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Outta My Way, We've Got Fliers To Pass Out!
Surprise, it’s mid-August!
Have you said, “I can’t believe summer is winding down already!?”
Or, “Wow, August is already half-way through… where did the summer go?!?“
Or perhaps you’ve simply uttered, “Geesh, time flies!”
I’ve said variations of these phrases at least three times already this week… and it’s only Monday!
But with summer coming to an end and back-to-school sales already in full-swing, time is not going to slow down.
And while that very thought plants visions of headless fowl running around in your head, it should actually excite you.
Because this time of year is a critical time to be building your network marketing business.
When September hits, something will happen that will benefit your business, but only if you take advantage of it.
It happens no other time of the year.
It makes doing business *easier*.
And it will catapult your business through New Year’s.
But sadly, most people will miss it.
When everyone else is caught up in the hustle and bustle of September, of acquiring pencils and notebooks and school clothers for the kids, and taking their sweet time getting back into the groove after summertime, you could be working your butt off.
In September the seasons change and everyone’s mentality shifts.
We adopt the “back-to-school/back-to-work” mindset when the air cools and the suitcases are stored away.
People think about their jobs and their incomes and their dissatisfaction.
The masses realize another year is coming to a close… yet their life (and their pocketbook) are exactly the same.
They see a “work from home” ad they’ve glossed over four times already, but in September they are inspired to take a look…
Or they decide to tune into your conference call or attend a business opportunity meeting one evening, because they are actually home for dinner rather than at the ballpark, the swim meet, or the BBQ.
This Fall, you have the opportunity to work like a mad man. If you choose to, you won’t recognize your business at the New Year.
But if you allow yourself to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, over-commit to the carpool and the Cub Scouts, and decide you should be in charge of the yearbook, then another season will pass you by and you will miss the boat.
You’ll return to your car after a successful costume shopping trip in October to a work-from-home flier on your windshield and think, “Wow, I should’ve thought of that…”
Readers, don’t miss out on the “Back-to-school” timing that allows us all to accelerate our home-based-businesses each year.
Please comment below: What are you prepared to do differently this year? What plans do you have in place to “make it happen”?
If you feel a little like a deer in headlights, don’t fret–reach out to me on Skype (melissa_mccloud) or using the contact form above… I’m happy to connect with you to give you some great ideas to build your business!
Thanks for writing and for re-Tweeting this to your network!
16. August 2010 at 4:10 pm
Melissa
I worked in retail for one year I couldn’t stand it any longer than that, but this is what I learned. You prepare for the fall season in the spring of the same year and in the fall you prepare for the following spring of next year.
You think one year ahead of time where you want your business to be and then have your marketing prepared and ready to go a half year out.
I was hanging up fall and winter clothes in July, just think how long that took for the companies to prepare ahead of time what the fashion forecast was going to be.
If you think on the Business Side of the cash register and NOT the Customer Side Business owners will be prepared to cash in on the Online rush in the fall, but many want to play all summer what they’re really doing is thinking like a Customer not a Business Owner. They’re thinking on the wrong side of the cash register. Than they wounder why they can’t get traffic or sales.
It takes discipline to think this far in-advanced, but that’s how true marketing works. Just watch Christmas will be out in just a few weeks it’s already a done deal with the vendors all they have to do is rack in the customers money as they’re preparing for spring brake of next year. (-: Many Online business owners will be sing Christmas carols and taking a few weeks off.
Debby
17. August 2010 at 7:56 pm
how wonderful that you have past retail experience that you’ve parlayed into our MLM efforts. you rock debby, thanks for sharing this!
16. August 2010 at 5:20 pm
Melissa,
You are providing an excellent example of someone who is tuned in to your market. You are realizing what their needs are and will be, right now, in this season, and you are projecting what you plan to do to capitalize on their current state of mind. The wonderful thing about having an online business or a home based business is that these seasons don’t mean as much personally to me anymore, so I can easily lose touch with what my clients and customers are doing and thinking.
So I appreciate your reminder to pay attention to “back to school.”
And thanks Debby for the reminder to plan a year in advance. I find that so helpful.
Dr. Erica Goodstone´s last [type] ..The One Power of Love
17. August 2010 at 7:57 pm
yes, we all learn together! thanks again to debby!
i bet you can really leverage the psychology of your prospects dr erica! lol….
17. August 2010 at 6:15 am
Your so right in identifying your sales market. Fall is the opposite of spring. Spring brings curiosity and adventure. But fall brings the seasoned shopper who knows what they want and will want to get it before the Holidays. I’m excited now because you reawaken me to this. Thanks Melissa.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“The Black Whip”
17. August 2010 at 7:58 pm
i love that fall/spring dichotomy, thanks nelson! i haven’t heard that before
17. August 2010 at 2:43 pm
Melissa sounds so strange reading this in Australia as we are nearly emerging out of out winter and heading towards our end of school year so everything is opposite. I am sure I can still apply this to my business just have to do it is 6 months time!!
Belinda
belinda cunningham´s last [type] ..Exploring the WordPress dashboard
17. August 2010 at 7:59 pm
yes of course, especially when you take advantage of the US market!
17. August 2010 at 9:22 pm
Aloha Melissa,
Oh, I love that “Save by The Bell” photo! I loved that show! I know, it was after my time, but I still love Zac & Kelly!
And yes, this time of year is so much fun and great time to set everyone in the US up for the Best Xmas ever!
Thank you so much for sharing!
Aloha,
Kellie
Kellie Hosaka´s last [type] ..Do You Know That Slowing Down Can Speed Up Your Results
18. August 2010 at 8:34 am
lol that’s so funny kellie… no wonder you’re so in touch with Gen Y! you love our fave TV programs! i know we’ll be encouraging each other a lot this fall, thanks!
18. August 2010 at 6:25 am
Melissa,
You are so right about the fall and business. I’ve always worked the hardest September through mid-December and reaped the rewards as a result. Then I’d hit it again hard from January thru May. I often used the summer months for time-consuming projects like writing new reports, books, trainings, setting up new websites, etc… Then I’d be ready by September to hit it hard again…
Always looking forward to September!
To your continued success,
Robin
Robin van der Merwe´s last [type] ..Take Our Leadership Qualities Quiz
18. August 2010 at 8:36 am
i definitely hit it the hardest in Q4 and Q1. in fact, i believe you can generate enough leads during this time to do just follow up the rest of the year (but shhhh, don’t tell my team i said that!
)
18. August 2010 at 1:28 pm
Your post is so Timely (of course, I realize the irony lol) and all the comments only added quality to the argument that this goddess needs to get off her tail and “work like a mad man” to reap the rewards in 2011.
Hadn’t really considered working a season in advance, but you’re absolutely right.
Thanks for the kick in the pants, Melissa!
Bliss and blessings,
the goddess known as Jacqui
Jacqueline Gates´s last [type] ..The Epic Lesson behind my Purple Wall
18. August 2010 at 1:32 pm
Hey Melissa,
Gotta love that pic (flashbacks). If you’re a WAHM (like me) your kid’s school activities can definitely take over your life and business. With that said, there is always time if you plan your day and prioritize. There are some things you don’t need to do. As for time- I don’t buy into “there’s not enough time”. It’s more like “there’s not enough time to do THAT” which is usually something we don’t want to do
).
Janette
18. August 2010 at 5:07 pm
Melissa,
OMG!! Saved by the Bell, that brings back my days in High School and the Back to School moments, Business is seasonal and being ready to take on that business should be year round preparation and precise planning. Thanks for the reminder on that!!
Chris Bernardo´s last [type] ..Blogging Break to Party Like a Rockstar
18. August 2010 at 8:19 pm
Hi Melissa,
Such a blast from the past in Saved by the Bell! I used to watch that with my girls. That brings back memories.
I appreciate the heads up so we can take advantage of the shift in mindset and get a jump on the competition.
What I plan to do differently: Ramp up my contact of people and gear my message to their mindset shift.
What am I going to do to “make it happen”? Apply the slight edge effect and contact new exposures daily.
Thanks for sharing such great information.
Debbie Stevens´s last [type] ..That Feeling of Success
19. August 2010 at 6:55 pm
Yup, gotta ramp it up with back to school. How much we glide through the summer ( being that it really is sooo short!!) The best time of the year for business! Thanks for the reminder!
Holly´s last [type] ..The Journey of Eating for Health Takes Time
19. August 2010 at 7:28 pm
I have not been to your blog since the MTV rant. I better get back in here and redeem myself. You are so right about this and I have making postcards and drop cards on my list of collecting methods. Gotta get that done. Thanks so much for the reminder and the swift kick in the pants.
Nicole Rushin´s last [type] ..A Love Letter to My Reader
26. August 2010 at 6:02 pm
i’m glad i didn’t scare you away for good
i love your grassroots networking … fliers are still some of my favorite ways to advertise!
wonderful to hear you on Diane Hochman’s call nicole!
20. August 2010 at 3:21 am
Thanks for adding the idea to think about my business when attending these back to school functions. I will say that there is a lot of stress associated with back to school, and it is a hard time to be “also working,” but I did pass out my business card as I was volunteering. I believe that volunteering (and turing in art to school auctions) is a way to more sales/customers. But agree that it takes up time. I try to volunteer for easy/small “art” jobs to get my name out there as an artist. Also, I suggest sending your tag line/shop link in every single volunteer email. People click those links.
It is definitely time to get our Etsy shops ready for the holidays!
20. August 2010 at 5:59 am
Melissa. You are so correct. As we emerge from the summer season when it seems everyone is taking time off or a bit unfocused, fall always presents an opportunity to refocus and redouble our efforts to ensure we end the year on a high note. I am transitioning my business from a one-to-one consulting model to a one-to-many training model and this fall will be a huge push to get that done. Thanks! Scott Pollov
Scott Pollov´s last [type] ..Leverage Your Technology IP to Raise Capital
26. August 2010 at 6:01 pm
wow good luck to you scott! will you be offering webinars or teleseminars for all of us to partake? hope to learn more from ya….
20. August 2010 at 3:50 pm
Hi Melissa,
I’m used to working ahead of schedule in my writing career. Editors, publications, etc. usually work on a deadline of 30 day to 90 day timeframe. In Squidoo, they recommend starting work on a topic that may be relevant in 6 months (Halloweeen through Christmas topics should be done by April/May).
I’ve also heard from fellow writers that their busiest season is now (and forget about ‘starting’ to market in November/December when everyone’s mindset is on the holidays/events/parties/etc.). Thanks for the reminder that my marketing plans must be in place now, so I can keep the business growing strong.
Best,
Jennifer
Jennifer Akers´s last [type] ..Does Cheap Radio Advertising Really Exist
26. August 2010 at 6:00 pm
that’s helpful jennifer, thanks. and i didn’t know that about squidoo. it’s easy to get caught up on what’s happening NOW in our business, but so important to cast the vision for the future. many thanks!
21. August 2010 at 12:31 pm
Melissa,
I would agree, we all respond to the seasons. I don’t think it’s purely psychological. I think that the planet has rhythms of growth and hibernation and we as part of the planet respond to that. We can choose to align with it or not. That being said, my psychotherapy patients certainly take a “break” during the summer and prepare to “dig in” for the Fall.
And I am working my ass off, creating some new products to help couples and singles for the Fall as well, so I’ll definitely keep you posted!
Adam
Dr. Adam Sheck´s last [type] ..Relationship Tip- ME Before WE
26. August 2010 at 5:59 pm
that is so true… my classes are always sparsely attended in the summer, and so is the gym where i work out!
22. August 2010 at 6:03 pm
Melissa, I love your blog! Your posts always inspire me and make me smile! Thanks for all that you do and please keep up the great work!
: ) Lisa
Lisa Arnold´s last [type] ..Sippy Cups- Conference Calls- Diaper Changes OH MY!
25. August 2010 at 11:51 am
I’m actually using this time to slow down and be in tune with myself. I’ve been on the “go go go” mode for several years already I feel like I need to re-evaluate my priorities right now.
Young And Fabulous´s last [type] ..Mom Tips On Repelling Mosquitoes Using Essential Oils
26. August 2010 at 5:50 pm
self to self for progress: as long as you are doing a little bit, and getting a little bit better, you’re on your way.