Monique Q Caradine

MVP Sneak Peek Outline

Later today, I’ll be in a 1:1 MVP Strategy Session with a brilliant young author.

After releasing her book recently, she was disappointed when the initial buzz quickly fizzled out. 

She knows her story is important.  She just didn’t know how to construct an easy-to-execute, comprehensive strategy that would keep her message out there and position her as an expert.  

So, she reached out to me.

Listen to this 3 minute audio for a sneak peek at our session today:

What I love about this author is how quickly she decided this was right for her.  She immediately saw the value in having a shortcut to success.  Now THAT’s a visionary.

Here’s what happened in our initial conversation, which I call the “discovery session:”

She expressed her challenges and I listened.  She asked great questions and I answered.  After about 15 minutes she made the decision to invest — not in me, in HERSELF.

This author said “yes” to herself and now she’ll be walking away with a detailed media and marketing road map — all laid out in a handy binder that she can refer to again and again — plus, support from me, her VISIBILITY coach.

How cool is that?

These sessions provide lots of breakthroughs, easy to use tools, clarity and a way to shortcut your success.   Let’s talk about how an MVP 1:1 Session might look for you.  Schedule a “discovery” session with me and we’ll talk it through confidentially.  Go to http://JustAskMonique.com and get on my calendar!

Rae Lewis is unstoppable

Do you want to be unstoppable?

To be unstoppable, you must be willing to muster up the determination, courage and strength that it takes to achieve your vision–despite your fears, uncertainty, insecurity, lack of knowledge or any other perceived barrier.

When crazy things happen, unstoppable people don’t hide in the corner. Instead, they get thankful and know that they’re being prepared for something BIG.  Then, they PUSH even harder toward the goal.

That’s the lesson I learned from Rae Lewis Thornton this week.  She’s a 20 year survivor of AIDS and has lived with HIV for almost 30 years.  She was recently a guest on Perspective (you can see that episode below).

You think you’re going through something? Got something you want to complain about?  Having a little pity party because things aren’t going your way?

Try walking a mile in Rae’s shoes.  She takes 16 pills a day, is constantly fighting off infections, spends hours per week in the hospital and sometimes she is so weak she can’t even hold herself up.

Yet, even with all that, Rae Lewis Thornton doesn’t stop.  She still speaks to groups around the country.  She is a talented bracelet designer and somehow she maintains a powerful will to live despite the hand she’s been dealt. 

Why does this matter to you? 

It matters because if she can get up, look fabulous, command respect and stare death in the face daily, then certainly you can step over those little obstacles in your path to reach and exceed your goals right?

Certainly you can find the courage to be unstoppable too.  Right?

I believe that 2012 will be a year filled with breakthroughs for those who are ready.  Are you?

Who inspires you to be unstoppable?

Rae Lewis-Thornton: My50CHICAGO.com

ATTENTION:

Entrepreneurs, Experts & Executives who want to learn the secrets of marketing directly to your ideal client and getting highly valuable publicity for your business or brand, “super early-bird” registration is now open for those who want to secure their space at the absolute lowest price for a limited time!

SEE THE RAVE REVIEWS FROM THE LAST BOOTCAMP HERE!

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, MARCH 16 & 17, 2012 

Get Visible!

Hello fellow entrepreneur!  

I am thrilled to announce that once again, I’ll be hosting a LIVE, two-day, exclusive event for a small group of visionary entrepreneurs.

It’s called Monique Caradine’s VISIBILITY Bootcamp (formerly the Media, Marketing & Publicity POWER Workshop).   During this private, intensive and interactive session, I WILL PERSONALLY teach you how to leverage the media and use simple marketing techniques to GROW your brand and your profits.

I will also share insider media secrets with you that will help you FINALLY get your message in the media ON A REGULAR BASIS.

As you may know, I host a radio & TV talk show and have worked in media for 15+ years.  I’ve featured hundreds of guests — both celebrities AND everyday people — on my shows.  Some were good, some extraordinary, others…well, put it like this: they probably won’t be back on the show anytime soon  :(

However, with all my years of experience as a host, producer AND media consultant, I have learned the secrets to crafting a media-friendly story AND I’ve been coaching professionals like you on how to do it with excellent results!

LISTEN: Getting great publicity locally and nationally is not as difficult as you might think. It simply requires a plan. That’s why, by the end of this session, you will have a customized blueprint for your business’s marketing and media strategy.

It happens Friday and  Saturday, March 16 & 17, 2012, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

You’ll learn:

- Industry secrets that the pros use and how to become irresistible to the media.

- How to pitch the media.

- You’ll get to personally meet some of Chicago’s most influential media personalities and producers.

AND

You’ll learn the keys to my SIGNATURE 5-step publicity blueprint.

This LIVE event will be held at the Tinley Park Convention Center in South Suburban Tinley Park Illinois.  Located just 30-minutes from downtown Chicago, this convenient location offers easy access, free parking and plenty of great nearby restaurants.

EARLY-BIRD REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

$399.00

PLUS: If you have another VISIONARY colleague or co-worker that would benefit from getting VISIBILITY, register them too for only

$97!

LET ME BE HONEST: THIS BOOTCAMP IS NOT FOR YOU IF:

- You are not clear about your business goals.

- You are afraid to be featured on radio and TV.

- You don’t see the value in creating a media, marketing and publicity strategy for your business.

- You don’t think leveraging the media will help “YOUR” business.

- You don’t have time to invest in your marketing strategy.

- You are an author (our special bootcamp exclusively for authors is coming up later this year)

If any of the above areas are an issue for you, PLEASE DON’T REGISTER FOR THIS BOOTCAMP!

I am ONLY looking to partner with people who recognize the value in their message and are ready to stop being the “best kept secret!” I am also looking for entrepreneurs who want to do MORE than just “get by.”If you are ready to SHIFT your mindset AND use the media to deliver your message to your market and emerge as a “rockstar” expert in your field, then please sign up today!

This intense, highly-interactive bootcamp is limited to 40 motivated entrepreneurs so that I can work closely with you to help you create a strategy that will work effectively for YOUR business.

SO WHAT WILL YOU LEARN AND HOW WILL IT TRANSFORM YOUR BUSINESS?

***********

During this 2-day LIVE event, my media colleagues and I will personally teach you:

- How to discover your ideal (niche) market - These days it does not pay to have a hap hazzard approach to who you market to.  The more specific you are, the more effective you are and the more money you can generate.

- How to create your CORE media message - Once you know your market, you can speak their language and articulate what problems you solve for them.  This makes you a “target market magnet.”

- How to build relationships with the media- You will learn unique, creative and affordable ways to speak directly to your audience in a language they’ll understand AND respond to.  PLUS: On day 2, we’ll have our MEDIA POWER TALK with some of Chicago’s most noted media professionals.  They are producers, on-air talents and decision makers who will tell you exactly what kinds of stories they are looking for and how you can get your noticed.

- How to position yourself as a media expert - TV & radio shows are ALWAYS looking for well-spoken experts on everything from food, to diet, to relationships, to politics, to business and more.  I’ll show you EXACTLY how to put on your expert hat and it doesn’t require a billion advanced degrees!

- How to pitch the media effectively and become a “media magnet” - I’ll show you a proven and time-tested strategy for getting lots of great media opportunities on a regular basis.  It takes 4 easy steps and ANYONE can do it.

- How to drive potential clients to your business by leveraging your media appearances – Any media appearance you get validates your credibility in your field.  I’ll show EXACTLY you how to leverage your media appearances to drive interested prospects to your door.

Again, my goal is to provide as much, one-on-one attention as possible.  Only small number of serious-minded business people will be accepted into this course. That’s because I want you to walk away knowing EXACTLY what your message is and how you can leverage it to BECOME A MEDIA MAGNET. I also want you to have a clear, easy-to-execute media, publicity and marketing strategy for your business or brand.

ARE YOU READY?

If so, take advantage of the “Early-Bird rate of only $399!

PLUS: If you know of another VISIONARY entrepreneur who would benefit from getting VISIBILITY,

Register them too for only $97!

This LIVE event will be held at the Tinley Park Convention Center in South Suburban Tinley Park Illinois.  Located just steps away from the Holiday Inn & Suites Hotel and 30-minutes from downtown Chicago, this convenient location offers easy access, free parking and plenty of great nearby restaurants.

WHEN YOU REGISTER, YOU GET LOTS OF GREAT BONUSES TOO!

By participating in this event, YOU will receive:

- A beautiful 3-ring binder to keep all your course handouts organized and easily accessible

E-book

- A copy of my Publicity POWER e-book, filled with templates and other resources you can use to get publicity

- An invitation to a Q&A follow-up session with me to answer any questions you have once the bootcamp is over.

PLUS:  You’ll have the chance to network with other visionary entrepreneurs who are ready to to get out of obscurity and position themselves as experts so they can get known NOW!

 

 

 

I have had the pleasure of coaching and training people from around the world.  Here’s what some of them have to say:

“I’ve learned more from Monique in one workshop than I learned in 2 years in other programs.”

-Bahiyah Shabazz, Fabulous & Money Savvy Coach

I must say that your information in your books, “Successful Media Relations” and “How To Make Your Story Irresistible To The Media” have both encouraged me greatly. I’ve had two interviews before reading your books, and I believe my next interview will be even better because of you.  I have more confidence now because of your info and I look forward to my next interview. Thank you so much!

-Marcus Boston, Author

Always well poised and well spoken, Monique is an excellent communications coach. If you are looking to raise your professional profile in your industry, or are being called upon to represent your company at conferences and in the media, Monique is the communications coach you want.”

-Deborah Gray-Young, Marketing Strategist
Lil’ Bizness Marketing Solutions

Momentum-Media is an excellent source for publicity information and support. The enthusiasm and motivation we received during consultation has resulted in a significant increase in productivity and profitability.” 

-Ebony Tillman, DJT Publishing Company

“Monique – thank you so much for taking the time to share those valuable interview tips with me. You’ve empowered me to embrace my own expertise and to embrace the media. It was clear that you are very knowledgeable in the area of media training and I look forward to being able to continue to benefit from your services. Thanks again!” 

-Jeanene Cannon, President & CEO of Physique Complete, LLC

 ”Monique is amazing at what she does and is top notch!

-Saideh Browne, President
Platinum Speakers Bureau

 

My Personal Guarantee:

I look forward to having you join the ranks of entrepreneurs, executives and experts whom I have equipped to take on the media with confidence and boldness!  As a seasoned media professional, I teach from EXPERIENCE, not theory.  I know what works and I am ready to share these insider secrets with YOU.

If you invest the time to apply the strategies that I share and you DO NOT feel more confident about targeting your market and taking your message with the media, simply return all the materials from this bootcamp and you can receive a full refund–NO QUESTIONS ASKED.

This LIVE event will be held at the Tinley Park Convention Center in South Suburban Tinley Park Illinois.  Located just 30-minutes from downtown Chicago, this convenient location offers easy access, free parking and plenty of great nearby restaurants.

YES!  Please include me as part of this exclusive group of entrepreneurs to take advantage of the $399 “early-bird” tuition rate!

 AND DON’T FORGET!

Register a friend or colleague for just $97!

 

Got questions?  Feel free to email my most capable team member: Erica Bell at ebell@moniquecaradine.com

My mouth almost hit the floor last week when I talked to one of my favorite clients.  

She’s someone I’ve been media coaching for sometime now.   She’s brilliant.   She’s worked in publicity at some BIG corporate powerhouses but building her own brand was new terrain.  

So since she teamed up with me, I’ve taught her my signature strategies for leveraging the media, cultivating an irresistible message and building a powerful brand.  I’ve also featured her on my show and helped her book interviews on a couple of other media outlets.

Well anyway, she tells me last week that as a result of her last 4 interviews, 2 of which I helped her get, she’s secured approximately $30,000 in business.  

Yes.  You read right…30K.

“Are you serious?”  I asked.

 ”Deadly serious,” she said.

 Now I’m good at teaching people media but she took it to a whole new level!

 ”All I did was followed your blueprint,” she said.

She also told me she carries around a binder I gave her which includes my signature 5-step media, marketing & publicity blueprint. 

So there are 3 basic things she said she does in every interview:

1.) Develop an action-driven, step-by-step media message to guide the interview.  The media love experts who can give practical, step-by-step advice to their audience…especially this time of year.

2.) Share a personal “trial to triumph” story. This helps your audience connect with you.  I help my clients identify exactly what that story is.  This strategy works like a charm.

3.) Always give the audience an “easy” call to action. Give them a website, an easy toll-free number or instant access to you via email, twitter or whatever so that they can step into your “world” and from there a beautiful relationship can be built.

Now obviously everyone’s results will be different (needless to say, hers were outstanding) and I NEVER promote a cookie-cutter approach or make any specific monetary guarantees about results because every business is unique.

However, what I know for sure is that 99% of people miss opportunities in media interviews and they leave money and valuable relationships on the table because they miss these simple steps.

That’s why I LOVE working with entrepreneurs in my signature MVP (Marketing, Visibility & Profits) 1:1 strategy sessions. They can literally revolutionize the power of your message and the potential in your business.

Nevertheless, I was still shocked at this woman’s results based on such easy steps…

“That’s all you do?” I asked again.

“Yes,” she replied.  “That’s how you told me to do it!”

Nice.  I love that…and what she paid me was a mere fraction of what she received in return!

That’s the power of “purpose-driven” publicity!  Now, who else can I help?  :) 

If you want to know more about my signature Marketing, Visibility & Profit Strategy sessions, email me!  mo [at] moniquecaradine [dot] com.

I looked at that scale and my mouth almost hit the floor!  

I’m not even going to go into exactly what the scale said cuz I can just hear people now saying “You still skinny,” and “Girl please, that aint nothin!”

getting it in, December 2011

Whatever. That’s not the point. The truth is, I am not huge at all.  In fact I never have been. But I am not at MY ideal weight.  I know where I need to be to feel and look my best and right now–thanks to waaay too much Puerto Rican food and very little exercise–I am not there.

The worst part of it all is the fact that when I gain weight, it tends to collect right in my mid-section.  Needless to say, not a good look.

So now I’m ready to get what I call “reFit.”  That means I have to re-commit to regain my fit physique.

You might recall when I first lost a lot of weight.  About 27 lbs to be exact working with John Hall. I was fly and I felt better at that point than I had in about 15 years! That was about two and a half years ago.  I remember exactly what made me commit to getting the weight off:

TURNING POINT #1: We were on vacation.  Our bathroom had a full-length mirror.  I got out of the shower one day and saw myself in the mirror.  For a split second I was startled.  I could have sworn someone else was in the bathroom with me because that “juicy Lucy” could NOT have been me!  It was.

TURNING POINT #2: I went to the doctor for my annual check up.  The physician’s assistant weighed me.  I was 156 lbs which for my height and body type was about 2 lbs away from being considered overweight (according to the BMI chart).  Seriously?  WTF!

TURNING POINT #3: I was about to turn 40.  I did not want to get there and look…well, 40.  I had to do something and quick.

TURNING POINT #4: I looked down one day and because my stomach protruded so, I almost couldn’t see my toes.  That creeped me out so bad.  I knew it was time to draw the line.

So I hooked up with John Hall and he helped me get healthy again.  Damn was I fierce!

However, here we are, almost 3 years later, and I’m quickly getting back to the point where I have to put too much effort into seeing my toes.

So, I’m taking action.  My goal is simple:

Do something physically challenging everyday for the next 10 days.

This is a short term goal.  I established it so I wouldn’t feel overwhelmed by the long term goal which is to make working out a way of life.  I want it to become a natural part of my day–like breathing.

So far this week, I’ve done yoga (which was an excellent workout), some jump rope, I did John Hall’s “Your Body is Your Gym” workout (which I shot and produced and added to my YouTube Channel.  You should watch it) and today I’m doing 45 minutes on the bike. 

If you haven’t worked out in a while, you may want to start out by simply taking a brisk walk to the end of the block or just walk up and down your stairs a few times.  Whatever you decide, just do something!  Let’s start a MOVEMENT movement!

I’m still not sure exactly how I’ll manage this hair of mine, but I’ll figure it out.  In my next post about fitness, I’ll interview a hair professional who will give us advice on hair care products that will get us through our new active lifestyles so we can still look fabulous!

Have you reached your turning point yet?

On the business side of life, the plans are set and the strategy is in place for 2012.  I’ve learned some big lessons in 2011 and this is going to be a brilliant breakthrough year!

But personal and family life are important as well.

So how do I make that side of life just as great?

Tony & TJ

After spending some time thinking about it, I have decided that instead of making some grandiose resolution (that I’ll probably kick to the curb after 2 days) there are really only a few simple things I need to do consistently EVERYDAY to make this an all around spectacular year:

1.) Read/meditate on the bible and thank God for the Word. (cuz sometimes, I just don’t make it a priority)

2.) Kiss Tony & TJ. Tell them “I luv u.” (cuz sometimes, things get so hectic we forget and life is too short)

3.) Do something physically challenging. (well, u know how THIS is…at the end of the day, that couch be callin…)

4.) Focus on the BIG goals (purpose). Never let fear cause me to make excuses or get sidetracked. (cuz sometimes it’s easier to waste time on Facebook than to truly accept and walk in God’s plan for my life)

5.) Proclaim my total prosperity in every area of life. (cuz it’s important to speak my own healing, abundance, happiness and prosperity.  There’s power in words!)

6.) Laugh. (cuz it just feels good!)

‘Nuff said.

10.  The OWN network will finally find its own identity.

Oprah will have a divine revelation and tap into the formula for better, more creative and compelling programming.  As usual, she will defy all the naysayers, go against conventional wisdom, partner with some hot, unconventional talents and OWN’s ratings will soar (actually, this won’t be fully realized until 2013, but we’ll start to see the momentum in 2012).

9.  The democrats will grow a spine and Americans will finally see the republicans for the self-absorbed, vindictive, power-hungry cry babies they really are.

8.  A record number of people will fire their bosses and hire themselves.

Americans will realize that they cannot put their faith or their future in the hands of corporate entities whch are only concerned about their bottom line.  People are already waking up to this reality.  They will start doing what they love, making money at it and finally finding true happiness. Those who were once at the bottom will begin to elevate themselves.

7.  More so-called “authority” figures will fall from grace (i.e. Bishop Eddie Long, Joe Paterno, Sandusky, etc) as the covers are pulled off their corrupt dealings.  This will happen in politics, religion and in business. 

6.  Black America will experience a new awakening as women start to reclaim their role as cultural gatekeepers. 

We will re-emerge as fearless and outspoken leaders, courageous mothers and loving and supportive mates to our spouses.  We will begin to overcome a legacy of self-hate.  Our families will begin to heal. 

5. First Lady Michelle Obama will become more outspoken.

Lady O will show the world how brilliant she is by offering solutions to long-standing social issues that impact us globally. Her boldness will be overwhelming and will capture the attention of people around the world. 

4. The concept of black leadership will be completely revolutionized. 

Old guard leadership begin to crumble and new visionary leadership will emerge, changing the way people of color are perceived in the U.S. and around the world.

3.  Haiti will begin to experience a significant recovery politically, socially and economically.

2.  President Obama will be re-elected in one of the most contentious presidential elections in history. 

There will be no mistaking that he hails from the South Side of Chicago.  He will move forward as the leader we’ve been waiting for.  He will be audacious in his approach to bringing about the change he spoke of in 2007-08.  People who were once at the bottom will move toward the top.  President Obama will call the corrupt politicians to the carpet. He will be despised by the status quo but they will not be able to hurt him.  He will be revered and protected by the people.  His fearlessness will be undeniable.  He will consistently kick ass and take names. 

1. There will be a global spiritual revival. 

People will begin to reject schizophrenic ideals about God that permeate American culture.  There will be a powerful movement to put God back in schools and back at the center of families and American life.  Many will be persecuted, ridiculed, maybe even killed within this movement but it will advance nevertheless.

What say you??

I am so happy to see 2011 come to an end!  This year has been filled with ups and downs for me personally and professionally. 

The good news is, I made significant shifts in my business that will ensure big breakthroughs this coming year.  I planted lots of good seed and I’ve fearlessly taken steps toward massive success.  I’ve also had the pleasure of coaching others toward levels of success they never imagined.  How gratifying!

The not-so-good news is, on a personal level, I spent a good chunk of the year battling a chronic condition called endometriosis, which I’ve had for the better part of 20 years.  It flared up this year and as a result, I spent more time than ever in the hospital. 

Of course I didn’t talk much about this publicly because I refused to let it stop me, but after what I’ve gone through I will be doing a lot more awareness-building around endometriosis so that other women won’t have to endure what I did.

Nevertheless, I have grown a lot this year and growth is ALWAYS good no matter what the cost.  So here are my 3 best success tips from the business lessons I learned in 2011: 

1.    Always invest in a coach, mastermind group or accountability partner who will take you to a higher level.  When I hired my first coach back in 2009, I did it reluctantly.  In my mind, working with a coach was an admission that I couldn’t get something done on my own or that I was “weak.”  I guess I assumed that entrepreneurs have to have “super powers” and know how to do everything perfectly.

Thank goodness I overcame that self-sabotaging belief!  That mindset turned out to be the very thing that was holding me back. 

Thanks to my coach, who was one of the BEST in the business, I not only achieved a greater sense of clarity, I also began to value coaching and I broke through to a new level of success.   Now, I make sure that I always either have a coach or that I am in a mastermind group with high-achieving professionals who are smarter than me.  I now know that if I am that smartest one in the room, I need to move to a new room!

So this year, I have made a HUGE investment in a coach who will hold my hand through EVERY aspect of marketing my business.  It’s kind of scary to think of the commitment that I’ve made but I believe that in order to get extraordinary results, you have to be willing to take extraordinary steps.  By no means am I in my comfort zone and that’s a good thing!

This year, thanks to my coach, you will see me take quantum leaps in building my business and my brand.  

Do you have a coach?  If not, get one.  Search high and low for the right coach.  In fact, you probably already have an idea of a person you want to work with.  Stop procrastinating and being so concerned about what it will cost.  Money should NEVER be the thing that stops you from reaching your destiny.  

LISTEN: It’ s time that you come to grips with the fact that your success requires an investment on your part.  Stop being one of those people who always wants to “pick peoples’ brains!”  Instead, invest in that brain power if you value it!

If you can’t afford a coach, ask an expert if you can invest in an hour of their time so that you can ask them 10 well-thought out questions about how they achieved _________ .  Let them know what your budget is.  If all you have is $300 to spare, offer that. If that offends them, they will tell you but usually people will appreciate your offer and give you far more insight than you paid for.

I feel sorry for the female entrepreneur I talked to recently…

She explained to me in detail all the challenges she’s been facing in her business.  She needed help bad.  Yet when I mapped out how I could help her and shared what the investment would be, she instantly dismissed it as “out of her budget” and I never heard from her again.  The sad part is, without the help of a coach or accountability partner, she will probably be in the same position this time next year.

In 2012, leave that stagnating mindset about not being able to afford a coach behind and decide that this is YOUR year.  You are too brilliant to be broke!

2.    Always be working on something BIG.  One of the most common mistakes I see entrepreneurs make is allowing themselves to get bogged down with small, meaningless, “time-wasting” tasks.  If the first thing you do when you start your day is check email and check to see how many people “liked” your last FaceBook post, you are doomed to mediocre success.  Serious entrepreneurs who are committed to constant growth DO NOT allow email and facebook to be the focal point of their day.  You are too brilliant for that!  

Instead of focusing on small stuff, make plans to strategically complete projects that lend themselves to your brilliance and your growth.  Spend your time creating and developing projects or initiatives that position you as an expert, build your brand and allow you to solve problems for your target market.  Come to grips with the fact that email and FACEBOOK are primarily time wasters!  Sure they can be used as tools for marketing and brand building (I use them frequently) but as with everything you have to be strategic. 

HOW?

Check email twice a day, not every five minutes.  85% of email is junk so stop wasting your time.

Limit the time you spend on social media.  Don’t be one of those people who seems to ALWAYS be on FaceBook fussing and ranting about randomness.

Instead, use your online platforms to build relationships and construct an image you want potential clients to seek and admire. Either schedule your social media posts to go out automatically or designate a limited time during the day when you log in to post.  

If ranting about your kids or discussing your personal pet peeves and failed relationships is not consistent with your brand then DO NOT use FaceBook as an outlet! Instead, get a therapist.  

Otherwise, use your precious time to work on something BIG: write, create, develop, get new clients or find new ways to provide exceptional service to your current ones. Focus on turning your brilliance into profits.

3.    Always SHOW UP when you show up.  In other words, when you attend meetings, events, affairs or anything where you could potentially meet new clients or expand your sphere of influence, you need to look the frickin part!   If you don’t really want to SHOW UP, then don’t show up!  Don’t just assume that you can fade into the background because that is no place for you! 

This has truly been one of my biggest challenges.  In the past, I would dim my light so that others wouldn’t feel uncomfortable around me.  I would show up dressed down, hair in a ponytail with jeans on so people wouldn’t be like, “Who does she think she is?” 

Now, those days are over.  As I embrace the fact that I am fast becoming a national brand, I realize that I have to SHOW UP! I have to be dressed and have my hair and make up done even if I don’t feel like it because when I let my light shine, I give others permission to do the same.

So go ahead and wear a blinged out shirt, or your fave bold color, or your signature bag or something fabulous with your logo on it.  When you do, people will notice you (some may hate on you) and others will remember you … and that’s exactly what you want them to do!

I have a few other BIG business lessons I’ve learned that you can read more about here, but in the meantime, what were your biggest 2011 lessons learned…business or personal? 

::WRITTEN BY ADRIENNE GRAHAM::

I love giving advice. I write blogs, articles and a newsletter. I host a radio show. I tweet, Facebook and share nuggets

no brain picking please!

of advice almost daily. So what is it in all of that, that would make anyone think they can still have the right to “pick my brain”?

I can’t tell you how flattering it is to be approached by representatives from major companies seeking my wisdom and advice. It show they are listening and like what I have to say.

But often I find the road ends when they are just on a fact finding mission. That mission is to pick my brain to gather as much free intel and knowledge they need to make their jobs easier.

Not gonna happen, sorry. My brain costs money to maintain. There’s training, classes to attend, reading (I have to buy books), gaining certifications, costs of memberships so I can network, attending conferences and mastering my skills that all cost me money.

I have to protect my investment. How fair is it to me to give away all the knowledge I have acquired that I use to make my living, pay my bills and eat?

Now, don’t get offended. If you do, maybe you deserve to be offended because you’re one of those aforementioned brain pickers.

There have been many articles written and discussions formed around this very subject. With the Internet being so widely available loaded with free information, people automatically assume that you too have to provide information for free.

My response to that is go ahead and read the free stuff. But when you still find yourself lacking answers, then apparently the FREE stuff doesn’t work. You can’t come to a professional and ask them to work for free. In essence, that is what you’re doing when you ask to pick someone’s brain.

How would you feel if your boss came to you and said, Hey since we can get this done from information from the Internet, I won’t be paying you today. Go ahead, let it sink in. Got that visual yet? Good. That’s exactly how I feel whenever someone wants to take me to lunch or call me to pick my brain.

If you’re like (how I used to be) you’ve given away tons of valuable information. I never once minded helping people out. It’s the ones who keep coming back for more freebies and those who take my ideas, implement them, find success, then never offer to repay me for my time.

And no, a turkey sandwich is not payment for something that helped you overcome an obstacle and either created value or additional revenue for your company. I charge my paying clients very good money for my expertise and results. How would they feel to know that I’m giving out free advice? Not too swell I would imagine. In fact I hope they don’t call me demanding refunds!

The most prevalent question I get is how do you draw the line? Deciding the point where you begin to charge is tough, especially if you’re just starting out.

But your knowledge has value. You’ve invested time and money into learning your craft and it’s not fair for people to expect you to give it away for free. Even friends need to understand there are boundaries.

For example I will no longer advise my friends or family for free. (Wow, I just made some people mad….they’ll get over it!). I have businesses to run, employees to pay, mortgage to pay, office rent to pay, college tuition, etc, etc, etc.

I’ve told this to friends who have promptly replied, “Me too, you know I don’t have much money”. SO WHAT. That means you either have to delay your plans or come up with the money to fund your dreams. Period. Giving away information is the quickest way to end up evicted or foreclosed on. Put that in proper perspective for a moment.

If you’re having problem drawing the line in the sand, here are some rules of thumb you should follow:

• Believe that what you know is valuable. If it wasn’t then why are they coming to you? You’re their chance to solve a problem or find a solution. That has value. Charge for it.
• Create a fee schedule. Whenever someone wants to pick your brain, make sure you have your fee schedule in front of you. Give them a quote for how much it will cost them. They’ll either pay it or move on. If they move on, good riddance. They weren’t interested in paying you anyway. Let them figure it out on their own.
• Decline lunch/coffee invitations unless they are strictly non-business.If the conversation swings around to business, quickly and politely tell them you’re off the clock. If they are interested in a consult they can book an appointment and let them know what the charge is for that.
• Keep it light. Some of you will probably cave and throw a few nuggets out there. If you do (I hope you don’t), keep it general. Give the why and what but never the how. Anything beyond the why and what comes with a charge. And don’t even point them in the direction to obtain the how. That’s short changing yourself.
• Prominently post that there are no freebies. OK not in those words. But if you have a blog or website, and even on your social media profiles, make sure you mention that consultations are available at a fee.
• Exchange for equal value. This puts you in an advantageous bargaining position. If someone requests free information or help, you must feel comfortable in asking for an in kind value service. Assess what they have that can be of equal benefit for you. If they are genuine, they should have no problem in an even exchange of knowledge. Only you will know if what they have is equal to what you’re giving.
• Refer them to your “free” resources. If you write a blog, have published articles, have archived videos or podcasts or have a show in which you dispense advice, refer them to that information. Explain that those are the only free information sources you offer. Anything specific or beyond what’s readily available has a cost.
• Don’t be afraid to send them to Google. You can recommend they go to Google, or any other search engine or to sites that have articles or information about what they need advice on. You can also recommend a book or magazine that might be helpful. Let them expend that energy they would have used in meeting you at Starbucks and hit the search engines to find their answers. Problem is, they’ll be overwhelmed with varying degrees of information. Not fun for them, but when they’re ready to put it in proper perspective and implement, they can come to you…for a consult…a paid consult.
• Ask them for a paying referral. If they truly want your expertise, they have to be willing to help you out too. It’s kind of like the Equal Exchange point I made above crossed with paying it forward. Before you dispense any advice, ask them to provide you with referrals to others who most certainly need (and can afford) your service.
• Don’t back down. I know it’s hard to say “no” sometimes. But you can’t back down. People will know how far they can bend or push you. Stand firm, set your boundaries and guard your treasures (your brain and the know how in it). The minute you compromise you devalue yourself and your expertise.

Most people are afraid to draw the hard lines in the sand for fear of angering a friend or losing a potential client or opportunity. Trust me, if they will walk away because they cannot get a freebie, they weren’t meant to be a client and there was no real opportunity in it for you.

Many in the marketing circles will tell you the freebie give away is vital. But it doesn’t always lead to a sale. Likewise giving away what you would do in a given situation during an interview will not necessarily lead to you being hired. It’s up to you to determine what you’re willing to give away and how much of it. Know your worth, understand your value. Stop being taken advantage of. No more freebies.

Til next time.

Adrienne Graham
No, you can’t pick my brain!

Do you like this article and want to reprint or share? You can, as long as you include this in its entirety:

Adrienne Graham is the Founder & CEO of Empower Me! Corporation (www.empowerme.org). She is a strategist that helps people grow their career, business or network in any economy. She is the voice behind Views from the Top Radio Show, and the creative visionary behind Empower Me! Institute and Empower Me! Magazine. Her writing and shows focus on Career Management, Networking Strategies, Entrepreneurial Success and Small Business Management. You can also find her causing a ruckus on Forbes.com.

In the past 10 days I have talked to no less than a dozen entrepreneurs.  They have confided in me their frustrations about struggling in business.  

While their entrepreneurial endeavors are all unique (some are coaches, others are authors and others run small businesses) the common denominator is the same: they have great products and services and powerful messages, yet they haven’t manifested the kinds of profits and visibility they deserve.  

They’re overworked, their revenue is inconsistent or only coming from one source and the future does not look bright.

So how do you break this cycle?  Here are 4 tips:

 1.) You absolutely MUST create a multiple income stream lifestyle. 

We’ve been brainwashed to believe that finding a job is the solution to our problems.   It is not.

 As business owners, we’ve been told to get good at one thing, don’t overprice your service  and you’ll be successful.  This is truly one of the biggest lies we’ve ever been told.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.  In this economy your small business should have at least 3 to 5 ways it generates revenue.  If you are an entrepreneur, have 5 to 7 ways of making money—all seamlessly aligned with your expertise.  If you are not “officially” in business yet and you are still employed, launch your “side hustle” today.   I have at least 5 ways I make money and often times I do it right from the comfort of my home office.

2.)  You MUST create a marketing strategy. 

I have my entire 2012 media and marketing strategy planned out.  I know exactly where my revenue is coming from.  There’s no question mark, no anxiety.  My well executed plan should help me not only reach my goal but I’ll also be making money in my sleep.  

Anybody can do exactly what I did to create a simple strategy.  I write blogs about it, articles about it and even tell you how to do it step-by-step.  Sadly people still refuse to do it.  

What’s the problem?  Are you allergic to creating a strategy?  Does that word scare you?  How the heck do you get the word out about your business?  How are you ensuring that you have a steady influx of customers and clients all year round?  Are you afraid of success?

A strategy allows you to put a system in place that can be easily duplicated and repeated over and over again.  I show people how to do this quickly and easily in my signature MVP (Marketing, Visibility & Profits) strategy sessions.  Imagine how it would feel to know exactly what your marketing strategy is and where you revenue is coming from for the entire year?  That’s what we do in the MVP Sessions.

 3.) You MUST get a mentor, coach or mastermind buddy to help you chart your course from a “big picture” point of view.  

Too often we struggle trying to figure things out on our own.   I’ve been there, done that.  I thought coaching was for wimps and always tried to go it alone.  This mindset cost me hundreds of thousands of dollars.  

Your problem could be YOU.  You could be getting in your own way!  A coach or mentor can help you breakthrough self-imposed barriers so you can see things more clearly and from a fresh perspective.  A good coach will also be your accountability partner.

Before this year ends, get a coach.  Join a mastermind.  Do something!

As many of you know,  Tynisha Thompson is one of my brilliant coaches.  If her roster’s not full, she might work with you too.

4.) Lastly, I recommend you position yourself as an expert to leverage the media. 

This not only helps you get free publicity, which is extremely valuable, it also helps you expand your sphere of influence nationally and globally.  

With all your brilliance, you shouldn’t be a best kept secret…and you certainly shouldn’t be broke.