Are you stuck with a broke business? Here’s What to Do
Investing in a business that isn’t bringing you any money is frustrating and I often find that frustration is misleading. When your business is driving you crazy you feel exhausted. The struggle often leads you to try new things but the financial strain eventually pushes most people to continue using the same desperate marketing tactics and falling back into the same bad habits.
I firmly believe that if you want something different to happen in your business you have to do something different. I have a quick activity that I want you to do. Without thinking too hard, quickly answer one question:
- What’s exactly is wrong with your business?
When I ask coaching clients this question the first response is often, “I am not making any sales.” That’s obviously the BIG issue, but what’s the problem? Is it your marketing? Is it your product? They usually don’t know what the real problem is and when they take a guess its usually wrong. Truth be told it’s almost impossible for you to accurately assess what’s wrong with your business. And even when you figure out what’s wrong, its terribly difficult to fix the problem on your own.
When your pipes go bad, you don’t dear try and fix them by yourself and the same concept should apply to your business. When my business was going nowhere, the best thing I ever did was pick up a few good marketing books and then pick up the phone and talk to experienced marketing experts. Whether you read their books or listen to their words, you will find that its easier and faster to make strides in your business when you work with seasoned professionals. Experts can see what you can’t, so the first thing you need to do is to STOP trying to fix your business on your own.
Get One of My Latest Marketing eBooks for FREE
If you know me by now, then you already know that I’m really passionate about helping other entrepreneurs succeed (checkout my last giveaway), which is why I plan on giving away 5 Copies of my latest ebooks:
- How to Really Make Money Network Marketing and Selling MLM Products Online
- How to Really Make Money Coaching Online
I know the vast majority of my readers are network marketers and new coaches struggling to make money online, which is why I wrote these eBooks to show you what’s wrong and how to make it right. If you want get a chance to get one of these guides absolutely FREE you just have to do ONE THING:
All you have to do is leave a comment on this blog post, telling me your biggest frustration right now. I’ll contact you by email, to let you know if you’ve won. When you leave your comment be sure to let me know which book you’d prefer. You can same something like “the one for marketers” or “the one for coaches”. Submission entry deadline: 09/27/09
About the Author: LaShanda Henry is the Web Coach and Cofounder of the Women of Color Coaching Program. Review LaShanda’s extensive collection of Internet Marketing eBooks for Beginners.
20 Comments
IOS on September 25th, 2009
Hi Lashanda,
I think my biggest issue right now is marketing. Which is not good considering I have a degree in E-Business Marketing – and I’ve helped others get on the right track. BUT It’s so much “what to do” and “what not to do” … it gets to be a bit much.
With that being said – I’d like the one for marketers. (Once I get it back to where it should be – I’ll work on the coaching lol)
Thank U … Peace and Blessings
TrJ
omnipotent001 on September 25th, 2009
Hi I just graduated from college and I’m returning back to my online business, but my biggest frustration right now is marketing my business services and products to the right audience an using social networking sites and turning my networks into interested potential customers….. I’m just very LOST right now, please…… Help! Anyone..
Alease on September 25th, 2009
What is wrong with my business? Well I have alot of interest, and I was wondering how do I use online to sell more art or conduct online workshops. Just really at a lost.
And can I make money actually placing ads on my blog. In the past few weeks I have increase traffic to my blog by reposting my link to google but now what?
Alease
mikidi3 on September 26th, 2009
Hey LaShanda, I have two frustrations that share equal ground. My entire marketing plan needs to be revamped. what I do isn’t working and I don’t think it ever has. I have a great product I want to share…but how do I market it?
My other issue, which is totally my fault, is that I started my business with my own money…no loans, grants, or anything. So now when there is a slump in business, advertising–and some times supplies, suffer. I need a better way and have been praying for such.
I believe if I throw out my fleece and take the Lord at his word, he will answer. But the wait is crucial at times.
Mizl on September 26th, 2009
LaShanda,
What’s wrong with my business, my ignorance on how to utilize the internet. I am well over fifty and I think I have over complicate how to make things work online, and don’t really know where to begin. Funds for education are currently an issue so what???
L. Mitchell
bwilliams334 on September 26th, 2009
I have finally narrowed down my online business to one service and I have even narrowed down who I want to market to. My problem at this point is getting my name out there in a way that people take me seriously.
Lougenia on September 26th, 2009
Hello Lashanda,
Thank you for this awesome opportunity!I need support with developing a Marketing Plan and technology support!
I would like the Marketing book.
Nish on September 27th, 2009
Hi LaShanda,
My biggest frustration is finding the courage to start where I am and not where I want to be. I want everything to be so perfect that it prevents me from getting out there. Another frustration is taking the time to step back and realize that it doesn’t have to be elaborate…it just needs to be done and leveraging all of the tools that are available is sometimes overwhelming.
Thanks for this topic. Coming to terms with our frustrations is a first step to finding ways to get past them.
I am interested in the marketers book. Not quite ready for coaching at this time. Thanks!
T
Bizlady on September 27th, 2009
I believe the challenges we face in business require us to look at ourselves. We need to network with those who have been successful at it, and be willing to reach out more to potential customers.
Coolata on September 27th, 2009
My one of my problems with my business is how to find my target group. Capturing this audience is my main obstacle. However, a big problem is my fear of failing. My desire is consult and coach but letting go of this fear will continue to be my road block.
I would like the ebook for coaching online.
Inspired Moxie on September 27th, 2009
Greetings LaShanda,
What is wrong with my business is how hard it has been for me to make money. I’ve done all kinds of business. The internet is my last attempt.
I am overwhelmed as well. There is so much to know, so much not to do, HELP!
I appreciate your work, be continually encouraged!
Great success to you.
VesselforHisDivinePurpose on September 27th, 2009
LaShanda,
I pray that you are well and Thank you for the wonderful topic!
What was wrong with my business did not have anything to do with anyone or my product but had everything to do with me!
I led too much with my head rather than my heart and intense conviction. I thought there was a “secret” (formula, tool, etc) but the truth is there is no secret! Success is all based on you showing up consistently not for a week, month, four months, or even six months. Yes, of course there are tools (social networking, social net work marketing, branding, websites, webinars, etc…) but I have found that tools will not help if you are not consistent and do not show up EVERYDAY! Since I have been showing up (out of my HEAD and not aloowing myself no excuses), so have they!
I would, however, like to learn more on how to become more visible on the net to connect with even more people!
Every Blessing,
Imani
Every Blessing
ggdreams on September 27th, 2009
My Concerns for my business is that I am marketing my services to unfamiliar territory and I am not quite sure how to attract the numbers that are needed for my business to thrive. I would like to attract more people looking to find an apartment or New Home in the Houston area.
I am interested in the marketing information that you provide.
Gayla G.
pam perry on September 27th, 2009
Girl, you are so much in the “flow” it’s scary. As I write my ebook for the Ardyss “Body Magic” team – here you come with one for MLM. How cool. Well, I want the “marketing” book – and I will tell my team to subscribe to your stuff. Matter of fact, I would love to have you on my blogtalk show (Synergy Energy) soon! I just love what you do and being a member. YOU ROCK! Join the Chocolate Pages Network too. I am an affiliate but I need you to be more active with the groups. OK? Pam Perry (www.ministrymarketingsolutions.com)
wirequeen on September 27th, 2009
I am driving people to my site but not getting sales. So I need a e-book showing how to close the deal online. I am no longer able to do shows where I made good money selling my jewelery. Not so good on the net.
I took the training to be a voice specialist now I have to market that talent which is new territory for me. So an e-book on marketing if that’s the one available would be a benefit.
Books For Black Women on September 28th, 2009
Hi Lashanda,
What’s wrong with my business is this: I don’t think I can afford a seasoned marketing professional to help me that aspect of the business.
Simple. Thanks!
Im working on it, but its a hard find.
dxwalker20@gmail.com on September 28th, 2009
I currently do not sell, but I would like to drive people to my sites.
bodysculpter on September 29th, 2009
HI LaShanda, You are truly an inspiration.
My biggest challenge is doing all the tasks and not forgetting to follow up. Really creating and following a system so that I follow it myself, then duplicate it to sell to others.
I look forward to reading your books.
sistasense on August 15th, 2010
I am opening this conversation up again to those women who want to learn more about successfully selling their information online. If you have new questions or would like new answers visit http://www.sistasense.com/the-1st-conversation. -lh
yvonnecarson on September 25th, 2009
Hi, LaShanda. Your question “What is wrong with your business? is a question that I’ve asked myself just yesterday. Being the spiritual woman that I am, I prayed and asked God “What am I doing wrong?” “Where am I missing it?” This is the impression that I received:
There is no problem with my business or with my product! The issue is ME!! What I mean by that is this: You have to grow yourself before you can grow your business!! I am limiting myself because there are places in myself where I have placed limits, lack knowledge and understanding. My business can only grow to the extent that I grow.
If I have doubts and fears and do not fully believe in what I am doing, others can sense that too! Yes, even on the Internet. If you are afraid tell me about your products, then you will not have any sales, and you will NOT make any money.
It takes being brutally honest with oneself and ask so vital questions: “What type of person do I need to become in order to achieve my goals? “What am I doing that I need to stop doing? What am not doing that I need to do? These were questions, seriously, that came up in my mind. I am sure that I am not the only one. Hope this helps someone else!
Yvonne Carson