The Social Sandbox Radio Show

Join the Social Media Revolution!

There’s no better time than right now to endeavor into the world of
Social Media. You can close your eyes and try not to look, but
there’s no escaping the reality that Social Media is here to stay,
and business success in 2012, will require that you engage in
the Internet’s top social forums.

So join me next Tuesday, May 8th, at 8:45 am PST. I'll be
sharing "Small Business Marketing Strategies for a Compelling 
Personal Brand That Makes You Client Attractive"

I'll cover topics like:

• The one mindset issue that prevents a business owner from having a clear, compelling personal brand that converts marketing efforts to revenues
• The three common misperceptions about Facebook that stops the business owner from using this powerful marketing channel correctly
• Some of the Benefits to Having a Clear, Compelling Personal Brand Positioning You as Client Attractive
• And exactly what makes me "an innovative woman"

So join me live next week. Just go to http://www.thesocialsandbox.net/ 
and click on the player arrow to listen to the show.

See you there!

Spring is finally here in L.A. and we are all heading into the 2nd business quarter. I know some of you across the country are still experiencing cold and snow. Hang tight. Warmer weather is coming soon. :)

 

I have two very exciting options I know some of you will jump at. Please read on.

 

If you're like me, I am always looking for innovative ways to upgrade my biz even when I am super busy!  

 

Innovation is happening all around us and we need to know which strategies, tools, and marketing systems to really pay attention to and which ones can either wait or just plain ignore.  

 

I hear over and over from clients and friends, "There are so many new options out there all the time - what do I pay attention to?" 

 

Don't get caught up in one of the biggest time-wasters many of us lifestyle entrepreneurs are guilty of - "B.S.O.S." - Bright Shiny Object Syndrome! As entrepreneurs we are optimists and opportunists. That's a good thing but it can be just as detrimental to our business growth.

 

Why?  

 

We are known for being seduced by every NEW social media channel, tool, techy doo-dad that comes our way because we don't' want to miss an opportunity. It could be that magic bullet or million dollar opportunity?!  

 

Right?  

 

My recommendation: learn what is the best use of your time and energy in today's menu of gazillion options and update your business disciplines and marketing systems. This strategy and knowledge builds your brand and the critical "know, like and trust factor" that converts online engagement to revenues.  

 

This translates to... results happen when we BUILD THE BOND online.

 

As you know my schedule is typically very full but my schedule has shifted and for the next two months I have exactly 2 private client spots open and one group Mastermind day.

 

I am offering these at a special rate (discount) because it's springtime ( I feel good!) and I know some of you are ready to upgrade your branding, marketing, mindset and systems by summertime so you can time off with family and then move into a stellar fall season.  

 

So if you'd like to take advantage here's how. Click here  

 

To your success and fulfillment!

Your True Purpose in Showing Up on Social Media in a Bigger Way

Can we talk? I want you to imagine I am sitting right next you.

I’m sitting at my computer right now reaching out to you via this medium online.  I am here 100%.

So let's get real, ok?

How's your social media marketing REALLY going? Are you building communities that resonate with you? Do you engage frequently with your communities on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube?  Are you posting compelling info to create interaction?

Are you allowing the REAL you to show up through your postings?

Or are you hiding behind the computer hesitant to post something in fear it may come across not appropriate? Are you afraid of being "seen" in the wrong way?

One of my students in a past Facebook teleseries class said, "I feel so relieved. You (Marla) are giving us permission to just be ourselves while on Facebook and make it ok to shine the light on our brilliance while we serve our expertise to our communities."

She and many others are in BIG fear of appearing incorrectly or being too "boastful" about their business, their accomplishments, and their lives. This is the most common fear most entrepreneurs have. This trumps the technology fears many have by far.

And that is one BIG lie you tell yourself. (That’s ego not spirit.)
Here’s the truth: we are here to shine our lights to inspire others. It's not about you. It's about you showing up in the world in your most authentic way that inspires others to do the same. Social Media is a gift that allows you to do just that.

As you make yourself visible on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn, -- you are marketing you as the brand. You have an obligation to expose your talents that can transform someone's life. This is your true purpose for showing up in a bigger way on Social Media.

Small or large - you are here to serve.

And this is where your personal brand comes in. I guide you how to be savvy & sophisticated in your presence - your virtual voice online - your image. It is then you give others permission to do the same which leads to thousands serving one another in a BIG way. I call this the Law of Increase; being a good steward of Social Media.

This concern must be dealt with before you even consider learning all the fabulous tools and applications on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and more. The tools won’t be effective for you until you allow yourself to be transparent and engage frequently on these platforms.
 
Isn't it time you stop hiding and step up to serve others by being the real brilliant you?

How can you do that?  Start by understanding the art of storytelling in your branding. Today in our “social reward economy” we are digital storytellers. Your life is a story that inspires and connects with others.  All your posts over time add up to form you, the brand.

Three reasons why storytelling is so important:

• People can relate to brands through their stories. Stories are humanizing. People connect with stories.

• People remember details and messages more effectively through stories.  Storytelling helps people create images in the mind and these images "stick" better than just talk. (So don't shy away from the colorful, quirky details that give your story character.)

• Storytelling conveys the unique evolution of you – the brand; people want to connect with you.

Personal branding in business today is not a luxury; it's a necessity if you are to deliver powerful marketing and generate serious revenues. Again, we live in a “social reward” economy. The more savvy you become in your social media marketing – the more income you will make. Your personality and everyday thoughts, feelings, and events create your brand in order to build the know, like and trust factor while using social media.

Key tip: your personal page on Facebook is paramount in your marketing.  Please do not leave this out of the equation because you may think you are not supposed to mix business with personal; quite the contrary. The fan page is 100% business; but it’s your personal brand that captures the emotional resonance of your relationships online. It’s you reaching out to others not a business.

When we move our offline life to an online presence (virtual world) we aspire to be as authentic and transparent as possible in order to build relationships that eventually convert to clients and customers.

I am encouraging you to raise your standards in how you market so that you are in alignment with the way our NEW economy is requiring us to be and do.  We aspire to talk “with” our communities not talk “at” them as we post and inspire interaction. That’s true engagement.

My clients consistently ask what’s the most simple way to begin to raise my standards and how do I inspire engagement?  I start with “content is queen” and even more so - compelling content is best!

Here’s a few “At-a-Glance” topics that will inspire engagement on Facebook & Twitter. Begin using this today:

TIP: (Be sure to post photos, videos, & links for more consistent placement in Newsfeed on Facebook; and use first person, conversational format)

• Current topics in the news (positive!)

• Fashion, movies, TV shows, celebrities, philanthropy, culture, books, music, art, comedy, social media successes

• Every day relationships: romance, family, children, friends, weddings,

• Personal triumphs where others were served well, too.

• Personal philanthropy/humanitarian activities – be sure to post photos and videos of you and other volunteers doing the activity for the non-profit. Post narration of the event in your posting.

• Inspiration

• Pets

• Travel, vacations.

Your personal branding success formula to monetize your Social Media is: Brand + Identify + Post + Engage + Build = Success.  I dare you to Step into the Spotlight with confidence, savvy & ease!



*******

Article excerpt from Marla’s high content eBook of small business secrets to help you thrive in our social reward economy, “Step into the Spotlight with Confidence, Savvy, and Influence; Innovate Your Marketing with a Compelling Personal Brand." 
More details about the ebook: http://bit.ly/PBInnovate

Do You Have a Consistent Branding Strategy?

A consistent branding strategy is important in tying all your communications together and avoiding confusion by your target audience.

There are 5 important keys to consider in your branding:

1. Crystal clear idea of how you want your image presented (sold) and the effect it has on your market (audience).

2. Innovative and unique: What speaks to your personality that is authentic, interesting and innovative?

3. Consistency in delivery and continuity in look and feel of the brand.

4. Core values: does your brand speak to your core values?

5. Pick your dream team wisely: choose the best experts who are most qualified to understand, support and deliver your brand and vision.

Join my entrepreneurial community for my 30 day Facebook Prosperity Program where I delve further into each of these 5 keys to set you up for an expansive 2011:

"Take My Facebook Communities from Blasé to Buzzing for Higher Revenues!"

30-day Prosperity Facebook Program
4-part teleseries

4 Tuesdays 5:00- 6:15 Pacific
Nov 9,16,23,30

Register here

Register by November 5th to take advantage of the early bird rate (increases $100). It's worth the investment in yourself!

Changes you can expect from this 30-day "get started" innovative group program:

• Understanding how the correct mindset, etiquette, and strategies on Facebook will change the way you EXPERIENCE social media and how it can expand your relationships, business, income and life.

• Demystify the power behind Facebook and make it your daily partner in moving your business forward using my effective strategies and tools.

• Your belief will shift in how the "energetic component" to your target market process works. It actually helps attract IDEAL clients, customers, or patients!

• You'll feel more confident in using the technology on Facebook that streamlines your time and makes it more productive. Much less guessing and frustration.

• And so much more!

Let's move you forward and join the thousands who are using Facebook time for revenue producing time! Register here.