What is the "Know, Like and Trust Factor" and how does it grow your business?

The Know, Like & Trust Factor is a proven marketing component focused on establishing long-term connections with prospects and clients. Customers make initial and ongoing purchasing decisions based on a strong relationship foundation of dependability, respect, mutual understanding and shared history.

The Know, Like & Trust Factor grows your business because once you have established a relationship, you have a champion for life. Not only are they direct beneficiaries of your offerings, as the Faberge shampoo commercial from the 70's says, "... they told two friends and so on, and so on, and so on...." People talk and it's to your advantage to have them saying that your products or services enrich their lives.

The Know, Like and Trust Factor

This relationship-building approach in business is growing exponentially because it works to consistently build loyalty, sales and a solid platform for all future product or service launches.

Customers or clients must have a connection to you on all three levels before they purchase from you and become long-term buyers. You can be in front of prospects for many months before they purchase from you. Experts say that seven or more impressions are required before people feel they know, like and trust you enough to give you their money.

Think about it; it makes sense. The evolution of any relationship takes time to establish and maintain. It may seem odd at first to transfer personal relationship concepts to business connections, but it's not. Genuine connection to each other is an essential component in any relationship. When we conduct business as an extension of our personal lives and philosophies, this is a no-brainer. It's simply good business to establish a method by which prospects can get to know, like and trust you as a proven, strategic method of achieving results.

Here's how to become known, liked and trusted to build long-term client relationships:

1. Know
   • Be as transparent as possible.
   • Share appropriate bits of your personal life.
   • Reveal yourself over time.
     
2. Like
   • Use humor in your communications when appropriate.
   • Be authentically YOU... always.
   • Use your own voice.
     
3. Trust
   • Consistently deliver on all promises.
   • Give content-rich information that is purely philanthropic.
   • Establish that you're an authority based on measurable results.

Why does this work? When clients know, like and trust you they:

• feel comfortable (know)
• want to support you by purchasing your products and services (like)
• feel confident in their decision to give you their money and refer you to their family, friends and colleagues (trust)

When prospects feel that you genuinely value the relationship with them--not just their potential purchasing power--they'll be devoted followers forever.

As an awakening or awakened woman, what information would be helpful to you RIGHT NOW to educate you, and ignite and fuel your journey?

As women, it’s our time in history to stand.
Not for anything. Not against anything.
But to simply stand in our power.
Power is not our birthright.
Power is our nature; our very essence.

~ Charlon Bobo

With expertise in the handmade beauty industry, female entrepreneurship & leadership, conscious entrepreneurship and the women's empowerment paradigm shift, I am developing a series of real-world, real-time, real-benefit teleclasses. And I want to hear from you so I can deliver content that has true value and meaning.

From your personal experience and of the women in your circles, what message do you think women most need to hear? Is it about relationships? Health & wellness? Finances? Career? Overall happiness? Obliterating self-imposed barriers to confident living? Tangible skills during this shift? The hows of standing in power? Let me know your thoughts.

I thank you in advance, Sisters. We are a powerful collective and can accomplish anything our hearts desire in conscious collaboration.

This is why women rock this planet!

I just asked a dear colleague, friend and confidant for her help in spreading the word via social media channels about an inspired project that is rocking my world. It is the work-of-a-lifetime and not only does it have me fully engaged and captivated, it is blossoming with a life of its own as the message travels worldwide. Anyway...

Her response? on it! That's it, just, "on it!"

It doesn't take much to support the women in our lives who assume the many diverse roles in shape-shifting the existing paradigm. Sometimes the fullness of support is contained in 4 letters, 2 words and 1 exclamation point. Thank you, dear friend.

Right now, think of one thing you can do to encourage, inspire or support a smart, savvy, strong woman in your life and go do it! Yes, now. Sense the urgency? It's that important.

Transform Adversity Into Personal Triumph

Recently, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Pete Winiarski of the Institute of Success and Goal Achievement. Listen to the 60-minute interview now. Enjoy!

Following is the marketing content authored by Pete to promote the call.

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Is there a traumatic event in your past holding you back in some way? Here are common examples:

1. You just received a pink slip and lost your job.
2. You had a parent, child, sibling, or close friend die unexpectedly.
3. You just ended a long-term relationship or got divorced.
4. You were abused as a child and have been carrying that around with you for years.
5. You lost your life savings due to poor investment choices.
6. Your favorite car was totaled in an accident.
7. You have a permanent physical disability.

And the list goes on. The bottom line is: you've been impacted by something traumatic at some point in your life. We all have.

First, know that you're not alone.

Second, realize that your personal adversity is likely impacting you and your performance in other areas of your life.

For many of us, past events created wounds that we unconsciously carry around, impacting every area of our lives. For some of us, these events may have occurred in childhood.

Would you like to learn how to overcome this adversity and turn your traumatic experience into a personal triumph?

Our guest this week, Charlon Bobo, is an empowermentor and entrepreneurial visionary, as well as a copywriter, editor and best-selling author. She's here to share with us her raw and very personal story of overcoming and the 5 key insights she uses often as her life guide. You, too, will be able to overcome your personal adversity.

I promise: you will be shocked by what Charlon went through, and amazed at the power of her decision to work through it. You will learn how to manage and overcome your personal adversity, and learn to incorporate her "Whole Life Approach" for everyday peace and success.

You, too, can learn to live a life of ease. Listen to this 60-minute interview to find out how.

That On Which We Focus, Manifests

This piece is inspired by TUT.com; a Note from the Universe on Monday, March 29, 2010.

Whatever you focus on, you will experience.

When you talk about "what is" or "what was,"
even if you're just explaining to a friendly ear,
you project more of the same into the future.
If you ask more than you give thanks, you'll believe less in your own power.
And if you insist that it's hard and that you're lonely, you'll find that it is, and you are.

Yet, always you can choose to focus on what's good.

It's common to want to share all of life's experiences with those we love; including the "downs." The simple question, "How are you?" by a close friend often opens a pandora's box of the details of what's going on in our lives. Rarely do we stop and wonder about the impact of our words on our future experience.

So, how do we remain authentic AND honor what's actually happening, AND pave the way for manifesting what we really want if it's different than what we are living right now?

As best we can, with our words, thought and actions we must shift our focus to the positive aspects of what's happening in our lives.

Positive thinking is getting a bad rap recently with the launch of a new book. To be sure, I'm not advocating the manufacture of some artificial pasted-on smiley face when we are truly hurting. What I am saying is that if we take just a moment to reframe our responses, we can see something beneficial in what is happening right now. And THAT'S what's worth focusing on and sharing with others.

Eradicate Incessant Mind-chatter

Today I was asked by a consulting client how to silence mind-chatter. The process below is overly-simplified, but these are the 3 steps I shared to effectively shush that voice, so you can focus and be at peace:

Take an authoritative position--Give yourself permission to silence that invasive voice. No one ever told us that we can direct our inner critic. We can and we must if we are to be the masters of our minds.

Take action--As if it resided outside of your head, tell your voice to go sit in a corner or assign it a task, physically distanced from you. Feel free to have fun with this; set a time limit or other specification, e.g. "For 10 minutes" or "Until you can come back and be quiet."

Consciously choose another thought--Instead of being the servant of your inner voice, turn the tables and while your critic is otherwise occupied, choose a pleasant thought that feels better and allows you to focus.

The more awareness you create around this dynamic, and take assertive action every time it happens, the less interested your mind will be in bothering you. After some time has passed, you realize you have mastered--or at least have begun to master--your own inner voice because after awhile it stops tormenting and distracting you. Just like a child in the throes of a tantrum, it stops because it no longer gets the reaction it's looking for. And, voila; success!

Building Relationships: Service-based Businesses Go Above-and-Beyond One-Size-Fits-All Email Responses

If you offer services vs. products, you may require much more information from prospects before providing pricing, turnaround time or other specifications.

In the interest of time (don't we all want it now?) potential clients usually want an immediate answer, but you know it's not that simple. And it's best to remain true to the process that works best for you so, in the end, the information you provide is accurate and thorough. To do that, you want to find out more about them, their offerings, their target market and their short- and long-term visions for the business.

"I own two companies with a partner. How can we utilize your services?"

It's a great question; and one that deserves your full attention. Respond immediately with an email to acknowledge receipt and invite them to set up a telephone or video appointment to discuss their specific requirements. Here's an example:

"At XYZ Company we are committed to customized solutions for each client. One-size-fits-all just doesn't work: there are too many variables. We know your time and efforts are valuable and that's precisely why we don't want to waste them. You see, if we don't understand your business, we may not be fully maximizing our contribution to your success. During our comprehensive and complimentary 30-minute consult, we discover how we can best serve you. We want you to experience excellence. Follow this link to our online calendar and set up your appointment today."

Email is limited in its ability to fully communicate either their needs or your ability to meet those needs. During the fact-finding mission (the call), you are able to discern much more than you can by simply submitting your standard price sheet or a link to your prices page. After all, you are building a relationship. That doesn't happen in one email interaction or even one telephone call, but you're much closer to really understanding how your services can benefit them after speaking directly. A personal appointment gives both participants a chance to connect on many other levels.

When you are in a service business, there are no homogenous answers to what you can provide. Fundamentally, what you can provide is based on client requirements. Services can be customized in so many ways and that's where an open dialogue is incredibly helpful.

You take pride in flexibility. You have worked hard to offer value-based services. You owe it to yourself and your potential customers to construct a customized solution and effectively maximize your contribution to their success.

An initial 30-minute consultation saves much time, effort and aggravation in the future. You understand exactly what they need and they know you understand their business. You can provide specs based on that clear understanding. And what better way to begin establishing your connection than to be crystalline-clear from the very beginning. Should they hire you, with mutual understanding, the outcome can only be superior.

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Interview with Charlon Bobo of EditCopyProof.com re: authorship of new book Overcomers, Inc.

1. How did you get started writing?
   
   I have loved words since childhood. Writing has been my favorite activity in every professional position I have ever held, but my passion was ignited when I realized I could do it to serve others. My business focus is on inspiring and empowering female entrepreneurs with a conscious approach to wordsmithing solutions, e.g. copywriting, copyediting, ghostwriting, online marketing, etc. With a clear understanding of the responsibility of using my talents to enhance the success of others, it makes the exercise of writing a pure joy.
   
   
2. What do you do when you are not writing?
   
   I am told my interests are eclectic and unusual, but I wouldn’t know because it’s just me being who I am. I love diversity and it definitely shows in my colorful tapestry of activities. When I’m not writing, I can be found making soap, in the kitchen concocting delectable desserts, creating dinner for friends from farm-fresh ingredients, having tea or wine with my girlfriends, reading at the beach, walking in a forest, enjoying cultural activities, gardening or napping.
   
   
3. What would readers like to know about you?
   
   I live my life as a means of enjoying the gift it is, but I am also crystal clear that modeling overcoming behavior is one of my primary purposes. There isn’t any particular magic to it; it’s simply a matter of deciding that every experience will serve a high purpose. Living that helps others find a way to do it in their own lives.
   
   
4. What inspired you to be a contributing author in Overcomers, Inc.?
   
   Simply? The power of the message. When we share our life experiences as a means to support and empower each other, the possibilities are limitless. I have spoken about transparency for years and it is only in sharing the rawness of life, our low points, our challenges, our moments of heartbreak that we realize we’re not alone and some how, some way, we, too will find a way.
   
   
5. Why is the topic of Overcoming important to you?
   
   Because it’s human. Not one person on this planet will escape the necessity for overcoming something. I am here to assist others in recognizing that overcoming is a choice. Circumstance has no inherent power to dictate our future. We can chose to be overcomers in spite of external circumstance.
   
   
6. Why are you specially qualified to write about this topic?
   
   Because I’ve proven I’m an overcomer; my life experience clearly shows that. The best way to learn how to do something is to learn from someone who’s already done it. I have moved beyond childhood sexual molestation and anyone in that same situation can be empowered by the conscious choice to use the experience to propel them toward health, wholeness and happiness.
   
   
7. How many books have you written?
   
   This is my very first book published by a publisher, although I have two works-in-progress to be self-published in early 2010.
   
   
8. What are the titles of your books and what genres are they?
   
   The genres are self-explanatory given the titles. My two soon-to-be-self-published books are:
   
   1. Write Your eBook Using a Trusted and Proven System
   While Maintaining Your Busy Life: a comprehensive step-by-step guide to ensure a marketable and income-generating eBook using reliable insider copywriting,
   ghostwriting & online marketing techniques
   
   AND
   
   2. From Trauma To Triumph: Beyond Childhood Molestation
   Proven Techniques to Ignite Self-Healing in 30 Daily Explorations
   
   
9. How do you manage to keep yourself focused and on track when you’re writing a book?
   
   With strict adherence to the plan I establish at the beginning of the book writing process. Accountability is a key to success!
   
   
10. Do you write to make money, for the love of writing or both?
    
    Definitely both. To me, writing is like breathing; I need it to live. And I also need money to live so my writing serves me on that level, as well.
    
    
11. What makes you proud about your involvement with Overcomers, Inc.?
    
    I am most proud to share what makes so many people uncomfortable. Unless we begin talking openly and honestly about topics our society considers to be taboo--like childhood sexual molestation--we cannot move beyond and live with the understanding that it’s only external circumstance. It has no true power over us.
    
    I am not minimizing the impact. I am simply saying it does not define me and it doesn't have to define others who have had the same experience.
    
    
12. Will you write more books?
    
    Absolutely! There are volumes inside me bursting to come forth!
    
    
13. What do you have in the works now?
    
    Besides my two other books? A growing list of topics for which there are very few experts, including the new relationship paradigm and women truly understanding the nature of standing in their personal power.
    
    
14. What does the future hold for you and your books?
    
    Greater and greater opportunities to serve others with the insights and inspirations that come directly from the divine.
    
    
15. What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?
    
    It is raw. It is real. And it cuts to the heart of HOW to overcome. These aren’t polite, politically-correct stories of trivial life matters. They are hard-earned lessons from people who have gone through the fire, come out the other side, and are genuinely grateful for the experience because it showed them how strong and resourceful they truly are.
    
    
16. What people NEED to read this book and WHY?
    
    This book is for the human race. No matter who you are, where you live, your annual income, your gender, your profession, your age, your ethnicity, your religion… you will be inspired by the stories in this book because rising from the ashes is a human experience.
    
    
17. What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?
    
    Water and nature spark my creativity. Also, a necessary break. There is no shortage of ways to get the creative juices flowing, but when I’m stuck and cannot seem to get into the flow, I take a break to do something completely unrelated to the task in front of me. It consistently provides a ‘reboot’ so I can jump in again with a fresh perspective.
    
    
18. What do you think motivates people to become authors?
    
    I cannot speak for other authors. For me, it’s the opportunity to positively impact peoples' lives.
    
    
19. What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?
    
    Because it’s time in the evolutionary course of this planet to move from a patriarchy to a system influenced by the female divine. Compassion, openness, communication, collaboration… these are the crucial elements to bring humanity into full alignment and propel us forward to unity.
    
    
20. If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy?
    
    I don’t believe in convincing people of anything. I trust absolutely that people know when something resonates for them. When that happens they will make a purchase.
    
    
21. What is your final message to our readers?
    
    Within you lies a vast well of resources to live the life of an overcomer. As the authors of Overcomers, Inc. we have done it. Now’s YOUR turn! Join us.

From Overcomers, Inc.; True Stories of Hope, Courage and Inspiration. To get your own copy and receive dozens of bonus gifts go to http://www.overcomersbook.com/booklaunch

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The Violence of Thought

As women we inflict violence on other women; the violence of thought.

Do we really believe our thoughts are harmless; that they have no power to inflict great damage? Do we fail to fully understand that we actively nourish or starve each other with the energy of our thoughts? Have we forgotten we are all connected? Do our synapses fail to fire with the clarity that even if we hold our tongues, we actively participate in the enslavement of each other as long as the undermining thoughts remain?

We sit smugly, silently thinking because we suppress our words, we have exhibited some gracious act; that we are innocents. In fact, we have actually committed a worse offense than giving voice to our thoughts.

The violence of thought is worse than the expression of words because it politely veils our cerebrations; the truth of our own thinking.

While desiring to appear pious and self-restrained, WE STILL HAVE thoughts of judgment, criticism, correction, blame, faultfinding, condemnation, persecution, accusation, disapproval, objection, opposition and harsh opinion.

How scheming, and how preposterous to assume we have fooled anyone but ourselves.

If we are not to speak, let us neither taint the ether—and each other—with our silently poisonous thoughts.

May we instead become consumed with the truth that the cost of toxic thoughts is too high to entertain them for even a moment.

May we consciously replace them with the power of thought-vitality that nourishes, builds, supports, comforts, cherishes, honors, nurtures, encourages, cultivates, mentors, attends, sustains, educates, shelters, reveres and values.

For it is a woman who truly understands the power of her thoughts who changes the world moment-by-moment by wisely managing every one.

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The Unspoken Acknowledgement

The other day as I walked on my favorite seaside cliff (without a hat), a woman and her husband crossed the street and stepped up onto the walking path about 8 feet in front of me. As she saw me, in bold and proud fashion, she ceremoniously pulled off her hat to show me her near-bald head. When our eyes met, we both smiled, she donned her hat again, and we went on our respective ways. I laughed out loud with pure joy.

I got it. We communicated without words, which would have only ruined the moment. Her sentiment was clearer than words because she was was connecting from her heart. And I responded from my heart. We acknowledged each other, honored each other; all without words.

It planted a seed of thought: how much doesn't ever need to be spoken with words? Maybe we would better serve ourselves and others by connecting and supporting from the heart without words. Heart language is pure and untainted communication. There is no mistaking the sentiment behind a genuine smile and kind sparkling eyes.

One Aspect of a Full Life: Romance

Recently I met an extraordinary woman while attending a local weekly luncheon for female entrepreneurs.

Her name is Kimberly Mylls and she is the founder of two innovative and timely businesses. The first one grabbed my attention because the name is intriguing and captivating.

Author of the new book Boys Before Business: The Single Girls Guide to Having It All, Kim found a way to empower every woman who wants to have her dream man AND a great career.

Kim met the man of her dreams just 6 days after using one of the principles in the book. Nine months later she was married. Co-author Jennifer Wilkov followed the same practices and she is now in the relationship of her dreams.

I have no doubt Boys Before Business delivers based on the results of both creators and many devotees of the Boys Before Business system. Check it out.

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"After reviewing just the first couple of lessons I realized that I am dating the wrong person. I now know my top 5 values that I am looking for in my relationship." Jody

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"I don't have to settle for who wants to date me or who comes along I can decide who I want to be with. I was accepting the men that were coming into my life instead of choosing who I want to be with. I can't wait to learn more about manifesting my relationship." Deb

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"What I want isn't shallow, it's just what I want. I was constantly worried about men being intimidated by me and I know that I need to find a man who is confident so I don't have to compromise. Where were you 10 years ago?" Karith

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"I got a lot of value from just the first few steps. Going through the Dear God Letter process was eye opening." Meg

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"I was so stuck in figuring out if I want to have a child first or a man first. Now I understand how important it is to get really clear about what I want and I now have the tools to do it." Heidi

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It's Not About You!

I noticed something.

So often, we put the actions, words, and aspects of others' lives in terms of our own experience.

Here's an example: I have a friend who's taking a 3-week motorcycle journey across the U.S. Before his departure, I made a mini-scrapbook to commemorate the journey. This is the content:

This journey is the only one of its kind.

This time,
this experience,
this exploration,
can never be recaptured
in the same way again... ever.
It can only be maximized by fully
enjoying - and being present in -
every moment.

Whatever those moments contain,
they exist solely for you... to breathe,
to laugh, to learn, to enjoy, to grow,
to change. They are opportunities
to see all of life from a new perspective.

Soon enough this will be a memory...
an experience to enhance the richness
of your life without the ability to recall
any but the most memorable aspects
and influences.

I wish you every colorful, enchanting, diverse,
stimulating, energizing, thought-provoking,
and life-altering experience on your journey.

Abundant travel blessings,


Back to my observation:

What I noticed is that it takes a special--and important--awareness to see the actions, words and aspects of others' lives as having nothing at all to do with us.

Using my friend's journey as an example, it has nothing to do with me. Instead of sharing what I wished for his experience, I could have made it about me; how I might miss him, what his experience would mean to my life and me, how his exploration would provide insight into our connection. No, no, and no. It is for him... exclusively. To make it about me indicates I am so focused on myself that I cannot step out and away from me to see the greater picture... that all of life is not about me!

We can become so over sensitized that we completely lose perspective. We walk around with a false sense that everything circulates in relation to us. When you think about it, making everything about us is a form of arrogance. We cannot afford to take things personally and we cannot make the lives of others about us.

So rarely does what people say, think or do have anything to do with us. It has everything to do with their individual and solitary path and how they perceive the world through their chosen filter.

When you see an opportunity, make the circumstance in front of you about the other person. Focus on them. Provide support. If inspired, lend a helping hand or word of support. And release yourself from the idea that it has anything to do with you. It probably doesn't!

Free yourself. The life you have is your own. Place the bulk of your energies there and you'll find plenty of work! Allow others their own experience... for that is their sacred journey.

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