When people tell me that they "hate" marketing, they usually expect me to be shocked, defensive, or angry, so they are often surprised that I not only sympathize, but that I totally understand.
You see, I also hate the same things that they think are marketing: hucksterism, manipulation, and/or relentless, merciless self-promotion.
Since so many folks are confused about what marketing is (and whether or not they do it), let me offer a definition of marketing for small business:
Marketing is the exact art and subtle science of attracting, acquiring, and retaining great clients profitably. Nothing evil about that, right? And what you also need to know is that...
The purpose of marketing is revenue and profit. (Surprised?)
The process of marketing is relationships. (That's a relief!)
The practice of marketing focuses on market, message, and media. (This is where most business owners need some help...)
The path of marketing is: know, like, trust, try, buy, refer. (Right!)
Great marketing feels (from the customer standpoint) terrific: like excitement about cool new stuff, relief that a problem can be solved, rewarding when the customer service is helpful, friendly, and fast.
But bad marketing feels yucky. Marketing that is intrusive, abrasive, or aggressive, spewed at the world without regard to interest or permission of the recipient, gives all marketing a bad name. And like you, I hate that!
It might surprise some folks to know that uninvited pest marketers aren't the only bad marketers out there--many truly decent, well-meaning businesses fail their customers and prospects by not marketing enough, well enough, or appropriately. The solution to this problem is to get educated, and to learn how to market correctly--with integrity, intention, and innovation.
At the DIY Marketing Center, our mission is to educate business owners about what marketing is, and teach them how to do it right. Because if they don't know what marketing is, and how to do right, they are bound to get it wrong, which hurts their business.
Do You Hate Bad Marketing? Me, too! (c) 2013 Veronika Noize. All rights reserved.
Facilitated by professional coach Veronika Noize, this workshop is for small business owners and job seekers who want to enjoy the benefits of connection through networking, but don't know where to start, or have been frustrated by all the time and energy invested in networking with very few results to show for it all.
Attendees can expect to...
=> Get confident about networking
=> Learn cool networking strategies for introverts, newbies, and those frustrated by the lack of results from their networking
=> Create a networking plan to get you connected fast
What attendees said about recent meetings:
"Amazing! Practical, attainable, funny and inspiring. Thank you for the class and the time and energy you have put in to gather the knowledge."
"I went to school to learn how to market myself, and I learned more here than I did in all my classes."
"Great information delivered in a very entertaining way. I appreciate your honesty in your examples."
"Hi, Veronika (with a K!), thanks so much for all the helpful info in your Friday's networking class. I tend to build up things in my mind, like networking, to make them a lot worse than they really are. Your ideas are simple and do-able, and I appreciate that. I've also made some changes to my "elevator speech" too based on what I learned."
"Very informative. Kept my attention and gave me more confidence."
Do you hate to "sell"--but desperately need sales now?
Are you confident about your product or service,
but nervous about "selling"?
What if you could close more sales...comfortably, easily, and confidently?
For many small business owners, sales is necessary but not necessarily easy!
If sales (or lack of sales), your comfort level with selling or simply know how to sell is holding you back, consider Jim Lorentzen's Soft Selling Sales Training.
Because if what you need is a closing model, a sales script that works (and you're comfortable with!), and the know-how to close the sale, you'll get all that plus tons more in Jim Lorentzen's Soft Selling Sales Training classes.
This sales training is perfect for introverts, business owners who hate to sell or are new to selling--your confidence and comfort with sales will go through the ROOF!
What would your bottom line look like if you closed more sales THIS MONTH?
(That's how it worked for me!)
How would that feel to you (it felt GREAT to me)?
If you want you some of that sugar for yourself, sign up NOW--because this program carries an iron-clad no-worry 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose and so much to gain.
Jim Lorentzen's Soft Selling Sales Training starts Thursday, February 7, 2013.
For more info, dates and details: http://www.diymarketingcenter.com/Soft_Selling
This class is hosted by the DIY Marketing Center and presented by Ronnie Noize, the Marketing Coach. For more great classes for entrepreneurs, visit www.DIYMarketingCenter.com/Public_Events
You are invited to learn the 3 P's of Prosperity: New Profit Strategies for 2013.
In this powerful presentation, you will learn what works for business now, what doesn't, and what you absolutely must know to succeed in this economy, including:
• The truth about what 2013 means to your marketing plans and your profitability • The three promotion strategies no business should overlook • The three people who will help build your business this year • The one critical marketing mistake to avoid at all costs
Date: Tomorrow, Thursday, January 31, 2013, 8:00 – 11:00AM
Location: BBSI Preferred Payroll 8100 NE Parkway Drive, Suite 200 Vancouver, WA 98662
Limited seating, pre-registration required at www.vancouverusa.com .
Presenter: Veronika Noize, the Marketing Coach and managing director of the DIY Marketing Center.
Cost: -0-, GVCC members and non-members welcomed!
Workshop includes refreshments, networking, and a chance to win a $100 GVCC FastPass donated by The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce.
This seminar is provided as a public service and open to all southwest Washington businesses, GVCC member and non-members.
I'm Ronnie Noize, the marketing coach. I have a great business that helps other people live their dreams, but I wouldn't have it if I hadn't figured out how to get clients in an economy like this.
What did I do? I developed a formula that built my business fast, and now YOU can benefit from these same strategies, because in this teleclass I will tell you EXACTLY how I did it. This information-packed teleclass spells out my famous marketing blueprint formula in specific detail (so bring a pen to the class!).
WHAT: Introduction to the DIY Marketing Blueprint, a free preview teleclass of the DIY Mastermind's Marketing Blueprint series
WHEN: Wednesday, January 23, 2013, from 3-4 p.m.
WHERE: Teleconference (the comfort and convenience of your own phone)
Perfect for creative professionals, artists, solopreneurs, and other small office/home office professionals who sell their expertise rather than a product, this information-packed class will introduce the basic concepts covered in both the live and virtual sessions my Marketing Blueprint series, as well as the other success strategies I use to keep revenues high and profits up.
You'll learn why you can be a hard-working self-employed service professional who has the background, the education, and the experience necessary to succeed -- but still not have the clients or success that you want.
You'll learn that it truly is possible to make a living doing what you love, and be paid well for it!
You'll learn that marketing doesn't have to be an unpleasant chore IF you're doing the right stuff for you, and you've got the tools to make it happen.
Here's exactly what else you'll learn in this one-hour introductory class:
=> My unique four-step model for amazing success (with all the details!)
=> Why this process works when so many other "marketing bootcamps" just waste your time and money
=> How you can duplicate my success and get my help while you do it
=> And much more!
For some people, just this introductory class will be enough to start them on their way to success, but for many folks, this will be just the tip of the iceberg, and that's why this class is free.
I am willing to PROVE to you that my process works, no matter what your goals are for your business, so I will share my secrets with you so that you can see for yourself how powerful this information can be for you.
If you don't walk away from this class excited and confident, with your enthusiasm reignited, well, you weren't listening. ^_^
But seriously, this class is guaranteed to be worth your time, and I can tell you with confidence that it will be one of the most profitable hours you've spent on your business all week!
So let me ask you again: Are you ready for more clients?
Is it hard for you to attract new clients because most marketing is waaaay outside your comfort zone?
Yes? Well, here is GOOD NEWS for you:
"Finally you can STOP working against your nature, and embrace
what it is that makes you special with my top 10 marketing strategies
that work for introverts just like us -- guaranteed!"
WHAT: Marketing for Introverts: Top 10 Strategies Revealed 6-session class
WHEN: Six Tuesdays; January 29; February 12, 26; March 12, 26; April 9, 2013 from 12-1:30 p.m.
=> The "introvert advantage" in marketing -- your secret strengths revealed!!
=> Your "introversion rating" and what it means to you and your marketing
=> Your core strengths identified
=> The myths of introversion
=> 10 ways to leverage your introversion for success in your business (and personal life)
=> 10 marketing strategies for introverts, complete with detailed instructions AND examples
=> Your top 3 personal best marketing strategies identified
=> and more!
What you'll get in this program:
+ The complete Marketing for Introverts workbook in hard copy
+ The complete Marketing for Introverts workbook in handy electronic (PDF) format
+ The personal guidance and help of a professional marketing coach...who is also an introvert
+ The support and community of other introverts in this program
+ Confidence, clarity, and real information you can USE to build your own business
"I am loving this introvert class. It's so interesting....I've heard you say most of this stuff before but maybe it is acknowledging being an introvert that makes it feel so different. For some reason the info is going in like never before and I'M REALLY GRATEFUL!!! I'm feeling like I can make this work and I feel more hopeful and confident than ever before! So, THANK YOU; THANK YOU! You're the GREATEST Marketing Coach!" ~ Kim Phipps, www.InspirationsInMarketing.com
"I have met a few other introverts when networking and I tell them about your teleclass and the incredible value you offer to each one of us. I truly believe that is what sets you apart from the rest of the 'crowd'." ~Jan Hempstead RN, www.inspiredhealthcoaching.com
"I highly recommend Ronnie Noize's Marketing for Introverts teleclass, that is if you are an introvert. Ronnie helps identify if you are an introvert and to what degree. Great class, Ronnie, I learned a lot." ~Kibbey Rock
* * *
Get an audio PREVIEW of this class: http://www.diymarketingcenter.com/marketing4introverts
This awesome class is presented by DIY Marketing Center and hosted by Ronnie Noize, the Marketing Coach.
Fast Start Marketing Strategy Studio: The Ultimate One-Day Marketing Plan Workshop
Do you STRUGGLE with marketing...working hard but not getting the revenue and rewards you expected from your business?
Are you FED UP with wasting time and money on stuff that doesn't work?
Are you READY to invest one day developing a marketing plan--the one business tool that decades of research tells us will IMPROVE your business revenues?
=> On Saturday, January 5 at 9:30 a.m., this can be your reality!
New: Create Your Fast Start Marketing Blueprint in ONE DAY!
Imagine finally feeling comfortable, confident, and clear about your marketing.
Imagine having a literal blueprint for attracting clients that guides you through the entire year of marketing, so that you know what to do on a daily basis to build your business, and earn more revenue.
Imagine knowing exactly where and when to invest your precious resources of time, energy and money.
WHAT: Fast Start Marketing Strategy Studio: One-Day Marketing Plan Workshop
WHEN: Saturday, January 5, 2013, from 9:30am - 4:30pm
WHERE: DIY Marketing Center, 1101 Broadway, Suite 110, Vancouver WA 98660
HOW MUCH: $397 non members / $197 members
REGISTER: Here
WHY: Because you're worth it, you want more revenue, and you are so ready to make it happen (and you know that without your plan, you will continue to struggle, under-earn, and feel the frustration of near failure on a monthly basis--ouch!)
If you want 2013 to be better, make that much MUCH BETTER than 2012, you will enroll in this program!
Here's what we'll cover:
Your Target Market: Exactly who is ready, willing and able to buy from you.
Your Core Message: What you have to say to capture their attention, and get them into action.
Your Media: Where you have to be to connect with them, and how you can be all the right places at once without a time machine or a clone.
Your Fast Start Marketing Strategies: Exactly how you'll attract, acquire, and retain the right clients all year long.
A simple marketing blueprint template that is fill-in-the-blanks easy
A checklist of strategies to choose from so you can find what works for you quickly and easily
Personal guidance from a world-class marketing coach--all day along
Feedback and interaction from other small business owners like you
The time and space to focus on your business, figuring out what you need to do to make it grow
Plus this great Bonus: An emergency back-up marketing plan for those days when you lose your focus (this one-page plan could save your bacon some day!)
By 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, you may be tired, but you will also be energized and excited about your plans for the coming year, because you will have in your hands your own powerful marketing plan.
If you can find another marketing program led by a marketing professional with more clients and a better track record...TAKE IT!
But if you want immediate access to proven strategies and techniques, guidance from an internationally recognized marketing expert with literally millions of dollars in revenue to her credit, and your own marketing plan DONE by the end of day Saturday, January 5, this is your chance to get a piece of the magic to apply to you and your business.
What clients say about working with Ronnie:
"This organized workshop demonstrated the energy, time and personal passion you have put into this all day empowering workshop. It is the best workshop I have ever been to...Thank you for the excellent class!" ~Marlayne Madison
"I've said it before, but whether it's the class or talking to you one-on-one like we did today, I always get what I can only describe as a shot of adrenaline. I can't say enough about how this class and talking with you has helped me, both professionally and personally." ~Adam, web designer
I just wanted to provide you a little feedback, if I may. First of all, this morning's session was fantastic! It was refreshing to participate in a teleseminar with so much valuable information. We've tried sessions with a couple other coaches/programs and while some were beneficial, none were filled as much motivating, useful and practical information. Second, you have a great style in the way you speak and share information! You are very comfortable and calming to listen to. Finally - the comment that was made on the call that you showed how knowledgeable you are - I can say that I, too, waspleasantly surprised by how great the session was. As I relate this to brand building (we define brand as the reputation of a company or product (or person) as perceived in the mind of the market), my experience and perception of you following the phone call is very high - knowledgeable, professional, valuable! ~ Karie, branding executive
"The last session we had where we did the role play on conversion conversation was exactly what I needed. As soon as you said- "just say 'I understand'" I thought "ok I get it- all I need to do is use my counseling skills." Since then I have had unbounded success! I appreciate the way you taught the course, your level of commitment to each of us, and the support really came through. I have way more than doubled my business as a result of the class. Most importantly, I have figured out the right way for me to market myself and it is happening." ~Kaya, www.kayasinger.com
"Ronnie's guidance totally hit the mark in helping me prepare for my email interview with the US News and World Report magazine around Retirement Planning. Her expertise in dealing with the press and uncanny ability to phrase answers in a quotable way made all the difference for me. I was already well prepared from taking her Double Your Business class with my marketing strategic plan and her additional suggestions put my message over the top! Thank you Ronnie!" -- Kelly, www.liferoadmap.com
Are you finally ready to be profitable?
Introducing Profitability Rescue 101
The marketing process that shows you how to stop working so hard,
and kick up your profits fast!
Are you working too hard and too much for too little? Struggling to keep up, and to earn enough?
You're not alone...
Too many business owners like you are struggling with marketing, revenue generation and profitability because:
They know they need to do something, but don't know WHAT to do
They don't know HOW to do what needs to be done
They can't find the TIME to get it all done
What they're doing now isn't working as well as they'd hoped
Bottom line: They need help, but aren't sure what help is best, because every "solution" they've tried didn't deliver what they really needed: Results.
And they know this: They can't make it happen alone. They need real guidance, support, and help to figure this out and change the way things are now.
Enter Profitability Rescue 101, the solution ...
This program is about three things:
STRATEGY (how to achieve your goals)
ACTION (what to do to achieve your goals)
EMPOWERMENT (giving you the plans, tools and focus to achieve your goals)
Profitability Rescue 101 Agenda:
We take a good hard look at your business
We identify the areas of possibility for greater and potential profits
We devise strategies for profitability
We create action plans (like To-Do lists) for rolling out those strategies
You will walk away with:
A clear vision of where you want to be in 12 months
Your top strategies for fast profitability
Your 30-day, 90-day, 6-month action plans
What you can expect:
The program is fast-paced, intense and will probably feel a little bit uncomfortable--and may very well be exhausting. (Yeah, I'm really sellin' it here!)
Will this be stressful? Probably yes, because this process honors your business, NOT your excuses.
BUT...BUT...BUT
It will be exhilarating when you see the possibilities for your own profitability.
It will be a huge relief when you finally know exactly where you're going, and know exactly how you're going to get there.
And you will feel reassuringly in control when you have that action list in your hands.
In short, it will never be business as usual again. Which is exactly why you would sign up for this program.
Warning:This is not an introductory or remedial class for someone with "ideas" but no clients and no plan. This is for small business owners with marketing plans who are ready to increase their revenues (meaning they are generating money) and skyrocket their profits.
What we won't cover...and why:
Your target market and marketing messages: If you don't know this already, you need a basic marketing plan development program like the Marketing Blueprint offered at the DIY Marketing Center. Or a quick start program like the Fast Start Marketing Strategy Studio.
Sign up now only if:
You accept full responsibility for your own success
You are committed to earning more by working smarter
You are willing to do things differently to get better results
You are ready to release struggle and overwhelm
You are willing to accept help from and give support to others
"Many thanks for our time together yesterday. You really helped me to refocus on my business and reaffirm my commitment. Your insights and examples are inspiring and reassuring, all at once. Not an easy thing to do!" ~Kristin Taylor, Kristin Taylor Marketing
"Working with Ronnie has helped me to understand marketing in new simplified but very powerful way. I am amazed by all the work we accomplished in a very short time. There’s no way I could have done without Ronnie’s help, it would have taken me 1,000 books and over 20 years. Save yourself time and money. For fast phenomenal marketing results call Ronnie Noize!" ~Conde Bartlett, Cocoon Wellness Center
"I've taken Ronnie's marketing class and it completely transformed how I think about, conduct and promote my business. Working with her has also renewed my enthusiasm for my feng shui consulting service and given me greater confidence that I can and do do it well. I believe that any small business owner would benefit from working with Ronnie and recommend her highly." ~Joy Overstreet, Joyful Spaces
"It was very relevant and reassuring meeting with you. I have much more focus, motivation and enthusiasm around our business since the beginning of the year when I took the time to contemplate, strategize and plan. And it already seems to be paying off--literally!" ~Jennifer Corio, Cobalt Design Works
"Thanks a 'Million' for your coaching on the phone. The principle of asking what, why, when, where, with helped me through a major road block in writing. Life, work should be fun and it certainly was and is with you." ~ Sandra L Hay Magdaleno, FBR Wealth Management Group
"Just want you to know that my business is booming! All from the web! It happened in October, all of a sudden, and I've got business thru March already. Since we both know we could trace my sudden success to all the planning, web design and great ideas I got from YOU, I thought you ought to know. I seem to get plenty of business without really trying. I love it! So, thank you again and again for all your help, and mostly for being so damn supportive as I stumbled along unsure of myself." ~ Rosie Rhine, RhinoQuilting
"You are the person I most often credit with my business success, and 'who knows how to do it right' when it comes to marketing a small business. As a marketer with 20 years of experience it was hard for me to ask and pay for marketing help, but you are worth your weight in gold." ~Dana Greyson
This was a truly great experience for me in getting me focused and raising my awareness about some patterns that have held me back. Lots of gratitude your way. ~Ed Ferrigan
Just read a new article written for those newly in leadership and management positions, and though you might like to read it: Top 20 Success Tips for New Managers
TELECLASS: Introduction to the DIY Marketing Blueprint
WHEN: Wednesday, November 7, 2012, from 2-3 p.m.
WHERE: Teleconference
TUITION: zero
Hello, entrepreneur,
I'm Ronnie Noize, the marketing coach. I have a great business that helps other people live their dreams, but I wouldn't have it if I hadn't figured out how to get clients in an economy like this.
What did I do? I developed a formula that built my business fast, and now YOU can benefit from these same strategies, because in this class I will tell you EXACTLY how I did it. This information-packed class spells out my famous marketing blueprint formula in specific detail (so bring a pen to the class!).
Perfect for creative professionals, artists, solopreneurs, and other small office/home office professionals who sell their expertise rather than a product, this information-packed class will introduce the basic concepts covered in both the live and virtual sessions my Marketing Blueprint series, as well as the other success strategies I use to keep revenues high and profits up.
You'll learn why you can be a hard-working self-employed service professional who has the background, the education, and the experience necessary to succeed -- but still not have the clients or success that you want.
You'll learn that it truly is possible to make a living doing what you love, and be paid well for it!
You'll learn that marketing doesn't have to be an unpleasant chore IF you're doing the right stuff for you, and you've got the tools to make it happen.
Here's exactly what else you'll learn in this one-hour introductory class:
My unique four-step model for amazing success (with all the details!)
Why this process works when so many other "marketing bootcamps" just waste your time and money
How you can duplicate my success and get my help while you do it
And much more!
For some people, just this introductory class will be enough to start them on their way to success, but for many folks, this will be just the tip of the iceberg, and that's why this class is free.
I am willing to PROVE to you that my process works, no matter what your goals are for your business, so I will share my secrets with you so that you can see for yourself how powerful this information can be for you.
If you don't walk away from this class excited and confident, with your enthusiasm reignited, well, you weren't listening. ^_^
But seriously, this class is guaranteed to be worth your time, and I can tell you with confidence that it will be one of the most profitable hours you've spent on your business all week!
"I wanted to take a quick minute to say thank you for all your advice on the call this morning. I feel very blessed to have you in my life and on my team with all your brilliant ideas and support. Thanks for being you. And, thanks for collecting such amazing people into the SOHO community. It really is inspiring to listen to and to be around people who are walking the walk and getting things done." ~Connie Dorigan, CPC, www.dorigan.com
"Thank YOU!! It was a very relevant and reassuring meeting with you. I have so much more focus, motivation and enthusiasm around our business since the beginning of the year when I took the time to contemplate, strategize and plan. And it already seems to be paying off – literally!" ~ Jennifer Corio, www.cobaltdesignworks.com
"Thanks for putting together such a great group, Ronnie, where I can actually say my business grew 61% in one year because of ideas and support I received through SoHo MM!!" ~Victoria Cook, ACC, www.TheGuiltFreeCoach.com
"Can't brag enough about 500% business growth for 2 years in a row because of the Masterminders :-)" ~ Berry Kruijning, www.coachcrowning.com
"Mastermind has helped me double my income and cut my expenses in half." ~ Brandie Kajino, www.SoHoSolutionist.com
Am I ever delighted with the Mastermind group. My first month's value was worth the cost of the entire year's participation!! ~ Tammy Cook, www.RenaissanceMinds.com
"And speaking of impressed, you too, continue to impress me. I LOVE the inspiration calls, for their inspiration and for their accountability. So thank you." ~ Connie Dorigan, www.dorigan.com
"I enjoy and appreciate all the attention and the direction of the new Marketing Mastermind. I notice your added energy and focus and find value in it. Hearing the same things in different ways allows the information to integrate more fully. After listening to you, I am ever more understanding of the dance between listening and sharing. When you speak, there is the intertwining of your years of experience. I am gradually learning the various pieces that you put together so skillfully and gracefully. Then you top it off with your powerful strength of ideation." ~ Caron MacLane, Circle Coach & Consultant, www.CaronCircleCC.com
"You treat everyone as if they are the only person in the room. I have recommended you to my good friends and will continue to spread your name. I was impressed by your generosity of information, and your grace throughout your greetings, meetings and farewells." ~ Tammy Sanderson
"The MasterMind weekend was truly inspirational. I felt as if I had been wearing blinders, and they were suddenly gone. It opened my eyes to the possibilities of where my business can go, and how to get there." ~ Holly Stokes, The Brain Trainer, NLP Coach, www.ExpandingPotentials.net
"You're such a great coach and I've learned so much. Thanks for everything!" ~ Darlene MacAuley, www.AustinHypnobabies.com
"I really enjoyed the marketing workshop on Saturday. I learned SO much. You are a fabulous presenter: knowledgeable, friendly, caring and more! I am excited about implementing new strategies for my business." ~Paula Rudberg Lowe, Expressions
"I learned so much in the marketing mastermind class as well as in our one-on-one sessions. I got exactly what you promised: a great plan and a clear vision of my business and marketing. It was truly worth the time and money!" ~Valerie Warren, Streamline Solutions
"I just finished my marketing plan. I can't believe how easy it was after your class...I can't believe I actually have a marketing plan put together. Good gracious, I'd read quite a few marketing books and took notes, but then all I had was a computer file with a lot of notes. Now, after your one-hour class--and the Friday deadline--I actually wrote it down and even went through some of those notes while I did it. Wow. I can't believe I did it! Thanks so much, Ronnie. You're terrific!" ~Julie McDonald Zander, Chapters of Life Memory Books, www.chaptersoflife.com
"You are an amazingly generous soul who is helping small businesses like mine by your emails and the very approach that you take to business. Thanks for being such a help!" ~Sharon Silver, Center for Conscious Parenting
"I can't tell you how much I've gotten from working with you. Our private session just now was very helpful and I WILL make those calls this week and next. "~Michele M. Downey, MBA, RD, Food Marketing Consultant, http://www.mmdowney.com/
Business Definitions
Marketing: The art and science of attracting, acquiring, and retaining clients profitably.
The purpose of marketing is revenue.
The process of marketing is relationships.
The practice of marketing focuses on market, message, and media.
The path of marketing is know, like, trust, try, buy, refer.
SoHo Business: A small office or home office-based business.
Micro Business:Usually a sole proprietor, freelancer, consultant or independent professional. Can be full- or part-time, working from home office, outside office, creative, loft, mobile, retail or manufacturing space.
Small Business:Less that 100 employees and/or $2 million in revenue per year.
Medium Business:More employees, and more revenue.
Big Business:I think we all know the answer to this one.
This site contains content that reflects the strong opinions, direct style and sense of humor of a master marketing coach that may not be appropriate for all readers. If you are easily offended, committed to defending your lack of success with excuses, or otherwise closed-minded, please DO NOT read the free articles, use the great tools, or avail yourself of the terrific advice and suggestions found on this website.