7 Essential Business Systems To Make 6-Figures Without Burning Out

Running your own business involves a zillion details and moving parts.  If you’re relying on yourself to remember all of these, you WILL get burned out.  Things WILL fall through the cracks.   Make no mistake: you need systems.

A system is simply a series of steps for a particular task or project.   The cool part?  You shouldn’t be the one executing the system.  Once you have systems documented, you can hand them off to key team members – this is how you begin to create a business that runs without you.

The first step to getting your systems house in order is creating an operations manual. This can be a simple Word document (shared online in a program like Google Docs) or I like to use Basecamp (from 37signals.com).  Your manual is a collection of systems, or lists that detail the key steps involved in running and growing your business.

If you’ve never systematized anything in your business before, take heart – if you take the same steps to achieve particular tasks in your business more than once, you already have the makings of a system for that task.  The key is to hone, refine and ultimately delegate the RIGHT systems that are going to grow your business.

Which systems should you implement FIRST?  Below are my top 7 systems that I used to create over $500k in revenue in just two years:

1. A system to attract new clients.

Your business growth depends on your ability to attract new, highly qualified, highly awesome ideal peeps into your world, month in and month out.  (The easiest way to get started?  A signature system, a signature talk, and local speaking gigs.  Simple, streamlined and proven.)

2. A system to turn interested clients into invested clients.

Pop quiz: what happens when a potential new client contacts you or your team out of the blue?   When you invest time, energy and attention to attract new clients, it only makes sense to have a system that kicks in to turn these interested potential clients into invested new clients.

3. A system to follow up with potential clients (after events, networking, or in-person meetings).

Nothing closes the “know-like-trust” gap faster than face-to-face connection, which means that every event you attend can mean thousands of dollars in business for you – if you follow up.  Next time you find a stack of business cards in your purse, ask yourself, “How can I systematize follow-up within 48 hours of the event?”  (Hint: get your assistant involved! )

4. A system for “keep in touch” follow-up (such as a newsletter).

There is no way that you can expect to fill your programs easily if you’re not doing SOME kind of follow-up.   Period.   (I don’t make the rules, Goddess, I just profit from them. )

Whether it’s a newsletter, a video newsletter, an evergreen autoresponder, or a blog (used in conjunction with email), you’ve got to do something and do it consistently.  Which means… you need a system.

5. A system to welcome new clients.

When a new client signs up, there’s excitement… and terror.  She’s thinking a zillion things, not the least of which is, “Did I really make the right move, giving $5000 to this person?”  And, “I just gave $5000 to this person… what happens now?”  Systematize the love to reassure them, get them in motion (to create results faster) and minimize the chances of them backing out of their commitment to themselves.

6. A system to serve clients in your programs.

Every program you offer needs to have a system behind it for scheduling the calls, delivering the calls, recording calls, distributing the calls, communicating with your peeps and whatever else you do to deliver the goods.  Your clients DO notice these details, which, when done well, leads to better results and repeat business.

7. A system to manage your cash.

Your cash flow system should include “buckets” for incoming money (X for taxes, Y for expenses, Z for your salary, and so on).  And always pay yourself, even if it’s just one dollar – the action matters more than the amount when you’re just getting started.

3 More Systems To Automate Your Business Growth:

8. A system to fill your programs.

Whether you’re just getting started or an empire builder in the making, your revenue comes from filling your programs – i.e., launching.  Without launching, your income will dwindle.  Without systems, launches can quickly take over your life.

9. A system to generate referrals.

The best clients come from your awesome current clients.  Awesome current clients love to refer, so make it easy on them.  (Which makes your business growth easy on you – win!)

10. A system to host teleseminars with partners.

This one’s a little more advanced, but it can’t be beat for building your list, creating great relationships, and signing on clients.  Once you have a signature talk, you can turn it into a teleseminar that you host for your partners’ communities.  Follow-up and sales are easy to automate with a shopping cart or email management software like Aweber.

Are you working too hard in your spiritual business?  Do you know you’re missing out on clients, losing opportunities to serve and bleeding income because you don’t have your systems in place? Get ready to get excited because my signature 6-figure training for spirit-driven entrepreneurs, Goddess Business School, returns in January 2012!  I’ve got lots of high-value no-cost goodies planned for you as we get closer to registration this fall.  Want to be put on the priority notification list for when we open?  Email Client Care Goddess Gretchen at teamgoddess@marketinggoddess.com with “Goddess Business School priority list” in the subject line.

A Simple System To Grow Your List (Without Having Others Promote You)

I hear it all the time: “Elizabeth, how can I grow my list when I don’t have anyone partnering with me and promoting my stuff?”

Truth is, you can generate a lot of revenue (and serve in a big way) with a small list.  I didn’t get serious about growing my list until well after my first multi-six-figures – and I only had about 650 people on my list at the time.

Nonetheless, growing your list is a big part of the 4th Key of Leverage – using the Internet and online marketing to market “one to many” (instead of one to one).   And while working with partners is undoubtedly the fastest way to reach more people, it’s not the only way.

Even when I had a small list, I consistently added  75-100 new people with every launch, with the help of a little system I invented that I’m going to share with you right now.  (These numbers might seem small, but they add up over time, especially when you’re just getting your list going.)

Step 1: Find your “channels.”

Where are all the places where you can reach your clients?  Make a big list of your “channels” – places online where your clients are hanging out AND you can establish a presence – i.e., participate and interact with people.  These include social networks, NING sites, forums, places you can advertise, networking organizations and of course your own channels (your list, blog, Facebook, Twitter).

“But Elizabeth, I don’t know what my channels are!” Obviously, I can’t find these for you.  But to get you thinking, here are some that I use, either currently or in the past:

• IAWBC Ning site (International Association Of Women In Business Coaching)
• Ladies Who Launch
• In Good Company (This is an NYC-based networking group for women entrepreneurs, similar to LWL. Membership includes email privileges to the group.)
• New Coach Connection mailing list
• Solo-E, SelfGrowth.com
• SeeYouOnTheCall.com (amazing resource – check them out and yes, invest in yourself and get the featured listing)
• Facebook groups
• LinkedIn groups

BONUS TIP: It is well worth the investment of a few hundred dollars a year for membership in the right channels – associations that connect you with your chosen audience.   There are lots of these out there – be creative and get support on the brainstorming if you need it.

Step 2: Pick your dates.

Get out your calendar and mark down when you want to share your call with your channels.  These are your “blast dates.”  (That’s what I call them because the word “blast” makes me laugh – feel free to use your own.)

Be sure to include the start date AND the day before.   Then, for some channels, it might be appropriate to do a day or two in the middle.  Use your judgment and follow the etiquette of your channels!

BONUS TIP: When you’re promoting a preview call or promotional teleclass, I recommend filling it over about 10 days.  Longer than that, you’re going to start dragging.  Throughout your launch, your goal is to create and build momentum.

Step 3: Create your copy

Here’s the copy you’re going to want to write (or have someone write for you):

• Opt-in page
• Email promo
• Facebook post(s)
• Ezine copy (this is a short copy blurb – see “Elizabeth Recommends” in my newsletter for examples)
• Tweets

BONUS TIP: I highly, highly encourage you to write as much of this copy at the same time as you can.  (You won’t be able to write every email promo, most likely – but do the first one.)

Step 4: Blast away

On your chosen dates, either you (or better yet, someone on your team) can simply go down the list of channels and post about your call.  Your assistant might have to tweak the copy a little here and there, but if it’s pre-written, for the most part she can just cut and paste.  That’s it!

Don’t forget your list! When communicating with your email list, be sure to add a “PS” at the bottom of your email, asking them to refer their friends and colleagues to your call.  You’d be surprised at how many people will do it.

Like any marketing, the key to making this system work for you is to create relationships and do it consistently.  Don’t blast places where you’re NOT already hanging out, connecting and participating.  Don’t expect to get tons of new signups the first time.  Once you have the system down, you can easily hand it off to a team member.   Enjoy!

This little system is just a sampling of the how-to content and mindset shifts I shared on my recent no-cost training call, “Leverage Secrets Of 6-Figure Entrepreneurs: How To Turn Your Divine Feminine Gifts Into An Extra $5,000 – $50,000 Each Month And Create True Freedom To Live Life On Your Terms… While Becoming The Leader You’re Destined To Be.”  Get access to the recording here:

http://www.marketinggoddess.com/leverage/

How To Gracefully Stop “Giving Away The Farm”

Last year, I had the privilege of facilitating an amazing all-day virtual workshop for my “MMM goddesses” on the topic of money breakthroughs and manifestation. (“The MMM” is a program I ran last year, called The Marketing & Manifestation Mastermind – a precursor to my signature program, Goddess Business School™.)

One of my clients asked a question that had been “up” for many in the group lately. “How do I know when I am over-giving? And how do I stop over-giving?”

Over-giving is a classic symptom of the Money Mirror of Deservability. Deservability also shows up as cramming too much “stuff” in your packages and programs, giving away extra services (more than what’s paid for) without charging, or making yourself too available (think after-hours or weekend phone calls from demanding clients).

The recurring theme behind the Money Mirror of Deservability is “never enough” and the emotional undercurrent is a driving need to please. No matter how much you give away your time, services, or expertise, somehow it’s never enough. And because what you really want is acknowledgement and acceptance, you’ll bend over backwards to get it. Problem is, it’s never enough – creating a vicious cycle of burnout, exhaustion and resentment.

(One of the big ironies of this Money Mirror is that deservability attracts more deservability – in other words, you’ll tend to attract clients who take a “not good enough” stance when it comes to your services. Aie yi yi!)

The best way to know if you’re over-giving is to simply check in. Are you working really hard? Is the true energy behind giving more a genuine desire to create value (which you can do without working yourself into a frenzy, by the way) or a fear that what you do give “isn’t enough” or a need to please?

Most importantly, check your level of satisfaction. Are you at peace? If not, it’s time to stop giving away the farm at such a great cost to you.

Try this breakthrough action to stop over-giving: The next time you’re designing a program or service, cut the deliverables in half. For each component of your program, ask, “Do they really need this to get the outcome?”

This might seem like a drastic measure, but actually, your clients will feel relieved. Remember, you can always add things back in, but even just cutting them out “on paper” will shift your thinking.

When you look to other people, such as your own clients, to know that you’re “good enough,” you’ll never be satisfied. It is up to YOU to give yourself the gifts of acceptance, acknowledgment and love. You are perfect, right now, as you are.

6-Figure Secrets Of Divine Feminine Entrepreneurs

Ever wish you knew the secret to making 6-figures (or even 7-figures) in income AND impact in your business… WITHOUT having to work 80 hours per week, neglecting your own self care, and never taking a vacation?

Do you long for a better way of doing business, one that honors your “inner goddess” – your Divine Feminine Spirit?

Wouldn’t it be great to learn from the women who have done EXACTLY that?

If your heart is saying YES to these questions, I’m thrilled… because the all-new, NO-COST interview series I’ve created is just for you…

“6-Figure Secrets Of Divine Feminine Entrepreneurs:
Create Money, Meaning And Freedom
With Your Feminine Power”

I’ve gathered 12 successful women entrepreneurs – including my personal Divine Feminine mentors! – to reveal their secrets to creating a 6-figure business that serves the world while creating a great lifestyle…  all from a place of Divine Feminine inner strength, wisdom and power.

Best part?  It’s completely F’R'EE – including downloadable recordings of every interview.

(In a hurry?  Get your “virtual seat” here…
http://www.DivineFeminineEntrepreneur.com )

Let me share how it all started… (it’s a great story, actually – I think you’ll appreciate this!)

It’s no secret that many women in business are overworked, overwhelmed, and burnt out.  Creating a business takes a lot of focus, drive and inner resources that are more masculine in nature.  (That’s neither good nor bad – it’s just energetic.)

Problem is, hanging out in this masculine energetic space all the time leaves women disconnected from their Feminine, tired, drained and deeply unsatisfied.

I know because that’s exactly what happened to me.  I had completely immersed myself in the hardcore internet marketing world, trying to learn what I needed to learn to get my business going.  And while I enjoyed it (and still do!)… something was “off.”  But I couldn’t for the life of me figure out what it was.

My wake-up call came at a workshop.  (Ever been to one like that?)

At that time, I had been going in circles in my business for far too long… I was starting to get clients and make some mo’ney, but… it felt like I was pushing a boulder uphill, you know?

So I went to this workshop, not knowing what to expect.  The workshop title said something about a “spa day” and I’m thinking, okay, cool, I could use a little pampering.

Let me tell you – I had NO idea what I was in for!

When the leader came out, I was floored… she was completely radiant… comfortable in her own skin… firmly in her power.

I literally thought, “Holy crap… I want that.” (Yes, I’m being really transparent here!)

Now here’s the thing….

What she said when she first spoke are words I still remember over 2 and a half years later… and they’re words I’ll never forget.

Those words set me on a journey… to figure out how to “do business” in a new way that was authentic to me… that got my purpose into the world in a BIG way (which of course includes a big income – 6-figures-plus)… and that wouldn’t cost me my Feminine essence.

Ultimately, those words led me to where I am today… and the big vision I’m committed to.

Would you like to know what she said?

You’re in luck, because she, along with the rest of my personal Divine Feminine mentors (plus amazing women I’ve met along the way!) will be sharing her wisdom with you in this high-content, all-F’R'EE interview series.

So grab your seat now, OK?  The series is starting soon and you don’t want to miss a minute:

http://www.DivineFeminineEntrepreneur.com

I can’t wait to bring these Divine Feminine leaders to you!

bright blessings, massive success and LOVE

PS: These 12 women are all “talking the walk” – creating 6 (and even 7) figures in in.come and impact, while enjoying a great lifestyle. I know they have a lot to teach you!  And here’s what’s really cool…

Our initial lineup is JUST the beginning. I have soooo many more women that I’d like to interview, I have plans to keep the series going throughout 2011.  One registration gets you in on all the calls PLUS recordings – from here on out!

http://www.DivineFeminineEntrepreneur.com

PPS: Yes, please DO share this training series with your friends and colleagues! Use the Tweets below, or just forward this email to them.  But be sure to secure your own seat first, OK?

Divine Feminine Mentors reveal how to create 6-figures+ in income,
impact AND have a life http://www.DivineFeminineEntrepreneur.com

The world will be saved by Divine Feminine Entrepreneurs!  Here’s
how http://www.DivineFeminineEntrepreneur.com – will you be one of them?

Last call for tonight’s no-cost training…

Coach’s true confession: I know that sometimes I wait until the last minute to sign up for stuff (even with the best intentions – hey, we’re human, right?)  

So here’s a “last minute” courtesy reminder about my no-cost training call, happening TONIGHT:

******************************************

“Your 5 Best Strategies For Effortlessly Enrolling
3… 5… Or Even 10 Clients In The Next 30 Days”

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15 at 8pm ET / 5pm PT

Register here:
http://www.getclientsthismonth.com

******************************************

If you’re interested in signing on new clients within the next 30 days, I know you’re going to love what I have for you.  (I’m putting the finishing touches on the content now and I keep remembering things I want to share!)

Here is just some of what we’re going to cover…

* The #1 mistake both new and seasoned spiritual solopreneurs make that cost them tens of thousands of dollars in lost time and income

* The 3 limiting beliefs that keep most spiritual solopreneurs stuck at frustratingly LOW income levels (I practically guarantee you’re telling yourself at least one of these)

* The #1 reason why most spiritual solopreneurs can’t “close the deal” (this one will surprise you!)

* A powerful OVERLOOKED tool for quickly filling your programs (do this and you’ll hang up the “SOLD OUT” sign in half the time – did I mention that it’s completely free?)

* How to eliminate frustrating client excuses like “I can’t afford it” and “I don’t have time” – without saying a word (forget pushy or sales-y – you don’t have to say anything to use this simple yet powerful secret)

* My 5 best strategies for enrolling 3… 5… even 10 clients in 30 days – even if you’re starting from scratch

Here’s where you can grab your seat now if you haven’t already:

http://www.getclientsthismonth.com

You’ll get the replay so be sure to register even if you can’t make it.

“See” you on the call!

bright blessings, massive success and LOVE

PS: Got friends and colleagues who could also benefit from this training?  Of course you’re welcome to invite them to the call (just be sure to reserve your spot first!)  Here’s the link to send them:

http://www.getclientsthismonth.com

And here’s a Tweet you can post today on Twitter:

It’s tonight! Free call to get 10 ideal, high-paying clients in 30 days. @elizpurvis shows how: http://www.getclientsthismonth.com

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