How To Make 6 Figures Even When The Chips Are Down

It’s no secret that the world has been going through a financial rough patch. (I prefer to skip terms like “meltdown.” J)  Every day, I hear things like…

“Spending has completely dried up”

“Things don’t work the way they used to” (i.e., marketing & sales strategies)

“The reality is, it’s a different world now.”

Some entrepreneurs are struggling, that’s true.  However, I know plenty of entrepreneurs who are having their best year ever – including yours truly.  (The economy didn’t stop me from quadrupling my in-come this year, bringing in well over six figures.)

So why are some spirited entrepreneurs thriving while others are just surviving?  Here are 5 common denominators that I see over and over again among the business owners who have leveraged this rough patch into golden opportunity.

1. Don’t buy into everyone else’s story. Did the economy take a nose dive?  Yes.  Are a lot of people hurting?  No question.  (I remember the fateful day in September 2008 very well – I was in the middle of a launch.)

Facts are facts.  Facts, however, are not the problem.  The real problem is the “story behind the economy story,” which goes something like this: Don’t even think about growing your business now because haven’t you heard?  We’re going through a rough patch.  And by the way, you should walk around all mope-y and depressed. That, dear reader, is complete and utter crap.  (Pardon my French!)

“Reality” may be different now, but the truth is, you still create your own reality and frankly, despite what we all may have heard, armageddon has yet to manifest. You must reject the stories and focus on what you are creating, not what appears to be in front of you.

2. Stick to the tried & true. At a recent mastermind meeting, my fellow group members and I were asked to bring our marketing resources to the table and focus on what’s working.  “Hrm, what new and cool marketing doo-dads can I share?” I thought.

Then I realized that when it gets right down to it, my marketing consists of a keep-in-touch tool (this ezine), some networking, some speaking (teleseminars), and making lots of personal connections.  It’s not a sexy plan, but it works!

Remember, you don’t need to do a zillion things.  You just need to do a few things consistently.  (How are you doing with the “tried and true” ?  If you need help with the basics, I recommend my homestudy system.)

3. Look for areas to help, serve & offer massive value. One thing that stops entrepreneurs in their tracks is holding on to what they think their business has to look like.  They get a picture in their minds of a certain kind of client, or a certain offering, or a certain message, and then rigidly adhere to that picture.  And then they miss out on all the opportunities around them… and the chance to move their business forward by leaps and bounds, not tiny steps.

Opportunities to serve and support (and receive a generous in-come in return) are all around you.  It’s just that they might not look like what you expect.  Be open to making a shift.  (And when an opportunity arises, be prepared to make an irresistible offer of your services!)

4. Show some initiative. Since the beginning, I’ve taught that marketing can be systematized, and that good marketing systems bring you clients on autopilot.  I’ve also always taught that marketing systems take a while to set up and tweak.

So what’s a spirited entrepreneur to do in the meantime?  Show some initiative, be proactive and look for opportunities to get into action with clients (see #4, above).  When you’re experiencing a slow time in your business for any reason, you have to make the first move.  It’s not being pushy, it’s being of service.

5. It’s all about connection. Now more than ever, people are hungry – dare I say starving –  for personal connection.  That’s great news for spirited entrepreneurs, because we love to connect.  And with tools like Facebook and Twitter, it’s easier than ever.  And don’t forget meeting in person, picking up the phone and – gasp! – sending a card or gift through snail mail.  (You know, the tried and true!)

A simple step to bringing in more business in good times and not-so-great times is ditching the fear, getting out of your own head and simply showing people you truly care.  Best part? It feels awesome, too.

© 2009 Elizabeth Genco Purvis.  All Rights Reserved.

Elizabeth Genco Purvis, “The Marketing Goddess” teaches spirited solo business owners and conscious entrepreneurs how to attract an abundance of clients, income, freedom and satisfaction in their business while staying true to their values.  Visit MarketingGoddess.com to claim your copy of “Grow Your Business With Spirit And Soul,” a 7-part audio workshop with everything you need to begin attracting more clients right away.