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07 April, 2010
- Intro From Joanna: Regrowth in Marysville
- BTS Tip: Message to Market Match
- Feature Article: 3 Fantastic Ways To Regenerate Your Business
- Joanna Recommends:
Million Dollar Masterclass
Australia - applications close on 9th April
“Presentation Secrets”
London – May 7th & 8th - Success Corner: Michelle McCarthy
Hi
I hope you all had a lovely Easter whichever part of the world you spent it in. If you’re like me, then Easter is a time not just for choccie eggs, but a chance to take some time out from the world. It’s an amazingly symbolic time of year and is the perfect opportunity to reflect on life – both personally and professionally.
This year Greg and I went to Marysville, nr Melbourne. Now, if you’re Aussie you’ll know all about what happened here. For those of you in the UK, about 18 months ago Marysville was almost completely destroyed by some just terrible bush fires. The town was practically demolished and hundreds of lives were lost. Greg and I had been to Marysville a couple of times before the fires but this was our first time back since. 
Going back was actually quite emotional for us both. There was so little of the town remaining and as we drove through the bush it was charred beyond belief. But here’s where the good news is. As you can see from the photo, peeking through the charred trunks of the eucalyptus trees were new buds of growth. The town itself had new buildings. There was a feeling of life slowly returning. There was such a feeling of renewal and regeneration. Resurrection even.
What do you need to cut back in order to blossom? For example, Greg and I have decided to start a family next year and so sadly, this is the last year we will be running the Million Dollar Masterclass. The graduate programme will continue but we simply can’t offer the high-level mentoring support a new class would rightly need. So we’re determined to make this year the best ever!
So, this week, the newsletter carries this theme of regeneration for your business. Here’s to new growth!
Love
Message to Market Match
For some businesses, the changing of seasons may mean you need to re-evaluate your product or service. Market trends necessitate us always staying on top of what your audience wants – at all times during the year. This BTS tip is all about matching your audience to your market.
- What you are delivering must match up to the people in your audience
- If they're not your target market - you won't sell
- It is possible to make sales from an audience that's not your target market - but it's so much easier when they are.
- Even if you are a terrible speaker - you will make money - if you have the right match.
3 Fantastic Ways To
Regenerate Your Business
Continuing this week’s theme of Easter regeneration, I thought it would be a good idea to share my springtime tips.
Just like plants or trees, businesses (and humans) need periods of rest before they can spring forward again.
Your Business Is A Tree
It needs roots to anchor itself, a solid trunk for strength, the branches are the different wings of your business, the leaves are your activities and the fruit of the tree are your rewards. And if you’re a competent gardener, then each Spring you’ll need to prune. Why do you prune? Because a gardener knows that in order to stimulate growth, there first needs to be cuts.
Tip 1 - Pruning Is Powerful
Yes, get those metaphorical scissors out (if you’re really feeling bold – the chainsaw!) and get pruning. Don’t be timid here – hack, chop and be brave! Get rid of the deadwood. Sometimes this means cutting off twigs that are actually still alive. It’s tough but true. 
Use springtime as an opportunity to let things go. What is not working in your business? What old assumptions no longer serve you? Are you still harbouring old ways of thinking? Are there staff members you need to let go? Are there areas in your business that no longer energetically feel right?
What do you need to cut away?
Tip 2 – Recharge Your Batteries
Now the deadwood has gone, what do you do next? You’re staring at a pruned back business but you’re still wondering what to do in order to make it grow. My suggestion is do nothing. Yes, that’s right. You don’t have to do a thing. Do you stare at a plant and will it grow? No, you feed it a little water, you place it in the sun, and if the plant is lucky, you feed it some fertiliser. You nourish it. This is what you do next. You take some time out to nourish yourself. Remember, my philosophy is that business guidance comes from within so when you are feeling nourished and full, then the externals of your business will also grow.
It’s time to go on that spa day you promised yourself. Take that yoga retreat. 
Go on a golfing holiday. Take a trip by the seaside. Go for a bushwalk. A mountain hike. Do something that will nourish you. Feel the sun on your face, swim in saltwater, breathe in the scents of the wood or the rainforest. Feel connected to nature.
Inject Life back in.
Tip 3 - Sharpen The Saw
What I love most about pruning is watching the fresh, new buds of regrowth appear. It always makes me smile. There’s something almost magical about it. You think you’ve killed your plant because it looked so bare and forlorn, but suddenly one day a sprig of green appears, and then another and another, and before you know it, the plant has exploded into life. What do you do now? There’s regrowth all over the shop! You need to train it to grow in the direction you want, because if you don’t the regrowth has no clear direction. So you stick a pole next to your plant and gently guide the direction of the new growth. You do not force it, you simply guide and allow the growth to follow your direction. With your help, the plant can grow to new heights.
If you’ve decided on a new direction, what training do you need to take you to that next level? Is there a course you need to take? A mentor you know you just have to study with? Is there a product you have to invest in? Do not think you need to grow your business all alone. Starting afresh is a bold move and there are tonnes of people out there who have trodden the path you now wish to take. Follow their gentle guidance to take you to new business heights.
Summary
So, there’s my 3 top tips for 
Springtime growth. Is there any pruning you need to do this week? What do you need to cut away? Perhaps you have already pruned, is now the time to take your rest and recharge for the next phase? Or maybe there’s a course you need to undertake. Whatever you choose, remember now is the perfect time for regeneration. The seasons are with you.
Would you like to use this article on your website or in your ezine? You can, as long as the information below stays intact.
About the author:
Dr Joanna Martin
Dr Joanna Martin is an internationally acclaimed speaker and sought-after educator who has taught over 40,000 people on three continents. She is also the author of the new book "The Lifestyle Shift".
Today, she trains entrepreneurs and professionals alike in key communication, leadership, and presentation skills. With her partner Greg, through their business, Shift Lifestyle they provide strategy and support for business owners who want a lifestyle, not just a living.
For more information go to: www.ShiftSpeakerTraining.com
If you need a speaker for your upcoming events, please contact our office.
Joanna's travel arrangements for the next few months:
- Australia: 28th January - mid April
- Europe: From 19th April
If you require international travel, we are open to this. Please contact us at info@shiftlifestyle.com or call our office to discuss.
Upcoming Events
Here's where you can see me live...
- 14th - 16th April, 2010: MDM Business Planning Workshop Melbourne, Australia
- 22nd - 25th April, 2010: Social Millionaire Summit London, UK
- 28th April, 2010: MDM UK Bonus Day London, UK
- 7th - 8th May, 2010: Presentation Secrets UK Tour London, UK
Million Dollar Masterclass
Australia - applications close on the 9th April
This is your Last Ever Chance to be part of my exclusive VIP mentoring club – remember this is the final year I will be running the Million Dollar Masterclass so there’s no more sitting on the fence. It really is now or never. This is only for people absolutely 100% committed to Massive Speaking Success. If you want to make 2010 the biggest and the best year yet and be part of something truly magical with us, then please call the Australian office now.
Click here to watch the webinar and find out more
Presentation Secrets
London 7-8th May
Do You Want To Be A 1 Million Pound Presenter?
Have you ever dreamed of living the life of a successful speaker? Travelling the world, inspiring people to follow their passion, and making a fortune from something you love? It has to be yes, right?! Well, the good news for all you lovely UK people is I’m going to take you Behind The Scenes and show you how I do exactly that – and how you can too.
At my Presentation SECRETS I’ll show you how any small business owner can use speaking and information marketing to leverage your business and make an extra £100, £1,000 and £10,000 a MONTH in extra income. I’ll be sharing the 4 and half secrets that made me a millionaire from speaking and from my elegant business model.
This is your opportunity to see me live and discover speaker training “Joey style”. Seats are already selling fast so click on the link, book your place now and grab those early bird goodies!
Michelle McCarthy
"I Got Over My Fears"
Michelle McCarthy
Cultural Awareness Advocate
Northern NSW, Australia
Opportunity International Australia provides people living in poverty with access to basic financial services – including small loans, savings accounts, insurance and business training. These services are know as microfinance, and they assist people who wouldn’t usually qualify for regular banking services because they have no form of collateral or formal identification.
Here’s how it works…
By helping a mother to buy a sewing machine to start a tailoring business or a father to buy seeds to plant a vegatable garden, small loans enable people in poverty to earn an income and provide for their families. 97% of loans are paid back, so the cycle can continue for years! Each successful business feeds a family, employs more people and eventually helps to empower a whole community.
Did you know that for only a $200 donation you can help one family start a business and employ one other person? This one loan once paid back can be used again and again. Many of us spend more than that on a night out with friends and once that money is gone, it’s gone!
Find out more about Opportunity International and how you can make a difference by visiting their website:
