Brandmerry Blog Archives
How I Made 3/4 of My Income Goal in The 2nd Half of 2017
How I Made 3/4 of My Income Goal in The 2nd Half of 2017
08/16/18
Last year, I had a goal to make $100,000 in my business. That number felt good to me, and the reason I'm sharing this with you today is because I made 3/4ths of that in the second half of 2017. Which means that it's to too late for you if you feel behind in your own goal for the year right now. My biggest months last year were September and October which were both right around $14k and December which was closer to $18k. So it's not to late for you to reach your goals, you just have to take some steps in order to get there.
Believed in My Goal
I believed so much in my goal. I was so grounded and rooted in hitting $100k - in hitting 6 figures. Be super clear and specific on your goal. I felt that number in my soul. I was invested and excited in that number.
I visualized every step of the way, every month, every time I hit a goal. I was super clear on my visualization process. I was really inspired by this number. It was about how that would make me feel. I also had to do the inner work. I really started to bust through my old beliefs around money, and I also had to release my inner perfectionist.
I was always checking in on where I was at in my goals and where I might need to pick up slack.
Planned for a Big Launch
I had planned for a big launch. Launches are a great way to bring in a big influx of money when you are trying to reach a big goal. I had been planning mine for 9 months and growing my list since January!
I did the prep work and knew this was a big part of the end of the year for reaching my goal, so I took time to prep for it and get those pieces in place.
I really focused on building relationships and nurturing my audience. I started going live regularly. I started doing more workshops and webinars. Building trust with your community is massive. I really credit the relationship building I did to the success of this launch.
I truly went all in on this launch! There was no holding back. Everyone knew I was launching. I put money in a mentor and Facebook Ads and the return on investment was huge.
Focused on New Eyes and Ears on My Brand
I focused on growing my list daily and taking sales action, but also community action.
I used FB ads, Instagram and organic reach through groups to grow my list through webinars, workshops, live videos, freebies, challenges, etc (everything I do has some sort of opt in ;))
I created a welcome sequence so people really got to know me through my free offer, so when I rolled out a new offer, they were ready to invest.
Strategically Stacked My Offers
I always had and still have a next step for my clients so they feel supported. If someone finishes a program, I have a next step for them. I planned out my launches and cart opens to lead clients from one into the other
With this in mind I heavily introduced my intensives as a welcome to coaching and focused on filling that from August - December, this led to my 1:1 clients at a higher ticket price. So you can bring people in at a lower cost level and then funnel them to the higher ticket prices.
Separated From The How, BUT Took Action
I had my big goal in mind and things I was working towards daily, but I wasn’t obsessed with one thing working over the other.
I focused my time and energy on taking action and if something didn’t work I found something that did.
I was constantly showing up, taking action and investing back into my business to get it to work. Always take action. Don't just wait for the best idea to fall into your lap. It will come, but always take action.
Head over to my Facebook Page and be sure to like and comment on the video while you are over there to help more people see this information ↠ https://www.facebook.com/brandmerrycoaching/videos/300033270574356/
And as always please share and comment on this blog post, I love connecting with you!
The Three Key Pieces For a High-Converting Sales Funnel
THE THREE KEY PIECES TO A HIGH-CONVERTING SALES FUNNEL
BY MICHELLE KNIGHT
So you feel like you have to have a passive income product to have a sales funnel?
Or maybe you don't even have a high-priced offer and feel like you shouldn't waste your time on a free offer and funnel?
So many entrepreneurs allow these two pieces to keep them from building a sales funnel. If this is you I encourage you to change your focus on using a sales funnel as a way to take your new prospect from cold to hot lead!
Use this opportunity now to build community and trust with your audience so when you DO have those offers you have someone to sell them too - see how that works?
If you’re not familiar with an email funnel or using the power of a free offer, be sure check out these blog posts here:
4 Steps to Create Your Next Free Offer
Ok, now on to the good stuff.
3 Key Pieces to Include in Every Email Funnel/ Automation or Sequence
Be sure to do these three things to keep open and click rates HIGH, while keeping unsubscribes LOW.
1: Include Your Story to build trust with your audience
Start thinking of everyone who enters your list as a cold lead.
What does that mean? They don't know anything about you, not even your face. So take this opportunity to introduce yourself, share some vulnerabilities and start to build the trust factor.
This is a golden opportunity for people to start REALLY paying attention to you and what you have to say and connecting with you on a deep level. When people trust you they will buy from you!
ACTIONABLE TIP ↠ I suggest the second email you deliver, after your free gift of course introduces you, your brand and tells a bit of a story. From there, include elements of story in the remaining emails while also giving your tips, tools and value to build trust.
A big part of the storytelling process comes from understanding your brand. Watch this free Build a Better Brand class to learn my 3-step process (hint: one is story)!
2: Write a subject line that gets opened
It's one thing to have a funnel, it's another to have someone read it - which is kind of the point isn't it?
It doesn't matter what you say in the body context of your email, if people don't open your email they will never know any of it. I argue that this step is the most important part of the process.
The reality is your audience is bombarded with emails on a regular basis and you need to grab their attention as quickly as possible. Ask yourself what would make me open this email?
ACTIONABLE TIP ↠ Spend time creating your subject line! One of my recommendations is to write the content of the email first and THEN pull some of the juiciest pieces as the subject line. Using things like numbers, questions and emoji’s can help with open rates. Be sure to keep your subject line lower case (i.e. “7 ways to improve your marketing” vs “7 Ways to Improve Your Marketing).
3: GIVE TREMENDOUS VALUE TO YOUR AUDIENCE
This is an excellent time to not only build trust with your audience through storytelling, but to also position yourself as the expert and guide they need.
People want to know WHY they should listen to you, so tell them! Start giving tips about a topic that interests them, share advice or a life lesson and what it taught you or share an old blog post that gives value.
This is the time to give, give and give so they make your emails a top priority in their inbox and understand why they should invest in you over someone else when the time comes.
ACTIONABLE TIP ↠ This is not just about “How to” content, while that can be super useful to your audience, it’s not the only way to add value. You can add value to your audience by solving a problem for them, giving them inspiration or flipping their mindset. When you think of the end goal of your brand, it should be to solve a problem your ideal customer is experiencing…use this time to start doing that. I recommend anywhere between 3-5 value emails before your subscribers is added to your weekly email list.
If you’re looking for an email platform I recommend, look no further than Convertkit! I’ve been using them for years and they are still my TOP resource for entrepreneurs.
CONCLUSION
Growing your email community is VERY important. I can’t stress enough how important it is to have a way to reach your audience that doesn’t rely on social media. No matter what stage you’re in at your business, having a free gift and email funnel is necessary and a great way to start building community and building trust.
If you’re ready to improve your overall brand to attract ideal customers, increase engagement and build a revenue-generating business, be sure to watch my free branding class: Build a Better Brand Method.
I'M MICHELLE KNIGHT
I was just a new mom with an ambitious dream to start my own business. That dream turned into a multiple 6-figure business and the ability to travel full time. Now, I teach women how to brand and market their authentic voice online and take bold action to create a life better than their dreams.
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5 DAILY TASKS THAT WILL ALLOW YOU TO GET MORE DONE & REACH YOUR GOALS
5 daily tasks that will allow you to get more done and reach your goals
Last week, I shared a video on my Facebook page about what my day to day schedule looks like (hint: there isn't much of a structure) and what I focus on every single day, yes it is the same, that allows me to hit my business and life goals!
If you want to check out the full video and subscribe to my YouTube channel, go here >> https://youtu.be/bkawBBsKWuw
But, I thought it would be super helpful to lay out the 5 daily tasks below so you can get inspired to create your Daily 5!
5 Daily Tasks That Allow Me to Get More Done and Constantly Move Towards Reaching My Goals
1) Personal Care
Every single day I do something for my mind and/or body so that I can be on my absolute A Game when it comes to growing and running my business. Most days I do a short 10-minute meditation to feel grounded in my energy, a workout (cause that sh*t is important), read my beliefs, visualize my goals and fuel my body. Often times we forget about taking care of ourselves while we are out building our empire, but this is a step that can't be skipped!
2) Grow My List/ Community
Whether I'm posting or engaging in another FB group, sharing a YouTube video, promoting my free offer, etc... I made sure not to miss a single day in growing my community. Your community is ESSENTIAL in running a business and, as you will see in task #3, where the trust between client and mentor begins to grow. Make it a goal to do something that gets the word out about your FB group, email list, newsletter, free offer, etc... so you can start building those deep relationships!
3) Nurture My List/ Community
This step is HUGE! I see time and time again that entrepreneurs spend so much time in energy in growing their list and zero time nurturing it. If you are sitting there not making the money you desire in your business, check yourself on how often you are engaging with the people who WANT to hear from you. Every single day I either email my list, go live, share in my community, post on social media or do individual outreach - whatever I feel called in that moment will remind my community I'm here to support them! Join my community here >>
4) Make a Sale
Look, we have to make money! That's basically the bottom line and although no one wants to talk about selling or pitching or whatever it is you want to call it - IT IS IMPORTANT! You can only continue to do what you are doing and making your impact in the world, if you are financially supported. Every day I do something that will lead to a sale. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not selling every single day, but I'm coming up with a way to make money, whether that is a new program, a product, a special offer or reaching out to a past prospect. Make it your goal every day to grow your business, by making money!
5) Research
I freaking LOVE research! I can get lost in doing hours and hours of research on a particular topic, so when I was picking the Daily 5, I knew I needed to include it. I want to constantly be growing in my business and in order to do that I need to stay up-to-date on new offering, strategies, mindset routines, etc... I often drive my research topic by what my community and clients need most so I know I'm first and foremost serving them.
Don't forget this list should be customizable to YOU, but I highly recommend choosing your Daily 5 and sticking to it. The best part, no matter how crazy life might get, you know if you complete your Daily 5 you will reach your goals!
Just a quick reminder you can watch the full video, where I shared a little more about my personal schedule here: https://youtu.be/bkawBBsKWuw
Michelle Knight is a Branding and Business coach for female entrepreneurs who are struggling to gain visibility and traction to take their business to the next level. She works with her clients to dive deep into their story so they can create a brand and message that positions them as an expert and allows them to create their desired income to free up time in their schedule for what matters most. Learn more >>
Three Steps to Overcome a Place of Fear
As we enter into the last month of the year I've been thinking a lot about fear and my personal journey into the entrepreneur world. I've seen a lot of growth in myself, my peers and my clients over the past year, but I've also seen a lot of people staying stuck.
To truly move forward in life and business, you have to recognize when you are acting from a place of fear. My fears often come up around money or letting down the people I love most. Where are your fears coming up?
In January, I had a desire to leave by 9 to 5, and although I was scared sh*tless, I invested in a coach. I have to be honest with you, if I would have allowed myself to act from a place of fear I would not of left my 9 to 5 in 2016 and would still be in a state of just dreaming. Over the past year I've developed a process to recognize these deep fears, to move past them and live in a moment of trust.
I'd love to offer you in this moment three things that you can do when fear starts to arise in your life. My hope Is that you will be able to recognize these feelings as feelings of fear and learn to trust yourself, the Universe and the growth that is in store for you.
So no matter what you're currently facing, where fear may be showing up for you, by using the following steps you will start to go from a place of fear and overwhelm to a place of love and trust.
three step process to recognize when acting from a place of fear
Step 1 - Recognize the fear.
Often times when we start to feel overwhelmed with the possibility of a negative outcome we will lash out, yell, cry or just throw ourselves into busy work. When this starts happening in your life take a second to sit in stillness, close your eyes and just breathe. Take a moment to really recognize and acknowledge these feelings as a state of fear.
Step 2 - What's the worst that could happen?
When I was thinking about leaving my 9 to 5 and feeling overwhelmed with the fear that I could possibly let my family down, my coach asked me this simple question, "What's the worst that could happen Michelle?" For me it was that I might have to wait tables a few nights a week; definietely not a reason to NOT go after something that could drastically improve my life and the life of my family. To not go for something, that could impact our lives, because we're fearful of a terrifying outcome, is just ridiculous. So next time this feeling comes up for you reflect and ask yourself "what's the worst that could happen?" I bet it isn't as scary as your fears are telling you it is.
Step 3 - Ask for guidance.
Now, I'm not proposing you ask a family or friend for guidance, I truly believe the answer lies within you and you know exactly how you should act. What I'm proposing is you verbally ask yourself for advice. Ask yourself and the Universe for the advice and guidance that you need. So often we have an idea or opportunity and we instantly knock it down, we don't look deeper enough to recognize that we were acting from a place of fear. When we act suddenly without any sort of thought or reflection we are allowing ourselves to move further and further into fear. The answer you are searching for is inside, you just have to ask.
I want you to make yourself a promise. Promise yourself that you will start to recognize these feelings; that you will really reflect on them and that you will make decisions based on your passions, your purpose and how you want your story to end. Don't let fear dictate your life, trust me when I tell you it really isn't worth it, life on the other side of fear is so beautiful.
I mean what's the worst that could happen?
BE MERRY!
Michelle Knight
P.S. If you are ready to break free of these limitations and the fears that keep coming up for you and ready to step into your true purpose of impacting the world then you want to take advantage of one of my 5 spots left for 2016. Overcoming limitations is just one aspect of my program Passport to Freedom, but is so important in order to step into your true purpose. Learn more here >>
Confession: I have a control problem
#LIVEMERRY
Hello! We are back from our 10-day expedition to Europe and survived traveling to three countries with a 10-month old!! I've had a lot of time to really think about what I want to share with you and something very powerful came up for me - I have a control problem.
I've always been the type of person who wants to do it themselves. I often feel like it is easier to just take care of it by myself, because I know it will get done quickly and will be done right. Do you ever feel this way?
As a new mother, I'm realizing more and more that it is just not possible for me to take care of everything. To be honest, I thought that by becoming a full-time entrepreneur and leaving my 9 to 5 I would suddenly have a ton of time. Now, I do have more time in the day, but the ideas for my business just keep coming and coming and I'm spending my time making each one of the possible.
This all came up for me before we left for our trip to Europe. In the past I’ve really been on top of my sh*t and had our trips planned out weeks in advance. However, just three days before we were set to leave I realized I hadn't booked the train tickets, I still needed to go to the store, laundry wasn't done and I had not even started compiling a list of things we might want to see and do, oh and I didn't even notice they changed our departure time!!
In that moment I seriously felt like I had dropped the ball. Why did I let this happen?
Oh yeah because I felt like I needed to do it all myself. My husband is so supportive, but let's be honest he can't read my mind, I mean no one can that would just be scary. I have to ask for help and I definitely didn't.
My business has grown so fast and continues to grow, we were leaving on a major European adventure and oh yeah I still have to take care of the day-to-day tasks, no wonder I lost it. I needed help and after a small cry fest with my husband he reminded me that asking for help and releasing control is not a weakness.
I repeat, releasing control, reducing the pressure, asking for help, taking the time, is not a sign of weakness! It is so important to get the help and support you need. Let it go and trust that it will all work out, controlling every single situation is not beneficial to you or your life of freedom.
If you are struggling with this or feel like you have to do it all alone, you don't. Reach out and get help from someone who supports you and genuinely cares about you and your happiness!