Business Tips for Montanans

1. Raise your fees.

 Many professionals are afraid to charge more in today’s economy.  However, when you increase your fees you’ll attract a higher caliber of clients who are willing to do the work they need to do, and in turn achieve better results.  This change can result in more word-of-mouth referrals for you.

2. Define yourself as an expert.

When you define yourself as an expert, potential clients will take you more seriously and they’ll be willing to pay more for your products and services.  Not to worry, as an expert you can continue to hone your skills and knowledge.

3. Get clear about your target audience.

While many people would probably benefit from your services you’ll want to specialize in working with a particular target audience.   If you work with everyone it’s equivalent to like shouting out in a large crowd, “Hey, You!”  People won’t notice or hear you.  Narrow down your audience by considering working with someone in a particular industry, i.e., corporate executives, coaches or entrepreneurs.  

If you live in a small town in Montana you can connect with more people in your target audience by expanding your marketing to include surrounding communities and cities

4. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Be willing to put yourself out there in a bigger way – and that means getting comfortable with being uncomfortable.  Feel the fear and move forward anyway!  This may mean reaching out to lead presentations, attending networking events, leading in-person events, or publishing your own online newsletter.

5. Get mentoring and support.

If you’re serious about making money you have to move beyond having a “hobby” business.  After I invested in a business mentor I achieved my first 5-figure month (over ten thousand dollars) and then went on to achieve my first 6-figure year of making over $100,000 within a six-month period.  That never would have been possible had I not invested in my own mentors.

~ Leslie Cunningham has over 17 years of experience in leading workshops, educational seminars, and empowering women with money.  She is an internationally published author whose work appears in the Chicken Soup For the Soul Series, “Tough Times, Tough People: 101 Stories About Overcoming the Economic Crisis and Other Challenges.”  Visit www.LiveAndLoveRichly.com to get your free video training series and report, “5 Secrets Every Woman Entrepreneur Can Use to Master The Inner Game of Time and Money.”