Bliss Sawyer's Marketing Blog

This next week is critical to 2008

After such a discouraging 2007, it's only right that you take the opportunity to make 2008 an exciting and productive year.  All you need is a little planning and forward momentum and this next week is the perfect time to do it.

Here are some suggestions for your calendar over the next week or so....

1. Set your goals for the year  (stay tuned for a blog post on this subject)
2. Contact all your referral partners by phone and email to wish them a Happy New Year.  Give an update on the current market.  It's been a roller coaster, but remember to be be upbeat and positive. 
3. Have a planning lunch to say thanks for the past referrals and talk about what you can do together to make it a great year in 2008.
4. Send a letter out to all your clients from 2007 with a copy of their Hud-1 for tax purposes.  If you have purchased my Breaking the $40 Million Binder, a sample letter is in there.
5. Organize and clean your office space.  If you haven't done this for a while, you will be surprised at the energy it brings to you.
6. Read a motivating book or listen to an on-line seminar.  This has always been a key element in my business.
7. Get together with your team for a brainstorming session.  Discuss marketing, office procedures and customer service.  Get all the ideas down on paper - even the ones that seem crazy.  Then pick a few and start taking action on them immediately.

These are just a few ideas to get you moving towards a FANTASTIC 2008.   Decide now that you will do at least 5 of these 7 items.  Don't wait until tomorrow to get started.... your business depends on you to create the momentum.  Now is the perfect time to do it.

Little Platinum Book of Cha-Ching!

Jeffrey Gitomer's newest book Little Platinum Book of CHA-CHING! is a fantastic read.  Based on principals from John Patterson, founder of The National Cash Register, these amazing strategies that are ever bit as relevant today as they were in the late 1800's.

I found this book to be interesting and motivating.  One great quote: "What you read usually determines how you think. If you decide to read about success, the odds are you will become successful."   Hmmmm.... maybe you should buy yourself a Christmas present.  Then spend time reading, taking notes and moving your business forward with the great (and simple!) ideas spelled out in this book.

It certainly can't hurt, and this just might help you start 2008 with a bang.  Happy reading!

One Minute a Day to Success

I have a short attention-span, so when I created this blog, I decided my platform would be quick tid-bits of information.  Marketing tips, motivational thoughts, recommendations and the random funniness.  This is how I work best... quick, to the point and simple.

Today I want to share one of the simple things that I utilize and believe contributes much to my success.  Every day I repeat my business goals/affirmations.   This keeps me focused and makes sure my daily tasks are taking me directly towards the accomplishment of these goals.  I've experimented over the years and tried a variety of methods.  I've written them 10 times each, I've taped them to my mirror and said them out loud and I have mentally visualized them throughout the day.  At this time, I like the visualization.  It keeps me motivated and on track as I am working.

The most difficult thing to this simple task is to remember to do it.  Until you are in the habit, keep the reminders visible.  Don't worry if you miss a day... just do it as soon as  you remember.  A few other thoughts....

• Keep it to about 3-5 goals.  I currently have 3.
• State them in the present tense.  "I am closing 8 loans each month"
• Share your goals with others - this makes it more real to you and pushes you to work harder
• Try different ways to see what works for you.  Written, typed, verbal, mental
• COMMIT.  This doesn't work overnight.  But it does work!

I'm going to go out on a limb and share my current goals with you.... They are simple yet work amazingly well for me!

1. I am talking with potential customers daily about my speaking, products and coaching.
2. I am earning XX each month.  (I'm not going to tell you EVERYthing:)
3. I am balancing my work and family - and succeeding at both.

Take a few minutes and write down your top 3 goals.  It really is that simple.  If you have a different method that has worked for you - please share it in the comments section!

Emphasizing Your Gifts

I wanted to share with you the article I wrote for the December issue of Mortgage Originator Magazine.  Emphasizing Your Gifts highlights different strengths and what you can do to improve and capitalize on  your gifts. 

There are also other great articles available on the MOM site.  Take the time to do a bit of reading and pick one thing from each article to implement into your business or choose something you are already doing and simply improve upon it.  Your business depends on this type of incremental forward-movement. 

Gift ideas for the boss or coworker

Do you want to give gifts to those you work with, but can't think of what to do?  I love to give books and have great memories of the people that have given me books over the years.  There is something about this type of gift that says more than chocolates or a ham.  You are sending a message that you care about their future, their goals and dreams.

If you are a manager or owner, this is a fabulous gift idea for everyone in your office.  Add a gift certificate for dinner or a lottery ticket for fun.  Here are a few book suggestions...

Jeffrey Gitomer's Little Gold Book of Yes Attitude, Little Red Book of Selling, or his newest, Little Platinum Book of Cha-Ching.

Jack Canfield's The Success Principles.

Malcolm Gladwell's Blink or Tipping Point.

Chet Holmes The Ultimate Sales Machine.

If you don't want something business-related, look for a book that goes with an interest or hobby they may have or something they have expressed an interest in pursuing.  There are unlimited possibilities... just spend a few minutes in a Barnes and Noble for inspiration.   Do something different this year and give the gift of growth.

Loan officers - this is also a great gift idea for Realtors!