’ time to get into them. If there aren’t 30 emails in your inbox every day with a headline promising you the greatest traffic program in the world, you won’t be tempted to be distracted.
Another great way to avoid distractions and keep your marketing focus on is to

work from a daily marketing plan with your main money-making priority actions on it.

Yeah, I know…you’ve heard all about having an online marketing plan and working from that daily list of money-making tasks…BUT ARE YOU DOING IT? If you’re not, how’s that working out for you?

Look, you need to find a marketing system with a marketing plan that works…preferably one referred to you by someone you trust, stay laser focused and follow that system’s plan of action…all of it…for at least 3 months before you even consider looking at something else.

In other words, you seriously need to get your marketing focus on!

Hey, we can tell you from experience that there is ALWAYS something bigger and better coming down the pike. The gurus are making a killing on all of these product and service launches…and all at YOUR EXPENSE!

You keep grabbing the newest, coolest marketing tool or program, and you’re lucky if you actually get all the way through the training before some other cool new internet tool has caught your attention, and then you’re off and running again.

So tell me, what have all of these amazing tools and programs and systems gotten you so far? I’ll tell you what…broke and frustrated! Am I right? Dang right I’m right, or else you wouldn’t be reading this post!!!!

Well hopefully you also gained some new knowledge and experience in lead generation and sponsoring, and maybe even made a couple of bucks. But if you want the big success and the big money and lifestyle that go with it, then you have got to dig your heals in, turn your marketing focus on high power, and keep your EYES ON THE PRIZE!

If you’re not anywhere near a 6-figure income, or even a 5-figure income, than you know exactly what I’m talking about. Shoot, I have to remind myself to keep my marketing focus on when I’m tempted to watch somebody’s cool video or check at their new gadget or program.

Look, there is a time for webinars, training videos, reports and boot camps, and that’s the time you have scheduled for your education and training. And if you don’t have those things scheduled in your online home business work day, then you better add it to the list.

Okay, time to wrap up this almost-rant with a pretty little bow and get on with my to-do list. You know what to do…find a great marketing program with an effective marketing plan, get your marketing focus on, and get’r done!

The number of global mobile users officially surpassed desktop patrons in 2014. While the overtake is not surprising given the significant increase in consumers preferring the ease and compactness of using mobile devices for online activities, it does mean that many brands need to reconsider their operative model, specifically in regards to advertising.

Initially, companies introduced mobile into their marketing strategies as a traffic channel. Websites and email were redesigned to be mobile friendly so that in the event that a user happened to check their email or browse online with a phone or tablet, they could view the page that suited the screen size of their device.

Over time, brands began building apps to encourage even more engagement from users who preferred desktops as a platform for online browsing. However, mobile apps don’t fit the business model of every brand and mobile devices can only store so much data, meaning users are selective over which ones they download. There are two low-risk ways a company can initiate their mobile campaign strategy without terminating their ongoing efforts in other channels.

Require Mobile Engagement

Many companies have ongoing campaigns that can be extended to require mobile engagement. For example, a brand trying to generate more app downloads can offer a 15% off coupon via email and a 20% off coupon if the purchase is made through the app.

Taco Bell and other food chains have incorporated this strategy into their ad campaigns by offering a free item for customers who order online via the mobile app. Consumers don’t typically order meals on their phones, especially from fast-food venues, but the promotions have sparked an increase in mobile orders across the board. Although a large share of Taco Bell’s customer base will continue to order on location, the brand is ahead of the game as consumer purchase behavior will inevitably evolve in the next few years and their app will already be operable and optimized. Plus, since they’re initial campaign was wildly successful they can continue to force engagement with giveaways and exclusive promotions that only mobile users can enjoy.

Launching email and display advertisements that are only clickable on a touch screen can also elicit mobile campaign engagement. Users can view the coupon or banner on a desktop, but can only cash in on its value by using their mobile devices. T-Mobile recently ran a campaign in Austria that required users to hit a moving target on their phones. Once they hit the target, they were redirected to a page made especially for mobile users who could view the capabilities of their new product in a way desktop users couldn’t appreciate. The campaign received over 600,000 views and experienced a CTR of 1.42%, almost twice the amount of engagement seen by the brands other ads.

Enhance the Mobile Experience

Enhancing the typical mobile experience with ad placement on commonly used apps is an easier, less-involved way of increasing mobile engagement. Many companies have developed mobile-optimized video advertisements to place on Pandora, SnapChat and Instagram so that users will see them anytime they use the app. These videos differ from the desktop version of video ads in that they automatically adjust to full screen. Although consumers have to watch the ad to get to their next destination, they can at least enjoy the advertisement in full-screen and high resolution. Similarly, Facebook and Twitter offer sponsor ad placement specific to device apps, which maximize exposure for brands attempting to gain a mobile audience. Facebook’s video ads are formatted so that they automatically begin play when visitors scroll by them.

Companies truly have an endless amount of options to choose from when developing a mobile campaign strategy. With so many consumers turning to mobile devices for Internet usage, establishing a mobile audience is critical to the near-future success of a marketing campaign. Even if they can’t predict emerging customer needs and consumer trends, all brands should make a conscious effort to incorporate mobile advertising into their daily marketing strategy.

It’s a jungle out there. You are all surrounded by the enemy vying for the same bounty. The enemy is trying to steal your business or better yet, make sure no new business comes your way. These enemies are disguised as other real estate professionals, the very ones who greet you at conventions with a smile and ask about business. They stand waiting for you to get turned down for business and then swoop down for the kill.

These enemies thrive on competition. These guys are out to get you and get you good. But there is good news – by implementing a dynamic marketing program, you can beat your enemies at their own game! All you need is a solid marketing program consisting of approximately 10 of the Marketing Weapons listed below (part 2 and 3 of the list will appear in the next 2 issues of my newsletter).

Just make yourself a marketing calendar (a marketing calendar is simply a document that lists your marketing weapons and shows when and how often they will be implemented) through the end of the year. Make sure this marketing calendar lists your marketing weapons, the action step(s) required for each one, date(s) when each will happen, as well as a place to record the results. You need to record as you’ll soon learn which weapons work, the ones you’ll keep.

The 27 Marketing Weapons – Part 1:

1. Competitive Advantage: Make sure you have the competitive advantage within your target market. Be professional, referable, and provide outrageously good service. This is a good example of a daily marketing weapon.

2. Have a prospect List: Have a prospect list, keep it updated, and review it daily.

3. Follow-Up: Believe it or not follow-up is a marketing weapon because 90% of commercial real estate professionals stink at it! The best way to make sure your follow-up is working for you is to review your potential deals, deals in progress and deals under contract daily – determine what action steps are needed, make a list and then block out 1 hour of your time when you will not allow yourself to be interrupted and go for it. And, don’t forget all of those things you’ve promised people you would do. There are many other ways to create a follow up system – call me if you’d like to explore this.

4. Get an 800#: This number is easy to get, and you only pay when someone calls you. You can use it for pre-recorded messages. This is an easy way for anyone to contact you, a way to get some business from Canada (it is costly to call Canada and some people therefore don’t), and it gives you a very professional image.

5. Website and Online Presence: This one’s easy. Get a website and make it work for you. Then you can send prospects to your site for more information about you. And, while you’re at it, give away a free report in exchange for capturing their name and email address.

6. Make an Audio CD Interview: This is cool. Go out and buy yourself a digital recorder (I recommend the Olympus DS-2, $149.00 because you can download the recording directly to your computer and make CD’s from there), have a colleague get on a phone call with you and interview you about business. Have a list of questions prepared in advance so there are no surprises. You can then send a CD made from the recording to prospects or better yet, post it on line. This will give a taste for what you’re all about. Be sure to capture the “benefits” a client receives when working with you.

7. Host a breakfast: Send invitations to 6 of your favorite prospects and invite them all out to breakfast. Don’t be concerned with having them all together at the same time, promote this as a way to meet new people and network – even call it a networking breakfast! Before they leave, in addition to thanking each person individually for coming, give something of value (a copy of your favorite book, a gift card to Starbucks, anything). This is a great tool for a monthly or quarterly marketing weapon.

8. Postcards: Start a monthly campaign. It takes 7 to 9 times for a prospect to see your name before they will pick up the phone and call you. Remember, people do business with those they like, know, and trust. This builds trust and makes the prospect feel like they know you.

9. Speak at Conferences: For those who like to speak, this is a great way to quickly gain credibility. Just think of the times when you attend a conference and hear people speak, don’t you automatically view them as an expert? Speak on subjects you are comfortable with, that way it will be effortless.

10. Effective Use of Voicemail: Leave clear, precise and to-the-point voice mail messages. For example, if you have a space you are marketing, state the exact location and request a callback with any interest the prospect may have. Or, if you’re calling to confirm a meeting, state that. This eliminates guesswork and allows the recipient a chance to answer the question in the event that you are unavailable when they call. Also, when leaving your callback number please do not mumble or speak slowly. State the number twice. And finally, note that leaving a precise message increases your odds of a callback.

11. Provide Outrageously Good Client Service: Providing outrageously good client service will make you stand out and memorable. Why? Because most service providers do not! Take the time to create a system for “WOW” client service and then don’t forget to follow it. This one marketing weapon is worth mega dollars. Go out of your way to go the extra mile. The reward will not only be a client for life, but referrals too.

12. Testimonials/Brag Book: You’re probably asking yourself who does this? Exactly the point – you should. Create a Brag Book that consists of testimonials, letters of recommendation, descriptions of deals well done and even a list of deals completed. I can tell you few people have this and most clients love looking at them, and it will make a prospect feel like he or she is working with a pro.

13. Publish a Newsletter: This works, and I am proof! Consistently get good information in front of your target audience. Add value by providing information that would be of interest to your readers. Send it monthly, bi-weekly or even quarterly. For those that don’t know how to do this, I will be offering a free class coming up soon and I will give you the step-by-step process!

14. Host Teleseminars: This idea came to me last week. I realized how cool it would be for you to host a teleseminar (a group call lead by you on a specific topic). For example, 7 Steps Leasing an Industrial Space. Or, Don’t Get Caught in a Bad Location – 5 Strategies for Site Selection.

15. Have a Marketing Calendar: This simply means you map out in the beginning of the year or at the very least on a monthly basis, all marketing action steps you intend to take, the date (s) they will be taken, and the desired result. This can be written in a calendar, made as a spreadsheet or whatever. The point is to plan ahead and then follow through.

16. Post on e-bulletin boards: Although I have never carried out this particular marketing weapon, it is my understanding it can be quite effective. Just Google bulletin boards in your target market and begin answering the questions posted. This will then make you “the expert” (see #9). Prospects who participate in these types of informational exchanges will begin seeking you out – I promise.

17. Write a Free Report: Add value always. Your clients and prospects will profit by receiving a free report from you loaded with useful information. An example is “10 ways to Profit From Purchasing Your Own Building”; or, “7 Strategies to Choosing The Perfect Retail Location”. At the end, add a paragraph on the benefits of using you to assist them in their needs. (Hint: make it all about them.)

18. Be an Expert: This is a no-brainer! Everybody wants to work with an expert. List 10 ways you can become known as an expert in your niche and then start checking each one off as you accomplish it, and before you know it, you will be “the expert!”

19. Ask: We so seldom remember sometimes all that’s needed is to convey our need – more business. Don’t be bashful or shamed because you are asking for business. Ask and you shall receive. If asking catches your tongue, write up a script or two ahead of time and you’ll do fine.

20. Prospect Letters: Have an arsenal of prospecting letters you regularly send out. For example, if you notice a business acquaintance has changed jobs, send him a letter and offer to sit down and share some of your knowledge about his new territory. Or, mail a prospecting letter to your key centers of influence asking for referrals. But remember, if you don’t follow up with a personal phone call the prospecting letter will be less effective.

21. Word of Mouth: Learn how to work into casual conversations that you have just finished working with a couple of key clients and now have room in your schedule for a few more. Even better, spell out who an ideal client is. Let your peers know you’d like additional business and in exchange you will be mindful to send business their way as well when you can (get in the habit of referring).

22. Offer 5 FREE Consultations: By this I mean call up 5 prospects and offer to sit down with them over a cup of coffee and talk about their current and future real estate needs, no strings attached. Give a suggestion or two towards the end and then walk away without asking for business. The key is to follow-up, ask how it’s going and oh by the way, can I be of service to you? This works like magic.

23. Write a Book: Nothing will position you as an expert faster then writing a book – you will have instant celebrity status. If writing isn’t your thing, record it and have your assistant transcribe and edit it.

24. Join a Tips group: Join an existing group such as LeTip (LeTip.com) or BNI (BNI.com) and get ready to have more business. The format of these groups is to have weekly breakfast meetings and share referral possibilities with each other. Better yet, form your own referral group and share clients.

25. Serve on an Association Board: Volunteer your time to associations and organizations that apply to your specialty, for example, ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers). Offer to head up a committee or help another committee chair. Work your way up to being a board member. This gets you exposure, involvement and expertise.

26. Create a Resource List: Create a listing of valuable resources and share them with your prospects. Executives are so busy these days they will welcome any help you can provide. It will save them hours of research time and they will be grateful to you. It’s easier to give business to someone who has been helpful in the past. Plus, it shows you are resource-rich, always a plus.

27. Lastly, Be Professional: Show up on time, do what you say you’re going to do and do it with excellence.