The Savvy Comadre

The Savvy Comadre Has Moved

2008-04-30T12:41:00.001-07:00

Please visit me now at www.VivaVisibility.com for updates and new info.

2007-10-24T15:58:00.000-07:00

Great resource to share with you ---
Check out the ULTIMATE Success Generator from Melanie Benson Strick, The Entrepreneur's Success Coach.

Melanie is very sharp when it comes to success, she coaches some of the most successful entrepreneurs around. I'm taking a program of hers and it's really effective. This product of hers really helps people get clear on goals and keeping the biggest vision they can. Learn more by clicking below. Two Comadre thumbs up!
Here's the link

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ComadreCoaching.com

New Service Helps Entrepreneurs Gain Status as Recognized Experts

2007-10-05T08:37:00.001-07:00

Women Business Owners, Speakers, Authors and Entrepreneurs Gain Status as Recognized Experts with VivaVisibility.com

Stand Out, Get Noticed, Get More Business with VivaVisibility.com

2007-10-01T14:17:00.000-07:00

Drumroll please!

I’m extremely happy to announce my newly launched website, www.VivaVisibility.com.

If you’re an entrepreneur, author, speaker, or business owner, then this new opportunity will show you how to increase your visibility and stand out from the crowd.

Over the years, I’ve had more and more clients ask me to coach them on increasing their visibility, positioning themselves as experts, and gaining more exposure for their businesses. We all know that expertise and visibility give us credibility, and credibility opens doors.

More importantly, it’s ESSENTIAL that you stand out from the pack and portray your credible expertise as unique, authentic, and genuinely yours. (I say you need to add sizzle to your visibility, what I call “Sizzibility”).

Visit right now and get started with my free audio course, 7 Quick and Simple Tips to Stand Out and Sizzle as a Sought After, Recognized Expert.

Discover how easy it can be to get increased visibility and how there is a perfect visibility plan for you.

Here’s the link again, I’d be so honored to have you stop by and check it out!

www.VivaVisibility.com

There is an audio player on the home page with a really cool message I made up- even has swingin’ background music! Don’t miss it, come on over and see for yourself.

Love and Success,

Nancy Marmolejo
The Entrepreneur’s Visibility Expert
www.VivaVisibility.com

New Book Celebrates the Rise of Latina Owned Businesses

2007-10-01T06:46:00.000-07:00

This article is a reprint of one written by my comadre and Power-Blogger, Marisa Treviño.

New book celebrates rise of Latina-owned businesses
By Marisa Treviño

Texas has the second highest number of Latino-owned firms in the country. So, it stands to reason that Texas would also be home to the second largest number of Latina-owned businesses too.

Texas Latinas are just following the national trend that shows between 1997 and 2006, Latina-owned businesses grew by 121.3 percent.
In fact, as of 2006, there are an estimated 856,782 firms that are 50 percent or more owned by Latinas.

It’s a trend that is still going strong and is being celebrated in a book that was released this month titled Thriving Latina Entrepreneurs in America.

It’s written by Maria De Lourdes Sobrino, a successful Latina entrepreneur who is more well known as the CEO and founder of Lulu’s Dessert, a colorful ready-made gelatina that today is available locally at Wal-Mart and Albertson's stores.

Sobrino highlights her success story as well as the rise of seven other Latinas who have created their own successful businesses ranging from a travel service and construction company to a free newspaper and a promotions business.

It’s said that most everyone has at least one great idea. Well, there’s no better shot in the arm to get busy than reading how other people did it and are enjoying the fruits of their labor.
Thriving Latina Entrepreneurs in America is available online and will hit bookstores the second week of October.

note from Nancy:

Lourdes, aka Lulu, is based in my area of Orange County, California. It's always great to see her out promoting her business and being an inspiration to other Latina entrepreneurs. Gracias Lulu and Felicidades!

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ComadreCoaching.com

Join Me This Sunday Morning on the Radio with Community Review

2007-09-27T04:58:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, September 30, at 7am Pacific Time (10am Eastern), I will be the featured guest on L.A. station 92.3 FM’s Community Review with veteran radio personality Josefa Salinas. If you’re in LA, just tune your FM dial to 92.3 Hot Jamz. Those of you out of the area can listen live to streaming audio by visiting http://www.hot92jamz.com

Josefa Salinas, the show’s host, was in the audience this past summer when I delivered the keynote address to the Latina Style Business Series in Los Angeles. According to her, she turned to everyone at her table and said, “THIS woman is coming onto my show!”

Our one hour interview is part of the station’s Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration where inspiring members of the community are profiled.

I promise you’ll be inspired by the program as we cover more than just business. Find out how my parents influenced my success, what advice I’d give to young people, and tips on business and visibility.

Mark your calendar, set your alarm, and be sure to listen to LA’s 92.3 FM this Sunday morning at 7am Pacific/ 10am Eastern. (Remember, you can also listen live by visiting http://www.hot92jamz.com)

Love and Visibility,
Nancy

Never Underestimate Work Life Balance

2007-09-13T17:14:00.000-07:00

Phoenix, Arizona
National Hispanic Women's Corporation 22nd Annual Conference

Whenever I attend women's conferences (Latina or not) the topic of work life balance always comes up. 2 years ago at the National Hispana Leadership Institute annual conference, I distinctly remember some very powerful and successful women say that work-life balance is a myth and that if you want to be successful you can't even expect balance. (One panelist even went so far to say that if you have kids you'll never be able to reach the levels you want.)

At another recent conference, a woman who held a high state government position shared how taking a job in the state capitol took her away from her young children 5 days a week. She tucked her 5 year old son in bed each night via the phone.

These stories are evidence of the long way women STILL need to go in order to understand what balance is all about.

Today I attended a panel on Latina Power Players, featuring 3 high level leaders. They spoke of their mentors, their formative years, education, advancement up the ladder... but when the topic came to work-life balance a sad hush fell over the room.

One by one they recounted regrets caused by long hours at the office, putting the job first ALWAYS, and forgetting to take care of themselves. Divorce, stress related illness, and resentment from kids for "never being there" were openly discussed in this panel.

When asked to list things they'd have done differently either professionally or personally, no one had any professional regrets but did with life issues.
"I wish I'd dedicated more time to my children."
"I wish I'd slowed down and listened more."
"I wish I'd created stronger boundaries between work and home."

This is information women can share between women. Shared with the wrong audience and it could be a call to discriminate against women climbing the ladder or to toss out the gains of feminism and women's activism over the years.

Here is what I have to say: you can have balance if you CHOOSE to.

No job (or business, or non-profit, or cause, or fill in the blank) is more important than your health. Nor your cherished relationships, such as family or friends.

Equally, no relationship or physical limitation should stand in the way of achieving your potential in a career or business.

That is the true work-life balance equation.

When I work with clients, I ask about how much time they spend working. I ask how much time they spend with family and friends. I ask if they have any days of no email whatsoever, or days when their family is occupied so the client can get work done. I ask if they have set work hours and set personal time - with no cross over.

I meet too many people filled with personal regret but hold professional achievement. I'm not a lone voice- there are plenty of people who talk about the topic of work-life balance- but we need to be heard more loudly by women in salaried jobs. (For us entrepreneurs it is easy to delegate things out and create lifestyles that reflect our choices.)

Here are my simple tips for taking steps towards balance whether you're in your own business or work for someone else:

1. Learn how to say no.

2. Set work hours. Start and stop at the designated times. Be a stickler to this.

3. Quit trying to do everything yourself. Give someone else a chance to shine by handing over responsibilities.

4. Set family or friend time and don't overlap this into work. That means no business calls while your kid is on the playground, no blackberrying under the table at Grandpa's 80th birthday. Do you think no one notices that you're not fully present and engaged? Come on.

5. Change your limited beliefs. If you think that hard work equals success, then go find someone you know who had to retire early due to stress related illness. Find out how much fun it is to be benched for playing too hard.

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ComadreCoaching.com

"Beyond the Business Plan"

2007-09-10T18:42:00.001-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact:
Nancy Marmolejo, CEO Comadre Coaching
Phone: (714) 777-1216
Fax: (309) 410-4227
Email: nancita@ComadreCoaching.com

Website: www.ComadreCoaching.com

Beyond the Business Plan: Award Winning Business Woman to Share Success Secrets at Nation’s Largest Latina Conference September 13-14 in Phoenix.

Anaheim, CA, September 10, 2007 - Nancy Marmolejo, owner of the award winning Comadre Coaching, will share her success tips “Beyond the Business Plan” with fellow Latina entrepreneurs in Phoenix this September 14 at the National Hispanic Women’s Conference. This event is the largest Latina conference in the United States and draws speakers and attendees from across the nation.

The conference includes plenary sessions designed to address topics such as money, careers, health, business, literature, and political power. Marmolejo will speak on creative ways to grow and market a business in the workshop, “Beyond the Business Plan”.

Known for her creative and spirited style, Marmolejo will stress the importance of :

• Thinking outside the box to remain competitive and confident in any field

• Maintaining a high level of visibility and how to use that to leverage your marketing efforts

• The magic of standing out and getting noticed with do’s and don’ts for entrepreneurs and career women alike

For conference registration and itinerary, go to www.HispanicWomen.org

About Nancy Marmolejo: Founded in 2003, Comadre Coaching has helped hundreds of women entrepreneurs start, improve, and expand their businesses. Founder Nancy Marmolejo is the recipient of several awards including the 2006 Anna Maria Arias Award, Entrepreneur of the Year, and was named one of the 100 most inspiring and influential Latinos in Orange County, CA. Nancy has also been nominated for several other community and business awards both in her local area and nationwide.

Get free resources and tools to help you in your business by visiting www.ComadreCoaching.com

Get On the Op-Ed Page for Business Visibility

2007-09-05T10:10:00.001-07:00

I'm a big proponent of writing articles to extend your reach and boost your visibility. It's really easy to publish articles on the web or submit to small publications in exchange for some ad space. But nothing smacks of credibility quite like the blessing of being published on the Op-Ed page of the newspaper.

Op-Ed pieces are not about you pushing your business; they are about you demonstrating your fearless expertise in any given subject. Tied to current events, they show the readership that you are truly an expert in your field and can relate your expertise to the world as it happens around us.

Ruth Kunstadter, Chief Creative Officer of Chispa Productions (and longtime friend and client of mine)has taken her expertise of language instruction to the next level by tying it into a heated topic: Immigrant bashing and English only initiatives.

Ruth's mission as a business owner is to bridge cultural gaps through authentic teaching materials. She teaches Spanish not from canned videos or scripted soap operas, but rather goes directly to native Spanish speakers and features them in her multi media productions.

Ruth has found that the Op-Ed section of her local paper is a great way to voice the values of her company's mission AND intelligently debate contrary opinions in well written, thoughtful essays.

Ruth has spoken out on issues such as language and culture, culture and identity, immigration, and racism. Best yet, she does so unapologetically and like a well informed expert.

You can get inspired by Ruth's passion for her expertise by reading this recent Op-Ed piece.

Click this link to read the entire essay.

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ComadreCoaching.com

Hispanic Entrepreneur's Toolbox

2007-08-23T12:56:00.000-07:00

Check out this great list of 100 resources in the Hispanic Entrepeneur's Toolbox put out by BusinessCreditCards.com

Both the Loca Diaries (my personal blog) and The Savvy Comadre (you're reading it!) were featured as great resources.

Aren't you curious what the other 98 are? Here is a link to the list- it's very comprehensive and HINT HINT you don't have to be "Hispanic" to benefit from these resources.

Read the list here

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ComadreCoaching.com

Stand Out and Get Noticed with Spotlight U!

2007-08-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

Were you on the 4 countdown calls to celebrate the launch of my new
brand "Viva Visibility" and new program "Spotlight U"? Well, the Viva
Visibility website isn't finished as hoped, but Spotlight U is in full
swing. Register by August 15 and enjoy over $2096 worth of bonuses for no
added charge!

Learn more about Spotlight U here

Listen to the preview calls here:

Call #1 (recorded July 18, 2007)
Why now is a great time to position yourself as an expert and how easy it is
to start

Call #2 (recorded July 23, 2007)
Common Blocks and Obstacles to Claiming Your Expertise

Call #3 (recorded July 25, 2007)
Boosting Your Visibility and Owning Your Credibility

Call #4 (recorded July 31, 2007)
How to Stand Out and SIZZLE as an expert

CLICK HERE to learn more about Spotlight U

Sizzibility Talk Show - Listen Now!

2007-08-07T11:27:00.000-07:00

I recently had the honor of being named a “Belle With Balls” by Tuck Self, the Rebel Belle for Bold Self Expression. Tuck is an amazing voice for self empowerment who adds a fun Southern twist to her work. We talked about Sizzibility, creativity, MySpace, and a whole bunch of other things. Tuck confessed that she’s been following me for about a year now, watching my work and my style. Turns out that adding cultural flair to your business is the cool thing to do nowadays!! So whether you like grits or tortillas, listen in as we bond over empowerment, bold self expression, having fun with your work, MySpace, and a whole lot more.

Turn up your speakers and click these links:

Sizzibility Interview
MySpace Interview

Business Growth by Design - Featured Speaker

2007-07-24T14:29:00.001-07:00

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ComadreCoaching.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:
Nancy Marmolejo
Comadre Coaching / Viva Visibility
Phone: 714-777-1216
Fax 309-410-4227
nancita@ComadreCoaching.com
http://www.ComadreCoaching.com

Nancy Marmolejo of Comadre Coaching to be a Featured Speaker at Business Growth By Design on Thursday, July 26, 2007, From 8:00am-12:00pm.

Costa Mesa, CA, July 24, 2007 – IKEA and Everywhere Marketing are teaming up with leading Orange County business groups to give Latino business owners the answers to growing a successful business by design. During this fast paced, inspiring and highly informative seminar, participants will discover new and innovative approaches for consistently succeeding with marketing and branding goals.

Along with Pete Nelson, founder of Everywhere Marketing and Ann Convery, M.A., internationally renowned speaker, coach, and author, Nancy will be sharing her expertise about the following:

Key strategies for overcoming personal obstacles and turning them into fuel for your success.
How to stay in love with your business.
How to be more creative and innovative in your thinking and approaches.
How to step into the spotlight fearlessly and authentically.
Essential tips to keep work and life in balance.

This seminar is free, but an RSVP is required. Register by visiting www.ikea.com/business or call 800.975.8382 for more information. To guarantee a seat all registrations must be made by July 24, 2007.

ABOUT NANCY MARMOLEJO – Award winning entrepreneur Nancy Marmolejo is a leading expert in business and creativity and recognized as one of the top 100 influential and inspiring Latinos in Orange County, CA . Her spirited style has motivated and guided hundreds of entrepreneurs across the globe. Learn more about Nancy by visiting www.ComadreCoaching.com and her upcoming www.VivaVisibility.com

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Why I'd Rather Sizzle Than Be Sticky

2007-07-12T06:34:00.000-07:00

When it comes to business and branding, I keep hearing the word "sticky". You see it all over in blogs, articles, and websites. Cool people say it, uncool people say it and I'm sure the first person who used that term in business found it an appropriate metaphor. However, if you think about times in your life when you had to interact with something "sticky", chances are you weren't having a great time.

Think of stepping in gum on a hot day.

Your dress sticking to your back as you sit in a hot church during an August wedding.

Getting up off a vinyl seat when you're wearing shorts (ouch!).

So for these short moments, I ask you to give that word back to the dude who coined it and embrace a word much more suited for the season.Let's get your brand and your business to SIZZLE.

Sizzle, in my definition, is a hot, magnetic energy that radiates from within. It draws people to you; it doesn't harpoon them with sticky gunk. When you activate your sizzle factor, you draw upon every unique and brilliant quality you have to make your business a beacon. It's a seductive whisper to their overpowering scream.

Can sizzle be taught? Yes and no. That is like asking if "cool" can be taught. The most sizzling people around (and the coolest) are so because they aren't forcing it. They exude confidence and effortlessness.

You can cultivate your sizzle with these simple tips gleaned from my years of coaching entrepreneurs around the topics of creativity and standing out. The secret to sizzle: make it entirely yours.

1. Find what you're passionate about.
Your natural interests and passions can guide the sizzle in your business and in your life. Follow your passions and you will find your sizzle.

2. Evict the Trickster from your head.
Tucked away in the recesses of our minds is a bona fide Trickster whose job is to extinguish your sizzle with a wet blanket of self doubt. Your Trickster may have you convinced that you can only earn a living by trading time for money, or that you need to look a certain way or speak a certain way in order to attain success. Put the Trickster in check and watch your sizzle factor rise.

3. Understand and act from your strenths.
When you're doing your genius work, you sizzle like crazy! Focus 80% of your time on your genius work and your sizzle will come out.

4. Always save time to play.
Sizzle doesn't come from sitting behind a desk all day or talking non-stop to clients on the phone. Sizzle needs to be fed with adventurous outings, fresh air, exercise, music, art, sports, culture, learning, and connecting genuinely to others. You can't expect to sizzle in business if you're living a boring life. Nothing sparks more sizzle than a well rounded person.

Sizzle sets you apart from others by focusing on your uniqueness, your creativity, and your genius work. Put your sizzle to work for your business and watch the results for yourself!
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Add a little sizzle to your business with the award winning services from Nancy Marmolejo. Since 2003, Nancy has helped entrepreneurs position themselves as recognized experts and spruce up tired old marketing efforts. Contact Nancy Marmolejo to learn more about these services.
Click here to learn more here

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ComadreCoaching.com

Out of the Box Business Contest

2007-07-10T07:03:00.000-07:00

For the 3rd year in a row, UPS is sponsoring it's Out of the Box Business Contest. This is a great opportunity to be recognized for your creative approach to business.

The top prize is $25,000 plus some other perks.

You can't call yourself an award winner unless you enter these types of things. Fill out an entry form today and celebrate how out of the box you are!

Deadline is Sept 1.

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ComadreCoaching.com

Can You Really Call Yourself an Expert?

2007-07-03T12:32:00.000-07:00

Pamela Slim of Escape From Cubicle Nation has a great 5 minute podcast with some very provocative questions about claiming one's expertise.

Since I'm in the middle of launching a whole new brand around this topic, I listened very carefully. My favorite point she made was this:
Does your expert opinion/advice yield results?

Whether you're from the Ivy League or a no-name college, at the end of the day you must deliver some type of result. I added a comment saying not only get good results, but BE A MEMORABLE EXPERT.

That's just me. I bore easily. I want fun and exciting experts.

Check out Pamela's podcast here and see what you think.

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ComadreCoaching.com

Visibility Tip: Get Seen With Your Clients!

2007-07-02T17:28:00.000-07:00

Visit my client Andrea Spyros' store Handmade Galleries and see how she used Citysearch to create a strong visibility/credibility piece on the web. They filmed her store and gave it a great write up.

Oh, and yes you can admire the Enthusiastic Shopper (that would be me!) giving the great store testimonial. It's all true, I love this shop!

Watch it here:

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ComadreCoaching.com

If you want to get the word out, don't send PDF attachments!

2007-06-22T12:57:00.000-07:00

A great visibility strategy is to leverage the power of your friends' contacts to get the word out on your business, cause, book, or whatever.

Yet I still, in this day and age of internet savvy people, get PDF attachments (usually flyers for events) and folks ask me to pass the word along.

I guess I'm writing this blog post so later on I can just send folks a link to this rather than explain for the zillionth time why I am unable to forward their event/info/great thingamabop to my contacts.

1. If you want me to put your announcement on my blog, I can't because it's a PDF. If you send me the text version, then I can.

2. If you want me to email it to my list, I can't because it's a PDF. I don't send attachments to my list, to my list serves, my ezine subscribers, et al.

3. If you want me to email my personal contacts, I won't... because it's an attachment. It's just plain rude, in my humble opinion.

If you have a class, event, or big event going on and want your contacts to help you get the word out, PLEASE get the text version and send that! Don't make me work so hard to do you a favor!

I say this all with love.

xxoo
Nancita

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ComadreCoaching.com

MySpace Teleseminar with Suzanne Falter Barns

2007-06-17T14:26:00.000-07:00

I was just sending a bulletin out to my MySpace pals about the new city I claim to reside in.

"If you can tell me what La Cortina Naranja means AND where it is located on a map , I'll give you a karma peso and a cyber besito."

(see if any of you smarty pants can figure that out. If you don't speak Spanish, break out your bilingual dictionary)

So what does that have to do with a MySpace teleseminar? Well, I followed it up with this:

"BTW, if you are interested in learning some easy ways to use MySpace to build your name recognition and generate leads, then join me for a free teleseminar this Wed. June 20.
I'll be taking platform building expert Suzanne Falter Barns on a MySpace adventure in making friends and more."

My philosophy of MySpace is to use it as a relationship building tool. I get so turned off by people who send me messages and comments that are all hype, I like to add some off beat trivia and bilingual humor to my everyday posts and pitches. So rather than just say "hey, I'm having a free teleseminar with Suzanne Falter Barns about MySpace", I decided to show some personality. Personalities create relationships and that's what it's all about.

Join me and Suzanne Falter Barns on Wed June 20 to learn other cool, clever ways to maximize the 2nd most trafficked site in cyberlandia.

Wednesday, June 20 at 2PM Eastern/11AM Pacific.
Call will be recorded and link sent to all who register.

Sign up here!

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ComadreCoaching.com

Free Copywriting Critiques from Red Hot Copy

2007-06-04T17:20:00.000-07:00

Every day I get bombarded by sales pitches, especially on MySpace.

"Buy my book, my t-shirt, my CD, my zillion dollar wealth system... "I'm not buying much of it, though. You know why?

The sales language (aka "copy") is CHEESY, SLEAZY, and oftentimes downright BAD.

Consider this a gift, a favor, whatever you like. Check out my friend Lorrie Morgan Ferrero's free sales letter critiques while they're still around. Click here to watch Lorrie do an extreme makeover on a sales letter

This is for anyone whose:
1. Sales pages aren't converting like crazy
2. Emails aren't bringing in the sales
3. Sales letters stink

This is no sales pitch. Just a free gift from one of the world's top copywriters, Lorrie Morgan-Ferrero. She has generously offered videos of her copy critiques for a limited time. These critiques will show how she transformed 'blah' copy into copy that sells. Each video will be online for only one week, so run over there now to be sure you don't miss even one.
Click here to check it out

PS. Seriously, Lorrie charges $18,000 to $25,000 JUST to write a sales letter, but today you get to peek over her shoulder for free. Offers like this don't come around that often, so be sure to check it out. click here

to your continued success (and well phrased sales letters)
Nancy Marmolejo
Award winning entrepreneur and Visibility Expert

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ComadreCoaching.com

Cleavage in the Boardroom

2007-05-30T13:40:00.000-07:00

My friend Ali Rodriguez is one of the most passionate, life-loving women I've ever met. A successful business coach, Ali has a way of adding her own brand of Sizzibility (sizzle + visibility) to every situation. She wrote this article recently and I begged her to reprint it. I feel like I could have written it myself. And no, it's not about wearing low-cut blouses.
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Cleavage in the Boardroom
by Ali Rodriguez, Vision For Success Coaching

Tired of walking into Board meetings, with the long table, and the faces of the members even longer not to mention the never-ending meeting on topics that all of the sudden, you can't even remember, let alone care anymore? It's dreadful, isn't it? ~ They will tell you it's all about time management, but it isn't, as if it was, things will permanently change, and they don't.

Here's the answer: It's all a matter of "approach" and here's your new approach: "Cleavage in the Boardroom". Yes, indeed, you will take pride in showing your Intellectual Cleavage to the rest of the board members otherwise, you will continue to be unhappy if not unproductive; and it has to stop. It is also your duty to show others just how to do this.

A little intellectual cleavage is alluring, and people will want to know what you're up to; once you get their attention, you can present your plan and show them in all your greatness, the brilliance of your brain coupled with a few amazing ideas and results plan.

But wait, there's more. If you're wondering what is your own, individual, and totally unique "Cleavage in the Boardroom" Quotient. (CBQ) ~ Wonder no more.

Focus on two or three things that you do better than anyone else, and for which, folks come to you to ask you to solve some of their problems with what you have in that intellectual cleavage of yours. Then use your talents in an alluring way, each time you have an opportunity to speak your mind. Do this not all at once, but just little by little. You already have the talent, all you need is, "practice", "practice", "practice", and soon Boredom in The Boardroom will be transformed to Cleavage in the Boardroom, and you will be The Shining Star"!

NOW is the time to share this information with others and teach them how to find their talents and put them to good use. Can you imagine the tremendous amount of value you will be adding to the group as a whole, not to mention, individual added value? ~ Awesome, isn't it?

From now on is your turn to practice "Cleavage in the Boardroom" and you will have more productive meetings, more focused groups, and folks will greatly appreciate what you are doing for the Board and you will feel like the star you are. Make as many people happy with your intellectual genius.

Ali R. Rodriguez
Business Coach by Profession
Life changer by Vocation
visit Ali at www.VisionForSuccess.biz to learn about her Power of Five program.

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ComadreCoaching.com

Intensive In Person Coaching

2007-05-29T17:19:00.000-07:00

Anne Berryhill has been a client for years, going for intensive stints then taking long rests. Her creative mind and high energy are to be envied and her outgoing personality charms everyone she meets.

Anne contacted me recently for some intensive one on one coaching. Not intensive as in "let's set up some long coaching calls" but as in "come to my house and let's get the game plan written out!" (That's a picture of me and Anne in front of her house)

Anne lives less than an hour away so I drove to her house with a big binder of resources I compiled for her, my laptop, and walking shoes. (She's also a fitness coach so I knew we'd be getting out for a walk at some point).

The two of us sat at her kitchen table and not only mapped out the next year's marketing efforts, but tightened up her brand, sprinkled in some accountability, and topped it all off with communication and life coaching.

We had so many "ah-ha!" moments, I lost count.

What I learned from this experience is that sometimes you have to meet your clients where THEY are. I don't offer in person coaching like that, but now that she's had such great success, I'm open to the possibility. We literally camped out in her dining room for the afternoon and got it all on paper.

The biggest moment was when we crunched the numbers and made some projections. This business, if the numbers are reached (which won't be difficult) is poised to make over $500,000 by the end of year 1. We passed the calculator back and forth to make sure one of us wasn't making a mistake, but the calculator didn't lie. We had a hit on our hands.

I'm not revealing the business yet because the website is still in development, but I am so happy for her and her family. This is well deserved, a brilliant idea, and has major SIZZIBILITY going for it. (Sizzle + Visibility = Sizzibility).

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ComadreCoaching.com

Suiting Up and Showing Up

2007-05-25T16:22:00.001-07:00

As warm and fuzzy as I come across, there is also a hard-ball chica underneath this Comadre banner. When there is no time for whining, I pull out one of my favorite mantras, "Suit up and Show up."

This applies to just about anything and it doesn't mean that you must endure pain to enjoy success. Take this past week of mine. (Please- bah-dum-dum)

Last week I fought off some nasty virus that left me tired and achy. But it never developed into full blown yuck. Until the weekend when I awoke to no voice. Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday... no voice.

Tuesday was my monthly Momentum Day with my clients where we alternate having either a big group call or I take 10 minute "laser coaching" calls from clients. With no voice, I was ready to cancel.

My voice was out of order, not my hands, so I sent off a note to all clients explaining my situation and that I'd take UNLIMITED emails from them all day Tuesday.

I did some serious email coaching which was quite interesting. I read and commented on web copy, counseled a writer through deadline-phobia, read a book chapter, got more than a few people in gear... not unlike any other coaching day except this was done without talking. Pretty cool.

I was pretty worried Wednesday because I had a speaking engagement at the Orange County Holistic Moms Network in Fullerton, CA. I wasn't sure how many people would be there and my voice was super hoarse (audible, but hoarse). 11th Hour great idea: Go to Best Buy and get a cheap Karaoke machine! I knew the Holistic Moms probably wouldn't have a sound system and this was a quick solution.

Miracle of miracles, I made it through and survived. My throat was sore that night but the next day I didn't feel as run down as I had.

Funny aside: Most of the moms at the talk were either pregnant or had little ones with them. It reminded me of a birthing class- lots of pregnant women on pillows while I stood and spoke. Two adorable toddlers played catch in the middle of the circle and occasionally threw a soft ball at my feet. Here I was talking about how multi-tasking does no one any good and at the same time I'm kicking the ball back to them.

The next day was the Orange County Business Journal Women in Business Award luncheon. I was nominated for the 2nd year in a row, but didn't win. There were 158 nominees and some pretty heavy hitters in the crowd.

But I suited up and showed up, and got to enjoy the week on my terms. I was ready to cancel everything but with some creative thinking, I managed to mend my voice AND get everything done. (The goody bag at the Business Journal event was to die for. Full size spa products, gift certificates, jewelry... classy!)

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ComadreCoaching.com

The Work At Home Mom Reality Check

2007-05-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

Think you have what it takes to be a work at home mom?

Join award winning business coach Nancy Marmolejo as she reveals the highs and the lows of running a home based business... AND raising kids.

When: Wednesday May 23rd 6:00 p.m
Where: The Birth Connection
813 North Harbor Blvd. Fullerton, CA

Hosted by: Orange County Holistic Moms Network

Home based businesses are on the rise and the numbers continue to increase. Whether you’re thinking of starting a home based business or already have one, this FREE seminar will give you tips and tools to ensure your success both as a mom and a business owner.

You will learn:

· The many emotional and financial benefits of being a work at home mom

· Common challenges that work at home moms face

· How to prioritize and delegate so you don’t rob time from your family or your business

· Boundary setting strategies to ensure quality in all aspects of your life

· Straight up advice on what works and doesn’t work when working from home

· Creative solutions and ideas if you have a young one at home

· Types of home based businesses and how to choose the best fit for you and your family

· Traps and scams you must always avoid

· And much more!

About the Presenter:
Nancy Marmolejo is an award winning entrepreneur and work at home mom. Since 2003 she has helped hundreds of women business owners make more money with less effort and have the time to enjoy it. She is a recognized expert in business and creativity and has been featured in SmartMoney.com, The Orange County Register, Orange Coast magazine, Latina magazine, Redbook, and many other online and offline publications. You can visit her online at www.ComadreCoaching.com and sign up for her prize winning tips letter, The Pocket Comadre.

For more info on this event call (714) 871-0995.

About the Holistic Moms Network:

The Holistic Moms Network is a 501(c)(3) non-profit support and resource organization bringing moms together. We are dedicated to facilitating grassroots community-building throughout the nation, offering moms the opportunity to create local chapters where they can find the support, friendship, and knowledge that are so necessary for successful parenting. We serve moms through our local chapters which strive to create a sense of community and to share experiences and resources among our members. We also welcome moms-to-be, dads, grandparents, and partners into our organization as members! We have a very diverse membership representing parents and grandparents of all ages who share in common their interest in holistic health and parenting. www.HolisticMoms.org

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ComadreCoaching.com

MySpace Success: Cross Posting Blogs for Maximum Exposure

2007-05-15T10:22:00.000-07:00

My comadre Ruth of Chispa Productions just wrote a fabulous blog post on how using MySpace is helping her in her business. Ruth cross posts her regular blog onto her MySpace blog for maximum exposure.

Check out Ruth's blog and read her glowing review of my ebook Make MySpace YOUR Space.

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ComadreCoaching.com

MySpace Tip: Check Your Contact Area!

2007-05-14T07:02:00.000-07:00

For all you MySpace users:

MySpace periodically does maintenance on the site that can throw your contact area box out of whack, especially if you have a custom designed template.

Thanks to designer and MySpace whiz Miki Fujiwara (aka Urban Envy) for helping me fix the problems on my home page.

Go to your home page and double check that when you click "Add Friend" it does what it's supposed to do. If it's off, it might take you to "Send a message" or "IM" instead. If your contact area is out of whack, contact MySpace or a skilled MySpace pro. Feel free to pass this info on to your friends.

Would you like to experience the quantum networking effect of MySpace? Get your copy of Make MySpace YOUR Space today!

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ComadreCoaching.com

MySpace Networking Tips

2007-05-10T10:15:00.000-07:00

In my opinion, business success on MySpace is the result of relationship building. Think about it- would you rather befriend a person with a real human profile or one of these headline heavy BUY NOW pages?

Read this article I recently published on Women's Community for great tips on networking authentically on MySpace.

http://www.womenscommunity.com/MySpaceNetworkingTips1.pdf

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ComadreCoaching.com

Photos from Brand Authenticity Workshop

2007-04-29T10:32:00.000-07:00

I recently attended Kendall Summerhawk's Brand Authenticity Workshop. This incredible 3 day event delved deeply into our business branding, our own authenticity, and how we show up in our brands and our lives. It was great and if I had a nickel for every "ah-ha" and insight gained, I'd be a gazillionaire.

Here are some pics of the fun event;

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ComadreCoaching.com

Spanish Trip With A Twist: Chispa Productions CCO Scores Great Article

2007-04-26T11:28:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to longtime Comadre Coaching client and Chief Creative Officer of Chispa Productions Ruth Kunstadter for her great article recently published in the Montclair Times.

Ruth's company creates educational media to teach Spanish using real world situations and examples. Her first DVD La Chispa del Beisbol is taking Spanish language instruction by storm by featuring interviews with Spanish speaking professional baseball players. After watching Ruth's DVD you'll plainly see that learning a language can be fun.

Ruth maintains her visibility and expert status by regularly providing content to local and national resources on language acquisition and instruction. In this article she celebrates diversity and language learning by sharing of a foreign adventure taken by some local students.

They traveled to a place filled with Spanish language, Latin American music, foods, and culture. Read the article to find out how far they had to go to encounter this international experience.

Read the article here: http://www.montclairtimes.com/page.php?page=14673

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And if you want to establish yourself as an expert in your field, then contact me about my new Release Your Inner Expert Marketing Blueprint. This private consulting program will give you the tools you need to establish yourself as a recognized, credible expert who attracts more clients, media attention, and more money.

Email nancita@ComadreCoaching.com for more info. It's so exclusive I don't even have it on my website yet!

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ComadreCoaching.com

MySpace for Business & Marketing- Radio Interview

2007-04-24T16:09:00.000-07:00

Blogging and Beyond with The Blog Squad, Patsi Krakoff, Psy. D., and Denise Wakeman With Guest Expert: Nancy Marmolejo, Author of Make MySpace Your Space

Thursday, April 26th 20073:00 p.m. PT (6 p.m. ET)Blog Talk Radio

Using MySpace as a Business Building Tool
MySpace is the second most visited site on the Web. But, is MySpace a smart way to get found online and market your business? Or is it just a social gathering place for musicians and teenagers? Learn how professionals and small businesses are using this social networking tool to boost their marketing power and meet clients and colleagues online. Visibility expert Nancy Marmolejo of Comadre Coaching talks about how marketers can create a credible business strategy and use MySpace as a lead generating tool, without wasting time.

Use this link to find out how you can listen live on line and access archived shows.

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ComadreCoaching.com

Praise for MySpace eBook

2007-04-19T10:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Bud Bilanich , The Common Sense Guy, for his great words on my new eBook Make MySpace YOUR Space: How to Turn the Biggest Social Networking Site into a Lead Generating, Platform Building Bonanza.

Bud got the book and is having a great time building a presence on MySpace. He has a very down home brand, backed up by a PhD from Harvard. Down home and Harvard... I love the combination.

Here is a link to Bud's glowing review of the ebook

And you can visit him on MySpace at www.MySpace.com/BudBilanich

Get your copy of the eBook by clicking this link

What's the book all about?
In a nutshell, it's a step by step guide for business owners, authors, and entrepreneurs who want to build their visibility and generate new fans (ie, clients!) using the quantum marketing power of MySpace.com

Pick up your copy today

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ComadreCoaching.com

Women of Color Entrepreneurs Needed for Research Project

2007-04-18T15:30:00.000-07:00

FYI:
Application for this available at http://www.cfwbr.org/content/cols.php?pid=99
============================================
On Wednesday, May 30, the Center for Women's Business Research and Babson College will hold the second national research forum to bring together women of color entrepreneurs to identify barriers to business growth and develop action steps to overcome these barriers for themselves, their communities and, ultimately, at a national level.

African-American, Latinas, Asian and multicultural women business owners are invited to apply to participate in this groundbreaking study.

Participants will gather at four research forums around the country as part of the multi-year national research project focused on accelerating the growth of their businesses owned by women of color. The project will culminate with a national conference to present the results in 2008.

Accelerate the Growth of Businesses Owned by Women of Color

Please forward this email to women-of-color entrepreneurs that you know and encourage them to apply in order to grow their own business success.

Participants will learn from other women like themselves who are focused on business growth, as well as from nationally recognized experts and highly successful women of color entrepreneurs. Participants' companies will be recognized in research reports and publications resulting from this effort. And all participants will be invited to attend the national conference in 2008.

Forum cities and dates
Atlanta - May 30, 2007
San Francisco - July 11, 2007
Dallas - September 20, 2007
Chicago - 2008

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ComadreCoaching.com

Are You Marketing With a Whisper or a Scream?

2007-04-09T13:04:00.000-07:00

(Tips learned from my mom)

In my family folklore, the tale of my parent’s first date often comes up.
My dad, a lanky guy fresh out of school and embarking on building his own business, was set up for a date with a 21 year old nursing student. She walked into the room, flashed her raven hair and dark brown eyes and the man was in love. He proposed within a month and their marriage lasted 52 long and happy years.

When asked how she got him to fall for her, she always responded, “I knocked him out with my Shalimar perfume.” (Oh and by the way, she was/is gorgeous.)
My mom’s perfume was never overbearing. She subscribed to the Jackie Kennedy rule of thumb that only a person whispering in your ear should smell your perfume. But I remember as a kid when a stream of Shalimar wafted towards me and I could understand the spell she put on my dad. Her body chemistry and that fragrance made magic together and left an impact on everyone they encountered.

Finding your right fit with marketing messages is often a case of chemistry. A proven technique or style may work great for some people, but deep down inside it turns you off and your target market.

Everywhere we turn, marketing messages bombard us. Some scream, “Hey look at me!" and assault our senses.

These strong messages are the equivalent of the person who pours on half a bottle of fragrance and thinks he/she is all that. On the other hand, you can create messages that effectively draw in your market with a subtle whisper rather than a scream. You use your attractor factor to pull people in magnetically by focusing on deep emotional benefits they'll experience, not threats or hype. This is the dab of perfume behind your ear that drives that certain someone wonderfully insane.

Clever and subtle marketing messages are creative, speak to people on a personal level, and create a sense of intimacy that “clobber you over the head” messages can’t convey. Sure, the hard sell may generate instant dollars, but not guaranteed return business.
Being creative and (dare I say the word) slightly seductive with your marketing make you stand out from the crowd. They help establish your “It Factor”, that indefinable energy that attracts people to you and your business.

Take a look at your messages and listen for a whisper or a scream. Breathe deeply and note what you smell: strong overbearing cologne or a subtle scent that will pique curiosity and cement long lasting relationships.

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You may reprint this article if you include the following blurb:

Nancy Marmolejo is an award winning entrepreneur and recognized expert in business and creativity. Her specialty is getting clients noticed through various new and old media methods. She has appeared in SmartMoney.com, Latina magazine, Univisión TV, Redbook, and many other online and offline publications. Visit Nancy’s website http://www.ComadreCoaching.comto download a free copy of “Release Your Inner Expert! 4 Easy Steps to Market Yourself as THE Expert in Your Field”

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ComadreCoaching.com

MySpace eBook- A Product is Born!

2007-04-06T21:39:00.000-07:00

I'm the type of person who is motivated by external circumstances. The house can lay messy for a few days and I'll put off tidying up, but the minute someone calls and says they'll be over, then I make the place sparkle in no time flat!

The recent teleseminar with Kathy Murillo, Suzanne Falter Barns, and myself was such a big hit I was invited to speak on an info product call by my coach and mentor Kendall Summerhawk.

Within a few weeks of our MySpace teleseminar, I performed a brain dump and outlined a very good 47 page ebook on setting yourself up on MySpace.

You can check it out here:

www.ComadreCoaching.com/shop/myspace.php

I recommend it for anyone interested in using MySpace as a platform building tool, and a way to generate leads for their business.

Let me know what you think!
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ComadreCoaching.com

Think You Have What It Takes to be an Expert? Take This Quick Quiz To Find Out

2007-03-15T15:14:00.000-07:00

Listen to the audio version of this article by clicking the link:

One of the best, least expensive and most fulfilling ways to market yourself is to cash in on what you know by marketing yourself as an expert.

But not everyone can step up and claim the title of expert. It is something that must be earned. You can quickly assess your current situation and see if you are on the track to calling yourself a recognized expert. It is not only contingent on your knowledge and visibility, but in your comfort sharing that knowledge with others.

Take this quick true or false assessment and let the results guide you to explore this exciting way of marketing yourself and your business.

1. People often come to me with questions that no one else seems to be able to answer.
TRUE FALSE

2. I’ve studied (formally or informally) to raise my level of expertise through reading, classes, seminars, workshops, apprenticeships, on the job experience, or real life experience
TRUE FALSE

3. I’m known as a person who has answers to specific topics.
TRUE FALSE

4. I have a great reputation in my field built on knowledge and credibility
TRUE FALSE

5. I truly enjoy sharing information with others. I don’t feel insecure that others will “steal” my ideas and that I will somehow lose out if I share my expertise.
TRUE FALSE

6. I love the idea of free publicity, effortless marketing, and endless word of mouth referrals.
TRUE FALSE

7. The limelight doesn’t scare me.
TRUE FALSE

8. I have the confidence to tell the world that I am an expert and I don’t feel like a fake or an imposter when doing so.
TRUE FALSE

9. I’m able to condense complicated information into easy to understand chunks. I can translate my expertise into everyday language that the lay person can easily assimilate.
TRUE FALSE

10. I am already well known by many people, I just haven’t flaunted my expertise. I’m ready to show the world that I am the expert they need to connect with!
TRUE FALSE

Ready to score yourself?
Count how many “TRUE” responses you gave.

0-3 TRUE responses: You may not be ready to embark on this journey quite yet. Look back at your “false” responses and see if you can take the steps to overcome those barriers. It may be an issue of accumulating more knowledge, or even feeling more comfortable with yourself.

4-7 TRUE responses: You are on the brink! This is a great place to be and based on your responses you can see what areas you need to work on. You’re so close, you’re just about ready to taste the sweetness of free publicity and effortless marketing.

9-10 TRUE responses: You’ve got it! What is stopping you from launching yourself as an expert? You’ve got the expertise, you’ve got the personality, now what are you waiting for?

A high level of expertise blended with high visibility is what gives someone credibility as a recognized expert. Take your marketing to the next level by finding ways of boosting these elements of your business and life and enjoy the perks that go along with it.

-----------
You may reprint this article provided you include the following bio and a link back to www.ComadreCoaching.com

Award winning businesswoman Nancy Marmolejo turns ordinary business owners into extraordinary entrepreneurs by adding the words “recognized expert” to their titles. With a proven marketing system to boost visibility and well honed coaching skills to get you there, Nancy wants you to release your inner expert and enjoy the perks of free PR, a waiting list of clients, and the credibility you deserve.

Nancy has appeared numerous times on TV, in print, and online as an expert and receives thousands of dollars of free PR simply by sharing her knowledge with others.

Learn how simple it is to market yourself as an expert by visiting Nancy’s website http://www.ComadreCoaching.com for a free download Release Your Inner Expert! 4 Easy Steps to Market Yourself as THE Expert in Your Field.

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ComadreCoaching.com

MySpace for Platform Building

2007-03-08T16:25:00.000-08:00

What do my college age nieces, my two step-daughters, comedian George Lopez, the punk band X, televangelist Joel Osteen, Bust magazine, some indy filmmakers and artists, activists, and a Native American drum group have in common?

They're all my friends on MySpace!

Last year I posted how a business mentor strongly advised me against doing any marketing on MySpace. I followed her advice. Today, I eat my words.

MySpace rocks for your business. It gives me the feeling of having a little store where people of all ways and means stop by for a chat. I meet new friends through old friends and am able to reach a whole new group of people who may otherwise not know me.

If you thought MySpace was just for teens looking to hook up, think again! In fact, on March 15 I will be part of a teleseminar promoting MySpace as a great way to build your platform. This applies to any business whether you're a consultant, musician, artist, author, or bricks and mortar store.

You can sign up for this free teleseminar by clicking this link.

Visit Comadre Coaching on MySpace and please... invite me to be your friend!

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ComadreCoaching.com

Teleseminar: Legal Structures and Your Business- What Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know

2007-03-08T15:06:00.000-08:00

Join me on Tuesday March 13, 2007 as I interview attorney and legal expert Francisca Gonzalez Baxa on the topic of Legal Structures for your business.

Whether you're a start up, solopreneur, or thinking of incorporating, the information Francisca will share can save you time, money, and even friendships!

If you're reading this before March 13, here is the link:
http://www.ComadreCoaching.com/classes

Register for this even if you can't make the actual time- all participants will get the mp3 audio download and complete word-for-word transcript.

'See" you then!

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ComadreCoaching.com

7 Crucial Reasons Why You Need to Market Yourself as an Expert Starting TODAY

2007-02-28T14:50:00.000-08:00

This article may be reprinted provided you include all information intact, including bio box and link to www.ComadreCoaching.com
------------------------------------------
With the phenomenal rise of media outlets such as cable TV, online networks, blogs, podcasts, and more, never before has the demand for quality information been higher. From magazine publishers to bloggers, expert opinion is needed to provide valuable content for listeners, readers, and web surfers.
As a business owner, you can easily become a recognized expert by taking what you already know and using it as a marketing tool. With the right combination of expertise and visibility, you create credibility. And with credibility, doors open.

Here are 7 crucial reasons why you need to market your expertise starting TODAY.

Reason 1: Experts get thousands of dollars of free PR.

Do the math: A ¼ page ad can run hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars in a magazine. Studies show that consumers need several impressions of an ad before they take action, so figure on buying at least 3-5 ads. Factor in the cost of a graphic designer, maybe a PR firm, and you are making a major investment.

On the other hand, a 1-2 paragraph quote in the same paper will cost you nothing and takes up the same amount of room. Not only does it validate you as an expert, but also mentions your business and more info on you. Because it is not paid advertising, the consumer sees it as more credible and legitimate. You earned that recognition through your expertise. The snowball effect begins as new customers and other media outlets learn more about you. An expert is born.

Reason 2: Nothing says CREDIBILITY better than the words Recognized Expert

Once the word is out that you’re a recognized expert, people will treat you differently and new doors will open. Whether you choose to be an expert for a small local market or an international audience, you now possess a higher level of credibility. Inside you may feel the same, but on the outside others perceive you in a higher esteem. Remember that reporter who could never remember your name? Now that you’re an expert, she wants to sit next to you at every networking event and learn more about your business. You’ll find people waiting in line to get to you. Human nature is a funny thing; now you can use it to impress your peers and position yourself as a leader in your field.

Reason 3: As an expert, you have a unique perspective and the world wants to hear it!

You may think there’s nothing new to say about your industry. Perhaps you’re convinced what you have to say isn’t good enough or original. Don’t limit your beliefs with what already exists. You do have something unique to say because no one has said it in your voice, with your style, and with your personality. Imagine if no artist ever painted the human form again because Rembrandt did it so well. By withholding your expertise, you are denying your ideal market the chance to learn from a new perspective.

Reason 4: Information is King!

And you hold the keys to the kingdom. This is the Information Age and your information is not only valued, but is in high demand. From paid speaking engagements to high priced information products, you can reap the benefits from this trend.

Reason 5: Experts save people valuable time.
A downside of the information age is that most people are suffering from information overload. We simply can’t keep up with all that is generated each day. By going public with your expertise, you serve as an information filter. You are taking years of experience and information and condensing it into comprehensible pieces. Rather than someone spending hours exploring websites or buying magazines, one simple article or speech by you may be all they need to grasp a challenging topic. Remember: what comes easily to you doesn’t come easily to others. Use that to your advantage.

Reason 6: Experts get paid more. Lots more…

We all know the law of supply and demand: the more in-demand you are, the less available you are. When your visibility increases, more people are going to want your products or services. Imagine you’re a consultant who charges $150 an hour. You are quoted in a major magazine and flooded with business proposals- more than you can handle. With such an influx, you can now double your hourly rate and people will gladly pay it! Even if you cut down on your work hours, you can still come out ahead. You are now in the position to create the lifestyle you’ve always wanted with your newfound fame.

Reason 7: People are already asking you for advice… so why aren’t you leveraging that?

You are brilliant and may not realize to what extent. Think of how many people call or email you with “quick questions”. A quick questions for you is easy… but imagine how much time the person would have to spend searching if you weren’t around? You can start the steps today to use your expertise to market your business in a whole new, exciting, creative way.

Experts come in all shapes and sizes, preferring different forms of free publicity. Maybe some coverage in the local paper or a trade journal is good enough for you, or perhaps you want to be on national TV. Whatever your goals, assess which avenues are best for you and chart the course to make it happen.

With the right combination of expertise, visibility, and credibility, your business can soar to new heights and you may discover a love for the limelight!

About the Author

Nancy Marmolejo is an award winning entrepreneur and recognized expert in the areas of small business marketing, work life balance, and creative thinking. She has appeared in numerous media outlets including SmartMoney.com, Latina magazine, Univisión TV, and Redbook. Visit Nancy’s website www.ComadreCoaching.com to download a free copy of “Release Your Inner Expert! 4 Easy Steps to Market Yourself as THE Expert in Your Field”
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ComadreCoaching.com

A Great Place for Women Entrepreneurs

2007-02-26T16:53:00.000-08:00

I was recently asked to be a part of an exciting online community for women entrepreneurs. WomensCommunity.com is a brand new resource growing each day with information and tools for women entrepreneurs in all phases of business.

On February 28th and March 6th 2007, they'll be hosting free teleseminars to introduce women to the community and the power it holds for your business. Already they have a Who's Who of experts in just about EVERY area that will affect your business. Check it out!

For Women Entrepreneurs Only:

Would you like to attract the clients with whom you do your best work?
Do you feel overwhelmed with too much to do and too little time?
Do you wish you had more time for family, friends and to do what you love to do?
Are you frustrated trying to juggle all the balls of running a business?
Are you wondering how to take your business to the next level?
Spending time networking with little sales results?

Learn the Secret to:
. focusing on serving your ideal clients,
. working smarter, not harder
. accelerating your profits.
Learn the 3-step Power Partnership™ System – the secret to success!

WomensCommunity.com invites you to experience the 1st step.
Creating a Power Partnership With Self™ is to crystallize your passion and purpose.
It is the foundation of living a life of joy and to a rock-solid business.
It enables you to focus and exponentially grow your profits.
It is also the introductory and required module of both our
Transition Academy™ and Entrepreneur Academy™.

Join us on February 28th, 8:00 – 9:15pm EST or
March 6th, 8:00 – 9:15pm EST.
for an introduction to Partnership with Self.
Click here to reserve your seat for this no cost teleclass today.
This is a program you do not want to miss!

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ComadreCoaching.com

Thrill Your Readers With Emotional Headlines

2007-02-15T16:42:00.000-08:00

Thanks again to Anita Larson (the Web Muse) for a great tip. I got this one from her new Audio Musings, great short tips emailed directly to you. Sign up on her website, but hold on a second before you go there. First play around with this incredibly fun online tool.

Advanced Marketing Institute's Headline Analyzer

I love this. It's like getting expert feedback in the blink of an eye and shows how tweaking a SINGLE WORD in a headline can pull a much higher emotional response from the reader.

It's simple and fun. You input your headline into the wizard, and it grades you 1-100% on the Emotional Value of your headline. In their words, "...most professional copywriters' headlines will have 30%-40% EMV Words in their headlines, while the most gifted copywriters will have 50%-75% EMV words in headlines."

"A perfect score would be 100%, but that is rare unless your headline is less than five words."

My next guest expert teleseminar is coming up and I was having trouble with the headline. I had a really boring headline- "Legal Structures For Your Business"- so I entered that into the wizard. (BTW, subscribe to my ezine to learn about upcoming teleseminars and more.)

I got a whopping score of 12.50%. That was a nice way of saying my headline stunk.

So I changed it.

2nd Try:
Legal Structures and Small Business:
What Every Entrepreneur Must Know

I slam dunked it with a score of 50.00%. Ka-ching! That is in the expert category. Woo hoo for me!

Then I got curious.
What would happen if I tweaked one word? I changed "must know" to "needs to know".

I entered my new version:
Legal Structures and Small Business:
What Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know

Score: 63.64%!!!

Ka-ching, ka-ching, ka-ching! As sportscaster Chick Herns would say in a Lakers clincher:
"You can put this one in the refrigerator. The door's closed, the light's out, the eggs are cooling, the butter's getting hard and the Jell-O is jiggling."

It's a good thing I work alone.

So if emotional headlines excite you as much as they excite me, head over to this tool and have fun!

Advanced Marketing Institute's Headline Analyzer.

And don't forget to sign up for Anita's Audio Tips!

PS: The headline for this post pulled a score of 33.33%. That is good and now my quest is to improve it!

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ComadreCoaching.com

Smart Marketing FAQs

2007-02-14T15:03:00.000-08:00

Looks like I need to add another professional crush to my list... I just found a marketing blog that is so packed full of great info. Gotta get his book. This post is a True/False quiz to test your knowledge on such things as:

1. Print and TV advertising effectiveness and strategies
2. Whether senior citizens are a target market online
3. Why many Latino consumers tend NOT to buy into Rewards Cards programs
4. And much much more!

The article was actually authored by Entrepreneur.com coach Kim T. Gordon, but thanks to Andrew at Web Bubble for putting it in the mix. His other posts are really great and he's an engaging writer.

You can link to the article here.

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ComadreCoaching.com

Latino Spending Power Growing as Kid Numbers Increase

2007-02-12T16:49:00.000-08:00

Thanks to comadre Martha Barrios, CEO of Frijolitos, Inc for sending me a link to this LA Times article where her company is mentioned as a trendsetter in bilingual toys for kids.

From the LA Times:

For the first time, Latinos — the largest and fastest-growing minority group in the country at 42.7 million — will flex more spending power than any other minority group in the U.S., according to the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia's Terry College of Business. Latino disposable income will swell to $863.1 billion this year, up 8.1% from 2006, the Selig Center estimates.

"You couple that with the fact that the average Latino household has four kids per household — compared to the average household, which has 2.3 — and you're looking at a huge opportunity," said Carlos Conejo, president of Multicultural Associates, which specializes in helping companies sell to multicultural markets in the U.S. "It's a huge, untapped market."
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-toytalk12feb12,1,693312.story?coll=la-headlines-business&ctrack=1&cset=true

The article goes on to mention Martha's company:

Five years ago, Martha Barrios began selling bilingual books and stuffed toys, called Frijolitos, at book fairs and small shops in Southern California. Each time, she said, Albondiga the mariachi dog and Picadillo the armadillo sold out. The company also has received orders from around the country through its website, at http://www.frijolitosinc.com .

The tiny, family-owned company finally broke even last year, and Barrios said that fiscal rewards were sure to follow as long as there was a need for bilingual books and toys.

"We couldn't say we're successful at this point," Barrios said, "but we're successful in the concept of what we have."

One of my favorite dichos in Spanish is Quien sabe dos lenguas vale por dos... which loosely translates that you're twice as better if you speak two languages.

Viva la cultura!------------------
ComadreCoaching.com

My Professional Crushes (The first of a series)

2007-02-06T13:05:00.000-08:00

You know how Oprah has her list of favorites? Well, I have my list too but since I'm such a romantic, it goes beyond favorites. I have flat out professional crushes on these folks.

In no specific order, here are 6 that jump to the top of my head:

1. Kendall Summerhawk
I want to be Kendall when I grow up! Besides having a last name almost as cool as Marmolejo (LOL), she manages to blend the savvy and experience of a true entrepreneur with the soul of a coach. I never was into horses before, but reading her book Brilliance Unbridled and seeing her metaphors weave together, I simply love her. Plus, unlike many business book writers, THIS WOMAN CAN ACTUALLY WRITE.

Her home study course, "How to Charge What You're Worth And Get It" is one of the best info products I've ever gotten (and I have shelves of binders of info products!)
Check her out.

2. Kathy Cano Murillo, AKA Crafty Chica
I can go on and on about this amazing woman. She's the morphing of Frida Kahlo and Rachel Ray, with Martha's attention to detail. Add a heavy dose of glitter, some Day of the Dead skulls, and you've got this revolutionary chica with a heart of gold. And yes, that is her standing behind a cardboard cutout of herself at the recent Crafters and Hobby Convention held here in Anaheim.

3. Andy Spyros, of Handmade GalleriesHandmade Galleries is my favorite store of all time. Andy Spyros, the owner, has created a community of artists and their wares displayed amazingly by Cathy Callahan, another professional crush. The store is on the Ventura Blvd strip in LA, the Valley's own version of Melrose.

Melrose? Rodeo Drive? Fergeddit. Walk into those stores and if you aren't dripping in the latest bling, they won't give you the time of day. Walk into Handmade, and they'll smile, feed you candy, and treat you like an old friend.

4. Michele PW
A few years ago, Michele Pariza Wacek was just another nutty copywriter going from feast to famine with jobs galore, then the drought of no business. She got her you know what together with the help of some superstars in the coaching world, and now she is raking it in, traveling to cool places, and still a wonderful genuine person. She even sent me a bath kit for Christmas! Love her.

And figure this one out... she taught herself to read at age 3. And her dog writes his own blog. Where does all this genius originate?

5. Anita Larson, The Web Muse
I always recommend people to Anita for the great work she does. The woman is amazing. We have never met in person, but for the past 3 years or so have enjoyed a great professional relationship and friendship. She takes at least 4 vacations a year (usually involving her riding a Harley) and has a booming business. She has a heart of gold, but takes no BS. Love her for that!

6. My kick butt clients. They inspire me each and every day. In fact, this week alone I got 5 totally unsolicited testimonials and compliments. That made me feel great knowing how we've all helped each other grow.

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ComadreCoaching.com

Getting Over Being Fired

2007-02-02T06:48:00.000-08:00

I think we've all been fired from a job at least one time in life, and often that sour experience serves as the impetus for taking new steps in life. In the February issue of Latina Magazine, you can read about my story. Here's a little sneak peek:

I had a horrible situation when I was a teacher. After being ordered on bedrest by my doctor during a difficult pregnancy, I missed the last quarter of the school year. The principal, who I can only kindly describe as a micro-managing control freak, found it terribly inconvenient to have to deal with the personal travails of certain staff members. So after the school year ended, I received a letter from personnel saying my position was eliminated and my employment terminated.

Pregnant hormonal women are not ones to mess with.

After having to go through a bureaucratic nightmare, I was able to rightly recover my job. When I returned to school in September, I was 7 months pregnant and advised by my doctor to take it as easy as possible. He wrote a letter stating that I needed to be able to teach seated from a podium, to avoid unnecessary strain and stress.

So guess what my principal did?

He kicked me out of my ground floor classroom (across from the ladies room which was a godsend if you've ever been pregnant)and relocated me clear across campus to the 3rd floor of a building with a broken elevator. To top it off, the storage closets and cupboards in the room were covered with rodent feces.

To say I wasn't feeling the love is an understatement.

After much fighting and struggling, I finally got what I wanted but only after having to put forth the majority of the effort.

The only song humming in my head that whole time was "Take This Job and Shove It".

When my daughter was born, this horrible job along with her severe health issues made it an easy decision to burn the bridges behind me and start my business.

I haven't looked back since and am amazed at how horrible situations can nudge us to make the moves we may have needed to make years ago.

You can read a shorter version of this dramatic saga in the February 2007 issue of Latina Magazine, the article "Getting Over Being Fired" by Shera Dalin.

P.S. Reggaeton Superstar Daddy Yankee coincidentally appears on the cover of Latina each time I'm in it. Am I being followed? You decide. Read the Loca Diaries for my take on this intense affinity he has for me.

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ComadreCoaching.com

Creativity in Business: Yes, it can be taught!

2007-01-24T14:13:00.000-08:00

Everyone has the capability of being a creative thinker and entrepreneurs are some of the most creative minds around.

Now experts have tangible proof that creativity can not only be taught in business, but that it is sorely needed in business schools worldwide according to this release from Georgia's Kennesaw State University.

Creativity in Business Can be Taught, Experts Say

New Center for Business Innovation and Creativityat Coles College of Business at KSU is Only One of its Kind in the Southeast
Date Released: 01/23/2007

“Creativity in business can be taught,” says Harry Vardis, co-director of the newly-established Center for Business Innovation and Creativity. “Once people learn to expand their comfort zone and take risks, they become more innovative, and contribute to their companies’ growth.”

Read the entire article here:
http://www.fastpitchnetworking.com/pressrelease.cfm?PRID=3591

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ComadreCoaching.com

MySpace for Marketing

2007-01-22T09:03:00.000-08:00

I am changing my tune regarding MySpace.

Several months ago a friend of mine (who I consider a great marketer in her field) suggested I get on MySpace. When I thought of MySpace all I could imagine were teenagers posting pickups for one another, scary sexy pics of themselves, etc.

I consulted with a mentor of mine and she sent me an article saying MySpace was a complete and total waste of time for businesses to use as a marketing tool. So I left it alone and didn't pick it up.

I had started an account but let it linger in wasteland until one day in December when my stepdaughter sent me an invite to be her "friend" on MySpace. She found me and suddenly I was interested in it all over again. My niece helped me add color to the page and I'm still learning all the bells and whistles as I go along.

(Suggestion: find a kid to help you put your MySpace page together. They seem to know how to do it in their sleep)

My first friends were my college age nieces, my 2 stepdaughters, and my friend Kathy. Not a crowd, but a start.

After looking at how Kathy utilized MySpace to build platform and sell books, I realized that a segment of my target market was all over MySpace. I also realized that I could maximize MySpace to try things out that speak to a more popular audience, namely my creativity resources. I looked at her friends list and found many authors whose work I love, plus people who embrace the creative side of life.

When I switched my business focus from creativity coaching to entrepreneurial/marketing coaching, I felt a loss for the creativity folks who loved my Loca Rituals, etc. They weren't looking for high end coaching and I had a hole in my heart not being able to serve them anymore. So this MySpace page will most likely evolve into the creativity resources that used to be my primary focus of Comadre Coaching.

MySpace is a haven for creative people. Authors, artists, musicians, designers, filmmakers, DIY's, and many others have carved a happy home for themselves on MySpace.

Yes, I get the occasional sleazy invite to be a "friend", but that is not any less common than the Viagra spams I get in my email every day.

If you're a straight laced all business/no play type of person, then maybe it's not for you. But if you have a personality that you're not afraid to hide behind a blue suit facade, then try MySpace out and see what it does for you.

It's about relationship building... and isn't that the best marketing tool there is?

Come visit me on MySpace and be my friend! www.MySpace.com/2comadre

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ComadreCoaching.com

What does a great day in your business look like to you?

2007-01-15T15:44:00.000-08:00

When you have your own business, the concept of a perfect day can vary as widely as the interests and talents of entrepreneurs.

I was just talking to my friend Anita and we both shared how grateful we are to have flexibility with our schedules so we can be there for family and friends. A great day is one where you can leave your desk without worry, attend a child's recital or care for a sick friend, and then return when you can and pick up from there.

Sometimes a great day for me is one where the phone rings off the hook (You like me! You really like me!) other times it is a quiet day where I can write and no one bothers me. Ahhh, how I appreciate silence!

And because of where I live, a great day can be playing hooky and running off to Disneyland with my daughter! (That's her having a perfect day with Fairy Godmother)

How would you describe a great day in your business?

What is the energy level?
Are you with people or on your own?
Do you get things accomplished or is your mind creating new ideas?

Click the little comment icon below and let's start sharing.

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ComadreCoaching.com

Annual Business Tune Up

2007-01-03T11:45:00.000-08:00

Hispanic Business magazine just published a Businessweek article with tips on giving your business an annual tune up. Tip #1: Review Your Systems. Whether you're a micro business, a solopreneur or a mid size company, this is always the best place to start.
Read the entire article here

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ComadreCoaching.com

My New Year Intentions are Already Coming True

2007-01-03T11:06:00.000-08:00

In a recent issue of my ezine The Pocket Comadre, I asked readers to keep my mom in their prayers as she is battling colon cancer. The love and support that came back to us was beautiful and amazing. My New Year intention is to surround myself with awesome people- what great proof that my intention is already true! You can read more on this on my personal blog:
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ComadreCoaching.com

State Your New Year Intentions and Make Them Happen

2007-01-01T09:46:00.000-08:00

Even though in theory we can turn over a new leaf on any old day, January 1 carries with it a clean slate. We put an empty calendar on the wall and everything seems possible.

I'm not one for New Year Resolutions, I prefer to state New Year intentions. I focus on a positive end result and work towards that, rather than focus on a negative result and work to avoid it. For example:

POSITIVE: This year I will make more money with less effort.
NEGATIVE: This year I won't lose money or work so hard.

Do you see the difference? Can you FEEL the difference when you say it? I'm much more motivated by positive encouragement than negative micromanaging and my business always does better when I work from that place.

Here are some of my intentions for 2007, feel free to comment and add your own. Many of these are carryovers that I need to focus on continually. I can't give them up whether I'm already achieving them or not, much as I'd like to give up sit-ups but just know I can't.

NANCY'S NEW YEAR INTENTIONS

1. I attract the coolest clients imaginable. They balance focus and commitment with a sense of humor and positive attitude. They understand that investing in their businesses with services like mine pays off tenfold. They refer like crazy and it's a win-win lovefest.

2. I spend my time wisely. (I always have to put this one!) I focus on efforts that utilize my genius strengths, and I get more done in less time by delegating and staying organized.

3. I have a systemized approach to marketing my business. I keep a calendar of marketing strategies to implement each month.

4. I choose my mentors wisely. I seek out mentors who walk their talk, and live and work in integrity.

5. I know my priorities. My spiritual self, family, health, and cherished relationships come first. Business fits in around that.

6. I network wisely. Just as I choose my mentors carefully, I also network carefully no matter how much I love chicken lunches.

7. I choose joint venture partners with care. See above criteria for mentors and networks.

8. I understand the value of my knowledge and work. Things that come easy to me are easy to give away for free if I don't understand the value. When I set boundaries around my knowledge, I educate others on the value of my services.

9. My work is a joy. It is fun all the time. I delegate out or eliminate un-fun things.

10. I celebrate every day that I am my own boss, that my creativity is unlimited, and that my work is medicine for others. I make the world a better place by helping business owners put their medicine out in the world. The lovefest continues.

Happy New Year!
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ComadreCoaching.com

Business Search Engine Takes the Pain Out of Market Research

2006-12-12T11:41:00.000-08:00

On a regular basis, clients and potential clients come to me with great ideas for businesses, products, services, books... you name it.

We play a connect the dots game to make sure there are people out there who will buy this awesome idea. We call this market research.

Market research isn't easy and simply going on Google and entering what you think is your target market or product category can get you anything from a personals website to a Google AdWords farm.

I like the service by Northern Light. It's a business search engine that takes you to white papers and other specialized documents filled with statistics, trends, and forecasts. Yummy! It will save you hundreds of hours of having to look at unrelated pages and take you right to the info you need.
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ComadreCoaching.com

Marketing Tool: Creating a Marketing Calendar That You'll Really Use

2006-12-11T10:39:00.000-08:00

Do you plan your marketing efforts or are you still engaging in seat of the pants marketing? Many small business owners go to extremes with marketing calendars- they either completely avoid them, or they plan too much too far in advance.

A monthly marketing calendar will give you an idea of how much you can actually accomplish in a month. This article by marketing expert Laura Lake of About.com explains how to use a marketing calendar, and also has a handy download of one you can start using today.

Sit down and plan the next month's marketing efforts. Hold yourself accountable and be realistic about what you can do and by when. Remember to delegate the piddly tasks and stay focused on your genius work.

Follow this link to get to the article

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ComadreCoaching.com

Telemundo's 'Chicas' Program Embraces Marketers

2006-12-07T16:49:00.000-08:00

From www.AdAge.com

Telemundo's 'Chicas' Program Embraces Marketers
P&G, Others Cut Integration Deals With Reality Show
By Laurel Wentz

Published: December 06, 2006

NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- Five major marketers are being written into a lifestyle-based reality show debuting next month on Telemundo's Mun2. The revamped NBC
'Chicas' Yasmin (above) and Crash regularly use T-Mobile products in the show.
Universal-owned cable channel is targeting the fast-growing young and bicultural Hispanic market that has become a hot demographic for advertisers.

Crash and Yasmin
"The Chicas Project" features Mun2 VJs Crash, who is half Mexican and half German, and Yasmin, a Venezuelan-born New Yorker. In the first episode, airing Jan. 27, they go skydiving. In later shows, the two young women attend an etiquette class, make dinner for singer Nelly Furtado and do a "Latina Eye for the White Guy" makeover of an Anglo Mun2 employee to give him some Latin style.

The marketers, who will be integrated in different ways, are Toyota Motor Sales USA, Procter & Gamble's Always, T-Mobile, Pepsi-Cola and Maybelline-Garnier.

Toyota Camry
During the show, Crash and Yasmin stay in touch using their T-Mobile Sidekick phones and share a Toyota Camry. The marketers are clients of Hispanic agency Conill, Los Angeles, a champion of the project.

"People almost live out of their cars [in Los Angeles]," said Joe A. Bernard, VP-network sales for Mun2. "One of them isn't from L.A., so she relies on the GPS feature. And in various shots you see the cup holder in the car, showcasing the car and Pepsi."

There are also references to the Pepsi Musica website, created by Omnicom's Dieste Harmel & Partners. For P&G, promotion is outside the program and centers around the Always website, Beinggirl.com. "Crash and Yasmin talk about tips and information from the site in separate pods in commercial time," Mr. Bernard said.

In pursuit of the same young and bicultural audience as Mun2, MTV relaunched its previously insignificant Hispanic channel this fall, changing its name from MTV Espanol to MTV Tr3s (pronounced "MTV Tres").
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ComadreCoaching.com

Nancy Marmolejo on Entrepreneur's Radio Show

2006-12-07T11:41:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of being a guest on Neil and Barbara Bry's radio show, The Entrepreneur's Guide to the Galaxy. They also go by the name "I'm There For You Baby" and there is this whole "baby" cult around it that I love. Not baby as in "waa-waa", more like Austin Powers baby. You have to listen in to appreciate it! My segment is a few minutes into the show, I gave the story of Comadre Coaching as well as some info on the meteoric rise of Latina business owners. Go Latinas!

Turn up your speakers and enjoy the ride, baby!
http://www.imthereforyoubaby.com/radioshow21a.aspx

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ComadreCoaching.com

Self Identity: Hispanic/Latino Widely Accepted but Multiethnic is Used

2006-12-06T06:48:00.000-08:00

Source: Copyright (c) 2006, The Arizona Daily Star, Tucson. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News.

Self Identity: Hispanic/Latino Widely Accepted, but Multiethnic is Used
December 5, 2006

Lourdes Medrano -- Arizona Daily Star

Hispanic, Latino, Chicano, Xicano, Mexican or Mexican American?

J.J. Federico said he can wear most of those ethnic labels comfortably, although he prefers Mexican American and Latino.

"In my opinion, there isn't just one ethnic identity," the 20-year-old said.

The views of Federico, who was born in Los Angeles and grew up in Nogales, Ariz., match those in a wide-ranging survey of the nation's largest ethnic-minority group.

The Latino National Survey found that the so-called pan-ethnic identity of Hispanic/Latino has gained wider acceptance among people who trace their roots to Spanish-speaking countries. But the study also found that most of the 8,600 respondents identified with multiple identities.

"There was a simultaneous strong sense of pan-ethnic identity, national original identity and American-ness," concluded the summer study conducted in 15 states -- including Arizona --and the Washington Metropolitan area.

John Garcia, a UA political science professor who spearheaded the survey with five colleagues from other universities, said the rising presence of a pan-ethnic identity cuts across age, national origin and education.

"It's an added dimension of who you are," he said. "A lot of it is being reinforced by mixed connections" between Hispanics of different backgrounds, as well as by the pervasiveness of the pan-ethnic labels in mainstream society.

Read the entire article here (Includes diverse viewpoints and stats)

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ComadreCoaching.com

The Triple Bottom Line (3BL)

2006-12-03T09:36:00.000-08:00

The triple bottom line movement in business is gaining steam as threats of global warming make EVERYONE rethink the way we do things. Will "business as usual" now mean taking into account PEOPLE, PLANET, & PROFITS? Those are the 3 P's of the triple bottome line.

Small business owners and large companies alike can examine their business models to measure the impact they make on their communities, the earth, and their bank accounts. TriplePundit.com is a blog dedicated to the concept... your next great idea may be one inspired by this concept.

TriplePundit.com
description: Serving people, planet and profit: An 'integrated bottom-line' approach to looking at business from the next generation of MBAs
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ComadreCoaching.com

Book Yourself Selectively

2006-12-01T07:56:00.000-08:00

Here is an article written by my cyber comadre Maya Talisman Frost. Maya is an American meditation teacher currently living in Buenos Aires. Her insights on the frantic need for us to stay busy and booked solid provide great points for reflection. Her contact info is at the end of the article.

Book Yourself Selectively
by Maya Talisman Frost

While it is certainly powerful to leave your country in order to see it more clearly, there are manycultural aspects you can view with greater clarity without ever steppingoutside your front door.

For example, today is Buy Nothing Day in the US, an intentional opportunity to refrain from the traditional day-after- Thanksgiving shopping spree. Instead of hitting the malls at dawn, individuals are encouraged to spendtime at home puttering or playing,sleeping or creating, connecting withwhatever they already HAVE insteadof fulfilling their desire to do or buyMORE.In other words, it's a good time to just be. And the more time I spendoutside the US (several years at thispoint) the more I see that Americansare just not good at that.

What'sworse is that we goad each other intocontinuing to do/buy more becauseof our culture's tendency to be verycompetitive.There's a website I have visitedthat sort of sums up this approach. It's called "Book Yourself Solid" and it offers strategies to help coaches/consultants build a full, thriving practice with a long waiting list of clients.

I don't want to pick on Michael Portor his website--he actually does have a sense of humor and approaches his own work with great lightness. But I DO want to poke a little funat his "Book Yourself Solid" idea.Are we really supposed to book ourselves solid?

Is filling up our schedules--in businessand in life--the end goal? Hmmm. I don't think so. The only way you should be "booked solid" is if you make sureto fill your calendar with plentyof hours marked "relax," "play,"and "daydream."Down time isn't wasted time--it's essential for creativity. If you're spending every moment of every day doing, you're losing. Losing. Ooh, isn't that a loaded word?We don't like to think we might belosing out, losing time, or--yikes--becoming a loser. But when we focus on avoiding losing time or losing opportunities for more "doing" we end up feeling lost.

One of the greatest skills we candevelop as humans is the ability to reflect. As it turns out, reflectionisn't something that occurs naturallywhen we're in go-go mode. It's just not easy to reflect and run ameeting at the same time.Reflection allows us to see if what we are doing is what's best for us in a Big Picture way.

Packing your schedule with clients, meetings, or extracurricular activities isn't likely to boost your health, your relationships oryour ability to connect."Book Yourself Solid" might be a fine mantra for someone mindlessly pursuing a lifestyle that someoneelse has deemed successful, but it'sa lousy credo for anyone who doesn'twant to feel lost in the process.

Book Yourself Selectively.

Make sure you've got plenty of time for reflection. Open your eyes and see the Big Picture.And pay attention to your own need to be competitive simply for the sake of being competitive. Skip the shopping today and reflect on what it means to create a life in which you cannot lose. It might be your best gift EVER.

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Maya Talisman Frost has taught thousands of people how to pay attention.Through her company, Real-World Mindfulness Training, she teaches playful, eyes-wide-open alternatives to meditation.To read her free tips and tricks for practical awareness, visit http://www.Real-WorldMindfulness.com.(C) Copyright 2006, Maya Talisman Frost

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ComadreCoaching.com

New Data Repaints Demographic Picture of U.S. Hispanics

2006-12-01T07:52:00.000-08:00

From Advertising Age:

At the ANA: Latest Findings of Latino Identity Project
By Laurel Wentz
Published: November 14, 2006

LOS ANGELES (AdAge.com) -- U.S. marketers are not effectively reaching the burgeoning population of U.S. Hispanics because, said Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies Chairman Carl Kravetz, most marketers "are not speaking" that demographic's language -- but he made clear he was not talking about Spanish. ... FULL ARTICLE

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ComadreCoaching.com

The Mastermind Principle-

2006-11-20T14:11:00.000-08:00

A mastermind group is a powerful tool that every woman entrepreneur should be using. Although Napoleon Hill's book "Think and Grow Rich" is credited with coining the term "mastermind group", it is a concept that has been around since time began.

I call it Comadre Power, others call it synergy. Whatever term you use, it is a way of staying in top form for your business and growing in a direction that will blow your mind. If you're ready to have your own personal board of directors, then now is the time for you to consider creating a Mastermind group in your life.

If you don't already have 4-6 sharp, creative, forward thinking women on hand to form a mastermind, then consider joining one of mine.
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STEP INTO A NEW SPACE OF GROWTH... JOIN A MASTERMIND GROUP!
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The Latinapreneur Mastermind Groups are a semi-private coaching option for women business owners. They go in 90 day cycles and consist of women following similar goals or desired results.

I need at least 4 interested parties to start a new group. Right now the following availabilities are open:

CHISPA MASTERMIND(2 slots open)
This is a group that is redefining itself in 2007. It has been going steadily for almost 3 years, which is pretty rare in the coaching biz.

To be in this group you need to:

be in business 1-5 years
have an understanding of your niche and target market
already have the basics down for your business (this is not a start up "how to get a business card" group)
be willing to stretch into a new place of growth.

You also have to be:

a creative thinker
open minded
supportive of others
a good listener
willing to bring ideas and issues to the table.

Currently this group meets 3 Mondays a month for 60 minutes but may change to 2 Mondays for 90 minutes.
We start at 7pm Eastern/4pm Pacific and meet by phone.

The focus is on:

stepping up to the role of CEO
building brand awareness
creating visibility through new media and other methods
establishing expert status
sustaining our entrepreneurial creativity.

Our calls include everything from brainstorming to Q and A.

People in this group have called it a "personal board of directors", a place to "get energized", a "blast of momentum" to keep focused and on the path to success.

The comraderie of the women in this group is astounding. For the past 3 years we have had virtual holiday parties, gift exchanges, online brainstorming sessions. We have supported one another through ups and downs, both on the personal side and in business. We understand that as entrepreneurs, our personal and professional
worlds often collide.

I am putting this message out to you because perhaps now is the time for you to utilize the power of a Master Mind. Remember, it is a 90 day commitment. The fee includes all the Latinapreneur client perks (CD, calls, online vault, etc). There is also a discounted rate for an individual call once a month to support the group work.

If you're interested please let me know by visiting this page and filling out the interest form. Just put your info down and be sure to check off the Latinapreneur Mastermind option.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

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ComadreCoaching.com

Lessons Learned from "Ugly Betty"

2006-11-09T15:32:00.000-08:00

I love you Betty Suarez and what you're telling the world about WHO Latinas are.

Betty Suarez (played by the talented America Ferrera) is the name of the main character of ABC TV's "Ugly Betty". What I love about her is her defiance of the typical Latina we see on TV. Betty is NOT any of the following:

a maid
a gang member
a hoochie mama
stupid

Betty is not glamorous, but she is genuine. She represents every woman who stands invisibly on the margins watching, learning, and growing. I think this show is very necessary in this day and age of stereotypes and limited thinking. I interviewed America Ferrera last year and she is buena onda to the max. Adelante, comadre!

Here are lessons you can learn from Ugly Betty. Apply them to your life and business and be free!

Beauty starts on the inside.
Stay in integrity
Defy stereotypes
Make your quirks irresistably attractive
Be for real
Don't feel bad if you don't match the dominant culture's standard of beauty. Reinvent beauty in your own terms.
Ugly ducklings become beautiful swans. Just be patient and follow your path.

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Need more Ugly Betty mania?
There are Ugly Betty communites online now.

UpLevel Your Business

2006-10-30T15:24:00.000-08:00

I highly recommend the work of Kelly O'Neill, a master business and marketing strategist. In February she's hosting her UpLevel Business Intensive, a 3 day seminar that will truly take your business to the next level.

Kelly has a great offer, a 50% off discount that expires November 1. I've attended this and it kicks butt. When you sign up, be sure to tell her Nancy sent you... I'll make sure she treats you extra special.

Click here to learn more about the UpLevel Intensive.

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ComadreCoaching.com

Are You in the 45% Club? New Work at Home Stats

2006-10-23T12:28:00.000-07:00

Just read an interesting article on the rise of home based businesses. According to an article by Scott Blake in Florida Today:

Home-based businesses accounted for 56 percent of all women-owned firms; 56 percent of all American Indian- and Alaska native-owned firms; 53 percent of all black-owned firms; 53 percent of all Native Hawaiian- and Pacific Islander-owned firms; and 45 percent of all Hispanic-owned firms.

So what are we all doing at home?

Four industries accounted for the largest share of home-based businesses: professional, scientific and technical services (19 percent); construction (16 percent); retail trade (11 percent); and personal, repair and maintenance services (10 percent).

You can read the entire article here:

Entrepreneurs use own seed money

(FREE ADVICE FROM THE SAVVY COMADRE: If you have a home based business, remember to set business hours otherwise you'll fall into the trap of the 24/7 workplace. A home is first and foremost a HOME.)
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ComadreCoaching.com

A Little Info Goes A Long Way: 3 Easy Tools for Information Marketing

2006-10-05T10:06:00.000-07:00

Never before in human history has so much information been at our fingertips.

Need a recipe? Get on the web.
Looking for how-to tips? Google your topic.

Successful online marketers know that web surfers are looking for solutions to issues in life, work, business, health, childrearing... you name it.

No matter what type of business you're in, you hold expertise that can be shared online with people who will appreciate every word. Make sure that you embed your business as a solution so when people search for their next steps, your website is where they'll go. Give them a juicy reason to follow up with you like a free download, a coupon, or some other goody.

Here are just a few ways to put information on the web that will further put your name out there and boost your visibility:

1. Blog!
You're getting information from me right now on how to utilize info-marketing techniques. Blogs are so incredibly easy to write, it's no different than writing an email. If you want to start off for free and see if you're into it, you can't beat Blogger. Paid options give you more nifty bells and whistles - the most recommended is TypePad.

2. Articles
Over 2 years ago I submitted 3 articles to over 50 websites and article directories. Today, those same 3 articles are on over 300 websites and I continue to get reprint requests. Since then I've submitted several more articles which have resulted in thousands of web visitors and ezine subscribers. Establish yourself as an expert with high quality content, pertinent tips, and of course make sure you lace in some reason for them to visit your website!
Check out Ezine Articles to learn the rules of the game.

3. Podcasts
Think you have what it takes to share your message on the airwaves? Podcasting is exploding and rightly so. It is citizen media at its best, a free and easy platform for your information to reach millions instantly. You don't need fancy equipment or expensive programs, in fact my first podcasts were simply recorded phone calls. Don't let the geek talk stop you. I suggest you go to Audio Acrobat and give their 30 day free trial a go. They make it easy, accessible, and have great support.

No matter what field you're in, you have valuable information to share. Reflect on the most frequently asked questions you get and turn that information into an online resource that can generate more web traffic, more business, and greater visibility.

If you're ready to see tangible results in business and life, then maybe it's time you check out Comadre Coaching. Right now you can get a free special report "5 Costly Mistakes Latinas Make in Business... And How to Completely Avoid Them" when you become a Pocket Comadre subscriber. Visit www.ComadreCoaching.com to get started.
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ComadreCoaching.com

Teach Others How to Talk About Your Business

2006-09-26T15:28:00.000-07:00

I just got back from receiving the Anna Maria Arias Award in Philadelphia (read the behind the scenes story here)

On my personal blog (link above) I wrote about how my mom stole the show by being her awesome self. She's a natural people person and can find a way to connect to anyone. (If she can't find a connection she'll just start telling you about the grandkids, so either way there is a lively conversation going on).

While I was busy with awardee duties, Bunny (my mom) walked the turf with Nora of Las Comadres. Nora very graciously introduced Bunny as the mother of an awardee. Whoever they were talking to would ask what Bunny's daughter did, and then she rolled out a wonderful impromptu elevator speech about how I help Latinas achieve tangible success in business and in life. (Those weren't her exact words, hers had so much more drama and flair).

If someone were to approach your mother, spouse, child, sibling, best friend, client, et al, and asked what you do, WHAT WOULD THEY SAY?

Dare we coach our loved ones to be ambassadors of our businesses?

Coach, yes.
Coerce, no.

Rather than line up your kids and have them rattle off a rehearsed speech, give them a few words to explain what you do. Ask them first to describe what they think you do. If you don't ask, you won't find out until the situation presents itself.

So it's up to you if you'd rather have, "My mom talks on the phone all day and tells me not to bug her or else she'll ground me", or "My mom helps other moms make money from home."

You're actually doing people a favor by helping them articulate something you take for granted.

So here are your action steps:
1. Get your elevator speech down pat.
2. Ask others to describe what you do. (What they think you do, at least)
3. Correct, tweak as needed. Offer an alternative way of saying it.
4. Lather, rinse, repeat til everyone is on board.

Give it a try then give up worrying if someone will say the "wrong thing" next time you're the topic of conversation.

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ComadreCoaching.com

Wanted: More Women Angel Investors

2006-09-20T06:02:00.000-07:00

When it comes to launching a new business or expanding an exisiting one, you have many options. One of those is "angel investing", a truly comadre way of running things.

Angel investors are those wonderful people you know with deep pockets who are willing to float you the dinero you need for your business. Usually they get a share of ownership in exchange (run if they ask for your first born!)

A new study has come out citing the need for more mujeres ricas to become angel investors. Yes, another big study stating the obvious, but this one gives us wonderful numbers and rationale to support what we've known all along: for many of us women business owners, it's easier to talk to another woman.

You can read more about it in Hispanic Business, plus get links to the actual study.
Hispanic Business Article

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ComadreCoaching.com

Anna Maria Arias Award 2006

2006-09-18T10:22:00.000-07:00

Great news to share with all you Savvy Comadre readers:
I am one of this year's awardees for the Anna Maria Arias Memorial Business Fund Award given by Wells Fargo Bank, Latina Style magazine, and the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The late Anna Maria Arias (pictured above) was a trailblazer who started Latina Style magazine and led the way for Latina leaders and entrepreneurs. The award honors her memory by recognizing 10 Latinas who excel in business and innovation success.

I am so incredibly honored to receive this award and will be using the grant to further develop the Latinapreneur(TM) programs I have started. My main goal is to train others to do what I'm doing and this award will help make that happen.

I am very excited about this award, what it entails, and the opportunities it presents. Thanks to everyone for your ongoing love and support!

Here is the first news bit I read. It's from the Orange County Register:

Saturday, September 16, 2006
Anaheim woman wins national award

Nancy Marmolejo, founder of Comadre Coaching in Anaheim, is one of 10 national winners of the Anna Arias Memorial Business Fund Awards, which honor business innovation and community service by Latina business women.

The award, presented by Wells Fargo Bank, Latina Style magazine and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is named for the late founder of Latina Style magazine.

Marmolejo will receive the award and $5,000 at the U.S. Hispanic Chamber's National Convention and Business Expo in Philadelphia on Thursday. She will use the grant to launch Latinapreneur Coaching and Training Institute to train Latina service professionals, coaches and consultants.

http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/money/economy/article_1277680.php

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ComadreCoaching.com

Treat Me Right: Why I Love Great Customer Service

2006-09-07T15:16:00.000-07:00

As Pat Benatar sang in the 80's, "Treat Me Right!" And today I say it again and again as I navigate through the world of hit and miss customer service.

Today I CELEBRATE some awesome people who recently have given me great customer service. Fast Company's most recent issue on customer service got the topic into my head, so here are my latest greatest customer service success stories.

Handmade Galleries, Sherman Oaks, CA
Andy Spyros (pictured with daughter Zoe) is not only a dynamic, creative, visionary business owner, but she is a Comadre Coaching client who takes her success seriously. Andy sees her business not only as a cool spot in LA where people can find the one of the kind, the quirky, and the occasional Hollywood celeb shopper, but also as a community hub.

Her staff knows regulars by name, people stop by just to see what's new (always something new!) and local artists get a chance to sell their wares in a top notch environment.

Recently Andy and staff organized a Customer Appreciation Party, complete with live music, snacks, and special discounts. There is not a stuffy, stuck up one among them and the entire store makes people feel as if they've come to a cool friend's house where they can relax and get inspired.

State Farm Insurance
My husband had the misfortune of driving behind a car with no brake lights that decided to stop in the middle of an intersection for no good reason. Crash, boom, bang. His fault. Ouch.

I've had State Farm Insurance since I had my first car, but this time we had to deal with people in corporate offices and special divisions, not the familiar agents we know. Well they have been awesome. Friendly, down to earth, helping us feel relaxed. The car was totaled and they did a great job of helping us get a rental, get it towed, everything. Smiles go miles.

Enterprise Rent a Car
When your car has been totaled and you're dealing with all that goes with it, you need to be treated w/ TLC. My wonderful insurance company called a nearby Enterprise rent a car, and helped arrange a car for us. The guy at Enterprise drove to my house and picked me up (no charge), took me to the office and when we started to do the transaction, I realized I left my drivers license on the fax machine at home. (I had to fax my license to get the car out of the tow truck place). I felt like such a goof, but Nick and Jennifer (my 2 fave Enterprise people) were totally cool about it and Nick gave me a ride back to get my license. He was so affable and unruffled about the whole thing. He reminded me of my brother- the type of person who could strike up a friendly conversation w/ anyone.

They hooked us up with a great little car, and I got to drive around in a couple of nice big cars. As Jennifer handed me the keys I thanked her for her great service and complimented Nick. She was surprised. "Wow", she said, "he's brand new!"
"He seemed like he'd been doing this forever", I replied.
She beamed. I think she felt good about hiring a good person, and hopeful in her new coworker.

We hear about bad customer service all the time. But when you're feeling the love, say something! That will tell others to keep doing what's working, keep being their friendly, awesome selves.

Comment below if you have a great customer service story.
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ComadreCoaching.com

Fuchi Elevator Speeches Get You Nowhere

2006-09-05T16:46:00.000-07:00

Is your elevator speech fuchi? (That's stinky if you don't know that one)

Fuchi elevator speeches can kill your business the way fuchi feet can kill a first date. Bottom line: it doesn't impress.

What's all this hoo-haw on elevator speeches? Here's a scenario:

Imagine you step onto an elevator and there is THE
MOST IMPORTANT PERSON WHO CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS standing in front of you. You smile. She smiles. You need small talk to break the ice.

"Nice purse", you stammer. "Prada?"
"Yes", she answers politely hoping you're not a well dressed mugger.
"I'm a big admirer of your work", you say sheepishly.
"Why thank you. AND WHAT DO YOU DO?"

And how do you answer?

"Uh, uh, uh, uh, nothing really important". (then you KICK yourself for missing the opportunity)
"Oh, I'm a realtor." (zzzzzzzzzzz)
"I make home ownership a reality for teachers who want to live in the communities they work in."

And which response would most likely get the person to ask, "Really? Tell me more?" (Number 3!)

That, my comadres (and compadres) is the 30 second elevator speech. It's like opening the lid on steaming tamales- the aroma drives people crazy and makes them want a taste for more. You don't give them everything, you simply intrigue their curiosity and open the conversation.

The real expert on this subject is Laurelle Johnson of InnerWealth Communications. She'll be my guest Tuesday Sept 12th for "Is Your Elevator Speech Taking Your Business to the Top Floor?"

We'd love to have you along. You can get
all your info here . If you haven't heard yet, members of my special inner circle get this and all expert calls for free.
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ComadreCoaching.com

Women Owned Businesses Continue to Increase

2006-08-23T06:26:00.000-07:00

Seems like I was just writing about this last month (and the month before and the month before) but more data has arrived on the rise of women owned businesses. Hispanic Business magazine recently published an article fleshing out some of the details of the stunning increase of businesses owned by women.

Remember that statistics can be shaped and presented like Silly Putty, so before you go out and get all loca understand these important points:

1. YES, women owned businesses in the US grew by a rate of nearly 3 times the national average

2. YES, we rock as our numbers show.

3. NO, we are not a majority yet for overall businesses owned in the US. The Hispanic article states:
Despite that growth, the actual number of women-owned business is still dwarfed by male-owned ones. In 2002, women owned 29 percent (6.5 million) of nonfarm U.S. businesses, compared to the 59 percent reporting as man-owned and the 12 percent owned by men and women.

4. YES, Latinas are always on the rise as the article continues to state:
Among Hispanics, women owned a little more than a third of businesses in 2002, up from 28 percent in 1997.

Our numbers may not be the majority yet, but our increases are significant. Women (Latina or not) this growth indicator is important and (cross your fingers) will dramatically reshape the way business is conducted both nationally and on a global level.

Read the entire article here on Hispanic Businss Online

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ComadreCoaching.com

Even The Pope Has It!

2006-08-15T17:24:00.000-07:00

My comadre Tanya and I have frequent conversations about the lack of online savvy by many of our Latina business owner peers. She and I get it, but sometimes when we talk to others, we are met with glazed ojos.

I think I just found a new way to convince them to think digital: The Pope's website.

OK, so the pope has a web presence and you don't? C'mon, what are you waiting for? I bet he even has a blog and a podcast. MySpace? Unlikely.

The website is very interesting, especially when you get into the secret documents and all. Imagine the monks of the middle ages transcribing those beautiful parchment documents by hand... now they're ripping code and getting crazy with flash animation. Gotta love it.

Get started with a blog. Here at Blogger they're gratis. Just do something. The masses await you. (did I just make a pun?)

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ComadreCoaching.com

The Marketing Power of Podcasting

2006-08-07T09:31:00.000-07:00

The first time I heard of podcasting, I knew I had to start one of my own. I brought the idea up to a famous marketing guru/coach and she didn't see the value of it. Good thing I kept talking about it with others and followed my gut because now my 2 podcasts are heard worldwide and generate a lot of buzz for my business.

The marketing power of this is multi-layered and very effective.

The biggest gain is the relationship building aspect.
People get to hear you, meet people you find inspiring, and get to know your style. In my work as a coach, that is essential. It gives potential clients the chance to "try before they buy" and it doesn't require us scheduling actual time. People can pass along your podcast and it serves as an audio referral.

The next part is the valuable information podcasts provide.
In my podcasts Release Your Inner Loca and Coaching a Go Go, the listener gets information to help in business and in life. Inspiring women are featured in each episode of RYIL and CAGG gives you tools and tips to help in a variety of situations. My co-host Catherine Bruns is a therapist turned coach, I'm an educator/entrepreneur turned coach, and between us we can opine on just about any topic.

Third, there is the "Now here's a word from our sponsor" element.
You can mention your name and business at the top of each episode, relate positive stories of how your business has helped people, and further bond with your target audience by reinforcing how you were made for each other. It's not obnoxious advertising, it is a polite reminder of who helped make this show possible. The nice part is that all of it fits nicely together. It's educational, informative, and helps keep your name out there.

To keep you going on the topic, here is a great article on The Marketing Power of Podcasting.

And if you want to try making your own podcast, you can get a 30 day free trial of the service I use at www.ComadreAudio.com.
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ComadreCoaching.com

Comadre's Top 2 Picks of the Week

2006-08-01T10:51:00.000-07:00

The other day I heard someone mention the impact of Latinos on business in the U.S. One thing he mentioned (that I affirm whole-heartedly) is the cultural trait we have to go with word of mouth referrals. The snazziest marketing materials will run a distant second to a glowing recommendation.

I get asked A LOT who I recommend for certain jobs and services. As your comadre, it is my duty to share with you people who I think are awesome and who will help you as much as they helped me.

1. Red Hot Copy Speed Copywriting Workshop
I attended this last spring on the advice of my friend Michele PW (another person I highly recommend). For 3 days I learned the ins and outs of identifying my target market, and crafting every word in my written materials to speak to her. This course helped me launch my new group coaching program and helped me say it with corazon.

2. Crafty Chica Creativity Cruise
I've known Kathy Cano Murillo for a few years now and we've both had fun encouraging each other's success. She is the author of several books on crafting with a Latina flair, but more than that she is an inspiring creative soul whose writings always help me seek out the humor in life. She writes about the mistakes she's made while trying to force perfectionism out of a project and I can always apply those lessons to my work.

On September 29 she's hosting a 3 day Creativity Cruise from LA to Baja and back. It's going to be a blast making art with a pro and sailing the beautiful waters of Baja. Your business and your life will be infused with a whole new outlook and tools for success.

The cruise has a special program for children so don't let kids be your excuse not to go! I'm heading over there with my daughter, my mom, and my uber-crafting tia! I want you there too. Check it out.
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ComadreCoaching.com

Blogging for Dollars

2006-07-25T07:53:00.000-07:00

We blog, therefore we are.

However, in order to BE comfortably, it sure doesn't hurt to have a roof over your head.

So for all you bloggers who wonder if you're wasting your time with your posts and not contributing to the family income, check out this easy checklist of ways to make money on a blog.

http://onlinebusiness.about.com/od/blog1/a/bloggingbiz.htm?nl=1

I don't think you have to be ALL nuts and bolts to monetize a blog. My personal blog is there to let people get to know the woman behind the business. It's where I get to walk my talk, which is essential if you dare to call yourself a coach. If a client is going to open up to a coach, better it be one she can relate to.

Then again, not everyone cares about what offbeat movies my offbeat husband shows our unique little daughter when it's babysitting time. They may just want some simple, information like monetizing blogs.

http://onlinebusiness.about.com/od/blog1/a/bloggingbiz.htm?nl=1

See how it comes full circle and works for everyone?
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ComadreCoaching.com

Costco Without The Lines?

2006-07-18T16:37:00.000-07:00

Being the independent entrepreneur that I am, I always cringe a bit when my "bigger" colleagues go flat out bonkers in their quest to dominate the world. What's so funny 'bout peace love and understanding I ask?

Amazon.com now has Amazon Groceries. Super Saver shipping on your favorite breakfast foods, non-perishable foods, etc.

Why? Well, I know why but i just had to ask.

I'm a total online diva, but c'mon Amazon. You've effectively killed the independent booksellers, now you're after the mom and pop grocers? And look at the size of those boxes- maybe they're after the demise of Costco!

This is like Godzilla -vs- the Smog Monster.

My question to you:
Would you buy your groceries from Amazon? I suppose Target has accustomed us to buying toothpaste, shoes, and drills in one fell swoop, maybe this echoes of that trend.
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ComadreCoaching.com

The Savvy Comadre's Blog Roll

2006-07-18T10:50:00.000-07:00

I sometimes feel like I'm this one woman campaign to educate Latina entrepreneurs on the power of blogs. Just think of them like a newspaper- if you were given a regular writing assignment what would it be? The calendar? Long winded editorials? Sidebars? Reviews? Recipes?

Your blog can be all those and more. The best way for you to learn about blogs is to put on your adventure gear and jump into Bloglandia. Here are a few that I like~~~~~~~~~

Business Blogs: Quick and to the point
Get Known Now How to Get Known in Your Field
Andy Wibbels "The Blogging Evangelist" (and no, not in an organized religion sense of the word)
Build a Better Blog (a blog about why you need a blog- perfecto!)
Get Slightly Famous (great on niche marketing)

Find more biz blogs from The Marketing Sherpa's 2006 Best Blogs Awards

Inspiring, Informative, and Powered by Latinas!
A little personal, a little promotional, a little business.
Latina Lista
Crafty Chica
Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez
The Loca Diaries (had to sneak mine in here)
Maria Sanchez's Bloggeria
Violette
Marta Acosta

Now go and play this game:
Do a Google search on your industry or interest plus the word blog. Chances are you'll find an amazing world of self-styled journalists telling their stories and putting new information in your hands.

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ComadreCoaching.com

All I Need is a Good Strong... Verb

2006-07-13T07:11:00.000-07:00

My 20 year old niece just sent me an email politely begging for help getting a resume together. She's in college, needs work to make ends meet, and of course I told her I'd help.

STRONG VERBS I cautioned her. USE STRONG VERBS.

I went off to the kitchen and washed the breakfast dishes, pondering the power of verbs.
Why not strong adjectives? I asked myself.

As I scrubbed the brown rings of tea from my oversized mug, I had a startling realization.

Adjectives are a bit... manipulative. (But I'm totally addicted- look how many I've used so far!)

They are the building blocks of BS euphemisms that lure home seekers to see a "quaint countrylike cottage on a large parcel" (read: "small rundown shack on a weed ridden toxic lot")

Strong verbs may have an element of BS to them too, but hey , they're verbs. Verbs can kick an adjective's butt any ol' day of the week.

I did a GREAT job on that project.
-vs-
I EXCELLED at that project.

Great job? That's what my 3rd grade teacher wrote with a happy face on my spelling test.
Excelled? Wow, that one I had to wait many years for.

I mention all this because in a recent copywriting class I took, it was all about strong verbs.

So whether it's for your resume or your web copy, IMPLEMENT, GOVERN, AND SCRUTINIZE these strategies. Let me know what pops up.

Here are a few good lists to get you started:
http://www.cpp.umich.edu/students/findingjob/resume/ResumeVerb.html

http://www.iseek.org/sv/41486.jsp

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ComadreCoaching.com

Women Owned Businesses on the Rise

2006-07-12T20:00:00.000-07:00

Well, comadres, you're in good company. Here's a short clip on the rise of women owned businesses from ABC TV:
They mention Lulu's Desserts (love that flan!), but failed to mention that Latina owned businesses have increased by over 60% in the last decade.

I got that stat from the Center for Women's Business Research . Check out their website for more great info on women owned businesses.

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ComadreCoaching.com

Does Selling Make You Feel Like a Sellout?

2006-07-03T09:31:00.000-07:00

Selling.
Sales.
Making others buy things from you.

Do those words trigger un poquito de stress and tension in you? Although most people will admit "public speaking" as their greatest fear, I think that "selling" isn't too far behind.

That poses a problem when you have a business and your income depends on closing a new client. All of my Latina baggage comes out when I'm in an uncomfortable "selling" situation: what do they think of me, am I being too pushy, why won't they just say YES and end my misery?

I just came across an interesting article that looks at sales from a less macho perspective, if I dare say that. Funny thing is it's written by a man, but today he gets honorary mujer status from me. His name is Ari Galper and his article is entitled 7 Ways to Stop "Selling" and Start Building Relationships. You can read it here:
http://marketing.about.com/od/salestraining/a/stopselling.htm

I like what he says- it's building a new paradigm in the world of selling. Rather than force the sale, cultivate the relationship.

What do you think? Drop me a line on the comments below and share your thoughts.
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ComadreCoaching.com

Do Spam Filters Hate Your Emails?

2006-06-27T06:55:00.000-07:00

Laurie Beasley, of Beasley Direct Marketing offers these tips on how to avoid the spam filters and get your e-mail delivered:

1.Clean up your e-mail lists by removing bounces, correct address typos, update addresses, and reduce unnecessary volume demands by removing those who don't open your e-mails or by breaking up large lists.

2.Avoid the use of CAPS in the subject line

3.Avoid the words free, promise you, no fee, no obligation, money-back guarantee, special, promotion, call now, call today

4.Avoid Click Here (use visit, select, or go to, instead)

5.Don't mention toll free numbers. Just use the number, without the deadly "toll free."

6.Don't use "Register Today" (However, "Register Now" seems to be OK. Spam filters are sensitive to the word "Today.")

7.Avoid these top ten words: diet, free, spam, income, instant(ly), profit(s), subscribe, amaz(ed)(ing), guarantee(d), and $$$/money/dollar(s)

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ComadreCoaching.com

Google News Alerts : Justified Ego Surfing

2006-06-22T15:15:00.000-07:00

They used to call it Ego Surfing, but now it's good marketing!

C'mon, I know you've done it... you type your name into a search engine and see if you come up. I did this a few years back before I had a website and found out the publisher of a book I contributed to was looking for me. Lucky me, I got my bio in the book.

Now I can put my name in Google or Yahoo or whatever search engine and it pops up all over the place, mainly due to the articles I have out there. But now I don't even have to do that anymore, I just let Google News Alerts handle it for me.

Google News Alerts is a free service that allows you to identify keywords and search phrases, then whenever those words come out in the news or on the web, you get an email with links and short descriptions.

Need fresh blog material? Use keywords for your industry or target market and post links to the articles they send you.

How 'bout an ego boost? Type in your name and get alerts every time your name comes out in the news. (Sorry, they can't filter out scandalous stories so behave yourself!)

Still hooked on Brangelina? (that's so last month, but whatever) Maybe you're a trend watcher or a stargazer and need some celebrity dish to liven up your life. Or maybe you can use that info to further your business... be creative and have fun!

Want to scope out what your competition is up to? Add their name to your list and get the cyber scoop. Maybe you can find out about collaboration opportunities for a real win-win.

From an experienced user, here are some tips to make this worthwhile:

1) Go to Google Alerts and set up an account. They won't spam you but who knows, maybe their big brother spiders are infiltrating your private world... that's another post altogether. Just kidding. Sign up.

2) Pick out some keywords to monitor. Pick your name, your business name, a phrase that describes your target market, an issue, a person... make sure you just use one word or phrase per line.

3) Pick how frequently you want these. I don't advise "as it happens". I pick once a day for most topics, once a week for others.

4) Here's a tip I had to learn on my own: if you know how to make folders in your email program and filter messages into those folders, do that. Make a Google Alert folder and let them all congregate there. Your inbox can get crowded if you don't do that.

Way easy, que no?

Try it out, comment below if you're already doing it.

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ComadreCoaching.com

My Blog heroes and money for you!

2006-06-19T13:15:00.000-07:00

This morning I interviewed Marisa Trevino (wish i knew how to type in the "enye" letter on her last name) of Latina Lista and I can't wait to get her up on Release Your Inner Loca! We had a great discussion on creating your own media to put new points of view out.

Money for you:
If you're not familiar with online affiliate programs, you are missing out on some easy money. In fact, just this weekend I got a check in the mail from Spam Arrest. I use their service (love it) and I didn't even know that I was an affiliate! Turns out people who have been stopped at the Spam Arrest Gate trying to contact me decided it would be good to sign up too. And lucky me I just got a little commission!

Passive income= very good thing.

You can get started on a passive revenue stream by signing up for my new affiliate program. All you have to do is send people my way using your unique affiliate link. I'll even send you samples of emails and ads you can use. I spoil my affiliates like crazy with freebies and coaching opportunities. Get started on your journey today:
Comadre Coaching Affiliate Program

Also, Coach Catherine my podcast partner has a couple of teleseminars coming up that you can check out at http://www.coachbalance.com/events-from-BLC.html

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ComadreCoaching.com

Are you AD/HD or a Born Visionary?

2006-06-16T12:58:00.000-07:00

I think Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (AD/HD) runs in my family.

We're "busy" people. My brother is world famous for his unconscious foot shaking (we actually dreamt up a device that could heat a small oven with his hyper movements), I'm the idea bouncy bounce queen, my mom is off the charts all over the place, my dad had a new business idea every day, my daughter is Turbo Girl. My siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, tios, tias, grandparents buzz with the same energy... damn, we ought to be Super Heroes!

I just found this great article that compares AD/HD with the traits of an entrepreneur. So before someone calls you flaky, unfocused, or "burdened with a busy mind", have them read this. Here's the link one more time in case your attention was elsewhere two sentences ago when I wrote it.
Tee hee. ADD humor.
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ComadreCoaching.com

Is a Writer an Entrepreneur? Tips on Making Money as a Writer

2006-06-13T21:37:00.000-07:00

I got an email from a writer who wondered whether she qualified for my coaching program. She wasn't sure if she was an entrepreneur. She's a freelance writer.

So my response is this: you're an entrepreneur if you're making a living by your own hand, and not under the thumb of an employer. Technically a freelance writer is under the instructions of the client, but look at what you call yourself: FREElance. Not I work for FREElance, but rather I am FREE. That's what being an entrepreneur is all about: writing your own rules, working with the people you LOVE, and creating a great life for yourself.

Same goes for poets, novelists, fiction writers, biographers, technical writers, and ghostwriters. If you are good enough to make people pay you for your work, then mi querida you have a business and that makes you an entrepreneur.

Regardless of what you do for a living, whether you're a writer or not, when you're running the show you actually have 2 major jobs:

1) Performing the service or selling the product of your business (writing that article, for example)

and

2) Marketing your business.

The biggest problem so many writers and artists have in sustaining themselves with their creative gifts is the inability to market themselves. Below this post are a couple of books you may want to check out.

You can also tune up your business owner mindset by joining a creative, dynamic tribe of Latina entrepreneurs in my Inner Circle Coaching Program. Find out more on that here.

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ComadreCoaching.com

We Don't Got to Show You No Stinkin' Brochures

2006-06-12T10:13:00.000-07:00

Is the brochure a thing of the past?

Personally, I don't have one. My main goal is to get people to my website and there are less expensive ways to do that than the traditional trifold.

This all came to mind after reading an article on making a marketing kit by Laura Lake at www.About.com.
Agree or disagree:
Brochures? We don't got to show you no stinkin' brochures.
Share your comments below.

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ComadreCoaching.com

MySpace.com for Small Business

2006-06-09T16:50:00.000-07:00

OK, I keep hearing conflicting arguments on this one.

My comadre tells me a few months back that MySpace.com is a great place for small businesses to network and market themselves. Now I have to admit, she is an author and her business is writing books for the creative minded market. I think that authors need to build their platforms so that makes sense.

I went to MySpace and tried setting up an account and then I had a client call, other projects to work on and I don't think I got past the initial profile creation. Almost instantly I started getting pick up emails from strangers. (Note : sadly, the word "Latina" usually attracts sickos w/ objectification tendencies)

Yesterday I was talking to my business strategist and I told her I was thinking of using MySpace as a marketing tool. She asked 2 questions then gave an opinion:
1. Do you use MySpace? (No)
2. Do you have proof that your target market is looking for services and support like yours on MySpace? (No, not really. Well, I saw a blog posting once... then my friend said... OK, no. )
3. Opinion: "Nancy, this is a HUGE bright shiny object. Major distraction. Move on."

Here is an article she sent me to read.

I need your comments.

Is MySpace a great marketing spot or just a pick up place where girls like my nieces say they're 35 year old housewives from Topeka? (I have a strange family).

See that little comment link below? Click it.

thanks!

Give Your Mind Time to Wander- The Best Biz Tip Around

2006-05-26T16:24:00.000-07:00

Remember the movie “The Shining”? Jack Nicholson’s character sat at a typewriter day in and day out tapping away while his bewildered wife and haunted son dealt with the oddities of the spooky hotel they occupied.

In a climactic scene, the wife (played by Shelley Duvall), grabbed the paper from her husband’s typewriter only to discover line after line after line of the same sentence.

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

That’s all he’d written that whole winter of terror.

Big leap now to your life. Don’t do what Jack did.

All work and no play will suck the life out of you, zap your creativity, and put a damper on your big picture thinking.

Sometimes an idea or concept can GRAB you like no other sensation. It fills you with euphoria and adrenaline, each moment getting you higher and higher. But then the high flying feeling becomes a ball and chain. You become obsessed, working hard to force creativity out of your tired self.

Your inner voice is trying hard to get a message to you, but you’re too drunk on pseudo-endorphins to take heed! The minute your life starts to take you hostage, it’s time to get out and get your mind on other things.

We all need days where we do nothing more than be spontaneous, curious, and in the moment; where we are tied to no result greater than seeing what each moment brings. Julia Cameron, in The Artists Way, suggests we schedule a weekly Artist’s Date with ourselves. This is time where we unhook from our to-do lists and open ourselves up to new possibilities (even if that possibility is catching the scent of wisteria while swinging in a hammock).

Different phases of our lives will allow us different interpretations of this step. Before I had a child I could be so spontaneous and do what I wanted when I wanted. Now my life is different and I have to plan ahead. I also have to accept that sometimes all I can get is a 30 minute break. Just work with what you have available to you now and go from there.

Whether you take a 15 minute, 60 minute, or full day off, there is something you can do at any given time.

15 minutes or less:

Write a gratitude list. It only takes 5 minutes and can make you feel rejuvenated and positive.
Pay attention to the smells and sensations that you’re experiencing right this moment. Savor it. Stay in the moment.
Mindfulness: Sit quietly and focus on your scalp or some other isolated part of your body. What does it feel like? What happens when you turn your head? What happens when you touch your head? Move your hand slowly in front of you, staying in each moment.
Breathe in for a count of 4, breathe out for a count of 8. Do this ten times.

60 minutes or less:

Take a moving meditation walk. Just relax your mind and walk. Don’t focus on fitness or goals, just move and relax.
Take a yoga class. Or get a video if you don’t have a class nearby. Or try Tai Chi, Qi Gong, or relaxation.
Meditate. If you have trouble sustaining your focus during a long period, get a meditation CD from the library or online. This one is really good: http://www.centerpointe.com/
Keep a fun box handy. Your fun box has stuff in it that you can make things out of- papers, embellishments, beads, stamps, old photos, fabric, clay… whatever you can play with for an hour. Creating a finished product is optional.

1 Day or Less:

Take a drive. Go somewhere new and explore.
Hike. Pack a lunch, fill up your water bottle, bring a sketch pad and journey out!
Discover an unknown (to you) place: a museum, a shopping district, a neighborhood, park, trail… the choices are endless.
Play tourist. Have you ever seen your town from a tourist’s point of view? You can learn a lot about local history and little known trivia when you change your perspectives.
Spa! Go ahead and splurge. Get the massage, the body scrub, the manicure and pedicure… if you want it, go for it!

Disconnecting from the daily grind is essential to keep your creative flow operating at full capacity. It will help you stay on the cutting edge, ready to receive new ideas, and remain in the big picture thinker cycle.

For your business and your life, take time to let your mind wander.

(If you are a creative woman entrepreneur with an appreciation for sabor Latino, check out the new Inner Circle Program at Comadre Coaching.)

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ComadreCoaching.com

Inner Circle Program is now Up!!!

2006-05-17T16:54:00.000-07:00

Well, if you're a Pocket Comadre subscriber (fill in that box up at the top of this page), you're going to get a great opportunity in your inbox on May 18.

After months of planning, fiddling, working, and reworking, I am PROUD to announce my new business coaching program for all you amazing, creative, talented mujeres who own your own businesses!

Women entrepreneurs take heed: The Comadre Coaching Inner Circle Program can get you (or keep you) focused, inspired and in love with your business.

For an incredibly low price, you'll get access to coaching, expert advice, valuable resources and more.

CHECK IT OUT- this is the coolest thing to hit the streets in a long time.

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ComadreCoaching.com

Need a Slogan? How About a Bad Joke?

2006-04-28T20:11:00.000-07:00

I just found the best site for generating... well, just about anything!
http://www.thesurrealist.co.uk/

I put a couple of words in the Slogan Generator and came out with this:
for loca:

Get Serious. Get Loca.
not bad, not bad at all!

for my name:
Things Go Better With Nancy Marmolejo.
hey, what can I say, the slogan generator has a point!

Also, in the Bad Joke Generator, i put in loca once more. It gave me this gem:

What's a loca's favorite drink?
Loca Cola.

Check it out, it's fun and will get your wheels rolling on new ideas.
http://www.thesurrealist.co.uk/
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ComadreCoaching.com

How to Say "Adios" to a Client

2006-04-13T12:41:00.000-07:00

PROBLEM: What do you do when you realize that an existing client or customer is less than ideal? How do you communicate that and move on?

We tolerate people in our lives for a variety of reasons. It can be due to a combination of factors, but the bottom line is: how do you let a client go in a productive manner?

1. Take the Pre-Nuptial Route
If you offer a service or product for sale, make your termination policy clear at the onset. "Start with the divorce in mind", said a wise coach when advising on business partnerships. Similarly with clients, let them know at the onset what steps are to be taken should it be necessary to end the relationship. For a product it can be a satisfaction guarantee, for a service it can be a 30 day notice.

2. Don't Take it Personally
Keep the focus on the behaviors, not the individuals. Just because a business relationship doesn't work, doesn't mean you have to hate one another. Chalk it up to experience and move on.

3. Quit Trying to Figure Out What Went Wrong
If this person was not your ideal client to begin with, why spend time trying to figure it out? Don't rake over the coals after the campfire. It will drive you crazy if you keep at it.

4. Own Up to Your Part
You took on the client. Why? Were you desperate, fearful, unaware? You opened the gate. Learn from that and avoid that mistake in the future.

5. Make it a Win Win
Acknowledge the positive aspects of the relationship. Make referrals, give the person thanks, wish them well. Don't bad mouth or be immature.

6. Bless Them
In your own special way, send them off with a special intention or prayer. After the fact, just picture the person, wish them well, and cut them loose with grace.

Breaking up is hard to do, but it doesn't have to break you up.
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ComadreCoaching.com

Sticky Slogans

2006-04-03T15:49:00.000-07:00

A sticky slogan is one that is that cool little phrase that people love to repeat... repeat often enough to give you free advertising!

Here is a good little article on writing sticky slogans, including 6 tips to give your slogan the Velcro factor. It's from Laura Lake, marketing editor at About.com.

Read the article, print it out, and send me a note on what cool slogans you come up with!
Sticky Slogans: Is Yours One of Them?

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ComadreCoaching.com

A Great Testimonial is Like Money in the Bank

2006-03-07T10:17:00.000-08:00

this article may be reprinted provided you include all the contact information and the article in its entirety.

A Great Testimonial is Like Money in the Bank
By Nancy Marmolejo, Comadre Coaching

Word of mouth referrals are perhaps the strongest way to build a business. Think of all the times you ate at a restaurant, or tried a service based on a referral from a trusted friend. Testimonials are a type of word of mouth referral, allowing your prospects and clients to hear for themselves how others enjoyed working with you.

An effective testimonial will encapsulate the client’s experience with specific examples. It will give prospects the chance to connect on an emotional level with you and your business. That emotional connection is what makes testimonials such a powerful tool.

Getting a testimonial isn’t too hard. Getting a GREAT testimonial takes a bit more thinking but delivers far more powerful results. It involves asking open ended questions and being specific. What follows is a crash course on getting great testimonials.

Ask the right questions
People need helpful structures to write great testimonials. If you ask, “Did you have a good experience working with us”, then they can answer in a single word, “yes” or “no”. That is called a closed ended question. Asking open ended questions (questions that can’t be answered with a yes or no) will open the client up to be more authentic. Here are some great examples of questions to ask (you may need to vary them based on the type of business you have):
1. What were the three best things you experienced while being our client?
2. If you were to describe your experience to a friend, how would you phrase it?
3. How did we help you reach your goals?

Make it Easy to Do
If you hand someone a postcard on their way out of your store and expect them to write you a testimonial and mail it back… well, I have some swamp land in Florida you may be interested in.
Seriously, you have to make it easy for the customer or they won’t do it. Stress that it will only take 3 minutes of their time and present it in a format that works for your client. Some people prefer email, while others may fill out a card in your store if you make it convenient. Another way is to provide a testimonial hotline where people can call and leave their message. A great service called Audio Acrobat can even take a recorded message and generate the code so you can publish it to your website.

Give a Reward
People will do things if there is a prize attached, that’s just human nature. What’s in it for the client if she takes her time and energy to write you a glowing testimonial? Offer a little incentive such as a coupon, free gift, a link back to her website, or a prize and you’ll get many more testimonials back.

Make it a PR Opportunity for the Client
Savvy testimonial writers know that by simply writing a testimonial, they can get free publicity for their businesses. Of course you’re going to include their name and website on the testimonial, so what better incentive than some increased business for them too?

Give Valid, Credible Information
Testimonials that are signed “Ana. S”, bear little credibility. But include Ana’s last name, title, company name, city and website and you’ve got a real person. Studies show that testimonials with more identifying information pull better results than the “Ana S.” variety. Once again, let your clients know that this could be a great PR opportunity for them and watch the names fill up.

Don’t Isolate Your Testimonials
Rather than create a single page called “testimonials”, sprinkle your testimonials throughout your online and written materials. Study how other business owners use them in different ways and keep those positive comments on the forefront. Share them in your newsletters or sales materials.

You have the chance to skyrocket your business with the effective use of testimonials. By keeping it simple, clear, and concise, you can get valuable information from clients that will convey the positive emotional experience people had working with you. You’ll be amazed at the results and may even find new ways to describe your business by using the words of your clients.

About the author:

Nancy Marmolejo helps dynamic entrepreneurs and leaders turn their great ideas into successful results. As the President of Comadre Coaching, she inspires people to think about the big picture and take creative approaches to problem solving. A popular commentator on creativity in business, Nancy has appeared in Latina magazine, Univision TV, the Orange County Register, Orange Coast magazine, Latino Future, Latino Perspectives, Siempre Mujer and several websites. Her articles appear on hundreds of websites and she is the publisher of the award winning ezine, The Pocket Comadre.

Visit Nancy on the web at www.ComadreCoaching.com to get her free e-Course, The 7 Secrets of Big Picture Thinkers and a free eBook, Get Creative Now!

You can also contact her by email at info@ComadreCoaching.com.

American Idol 2006: Branding Tips for Aspiring Stars

2006-02-17T08:14:00.000-08:00

After braving 3 straight seasons of American Idol and easing into a fourth, I think it's obvious to most that a winning voice is not the biggest factor for success as a pop star.
Year after year, audition after audition, the judges practically SCREAM to contestants what they're looking for.

Originality.
Freshness.
Wide Range Appeal.
A brandable style.

And do the tens of thousands of people auditioning hear this? Apparently not.

Seriously, how many Mariah sound alikes can we endure? MUST singing up and down a single note for an eternity and a day become de rigueur? Vocal gymnastics are not all that and sound canned after a while.

Just sing the damn song and quit quivering like a wannabe, I say.

Well, if you're an American Idol hopeful, then take a look at these tips stolen from the branding geniuses of marketing. You're a coat of many colors kid, but those colors need to make a comprehensible picture.

(Even if you're not trying out for American Idol, these tips can help you whittle down your message to something unified and easier to absorb.)

1. Who's Your Daddy?
Sorry to say, but there's nothing new under the sun. We're all just riffing on yesterday's ideas, adding today's spin. That spin is important and we'll get to it, but first start making a list of who your greatest influences are.

Aretha Franklin or Karen Carpenter? Kurt Cobain or Barry Manilow? Madonna or Mariah? Try to come up with at least 3.

2. Stretch Your Vocabulary Muscles
Contemplate each of your influences and start brainstorming words that describe that person. Soulful? Down to earth? Diva? Chic? Trendy? Strong? Romantic? Raunchy? Try to come up with at least 10 words for each person who influences you.

3. Get Focused
Now take that list and pick out your top 15 words that best describe you too. After you do that, chop it down to 10, then finally whittle it down to the 5 most accurate words that describe you.

4. Connect the Dots
Now that you have a list of words that describe your style, use it to guide how you communicate your sound, your image, your vibe. Use it to select material and how you physically represent it.

6. Make it sing YOU!
Your guiding words are intrinsic to you in all that you do. Put your personal mark on it. Don't be a cheap copycat- really mold it to fit your unique gifts.

You don't have to be an American Idol contestant to benefit from a tighter focus on who you are and what you offer. Let it guide you, not trap you to superstar glam success.

Some Myths of Creativity

2005-07-28T12:02:00.000-07:00

In November 2004, the cutting edge business magazine Fast Company came out with a special issue devoted to creativity. Page after page it told of innovative people who are taking technology, business, and the global economy to bigger and better places through creative approaches.

The overriding consensus was that creativity isn't just something that happens in "creative" departments of a company, such as advertising or graphic design, it is a frame of mind that needs to be embraced by EVERYONE. But for some reason, that thinking persists, even in the world of small business.

More likely than not, when you talk to the average person about their level of creativity, a certain reluctance sets in.

"Oh, I'm not very creative. I never could draw very well."

Since when does creativity have to do with one's artistic talents?

The misconception of what creativity is and isn't only keeps people from tapping into a powerful force that can change their lives, improve their work, and activate positive changes in many other parts of themselves.

Challenge yourself to see creativity from a broader perspective and expand it to fit all aspects of your life and work.

Myth #1: Creativity is directly linked to artistic ability.

Although many artists are highly creative, artistic skills do not necessarily make a more creative person. There are plenty of highly skilled, technically astute artists out there who haven't had a creative breakthrough in years. They might be churning out the same old stuff, following a formula that doesn't really bring them joy but fulfills the expectations of others.

Creativity is more like a flowing river. It is the movement of ideas, action, and inspiration. For some people living a creative life may mean giving themselves permission to be spontaneous, for someone else it may be inventing a new money making gadget. What counts is the intention and the spirit behind the action.

Myth #2: Creativity in business means coming up with a better marketing/sales/product campaign than my competitor.

Although great ideas, such as a brilliant marketing campaign, can come about from your creative source, it's not just about producing tangible items.

Creativity in business is also about listening to your intuition and feeling confident in your decision making abilities. To really tap into your creative core, you need to have a connection with that quiet place inside of you, far away from the mental chatter. It's a spiritual connection as much as it is a form of relaxation. It involves a certain amount of letting go and letting the answers come to you.

To be continued...

Something to consider:

Are you a coach or consultant ready to expand your business while working with exciting, creative clients?

Would you like to help uncover your creativity and that of your clients?

Join me in my business building, skill building, creativity building program and catapult your life and business to new heights.

Training starts September 13, 2005. For more information go to http://www.comadrecoaching.com/classes/creativeconsultant.php

The Perfect Client Who Came to Dinner

2005-06-28T07:20:00.000-07:00

By Nancy Marmolejo

If you were to plan the perfect dinner party, what type of people would you like to invite: those who enjoy your company and value your efforts, or the ones who will push aside the food in disdain and poison the conversation with hostility?

Naturally you want the positive, enthusiastic dinner guests. These are people who will appreciate you, laugh with you, and most likely keep coming back to you for more fun times. As you populate your dinner parties with more of these wonderful guests, the chore of preparing and planning becomes a joy. The mere thought of having people over brings a smile to your face and a bounce to your step.

Now picture your business as a dinner party and your clients as the guests. Are you working with clients who appreciate you, enthusiastically refer others, and recognize the value of what you provide? Or are you desperately finding someone, anyone, to take on… even those who bring hostility, negativity, and complain about your prices?

Survival is one thing, but should it be at the expense of your joy? When you are your own boss, you’re working from a place of choice. By reflecting on your ideal client, you expand that choice to work with people who brighten your life and in turn boost your revenue. Let this perfect client serve as your muse and watch magical things happen with your creativity and productivity.

The following three questions will help you identify the qualities you want in the perfect clients. When you get as specific as possible with these questions, you’ll find it much easier to connect with these important people.

1. List all the qualities and attributes of your perfect client. This is the person who you’re excited to work with and who brings total joy to your work.
Here are some examples:

My perfect client
• is enthusiastic
• sees my fee as a great value and pays on time
• gets incredible results from our work
• is open minded and willing to trust
• refers reliable, wonderful people
• makes time to implement our work
• appreciates the new directions I take with my business and grows with me.

2. What is a common passion that I share with my ideal clients?

Consider these examples:
• Committed to making a difference in the world
• Uses organic products
• Appreciates creativity, diversity, and connecting with the community
• Loves kids and pets
• Into technology
• Enjoys the outdoors

3. What tangible results do I want that will make this perfect?

This is where you get to plug in the numbers. If you’re working with enthusiastic winners who refer and love to pay you, plus you share common passions, how will that play out?
I have
• 2 new clients a week
• 6 paid speaking engagements
• 50% more revenue than previous year
• Expansion into new markets
• An assistant
• Full seminars
• A waiting list of happy people.

If you could wake up each day and know that your business was filled with perfect clients, how would you approach your work? What would your energy level be like? How would you present yourself to the rest of the world? What would your income be?

Yes, finding clients involves market research, such as studying demographics and trends. But it also involves setting the boundaries that will allow the right people to connect with you. By sharpening your focus on what it is that you want, you’ll be much clearer on what you don’t want.

Fill your business with perfect clients and enjoy the gift of loving what you do while making an outstanding living.

To reprint this article:
It must be reprinted in its entirety with the following bio attached. A note to me would be nice too, just so I can see where it's going.

About the author:
Nancy Marmolejo helps emerging and established entrepreneurs connect their natural creativity to success in life and business. She has helped countless business owners joyfully boost their revenue and face work with passion and inspiration.

Visit Nancy Marmolejo on the web at www.ComadreCoaching.com to receive a free copy of “Get Creative Now! Four Simple Tools to Boost Your Creativity from the Inside Out”.

Copyright 2005 Nancy Marmolejo