Have a Plan, a Path, a Purpose, and a Process for your business.

So….

What does that mean?

• Have a Plan each day stating what you are going to do TODAY to help your business grow.

• Have a Path…what will you do to make the business grow? Advertise in the news? Ezines? Email marketing? Decide today.

• Have a Purpose…where do you want to end up? What is the final picture for your lifestyle?

• What is your Process? When you start creating systems in your business…what ONE system will you create TODAY?

ARE YOU READY FOR CHANGE?

ARE YOU READY TO GET HELP?

ARE YOU READY TO GET CLARITY, FOCUS,

A SPECIFIC PLAN OF ACTION?

If so, email Patricia@patriciadrain.com for a 15-minute strategy session, and learn more about the mentor programs we are launching.

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YEARS ago, we had a speaker at our event, Maximizing Success, and his name was T. Harv Eker. He shared THE JAR SYSTEM with all of us that day, and it changed many peoples’ lives regarding money. Whenever I find something that is good information AND life-changing, I think it is MY responsibility to share it.

Here’s how it works. Divide your money between 6 jars, and label the jars as follows:

1. Financial freedom account (FFA): This jar is for your financial freedom. Each month, put 10% of your income in this jar. Money you put in this jar can be used to invest, start a business, create a passive income stream, etc.

2. Necessities (NEC): Put 55% of your income in this jar for your necessities. It’s for things like paying bills, food, necessary clothing, etc.

3. Long term saving for spending (LTSS): Put 10% in this jar. You may have more than one LTSS jar. It’s for things like a plasma TV, your family vacation, contingency fund, your children’s education, etc. If you have more than one LTSS, divide the 10% between the jars according to your priority.

4. Education (EDU): The 10% that goes in this jar is for your own education. It could be used to attend seminars, buy books, etc. Basically, it’s for your continuing education and learning.

5. Play: Allocate 10% of your income for you to have guilt-free fun. Use it to go to a fancy restaurant you’ve been eyeing, or get a massage at a spa. Just do something fun. Let your inner child play.

6. Giving (GIV): Allocate 5% of your income to give to charity. If you want to allocate 10% for giving, take 5% off your NEC jar.

Many people think, ‘But I don’t have money. I’m barely getting by. How can I manage money if I don’t have money?’ If you’re one of those people, that is exactly why you need to use this jar system. If you have very little money, you can start by dividing $1 between the jars. The amount you put in the jars doesn’t matter. It’s the habit of managing money that’s important.

So find yourself a few jars, and start dividing whatever money comes in, into the jars. Mark your calendar 6 months from now–see if it changed your life and thoughts about money.

Hope you enjoy the exercise!Patricia

P.S.Just a reminder that we will be launching lots of new products and programs soon, so watch for them.

P.P.S.

Ezine readers, I need your help…  I have a client in San Francisco that has a seasoned staffing company for sale.. Know anyone? Email me patricia@patriciadrain.com if you do.

www.patriciadrain.com

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Today’s article was quite interesting to write because the entire time I was writing, I was watching the movie HE’S NOT THAT INTO YOU and I was thinking about how similar dating is to business relationships.

Have you seen the movie, or read the book? It gives insight into the dating world today and the cold hard reality of being single, with expectations that will very seldom be met. I decided to put a “business twist” on the thought process, and make a very good marketing point to live by in business.

In the movie, girls are just HOPING guys will like them, only to find out the guy who says, “I’ll give you a call” is never going to follow through. Unfortunately, the young women should know better than to believe that, but they appear helpless. You see scene after scene with girls staring at the phone hoping it will ring any moment.

Here is my business twist on that scenario:

It is the “cross your fingers and hope it works marketing plan.” It simply does not work. We need to be in front of our clients letting them know what’s in it for them to work with us. We simply can’t hope they will call us SOMEDAY!

The main character in the movie didn’t even care who she was dating - she just wanted to be with some guy, any guy. She didn’t realize that she needed to identify the kind of guy SHE wanted to be with.

Same thing in business… it’s called Target Marketing.

If all of us in business do not identify our TARGET MARKET (being very specific about that market), and then stay in front of that target market, we are not going to make the kind of money that is out there and available to each of us.

Every time I talk about marketing I emphasize that: The fortune is in the follow-up, but it is also in identifying your target market, creating a plan of action and implementing it.

This is where I personally see the biggest marketing mistakes. There is no follow-up plan after the first couple of connections with the client.

So, back to my 5-prong marketing theory: DECIDE WHO YOU WANT TO TARGET

1. Make the initial contact by e-mail, phone or in person.2. Call - leave a voice mail about what’s in it for them by doing business with you.3. Send a mailing telling them you want to earn their business.4. Send a fax with a cute cartoon about their business.5. Call and make the judgment as to whether this is a future client.

This theory has worked for me for years now so I know it works. But, I can count on one hand the people who follow up 5 times with me. I’m sure the same is true for you.

If you remember these 3 simple rules, you will always have business.

1. Follow-up is your fortune.2. You have to identify your target market.3. Have a plan of action and implement it.

Happy Marketing!

Respectfully,

Patricia Noel Drain CPC, CSP

www.PatriciaDrain.com 

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How could this ever be possible???

How could I work ON my business?? I was the company‘s top producer.

I was the one closing most of the deals, after all, I was the boss. I HAD to work IN the business in order to survive.

THEN I GOT IT… Until I created a business that worked without me, I only had a job, a very demanding job. At first you feel very protective of your “baby” (that business you nurtured and cared for), but eventually you have to let the “baby” grow up and take on a life of its own. One of my favorite questions for business owners who have started their own company is, “What does your ‘baby‘ look like today?”

Some of the responses have been as follows:

• An out of control teenager.

• A tired, sick old man.

• A frustrated old maid.

• An excited child with no focus.

• A baby just learning to walk.

For all you business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs reading this, have fun filling in the blanks.

What does your “baby” look like today? 

If your answer was right on track, profitable and fun, or that it is growing, then stop reading NOW. Please give the book to a friend or business associate who could use the information.

This book is for all those business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders who need guidance and advice in their business.

So how do you work ON your business instead of IN it?

I can only tell you what I did. You will have to design your own plan that fits your style and your company‘s. I did not quit running my desk overnight — that would not have worked in my situation.

But I did decide to start taking the early mornings NOT to go into the office, but to stay at home where I had peace and quiet and could think about what I wanted this business to look like when it was finished.

It bothers some business owners when I say ?finished? because they think it will always be a work in progress. If you are considering selling the business, you should have a “finished” product to sell.

That is when I wrote my first real business plan. Can you imagine starting a business and not having a business plan in place? If you are like the majority of business owners… yes you can.

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HOW DO YOU KNOW ME??

…….My Books…….My Events and Seminars…….My Speaking…….My non-profit work…….My sister referred you…….You know my dog, Hannah

QUESTION: I have heard that every great person who worked at the top of their game had a mentor. What is the definition of a mentor, anyway?ANSWER: The definition of MENTOR is a wise and trusted teacher. Today in business, a mentor and coach become interchangeable. It is a true statement that mentoring has always played a role in successful peoples’ lives. It is also a true statement that it is always best to have a mentor who has walked your walk.QUESTION: How does one find the right mentor for their needs?ANSWER: I know this answer because I have chosen the wrong mentors for me as I was growing my business. Always choose a mentor who has done what you want to do… been where you want to go… and accomplished what you want to accomplish.

Did you know?

We have a mentoring program with one of the best mentors in the country? That’s right… It is ONE-ON-ONE MENTORING WITH PATRICIA DRAIN!! It is THE business consultation that will help you develop clarity and a specific plan of action that is exciting to YOU!This is the consultation where “every minute counts”. Here is what some of the clients are saying:

Patricia is committed to inviting 10 new clients to do one-on-one sessions with her, so…If you are ready to TAKE ACTION…If you are ready to take your business to new heights…

Email Patricia@PatriciaDrain.com for your COMPLIMENTARY 15-minute consultation.

Patricia Noel Drain

www.patriciadrain.com

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I am doing something I have never done before.

I want to share a business strategy that has worked for years with my avid ezine readers, so I am re-publishing an ezine that went out to my readers 2 years ago, almost to the date (January 30, 2008). It was sent to Robyn Cummings, who owns a transcription company in Tennessee.

Robyn had never met me personally, but I had spoken at NAWBO (National Association for Women Business Owners), of which she was president at the time. I am a past president of NAWBO Phoenix Chapter, which is how I had her information.

She kept getting my ezines (electronic magazine), and finally a subject line arrived just when she needed to read it ….”Women business owners rule.”

She got in touch because I offered a free 15-minute strategy session (still do) to see if we were a fit, and the rest is history. We have worked together for 2 years now. She does all my transcription work for my speaking engagements and products, she joined my one-on-one mentor program, is now in my charter membership master mind program, and attends all my LIVE events, so I get to see her on a regular basis. Now, THAT is how business should be done. It is called relationship selling.

So what does that mean to you? Basically, there are 6 things that you could apply to your business today:

1. Newsletters work.2. Consistent marketing works.3. Building a database with your target market works.4. Providing a needed service works.5. Attention-getting subject lines work.6. Making an irresistible offer (in my case, free) works.

Consider the 6 points above and how I developed a relationship with a lifelong client and friend, Robyn Cummings, when you are thinking about your business plan for 2010. If you need something transcribed, email robynrctrans@gmail.com.

Respectfully,

Patricia Noel Drain

www.patriciadrain.com

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Good News! Maximizing Success is back and is coming to Boston, Massachusetts in March. I’ll be there, and I’m personally extending a special invitation for you to attend, too!

My mission is to help people become financially sound, and I will help you make that a reality.

During this powerful weekend, I’ll be sharing “How to Monetize Your Gifts and Double Your Income” along with 8 other world class presenters.

Join us for an amazing weekend at the Maximizing Success Wealth Retreat weekend in Boston, Massachusetts, March 20-21, 2010.

What makes this event unique is that it will teach you how to build wealth and create the lifestyle of your dreams. But I can only invite 20 guests at the early-bird price because seating is very limited, so you’ll want to check it out now.

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL - SAVE TODAY!

Offer good until February 1, 2010.

Register in January at the low general seating ticket price of just $197 per person, and we’ll upgrade you to VIP and even give you another VIP ticket for your guest. Registration valued at $1,495 per person.

Register Now and Get Two VIP Tickets for ONLY $197

www.maximizingsuccess.com* * * What to Expect When You Attend * * *“Multiple Streams of Income”Presented by Robert G. Allen

“How to Monetize Your Gifts and Double Your Income”Presented by Patricia Noel Drain”The Millionaire Maker”Presented by Loral Langemeier”How to Make Money in Your Bathrobe from eBay”Presented by Adam Ginsberg“Premeditated Success”Presented by Omar Peru”Bailout Riches”Presented by Bill Bartmann”How to Triple Your Online List & Increase Your Profits in 99 Days or Less”Presented by Joel Christopher“How to Become a Millionaire Entrepreneur with Little Experience or Background”Presented by Debbie AllenLearn more about the event and register online at:http://www.maximizingsuccess.comLooking forward to seeing you in Boston!PATRICIA DRAINP.S. Remember, seating is limited and the Early Bird Special ends on February 1st, so register now to get this outrageously “no brainer” deal at: www.maximizingsuccess.com 

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I love the week before the New Year because, for me, it is a time of reflection. I decided to add one more FREE teleseminar, filled with information that will not only help you reflect, but also give techniques for making more money doing what you love this next year. On December 30th (after Hanukah and Christmas, just before the New Year), I will be presenting…

HOW TO MAKE THE MONEY YOU DESERVE

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This is a very busy time of year, but certainly one of my favorites. It is so special to be living near family this year to celebrate the holidays.I am looking forward to meeting so many of you in person at the Phoenix event. We are almost sold out, so register today if you are still thinking about it.The free teleseminar is very special this month, because I will be speaking to you about a subject that is near and dear to my heart. Scroll down and register …..you will definitely get so much out of this hour.In the article today, I will be sharing my theme for 2010. I hope you enjoy the message!I love the week before the New Year because, for me, it is a time of reflection. I decided to add one more FREE teleseminar, filled with information that will not only help you reflect, but also give techniques for making more money doing what you love this next year. On December 30th (after Hanukah and Christmas, just before the New Year), I will be presenting…

HOW TO MAKE THE MONEY YOU DESERVE USING YOUR GIFTS AND TALENTS IN 2010

In this one hour, power-packed, FREE teleseminar (last gift of 2009), you will learn:

• 1 simple technique for finding your financial thermometer

• If it is really about the MONEY

• How to create a business around your talents

• How to generate the income you deserve

Tune in Wednesday, December 30th at 10am PST, 11am MST, 12 noon central, and 1pm EST, and let’s enjoy a powerful hour together.

REGISTER HERE for this free teleseminar.

__________________________________________

Last Secret for Building Your Business series.

Secret #3… read on

For years, I owned a Recruiting/Staffing firm in Phoenix, Arizona, interviewing people from all walks of life. Through the years, they continued to ask the same question: “Patricia, I know this sounds odd, but what should I be when I grow up?” Now, of course, they thought they were unique asking that question, but in actuality they were one of hundreds that asked the same question. That is the reason I wrote WHAT SHOULD I BE WHEN I GROW UP NOW THAT I’M 40, 50, 60. (For more information, go to www.whatshouldibewhenigrowup.com).

Now fast forward to today. I work one-on-one with hundreds of clients, all business owners, emerging speakers, and entrepreneurs, and guess what????

While some are asking the same question, the majority are asking why they are not making the money they deserve, now that they ARE all grown up.

Let me ask you these important questions:

ARE YOU MAKING THE KIND OF MONEY YOU DESERVE FOR PERFORMING YOUR SERVICE?

HAVE YOU DISCOVERED WHAT YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?

If you answered NO, you are not alone.

Most of us have never been taught to know what we should be when we grow up, nor how to make money doing what we love.

All of 2010 will be dedicated to just that challenge — HOW TO MONETIZE YOUR GIFTS, TALENTS AND SKILLS. I am even devoting a teleseminar on Dec. 30th to kick off the thought process. I hope you will join me.

Here it is — SECRET #3!

DRUM ROLL PLEASE…

All of us have gifts and special talents to share.The person who knows their gifts, shares their talent,and makes the kind of money they need to livethe lifestyle they desire – wins the game of business!!!

Quite a profound statement, huh? It is true.

Do you hear movie stars, athletes, people on TV, radio and movies always saying “I can’t believe I get paid to do this?” That’s because they are getting paid abundantly for their purpose on this earth.

My challenge for you today is:

• Spend some time uncovering your gifts

• Start setting up a business around those gifts

• Figure out how to get paid abundantly using your gifts

If you are still in doubt about how to do that, tune in on December 30th. You might have a “turning point” in your life that day.

Respectfully,Patricia Noel Drain

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