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Membership for my Special Report Club remained pretty steady throughout 2008, but 2 weeks into December I saw cancellation after cancellation.

Was I surprised?

Not really.

Was I bummed out?

You bet!

The holidays are tough enough without the current economic crunch, and so when I started getting a lot of cancellations, I knew it was for no other reason than Christmas. It only makes sense to cancel memberships or what have you in order to free up money to buy gifts, but I still couldn’t help feeling disappointed.

About a week before Christmas, I was chatting with my friend Nicole Dean on IM and mentioned the big dip at my membership site. She said she’d been feeling the pinch over some programs she’s an affiliate for, so she wasn’t surprised by my news either. But she did tell me a couple of things I could do to turn things around.

1. Make a special offer to my cancelled members.

2. Survey my current members to see if I could find out if there might be another reason people were dropping their membership.

Well, first I made the special offer, and as much as I’d like to say otherwise, it fell flat. Not a single cancelled member took me up on my offer. But instead of getting discouraged, I zipped over to Easy Internet Surveys – which is now FREE by the way – and set up a survey.

Once my survey was ready to roll, I emailed my members and enticed them to complete the survey with the offer of a free PLR report once they hit the submit button. I’m happy to report that it worked, and boy was I amazed by the results of that survey.

Turns out, I was wasting a lot of time and money providing my members with materials they didn’t even use. I also found out what they really like about their membership, and what they’d like to see become a part of their membership.

I have to tell ya, that survey was the best thing I could have done for my members. I mean, there’s no point in them paying for stuff they don’t use, and certainly no point in me using my resources to have it created. So in the end the loss of all those members ended up being a good thing. It made me wake up and take notice, and now I’m thrilled to be launching a brand new version of the Special Report Club on Feb. 1st – which also happens to be the 1 year anniversary of SRC. I’m also raising the price from $19/month to $27/month, with the opportunity to upgrade to some awesome services.

I’ll provide you with a sneek peak of what’s to come later in the week . . .

Did your business take a dip in December? If so, what did you do about it?

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It’s a good day when I see it’s the third Saturday of each month. That’s when I can go download my Sweetie Saturday Report Club (grab your $2 trial offer with coupon code: 28CC4) goodies. The Report Club is put together by Alice Seba and is an affordable way to receive concise, no-fluff, no fad guidance for your online business.

This month’s report is all about podcasting – and was put together by guest writer and podcaster Kelly McCausey. The quick guide shows you why should start podcasting (and it doesn’t require a huge time commitment, technical knowledge or funding), how to find your audience, put your podcast together and profit from it.

But that’s not all I got…Alice also puts together her monthly Essential Biz Notes which are personal thoughts, ideas and strategies from her about online business. Once again, she gave me a virtual boot kicking and shares her Top 5 Tips for Staying (or Becoming) Successful in 2009.

Psst . . .  here’s where you can grab your free copy of Alice’s Essential Biz Notes.

Anyway, I’ve got some more reading to do…and then get some work done. Click here to learn more about this month’s reports and the Sweetie Saturday Report Club.

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When you own a business online, the words you use on your website and in your articles and emails are what will determine whether your business is a success. Without speaking directly to those you market in a way they can understand and relate to, you can expect a slow moving business. So, how do you write for your market in a way that will get them to trust in and buy from you?

Here are 10 tips to make writing for your market profitable:

1. Create a Good First Impression
Your titles, be it article, email, blog posts or sales letter titles are extremely important. They are the first thing your reader sees and will be what determines if they continue reading what you have to say. Headlines and titles that are used correctly can gain new customers and clients.

2. Keyword Usage
Keywords are important to any website, but over use can actually cause more harm than good. You want your content to be keyword rich, but you should also focus on compelling content that grabs there attention. If you have to choose between keywords or attention grabbers, always go with the words that will keep your audience around to read more.

3. Add Personality
Every piece of writing you do should evoke a sense of passion. Write your articles and such as if they were going to be seen by the most important person in the world. After all, your customers should be extremely important.

4. Introductions are Important
Whether it is a service or product, if what you are offering is something new to your readers, always make a proper introduction. Don’t just throw information out there assuming they know what you are talking about. Highlight the benefits and features of what you are selling.

5. Accept Feedback
One way to really get people interested in what you have to say is to accept, and even ask for feedback from your readers. This will help start a conversation and get others taking part in your discussions. When you sit down to write an article or blog post, include questions or comments you’ve received in your content.

6. Tell a Story
Everybody loves a good story and if you can incorporate a story telling style to your writing it will make it easy for your readers to identify with you.

7. Avoid Being Pushy
Your readers are smart. Chances are they can spot sales hype a mile away if they’ve been online for even a short amount of time. Avoid writing in with a forceful, “I want your money” way by keeping things fresh and creative. The less pushy you seem to those reading your words the greater the odds they will keep coming back and naturally want to buy your product or service.

8. Be the Customer
Put yourself in your readers’ shoes. Think about just how much they want or need as far as information on a subject. Don’t short change them with less than necessary. On the flip side, don’t overload them either. Not everything has to be a novel in order to get your point across. Besides, people are busier than ever and the least amount of time it takes to get your point across to them the better.

9. Give a Reason to Visit Again
You should always give your readers a reason to come back to your website, blog, etc. Return customers become loyal ones who can help you generate sales. Bringing them back over and over will make it easier to establish the credibility you need to become the go-to person in your field.

10. Ask for Help when Necessary
Last, but not least, if you struggle with writing, don’t be afraid to ask for help from a professional copywriter. Ask for their suggestions to help tweak your work. Looking for help is not a weakness, but instead a smart business move.

Not everyone was born to write, but even if you are one who has difficulty putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), that’s no reason to stop your business growth because of words. Implement these 10 tips in your next piece of writing and see the difference it can make. Before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to creating content that will automatically draw people. There is no better way to create lasting and profitable relationships online.

To learn more about writing better for your business, visit Earn With Content.

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Have you ever felt like you’re just spinning your wheels - making no progress, not sure what to do next, or how to hurdle the road block that is stopping you from achieving success?

You’re not alone that’s for sure. I’ve felt like that many a time throughout my years in business, and truth be told, it plain ‘ole stinks! Especially when you have no one to help you get out of your funk so you can move ahead. But thankfully, since early 2007, I’ve been blessed with a support group like no other and haven’t had to worry about running into a wall.

You see, I found a group of women - who are also moms and business owners - who have been through it all at one time or another. A group of women who do not judge, who do not try to hold you back, who do not lie, steal, and cheat to get ahead . . . these women are my beloved “MM’ers,” the Mom Masterminds who stand strong and hold one another up.

I owe my business success to these women, but it’s not always about business. It’s also about helping and supporting each other through a health, family, and even financial crisis. I’ve seen MMer’s fork over money to help a fellow mom buy a new computer so she can keep working and supporting her family, I’ve seen money being donated to a teenage daughter who was going through cancer so she could buy scrapbooking supplies to help keep her mind occupied.

But it’s not just money . . .

It’s a kind a word, encouragement, prayers, a shoulder to cry on, and a butt kickin’ when we need it. It’s having a team of like-minded women behind you all the way, through every obstacle. Ya, it’s sappy, but it’s true and I just can’t say it any other way.  

Do you have a support system like this?

If not, I highly suggest that you grab your 7-day FREE TRIAL to Mom Masterminds. You’ll have 7 days to check out the forum and the business learning center (which is absolutely priceless), to see if it’s a fit for you and your business.

In fact, there’s no better time to grab your free trial then right now, because this week - Monday through Friday from 9:30am until 10:30am Eastern time - is “Breakthrough Week!”

Kelly McCausey is holding a daily Breakthrough session via Webcast with any and all MM members who need a little extra buttkickin’ and encouragement this time of year.

- If you’re in a funk - we’re going to kick it.
- If you’re feeling blue - we’re going to brighten things up.
- If you’re stuck - we’re going to get you unstuck.
- If you’re doing ok - we’re going to get you ALL fired up!

We are in the thick of the holiday season. We have everything under the sun to think about right now and on top of it many of us have financial worries hanging over head. All of this conspires to rob us of enthusiasm
for our businesses.

I do not want business or money fears hanging over your head this Christmas and that is what Breakthrough Week is all about.

Kelly will be joined by Life Coach Aurelia Williams - she’ll be helping to provide some much needed personal support to everyone who attends.

If need a business butt kickin’ and want to join in on “Breakthrough Week” for free, click here to head over to Mom Masterminds and see these ladies in action!

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Here are some fantastic business to business offers I wanted to share with you. The first 3 are my own, but you’ll find others as well. Enjoy

Offer Details: Membership access to the Special Report Club for only $12.97/month. Reg. membership price is $19/month.
Where: Click Here to get discounted price.
Offer Expires: Dec. 16/08

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Offer Details: Instant access to every content marketing kit for just $12.97 ($83 value)! And you’ll also get the upcoming “Earn With Product Descriptions Pack” free ($12.97 value) as soon as it’s released.
Where: Earn With Content
Offer Expires: Dec. 16/08

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Offer Details: Copywriting package reg. $997, discounted price is just $500. Booking for Jan. 5th/09.
Here’s what you get: (excludes graphics like ecover, headers, etc. Just comes with basic template and possibly images, bullets, etc.)

• Sales letter
• Opt-in page offering sample, free gift to build list
• 5 related articles for article marketing or to provide affiliates with
• Keyword research
• 3 blog posts for marketing or to provide affiliates with
• 5 pay-per-click ads
• 5 forum/email signatures
• 5 day ecourse to capture visitors who don’t buy. Ecourse will give them tips/info, and refer to your product.
• 1 promotional email
• 1 follow-up email (sent after promo email)

Where: Click Here to get discounted price.
Offer Expires: Dec. 16th/08

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Offer From: Lynette Chandler
Offer Details: 1 free month of BlogEnergizer and pay just $10/month after.
Where: http://blogenergizer.com/s3/

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Offer From: Lynette Chandler
Offer Details: Get 50% off BloggingStarterPack.
Where: Blogging Starter Pack
Coupon Code: BSP0812

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Offer From: Lynette Chandler
Offer Details: Product is still in beta (no sales letter or landing page) Tentative reg. pricing is $249/month and offer is $50/month discount. Lynette can provide:

• 2hrs of technical assistance/month
• Private forum access to me 4 days a week every week for technical consultation, streamlining and brainstorming
• Daily blog or website backup for 5 sites
• Daily blog/website security scanning for 5 sites

Where: Technical Management Service

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Offer From: Wendy Wood
Offer Details: PLR Food Content Discount - 35% discount on any PLR packs. 
Where: PLR Food Content
Coupon Code: A7E16
Offer Expires: 12/15/08

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Offer From: Wendy Wood
Offer Details: Christmas Mega Graphic Pack - 30% off this HUGE package of holiday graphics that are great for websites, craft projects and more.
Where: Graphic Pack
Coupon Code: XMAS30
Offer Expires: 12/15/08

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Offer From: April Jones
Offer Details: Every blog design or blog makeover package purchased from Advantage Virtual Assistant, she will include a free matching custom graphics package ($50 value).
Where: Advantage Virtual Assistant 

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Offer From: Carrie Lauth
Offer Details: Anyone who purchases 1hr. business coaching with Carrie gets a free copy of her mini course money info product.
Where: Click here to reserve your business coaching and request your free copy of mini course money
Expires: Dec. 16/08

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Offer From: Wendy Wood
Offer Details: 50% off your first month to Mom PLR Ebooks ($19.97/month).
Where: Mom PLR Ebooks
Coupon Code: F646E
Offer Expires: Dec. 31st

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Ecourses are a great tool for teaching your market because your “expert” status builds with each email that goes out to your subscribers. The more your readers trust you, the higher the chance you have of converting them in buyers.

Trouble is, actually sitting down and writing out a 5, 7, or even 10 day ecourse can be a little overwhelming. So you’ve likely put it off more than once, am I right?

But the truth is, when you don’t have an ecourse on a topic of interest to your market, you’re leaving money on the table. So isn’t it time you wrote that ecourse?

Here’s how to put some extra cash in your pocket . . .

My buddy Carrie Lauth (of naturalmomstalkradio.com) is offering her Mini Course Money for FREE when you grab an hour’s worth of one-on-one business coaching with her.

The Mini Course Money is a step by step tutorial that shows you how to brainstorm an idea for a mini course, the technical aspects of putting it together, finding content to fill your autoresponder, and ways to monetize your mini course so it can make you money while you do other things.

You can use the coaching session to talk about any aspect of your internet business, or she can help you research a topic for your mini course, learn where and how to develop content for it, and how to monetize and market it.

Click Here to reserve your coaching and request your FREE copy of Mini Course Money! You can learn more about Carrie at her blog: http://www.carrielauth.com/blog

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