Volume X, Issue {date}                                U.S. Library of Congress ISSN: #1534-0767

A newsletter especially for professional service B2B owners and "C" level executives.

Published every Thursday (well kinda)!

You are receiving this because you signed up for it at Elevating Your Business or you told me, in writing, that you want to subscribe. If you didn’t subscribe, you can unsubscribe by clicking the link at the bottom of the newsletter.

Please forward this ezine to business owners you know who want to reach their business goals with ease and efficiency.

Received this newsletter from a friend? Get your very own copy at for your very own copy here

1. A Note From Maria
2. Teleseminars & Events
3. Ask Coach Maria!
4. Featured Article: Create Your Theme
5. The Marketplace

Dear {First Name},

Happy New Year to all my subscribers. Now that the new year is here, I’ve been looking at this year’s yearly theme and realized I had none for last year! OH my!
What I’ve decided is that for 2009, my theme will be Tighen Up & Release.

Actually I’ve been tighening things up here in the office, starting with cleaning out everything and making space in every closet and drawer.
This was especially easy to do since I was house bound for seven days during a freak snowfall here in Washington State, where no one except us NYers seems to have a shovel.
I have had plenty of time to think about it.

Saralyn has been busy proofreading all 10 of my home pages and some of my documents that haven’t been updated in a few years.
It’s nice to have so many documents posted on my speaking website where meeting planners and education program managers can gain easy access to them.
What I know is that she has her work cut out for her!

Some of my tighening up changes will affect you, too.
I’m cutting down the number of times I publish this ezine to two times a month. But for the next 3 months, I’m holding a no-cost 15 minute brainstorming session day.
You can learn more below under Teleseminars.

And even though I’m not 100% sure that all the Web 2.0 marketing options
are for those us with high-quality, professional clients, I’m willing to release my ideas and see what happens.
That means that for the next few months, I’m increasing my use of Twitter, Linkedin and a few other social networking venues.
I’ll monitor the time I spend online, and I’ll know in a few months if which parts are worth continuing.
You can follow me if you’d like on a variety of social networking sites by clicking here.

Sincerely and till next time,

Maria Marsala, CBC
Chief Business Collaborator, Informational Speaker and former Wall Street trader

P.S.: I have room to take on two one-on-one clients. If you’ve been putting off hiring me as YOUR private Business Coach, click here for more information.

TeleSeminars

Bellevue, Seattle, Poulsbo & Tacoma. Washington State

Email your questions to me, and look for your answer in an upcoming issue of this newsletter. forms@elevatingyourbusiness.com?subject=Inquiry From MORE.

Question of the Month

Your Question Could Be Here!

Have You Created Your Yearly Theme?

by Maria Marsala

Summary: Themes can make your year fun and focused.
They’re much easier to create or use and they last much longer than list of resolutions.

Article: Have You Created Your Yearly Theme Yet?

New Year’s resolutions don’t last long, do they? Instead, consider creating a theme to help keep you focused throughout the year.

Themes can be uplifting. Have you ever given a birthday party and asked people to bring gifts with a "garden" or "fishing" theme? I know someone who asked people to bring something they made themselves! What a wonderful idea! To actually get what you want at your party!

A theme can help you get what you want out of life, too. Anyone who is evolving can be helped considerably by having a terrific support network. Well, themes are part of a person’s support structure, the part that comes from the inside. When you create a theme for the year (or month, or quarter), you will be automatically pushed forward toward your goals. Why? Your theme helps keep you focused by providing you with a starting point during your decision making process. So important are themes, that creating one is the first of 24 steps towards creating a strong "Personal Foundation," a program that many coaches offer their clients.

Themes can be a few words or even one word to describe what you want to accomplish for the year.
What’s important is, once created, it inspires you into action and is easy to remember.
I recommend that you write your theme on index cards and place them strategically around your home and office.
A theme located near your mirror or designed on a poster for your office is a quick reminder of what you want to manifest.

Some examples of personal themes are…

• Forgive.
• I’m worth it!
• Financial freedom here I come!
• Move’n on.
• Have fun, fun, fun in all I do!
• Put down roots.
• Be present, present be.
• Be a successful me.
• Big leaps of faith
• Action, action, action
• Enjoying all I have

Examples of business themes are…

• Do it or dump it.
• Time is valuable.
• Prosperity first.
• Move’n on.
• No more Lone Ranger.
• Ask for help, even when you don’t need it.
• Free is not me.

Right now is a great time to create your yearly themes for the next year.

© 2009 Maria Marsala. As founder of Elevating Your Business, Maria helps professional service CEOs, presidents, practitioners and executives build better companies as they increase sales, improve productivity and work smarter. Receive MORE Business ezine and your free business tools at
ElevatingYourBusiness.com

Let Your Clients Schedule Their Own Appointments
I’ve been using Lattiss, an online computer scheduling system, for the past month or two.
With the exception of a mistake I made when I set up my catalog, it’s been really great to have prospects schedule their own sessions. And eventually I’ll ask my clients who enjoy such programs to schedule their sessions on it, too.
Check it out here.

DING DONG — AVON Calling with FREE Shipping In the USA
It’s not your grandmother’s company any longer. Now you can purchase holiday items, jewelry, clothing and more.
View a catalog now http://www.YourAvon.com/mmarsala

Have more than one website?
You may be paying way too much for hosting. Check out the packages offered at Host Gator
http://http://secure.hostgator.com/cgi-bin/affiliates/clickthru.cgi?id=06872784

Paid Advertising Disclaimer:
Elevating Your Business does not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any of the
recommendations or advertisements above or the quality of any products, information, or other materials displayed, purchased, or obtained by you as a result of an offer in connection with any advertisement.
Doing your own due diligence is important before purchasing any product.

©1998-2008 Maria Marsala and ElevatingYourBusiness.com

Elevating Your Business
National Office
19906 Hamilton CT NE Suite A
Poulsbo, WA 98370
USA

Email: 123@ElevatingYourBusiness.com
Tele: 360-271-8418 or 425-440-9659

Economy-Proof Your Business

With a Business & Marketing Plan on One Page

Networking - Meal - Workshop

Gone are the days of creating a plan that does nothing for your
company except collect dust on the shelf. The secret is out!
Now you can learn how to write a clear, concise, and
understandable plan, too. 250,000 CEOs, presidents, executive
directors, executives, and the best managers across the globe
use it. And guess what — Oprah uses it too!

The One Page Business Plan® is a business and marketing plan
system that you will use daily to help you run a well-oiled
business, department, or company. The process links five very
important business-building concepts: brainstorming, planning,
execution, accountability, and results.

In this best practices briefing, you will:

• Discover a 5-part comprehensive planning process that
  provides focus, focus, focus on what’s important, and helps set
  daily priorities.
• Learn the 5 simple questions every business and marketing plan
  needs to answer to get focused, earn more, and be more
  productive.
• Take home a draft of your business vision statement.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Maria Marsala, founder of Elevating Your Business, is small
business collaborator, strategist, coach, author, speaker and a
former Fortune 500 executive. She entered the business world at
14 as an Avon representative. She started her “second” career
on Wall Street at the tender age of 17 and later became a bond
trader at a time when women executives were a rare commodity.
In 2002 she became a Certified One Page Business Plan
Consultant.

Maria has spoken nationally at more than 100 events, radio and
TV shows. Her concepts have been featured in numerous national
and international publications, including Money magazine, The
Street, Market Watch, Women’s Day, Advisor Max, and The Bottom
Line. Her ideas and strategies are mentioned in several books,
including “6 Steps to Free Publicity” by Marcia Yudkin, and
“Streetwise Small Business Book of Lists: Hundreds of Lists to
Help You Reduce Costs, Increase Revenues, and Boost Your
Profits,” edited by Gene Marks.

Maria shepherds her clients towards success by focusing on
simplicity and execution. Economy Proof Your Business will help
you get you on your way.

©1998-2008 Maria Marsala and ElevatingYourBusiness.com

Four Programs In January 2009…

Virtual program by phone, two programs in Seattle and one in Bellevue

January 8, 2009 Bellevue

Bellenttini,
1115 108th Avenue NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Sponsored by the
Work Smarter Forum

$35 includes networking, breakfast, mini-seminar, valet parking/tip

8:15am Networking & Networking Games
8:35am Welcoming, Announcements
8:45am Breakfast & Table Networking
9:15am Intro Speaker, Speaker
10:15am Closing

Learn more at Work Smarter Forum.com
Call Maria at 360-271-8418 or 425-440-9659

The Work Smarter Forum
is a monthly networking and learning
experience for experienced business owners who are or have
businesses that employ others. View our 12-month speaker line
up at http://www.WorkSmarterForum.com

January 14, 2009 Seattle

Sponsored by the
Columbia Tower Club
Business Forum

701-5th Ave., Seattle, WA

$45 for guests and visitors, includes lunch, mini-workshop, tax and service fee

11:30am Networking
12:00pm Lunch
12:30pm Workshop
1:30pm Close

Download the flyer at www.MariaMarsala.com

To register: call the CTC at 206-622-2010

The Columbia Tower Club
is situated in the heart of the city,
and brings key people together, both socially and for business,
in a private Club setting. The Club offers Members and guests a
rare blend of fine cuisine, impeccable service, luxurious style
and breathtaking views of Seattle. Learn more
click here.

January 30, 2009 Seattle

Sponsored by
Elevating Your Business

701-5th Ave., Seattle, WA

$999 includes workbooks, consultation, workbooks, CDs, software, lunch, mini-workshop, tax, service fee and parking

9:15am Registration
9:30am Breakfast
10am to 1pm Workshop Part 1
1pm Working Lunch
1:45-5:20 Workshop Part 1
Close

A comprehensive hands-on, interactive strategic planning clinic for service industry CEOs, presidents,
executives (and their teams) who are ready to increase productivity, gain focus, and earn
more—much more! Bring your laptop, leave with a first draft completed plan printed—guaranteed.

Download the flyer at www.BusinessAndMarketingPlan.com

To register: call the CTC at 206-622-2010

Millionaire Business Mastermind - a Virtual Phone Program

Starts January 12, 2009

Success is not random. It has a structure and set of rules to follow. Below are the Principals of Business we’ll cover will help you learn the language of business and be a business skills pro. As far as marketing goes, you need to develop and implement effective marketing strategies for your business — the ones that bring you the most return on your investment (ROI). And here’s the good news — business and marketing skills are something you can learn and they’re easier to learn than you think!

Learn more and register at www.BusinessCoachPlus

Elevating Your Business
National Office
19906 Hamilton CT NE Suite A
Poulsbo, WA 98370
USA

Tele: 360-271-8418 or 425-440-9659

Volume IX, Issue {date}                                U.S. Library of Congress ISSN: #1534-0767

A newsletter especially for B2B service industry CEOs, presidents and "C" level executives.

Published every Thursday (well kinda)!

Please forward this ezine to business owners you know who seriously want to reach their business goals with ease and efficiency — faster.

Received this newsletter from a friend? Get your very own copy at for your very own copy here

You are receiving this because you signed up for it at Elevating Your Business or you told me, in writing, that you want to subscribe. Unsubscribe by clicking the link at the bottom of the newsletter.

1. A Note From Maria
2. Teleseminars & Events
3. Monthly Special - Create OR Spruce up Your Elevator Speeches
4. Ask Maria A Business or Marketing Question
5. Featured Article: Using Social Networking To The Fullest
6. Maria Recommends - The Marketplace

Dear {First Name},

Thank you for the comments about last weeks newsletter’s resources (well it was last weeks, but you
received it on Monday). I can’t wait to learn how HARO has helped your business grow!
In case you missed the issue, you can find it on my archive by clicking here. You can leave me comments there, too. But don’t forget to leave your website URL, as leaving comments is a good way to get no-cost PR.

This month, actually on December 8, if I remember correctly, I celebrate 10 years in business! WOA!
I’d like your help in telling others about the celebration. Look for interesting discounts (well, I hope they’re interesting to you).
And I’m also going to make a few changes to this ezine, too.

The celebration starts with offering NO-COST one-on-one Breakthrough Sessions on two Friday’s this month.
Your call will be packed with information about how you can solve ONE specific business challenge or issue you’re experiencing. Learn more and register by clicking here. http://www.ElevatingYourBusiness.com/a/shop.html Then read the directions under 1:1 Services.
While you’re there schedule your own session, too. But that’s after you complete the sign up formfirst!

No-cost Audio: Spend 15 minutes listening to PR Expert and Producer of That Marketing Show as he grill me on low cost and reliable ways to market your business.
http://www.thatmarketingshow.com/main/index.php I met Rodger through Help A Reporter (HARO)newsletter.

Did you miss it? This month will be the last month to enter the refer a business owner to our ezine contest.
If you missed information about how YOU can win, just by bringing us new subscribers then
visit our blog at http://coachmaria.com/tipoftheweek/?p=6 and read "The Recommend Us Contest" rules.

I’m still "thinking" about how this newsletter will change in the upcoming few months. My thoughts are to shorten it, we’ll shorten it Maria style, which still means that for most it will be "long", because after all, like many of you I’m an information junkie.
So in the upcoming issues, I’ll be making some changes, to test different things out. Feel free to comment on the newsletter at the archive and what you’re seeing at my The Tip of the Week blog I look forward to hearing your suggestions, reading your comments and yes, even hearing your critiques of it.

Sincerely and till next time,

Maria Marsala, CBC
Chief Business Collaborator, Informational Speaker and former Wall Street trader

P.S.: Stay tuned for my Gratitude sale… in gratitude to all of you for being great clients, students and subscribers. Some of you have been reading my newsletter for nearly 10 years! OH my.

P.S.S.: If you’re a VA in business at least 1 year full time and still cannot afford to hire a
business coach, not even on a sliding scale, let’s talk about a barter. Email me and we can go from there.
www.CoachMaria.com/help/

Mastermind

TeleSeminars

Webinars

Washington State Workshops

In One Hour, You Can Learn to Introduce Yourself More Clearly, More Confidently & In Ways That Get You Noticed

Business Snapshot (Elevator Speech, Verbal Logo) Session
You know you need some sort of compelling elevator speech, but don’t want to hire a coach or strategist for 12-months to get it! Use your Power Hour to create a few very articulate business snapshot in a variety of durations. What sort of business snapshots should you have at your disposal?
5 words, 30-seconds, 60-seconds and 2 minutes. Yes, that many — practiced do they don’t sound "canned or like you were reading them"

How It Works

• Set up a session with me by clicking here http://www.elevatingyourbusiness.com/session/use/PowerHour/
• I’ll email and/or call you back to set up a time that works based on your answer on the questionnaire.
• To help you get a big bang for your bucks, I’ll send you a eWorkbook with exercises for preparatory work.
• Send me your USP and Business Snapshot forms (they’re in the eWorkbook) .
• Your session will last up to 60 minutes.
• I’ll grill you and brainstorm with you and you can even practice with me on the phone. We’ll do whatever it takes to help you become comfortable
  speaking your snapshot at networking or social events.

You’ll go to your next networking event feeling confident that what you say when someone asks you "What do you do" is going to be something that
attracts better clients into your business and repels prospects who would be "clients from hell" — guaranteed.

Register now: http://www.elevatingyourbusiness.com/a/shop.html Look under 1:1 services.

Get $50 off the going rate. Register and use the code SNAP to get your discount.

Email your questions to me, and look for your answer in an upcoming issue of this newsletter. forms@elevatingyourbusiness.com?subject=Inquiry From MORE.

Boundaries. They are very important if you spend time online — or the Internet and all the technology it brings — can suck you in and never let you out. I know. I’ve been sucked up myself!

Before you use social networking for your business, consider your ideal clients. How many business owners are on the list? How many could become clients?
Don’t waste your business time joining all of them. And yes, don’t apply just because you get an invitation. Do a little research so that you’re spending your time wisely.

If you’re not on … at least one site, like linked in, my question is why? Having a profile on a site such as that one may help you raise the standing of your own web rankings, just like putting your business ad or event on
www.CraigsList.com "can help". Plus don’t you want the option to have your company found by something more then your website?

How often to visit. Just because someone sends you an invitation to connect with them on a social networking site, that doesn’t mean you have to do it right away. Make a run around the Internet once a week, and visit each site then. When you do visit, write something on your blog if that service is available on the list, find at least one person to connect with, or answer a question. That will bring more notice to your profile. Then once a month post a message to everyone you’re linked to or connected with.

Here are some I’m on and why I think they’re good.

http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariamarsalaLinked in is a global network. It’s members range from business owners to executives, and managers.
If this is your ideal client, give it a look-see. Answer a few question, join a few groups.

http://www.facebook.com I’d say that I get more invitations to free events and such from this organization.
So the jury is out on how helpful it could be to my business. I’m checking it out and will report back to you in a few months.

http://www.contributionnetworkingparty.com/profile/MariaMarsala This is a local group — local to Seattle, but has members from NY and CA, too.
The list of 500 right now contains a large number of business owners from start ups to multi-millionaires. They host quarterly in person networking events, too. It’s well worth my time.

http://worksmarter.ning.com Recently I started a networking group on Ning and have linked it to the FREE stuff page of my website.
So far no takers. We’ll see how this works out over the next few months. It is a good opportunity for like minded business owners to connect.

http://twitter.com/mariamarsala I know a few business owners, mostly solo business owners,
who use Twitter faithfully. For some it works great. Personally I visit it every now and then. I have two people who are following me — meaning they’re interested in knowing what I’m up to.

A Few Tips:

1. Send a note each month to your list but don’t abuse the privilege. Make sure it’s not just self-selling. Make it informative.

2. Consider inviting people you know well and who would appreciate being a member of the list to the list.

3. If the list offers other services — groups you can join, events you can post, etc., do it!

4. Every list offers a "canned" email used when you invite someone. DON’T USE IT. Create your own. Make it more personal and include a link to your website in the email, too.

5. Just because social networking is online — that doesn’t mean you can’t meet people off line. I look to meet people who live local to me (within an hour) and who have the same clients I do for relationship building and possible referral sources.

©2008, Maria Marsala, Chief Business Collaborator, Elevating Your Business

If you truly cannot afford to have your business represent you 100%, and hiring a real graphic designer who will be part of your team is out of the question, then consider using one of these resources below. I have had clients use each of them with results that were much better than clip art or doing it yourself, or having your nephew do it.

I’ve had many clients use these resources with success.

• Logo Works
• Logo Design Just $149
  

For professional design with a personal touch check out Eye 2 Eye Graphics Nancy did our logo’s, website and everything else.

DING DONG — AVON Calling with FREE Shipping In the USA
It’s not your grandmother’s company any longer. Now you can purchase holiday items, jewelry, clothing and more.
View a catalog now http://www.YourAvon.com/mmarsala

Does Your Hosting Company Cost More Than $12 Per Month?
You may be paying way too much for hosting. Check out the packages offered at the place I host my 10 websites.
Host Gator http://secure.hostgator.com/cgi-bin/affiliates/clickthru.cgi?id=06872784

Paid Advertising Disclaimer:
Elevating Your Business does not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any of the
recommendations or advertisements above or the quality of any products, information, or other materials displayed, purchased, or obtained by you as a result of an offer in connection with any advertisement.
Doing your own due diligence is important before purchasing any product.

©1998-2008 Maria Marsala and ElevatingYourBusiness.com

Elevating Your Business
National Office
19906 Hamilton CT NE Suite A
Poulsbo, WA 98370
USA

Tele: 360-271-8418 or 425-440-9659

Volume IX, Issue {date}                                U.S. Library of Congress ISSN: #1534-0767

A newsletter especially for B2B service industry CEOs, presidents and “C” level executives.

Published every Thursday (well kinda)!

You are receiving this because you signed up for it at Elevating Your Business or you told me, in writing, that you want to subscribe. If you didn’t subscribe, you can unsubscribe by clicking the link at the bottom of the newsletter.

Please forward this ezine to business owners you know who want to reach their business goals with ease and efficiency.

Received this newsletter from a friend? Get your very own copy at for your very own copy here

1. A Note From Maria
2. Teleseminars & Events
3. Ask Maria A Business or Marketing Question
4. Featured Article: Resources
5. Monthly Special - Create Your Business Snapshot
6. Maria Recommends
7. The Marketplace

Dear {First Name},

Before I get into today’s note to you, a BIG company is offering a BIG deal that I must tell you about — especially if your business is set up as a sole proprietor.
MY Corporation, is a division of Intuit, who owns Quickbooks, etc.
From December 1 to 5th, they are offering any Inc or LLC formation with NO SERVICE FEES. Their usual $149 fees are completely gone.
(State mandated filing or publication fees and shipping charges will apply). Now MY Corporation is not a lawyer, nor do they profess to be. They offer this as a service, like other companies like them.
Click here to learn more.
To get the discount, use the code MYGIFT when placing your order online or via phone.

OK back to my newsletter.

I recently joined a special email list for PR folks and business owners, too. So far, it’s been a fascinating journey.

Here are just some of what’s happened in about 3 months time.

• I’ve been quoted in an online newsletter I’ve been reading for many, many years — in Market Watch.
• I’ll be interviewed for a PR online radio show (I’ll send you the link to it as son as it airs.
• My ideas have been in a few articles — see today’s feature articles to read some of the articles.
• I’ve received PR and helped my fellow financial professionals who used to work at companies I was proud to work at once, too.
• Another article I wrote this year was used in an edition of the Small Business CEO online magazine after I read that they were looking for articles.
• And a new article I wrote for executives on creating a career plan planning will soon be used on an award winning blog seen by 30,000 executives in service businesses.

Those are the things I know about that have happened. Getting noticed is important, but it’s just as important to leverage that
notice. Because the additional work I do every day must bring me a ROI be it new clients or subscribers. So now I’ll wait and watch.

In the meantime, one way to leverage such PR, is to tell people about it online and off line. Online I now have an area on the right side of my site listing the BIG places my articles or ideas have been posted. In of itself, this sort of TOOT TOOT brings extra credibility.

Now this resource I’m talking about is called HARO and it is NOT for the meek. There are deadlines and it comes out 3 times a day!

It’s called HARO and was created by Peter Shankman out of my home town — New York.
HARO stands for Help a Reporter Out™.

Now how else can you leverage HARO? In your bio you can list the magazines you’ve been mentioned in.
And I use HARO to network.

I’m always looking for new ways to keep in contact with people I want to keep in contact with.
It’s not uncommon for me to send someone an article (in the mail or via email)or a card, or information about a class I’m doing, etc.

When I find something on HARO that could possibly bring good PR to one of my business buddies, I cut it out of HARO and paste it into an other email, and share it with them.

So here’s the resource I’ve been writing about. Visit www.HelpAReporter.com — and learn more about HARO.

Sincerely and till next time,

Maria Marsala, CBC
Chief Business Collaborator, Informational Speaker and former Wall Street trader

P.S.: If you live in the Puget Sound area… don’t miss out on the Working Smarter Forums.
Learn all about these monthly business expanding events below in Teleseminars and Events

P.S.S.: I know you’ll be glad to hear that I’ve hired a proofreader! In a few weeks you should notice a difference in these ezines that I write.
Look for more information on Saralyn in another edition of MORE Business Magazine!

TeleSeminars

Webinars

Washington State Workshops

In One Hour, You Can Learn to Introduce Yourself More Clearly & Confidently

Business Snapshot (Elevator Speech, Verbal Logo) Session
You know you need some sort of compelling elevator speech, but don’t want to hire a coach or strategist for 12-months to get it! Use your Power Hour to create a very articulate business snapshot.

How It Works

• Set up a session with me by clicking here http://www.elevatingyourbusiness.com/session/use/PowerHour/
• I’ll email and/or call you back to set up a time that works based on your answer on the questionnaire.
• To help you get a big bang for your bucks, I’ll send you a eWorkbook with exercises for preparatory work.
• Send me your USP and Business Snapshot forms (they’re in the eWorkbook) .
• Your session will last up to 60 minutes.

You’ll go to your next networking event feeling confident that what you say when someone asks you "What do you do" is going to be something that
attracts better clients into your business and repels prospects who would be "clients from hell" — guaranteed.

Register now: http://www.elevatingyourbusiness.com/session/use/PowerHour/

Get $50 off the going rate. Register and then I’ll email you a link that includes your discount.

Email your questions to me, and look for your answer in an upcoming issue of this newsletter. forms@elevatingyourbusiness.com?subject=Inquiry From MORE.

Question of the Month

How do you decide (quickly) where to spend your marketing dollars during this crazy economic downturn?
and How do you decide how much to spend?

Maria Answers:

What we’re talking about here are strategies that will help you reach the goals you set for your business.
The quickest way — in any economy — to gain new business — is with your current and former clients. What can you do to get in front of the BEST clients you’ve had?
What can you send them to be in front of them again? And don’t forget the "call to action" that every phone call, email or letter MUST include.

And the question I ask every client when we get to the strategies part of their One Page Business Plan® is
" What will get you in front of the most amount of your ideal clients in the least amount of time?
What will get you seen by thousands of them?

Depending on the industry you’re in, your marketing funnel will look differently. But in person seems to trump the internet.
For me the quickest way are speaking at conferences (the type that pay you), speaking locally at organizations where my ideal clients hang out,
article marketing, creating alliances off and online where I market strategically, and I’m turning all my ebooks into books.

So Mary, that should get you started. It all starts in the same place though — with a vision, then you create an ideal client profile and then your marketing plan! Because it’s NEVER enough to just market.
You must Strategically Market. You must watch your ROI on both your TIME and MONEY — always — but of course this is even more
important to do when the economy is not doing well.

NOTE: My unscientific study with myself for many years showed that after I created a 5 year plan; set goals, and took action every day towards my goals (and say NO a lot)
that I accomplished in 2 years what I even thought was possible in 5 years. In fact, at a strategic planning retreat I facilitated for millionaire business
owners, I made them look out at their businesses 2 years, 5 years and exit plans. One business owner couldn’t figure out what he wanted in 5 years. I told him to take his best guess.
Well, just 1 year later, he hit his 2 year goals and was well on his way towards reaching high 5 year goals in 2 years. He’s never done that before and was surprised it was happening.
Of course I wasn’t surprised at all.

And the unscientific study with my clients showed that for every 1 hour they spent planning with me playing devils advocate and supporter,
they saved 10 hours worth of time.

Brainstorming and planning are very important to businesses.

The 54 Best PR Tips for Entrepreneurs
http://www.toiletpaperentrepreneur.com/blog/the-54-best-pr-tips-for-entrepreneurs

How To Become A Millionaire and Get Rich In 10 Steps
http://www.moneybluebook.com/how-to-become-a-millionaire-and-get-rich-in-10-steps/#comment-38619

A Woman With a Mission (Statement)
http://www.womenentrepreneur.com/article/3902.html

Busted — Business Planning Excuses http://www.smallbusinessceomagazine.com/article.aspx?Article=123

Financial Measures Test http://www.customerexperiencesinc.com/Pages/financial_test.html

Free business resources on right side of page http://www.ElevatingYourBusiness.com/free/

Don’t think you can afford having a professional looking online newsletter? I bet you can with this program http://dadamailproject.com/

Take it Back! 100 Tips to Defeat Content Thieves http://www.virtualhosting.com/blog/2008/take-it-back-100-tips-to-defeat-content-thieves/

Are you using unlicensed software? Buyer beware http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/341046_piracy26.html

It may look complex; networking does have many parts of course, however each of us uses this system in one way or another, so why not use it to your advantage?
Anyway, it’s graphic from my friend Daryl Logullo who like me is really into systems.
http://www.maximumreferrals.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/referral-map.jpg

Are women part of your ideal client profile? If so, you may enjoy this audio http://ablakeforum.com/index.php/topic,1478.0.html

If you truly cannot afford to have your business represent you 100%, and hiring a real graphic designer who will be part of your team is out of the question, then consider using one of these resources below. I have had clients use each of them with results that were much better than clip art or doing it yourself, or having your nephew do it.

I’ve had many clients use these resources with success.

• Logo Works
• Logo Design Just $149
  

For professional design with a personal touch check out Eye 2 Eye Graphics Nancy did our logo’s, website and everything else.

DING DONG — AVON Calling with FREE Shipping In the USA
It’s not your grandmother’s company any longer. Now you can purchase holiday items, jewelry, clothing and more.
View a catalog now http://www.YourAvon.com/mmarsala

Have more than one website?
You may be paying way too much for hosting. Check out the packages offered at Host Gator
http://http://secure.hostgator.com/cgi-bin/affiliates/clickthru.cgi?id=06872784

Don’t Miss Out on Haro

Paid Advertising Disclaimer:
Elevating Your Business does not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any of the
recommendations or advertisements above or the quality of any products, information, or other materials displayed, purchased, or obtained by you as a result of an offer in connection with any advertisement.
Doing your own due diligence is important before purchasing any product.

©1998-2008 Maria Marsala and ElevatingYourBusiness.com

Elevating Your Business
National Office
19906 Hamilton CT NE Suite A
Poulsbo, WA 98370
USA

Tele: 360-271-8418 or 425-440-9659

Volume IX, Issue {date}                               
U.S. Library of Congress ISSN: #1534-0767

A newsletter especially for B2B service industry CEOs, presidents and "C" level executives.

Published every Thursday (we’re shooting for that day)! You are on our list because you signed up for one of our programs or subscribed to this newsletter. To change your subscription, see the link at end of this email.

Please add "MoreBusiness@CoachMaria.com" to your white list or address book in your e-mail program, so that you have no trouble receiving future issues!

Received this newsletter from a friend? Sign up for your very own copy here

• A Note From Maria
• Featured Article - Financial Choices 101
• Teleseminars & Events
• Recommend Us Contest
• Who do you know at Bear, Lehman, AIG, Wells Fargo or WAMU?
• Maria Recommends & Uses
• Maria’s Birthday Gift to You
• The Marketplace

Dear {First Name},

Because of my "previous career" on Wall Street, many, many conversations in the past few months have been on the current financial disaster.
And many people have asked me what do to with their money but without the proper licenses, I don’t delve into that realm of things.

But what I can tell you is that the best thing we call can do for ourselves is to look at our fees and make sure we’re not
underpaid (most service businesses are under paid by 20-100%) Being underpaid is one of the 5 reasons why business owners have crapy clients and no life.
But Maria, we’re in an economic downturn. Well, I bet you’re under paid like my client who raised (and got) a $100 per hour increase.
Or the others I’ve worked with who are doubling their rates because they’re so under paid.
Know that people ARE paying for services they value — even in the down economy.

Another thing you can do take a look at your business expenses. Sure we get a deduction for them, but have you done review of what things are costing you vs the business the expense brings in?
I’ve viewed a few P/Ls, balance sheets and even taxes in the past few months as was able to provide clients with resources to better supplies (for example) for a lower cost. And in a few cases, we’ve changed their business model because their ROI sucked.

Up 6% are the sales at thrift type stores. And while I hate shopping, I do enjoy the thrift store.
$50 wooden shelves that look like they were in a Corporate library. Business suits with the tags still on them.
A wooden paper cutter for $10 bucks. Why not!

Get out of debt. No matter what, the goal is to not have any credit card debt. None. Nada. Nothing. And yes, it’s hard to do without. But know that others, like me are doing that, too. We need to pick and choose what we spend our money on. It makes us wiser spenders.

Get your office in order and things done. When my office looks like a hurricane hit it; which it does from time to time, it takes longer for me to do everything.
When you say you’re going to do something, and don’t you’re out of integrity. So this month I’m looking to get rid of hurricanes and bring back integrity — mine and yours.
Join us on Professional Integrity day. Check them out in the class section of this newsletter.

What are you doing to save money while purchasing quality items for you business or life. Share your ideas with your fellow business owners at
The Business Forum

It’s never too late to get your finances in order. I listen to radio host Ray Lucia often including listening to his podcasts.
He’s also offering free seminars in San Diego, Seattle, Phoenix, Baton Rouge, San Ramon and Newport Beach, Portland, Irving and Houston, as in the past he’s hosted websinars, too. You can listen to his radio shows online here radio shows online here . And he’s written two books that are available at most libraries…
Buckets of Money: How to Retire in Comfort and Safety and Ready…Set…Retire!: Financial Strategies for the Rest of Your Life

Welcome, everyone, to the Elevating Your Business Community. I look forward to getting to know you better.

Sincerely and till next time,

Maria Marsala
Chief Business Collaborator, Informational Speaker and former Wall Street trader

P.S. I’m so very pleased to be bringing you my much requested website design and SEO classes. Read more below.

Virtual Learning

Workshops, Clinic

King County

The challenge, should you choose to help me, is that by the end of this year I’ll have 3000 new terrific subscribers — just like you.
So I’m enlisting your help.

There is a fill-in field on my newsletter subscribe box called the Referred by field.
It’s called the Referred by field. You can see it here.

Now here’s where you come in. What I need from you is help rebuilding this email newsletter list with business owners who have been in business at least two years.

In order to reach my business goals, I need to reach a ton of business owners each week with my tips, articles, resources, classes and products.

When you think of expanding your business, working smarter, performance management, increased sales and productivity, I want people to think — Elevating Your Business.com

So please forward this newsletter to 10 business owners you know and encourage them to register and put your name in the Referred By area of the form.
Make sure you clearly give them your first and last name. Once they join they get their gifts — just like you received your gifts.
Also ask them to forward the newsletter to 10 people they know.

If all 500 of you do this, I’m going to get my birthday wish and even more!

Now what’s in it for you? Well, heck, you already have benefited from my tips, classes and products, you want more?

Of course you do.

The person with the most referrers will receive a one hour Power Hour Consultation or $250 to go shopping through my new shopping cart.
You can view the shopping cart here.

There will be 1 prize given each month over the next three months. So there will be three winners, each to be announced during the first week of the month.

Remember to tell your business buddies to put your name in the Referred By area so you get the credit.
Refer everyone you think would enjoy expanding their business.

And thank you in advance for your support.

Choose the Right CPA (Accountant or Tax Advisor) for Your Business

by Maria Marsala

Summary: What do you look for in a CPA? Start right here…

Certified Professional Accountants (CPAs) are more than just individuals who do your yearly taxes.
They can advise you on a long list of other services, which may include
advice on your accounting system, financial, retirement, estate
and tax planning. CPAs are part of a business owner’s professional
team along with a banker and lawyer.
Here are some suggestions on choosing the right one for you and your business.

• Ask for recommendations
  Your local Chamber of Commerce will tell you the names of CPAs who
  are members. Also, when you attend any type of meeting, or meet other
  business owners, ask for CPA recommendations from them. Or if that doesn’t work for you start your research at a Accounting organization website
• Use the 60% rule
  Pick a CPA who has 60% of his or her business
  coming from business owners such as yourself. A CPA is more apt to keep up
  with the laws specific to clients they deal with most often. If your business is
  incorporated, make sure that the person specializes in corporate
  accounting, including financial statements and audits.
• Interview CPAs
  Ask what type of services they do for their clients, how long they’ve
  been in business full time, and for references. Don’t forget
  to ask to see their license. Ask them about the benefits of choosing
  them over another CPA.
• Rates
  Ask about their rates and what those rates include. If they have
  a rate chart, all the better. Also, ask what their hourly rate is
  and what the cost would be to answer questions during the year.
• Ask about record keeping
  Ask what computer program they prefer you use for your record keeping
  and why they prefer that program. Many times, if you use the program
  they suggest, it can save you some money because they can use your
  data files. Some even have programs they’ll set up especially for
  you.
• Bring your records to the interview
  Bring a copy of last year’s tax return when you interview
  a CPA. This way your prospective CPA can give you educated estimates
  as to what their services will cost you.
• How to file
  If you want to save some money, ask how they want your paper files.
  If you bring your files to them in shoe boxes - hey, many folks do -
  you will pay to have all that material organized and deciphered!
  You can save money if
  you separate the information the way the CPA suggests.
• Corporation vs. individual
  Are you interested in hiring a corporation of CPAs or a CPA that
  has his or her own business? If you opt for the corporation, find out
  if you’ll be dealing with one particular person, or will it be whoever
  answers the phone when you call. It’s best to build a relationship with one person.
• When do they work?
  What are their hours of operation? Make sure that you can call them
  at hours that are convenient for you.
• Making a decision
  Interview at least three CPAs. Don’t rush this decision. Make sure you
  have the best CPA and bookkeeper for you and your business. Build long term relationships with both.

©2008 Maria Marsala, the founder of Elevating Your Business, is a business strategist, speaker, author and former Wall Street trader.
Since 1998, Maria has helped service sector CEOs, presidents, professionals and management teams struggling with the problems of quickly expanding businesses by helping them to
streamlining and automating their planning, operations and marketing processes. The results?
Many have doubled their sales, they have more free time, and enjoy a higher quality life. Would you like to be next? Learn more and receive a free business building audio
at
ElevatingYourBusiness.com

Need a speaker for your next event? Contact Maria today!

I am donating 20 hours to folks at those companies who want some coaching, advice or brainstorming.

This week I worked with a VP. He sent me his resume, which I critiqued, and give him tips and resources to help him get as he said a lot closer to landing another job. He left the call with about 8 ways to market himself, a bunch of resources for databases he can tap into and happy homework to do.

For those of you who don’t know… my first "go" into working with executives happened on Wall Street when I was one. I helped many women secretaries get jobs on trading desks or in management. And then I mentored them while they built their careers including helping them get paid what they were worth at raise or bonus time.

Feel free to send this note to your friends who have lost or are in the process of loosing their financial services jobs due to the current crisis.

I use this program and so do my clients. I have it set up so that every day new files are backed up. It’s like having an insurance policy on your important documents.

Well, my shopping cart is working and it’s time for the birthday specials of the month.
Yes, they’re good until 10/31/08.

Power Hour or Business Check UP - Half Price!

Sign up for a 60-minute Power Hour between October 1st and October 31st and you’ll be entered into a drawing to receive a refund of every penny you invested in the session!

Good or great? One person will receive their investment back!

Learn more and use coupon code HALF at http://www.coachmaria.com/arppro/cart/mod_Products_List.php?start=4&catid=1

View more discounts and coupons here

DING DONG — AVON Calling with FREE Shipping In the USA
It’s not your grandmother’s company any longer. Now you can purchase holiday items, jewelry, clothing and more.
View a catalog now http://www.YourAvon.com/mmarsala

Have more than one website?
You may be paying way too much for hosting. Check out the packages offered at Host Gator
http://http://secure.hostgator.com/cgi-bin/affiliates/clickthru.cgi?id=06872784

Paid Advertising Disclaimer:
Elevating Your Business does not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any of the
recommendations or advertisements above or the quality of any products, information, or other materials displayed, purchased, or obtained by you as a result of an offer in connection with any advertisement.
Doing your own due diligence is important before purchasing any product.

©1998-2008 Maria Marsala and ElevatingYourBusiness.com

Elevating Your Business
National Office
19906 Hamilton CT NE Suite A
Poulsbo, WA 98370
USA

Tele: 360-271-8418 or 425-440-9659

Volume IX, Issue {date}                               
U.S. Library of Congress ISSN: #1534-0767

A newsletter especially for B2B service industry CEOs, presidents and "C" level executives.

Don’t miss this month’s F.R..EE teleclass. Click here, it’s happening today, Thursday!

Published every Thursday (we’ll shoot for that day)! You are on our list because you signed up for one of our programs or subscribed to this newsletter. To change your subscription, see the link at end of this email.

Please add "MoreBusiness@CoachMaria.com" to your white list or address book in your e-mail program, so that you have no trouble receiving future issues!

Received this newsletter from a friend? Sign up for your very own copy here

• A Note From Maria
• Featured Article - Benefits vs. Features
• Recommend Us Contest
• Maria’s Birthday Gift to You
• Maria Recommends & Uses
• The Marketplace

Dear {First Name},

There is nothing worse than a business owner who doesn’t appreciate another business owner’s time. How rude!

Case in point. I have 15 people on an email list who requested information for a class I teach. Each person has told me, more than a few times over the past year, that they want to be kept on the list and take the course. But each time the course is taught, I call them or email them - and they aren’t attending. So this week I removed everyone from the list except for the 1 person who was ready to give me money this week.

Or this week I got an email from someone who requested that I call them, and I have — left messages for them just about every week since August 12! I was looking to get the name of the organization they knew that was looking for a speaker. The email I got back talked about not affording my services and that they wanted to come to listen to me speak at other events. HUH?

So I’ve been thinking… what could I possibly be doing to attract these rude people to me? The answer came to me… I’ve been saying that I have to move on,
but haven’t been taking enough risks to do just that. So as long as I’m still doing some of the old stuff, I will attract people who seem rude to me.

It’s not easy moving on. I agree. But it’s time I did and its started this week big time.

This mailing list has gone through many changes in the past few months, and that’s being done to move on. A list that was a few thousand subscribers strong a few months ago now has less than 500 people on it. And that’s okay! I removed almost everyone who hasn’t opened any edition in more than two months.

So now I’m here to ask for your help. I figure you’re here because you value what I produce, that you’ve used my tips and resources to grow your business. So now I’d like your help.
So please read the Recommend Us Contest area of this newsletter and let’s get this newsletter back to 5000 again, but this time with the best business owners and executives around the globe!

Don’t miss this month’s F.R..EE teleclass. Click here, it’s happening today, Thursday!

Welcome, everyone, to the Elevating Your Business Community. I look forward to getting to know you better.

Sincerely and till next time,

Maria Marsala
Chief Business Collaborator, Informational Speaker and former Wall Street trader

The challenge, should you choose to help me, is that by the end of this year I’ll have 3000 new terrific subscribers — just like you.
So I’m enlisting your help.

There is a fill-in field on my newsletter subscribe box called the Referred by field.
It’s called the Referred by field. You can see it here.

Now here’s where you come in. What I need from you is help rebuilding this email newsletter list with business owners who have been in business at least two years.

In order to reach my business goals, I need to reach a ton of business owners each week with my tips, articles, resources, classes and products.

When you think of expanding your business, working smarter, performance management, increased sales and productivity, I want people to think — Elevating Your Business.com

So please forward this newsletter to 10 business owners you know and encourage them to register and put your name in the Referred By area of the form.
Make sure you clearly give them your first and last name. Once they join they get their gifts — just like you received your gifts.
Also ask them to forward the newsletter to 10 people they know.

If all 500 of you do this, I’m going to get my birthday wish and even more!

Now what’s in it for you? Well, heck, you already have benefited from my tips, classes and products, you want more?

Of course you do.

The person with the most referrers will receive a one hour Power Hour Consultation or $250 to go shopping through my new shopping cart.
You can view the shopping cart here.

There will be 1 prize given each month over the next three months. So there will be three winners, each to be announced during the first week of the month.

Remember to tell your business buddies to put your name in the Referred By area so you get the credit.
Refer everyone you think would enjoy expanding their business.

And thank you in advance for your support.

Copywriting 101
The difference between "features" and "benefits"

When a client hires me to write something - a direct mail letter, a brochure, a
proposal - I ask them to fill out a questionnaire about their company. Of all the
questions, what seems to “stump” people the most is the difference between
“features” - what your company offers - and “benefits” - why someone would want
to buy what your company offers!

A “feature” is something you offer, a “benefit” is what your clients get if they hire
you. Guess which one has the biggest impact on your clients? Benefits can be
tangible or intangible. Example: Goodyear doesn’t sell “tires,” they’re selling safe
transportation for those you love.

Here’s another example: Let’s say I sell widgets. If someone asks me what makes
my widgets better than my competitors, I’d probably answer by listing the features
of my widgets:

• My widgets are the best produced widgets.
• We use only the finest ingredients in our widgets.
• My employees take great pride in the making of our widgets.

Does my potential customer care about any of that? Well, not exactly. Here’s what
probably matters to the customer:

• How much does it cost?
• Will it work properly?
• What if it doesn’t?
• How many available colors are there?
• How long will these widgets last?

Now, I’m a good widget business owner, and I know the answer to all those
questions, too; it’s just not the first thing I think of when I’m talking about my
business.

But it can be! The “trick,” as it were, is to change your focus to concentrate on
answering the questions that matter to your customer. Meeting the needs of your
customers, both spoken and unspoken is the hallmark of good customer service.
Oh, and it’s good for business, too!

©2008 Karen Kanakanui and WordsAreUs, a marketing communications company
specializing in the art of voice persuasion - using copywriting and audio to move your leads
along, convert sales, and increase ROI. To receive a free copy
of Mashed-up Marketing, a newsletter with tips on improving your business writing and
using audio to maximize your business message visit http://www.WordsAreUs.com

I use this program and so do my clients. I have it set up so that every day new files are backed up. It’s like having an insurance policy on your important documents.

Well, my shopping cart is working and it’s time for the birthday specials of the month.
Yes, they’re good until 10/31/08.

Power Hour or Business Check UP - Half Price!

Sign up for a 60-minute Power Hour between October 1st and October 31st and you’ll be entered into a drawing to receive a refund of every penny you invested in the session!

Good or great? One person will receive their investment back!

Learn more and use coupon code HALF at http://www.coachmaria.com/arppro/cart/mod_Products_List.php?start=4&catid=1

View more discounts and coupons here

DING DONG — AVON Calling with FREE Shipping In the USA
It’s not your grandmother’s company any longer. Now you can purchase holiday items, jewelry, clothing and more.
View a catalog now http://www.YourAvon.com/mmarsala

Have more than one website?
You may be paying way too much for hosting. Check out the packages offered at Host Gator
http://http://secure.hostgator.com/cgi-bin/affiliates/clickthru.cgi?id=06872784

"How A Newbie Built A Great Web Site In Just 2 Days" FREE
By Dianne Reuby. Visit the Newbie’s Club and download your free copy now.
http://http://www.newbieclub.com/?mariasplace

Been thinking about starting a membership site?
We’ve got the program to help get up an running.
http://http://www.membergate.com/index.cfm?affID=06872784

Paid Advertising Disclaimer:
Elevating Your Business does not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any of the
recommendations or advertisements above or the quality of any products, information, or other materials displayed, purchased, or obtained by you as a result of an offer in connection with any advertisement.
Doing your own due diligence is important before purchasing any product.

©1998-2008 Maria Marsala and ElevatingYourBusiness.com

Elevating Your Business
National Office
19906 Hamilton CT NE Suite A
Poulsbo, WA 98370
USA

Tele: 360-271-8418 or 425-440-9659