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Tornadoes and Business Emergency Plans

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Last night we faced a tornado. Just across the river, the twister was headed directly for us. Estimated at being a half-mile wide, it had already touched down, causing destruction. It meant business!

While tornado sirens blared, we turned up the television to listen as our local meteorologists  tracked its path. You see, in an area known as “tornado alley,” we don’t mess around with this kind of thing.

As tornadoes approach an area, timelines appear on the screen. Streets are listed with the exact time the tornado will reach them. Storm chasers are on the ground. Weather helicopters track from the skies, and in case you didn’t know…the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center just happens to be located in my town.

Almost every household has an emergency plan. And when the storm hits – we’re as ready as we can be. Tragically, (and very sadly – as was the case this time) that’s not always enough, but without this planning, preparation and storm tracking – the aftermath would be far worse.

What’s Your Emergency Plan?

The reason I share this today, is because I think it holds a solid message for business owners as well. Things happen. Key personnel leave, customers complain – sometimes publicly in social media, you or a family member may have a health crisis. A tornado could strike. What is the emergency plan for your business?

I get that it’s no fun to think about things like this. But here’s the deal. If the people of Oklahoma didn’t have emergency plans already in place, many more wouldn’t survive. Once your ears start popping from the changes in pressure and you hear what sounds like a train coming toward your house…it’s a little late to make rational decisions.

Take Back Your Control

So don’t wait until you’re in crisis. Take time to draw up your business Emergency Plan NOW. Come up with a list of possible emergency situations in your business + how you want to handle them. Make these decisions from a place of calm and peace. By doing it now, you’re taking back some of the control over this possible situation. Right now you have time for thoughtful decisions. If you wait until a crisis occurs, decisions become reactionary, which seldom makes for the best choices.

My household was lucky last night. Thankfully, the tornado dissipated  before reaching us. But if it hadn’t, we were as ready as we could be. After all, that’s the best any of us can do.

What do You Think?

So, I’m curious. Does your business have an Emergency Plan? What kinds of situations do you think a business needs to prepare for? I’d love to hear from you!

Piper

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Why STARTING Doesn’t Mean Much

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I bet you’re a good starter. From my observation, most of us are.

But, are you a FINISHER? That’s the key. Over the course of our lives, we start so many things:

  • Diets
  • Workout routines
  • Businesses
  • Books
  • Classes
  • Home improvement projects
  • And dreams in general….

I hate to break it to you…but starting isn’t all that special. The power lies in finishing.

I’ve been watching the current season of The Biggest Loser. The things they do on that ranch are amazing. But almost more impressive than the weight loss, are the life-changing transformations taking place inside these contestants.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve heard more than one make comments about “never finishing anything before.” For perhaps the first time in their lives – they made the commitment to themselves to finally FINISH.

Stepping into Your Power

The result? As they’ve gotten closer to the finishing point, these individuals now stand up straight, walk proudly, speak with confidence and exude power. Their weight loss is almost a byproduct of their internal metamorphosis. At this point, I truly believe each of them could achieve almost anything they put their mind to. They’ve stepped into their power.

Think about the times you’ve been a FINISHER. Didn’t you feel the same way? Build upon this feeling. Give yourself permission to take on fewer projects, but commit to finish those you start. Then, to quote one of my favorite Dr. Seuss books: “Oh, the places you’ll go!”  :)

Your Turn:

What projects have you finished that made you feel powerful? I’d love to hear from you!

Piper

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What a Massage Therapist can teach us about Marketing

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About a month ago I signed up for a paid newsletter. The newsletter’s author had a unique approach…a single page website with an opt-in form for paid content. Although there wasn’t much to go on, I was intrigued by the writer and the investment was minimal. So I took the leap.

After entering my payment information and completing the sign up process, I quickly began feeling buyer’s remorse. (I should note, this hardly ever happens to me.) So why was it happening now…and on such a small investment? Because the author didn’t maintain contact with me and therefore, lost my trust.

Immediately after hitting the “submit” button, the next screen had a little “welcome” message. Very short, it basically said to expect my first issue, SOON. And that was it.

Whether you realize it or not, buyers have expectations. We are conditioned to expect an autoresponder after making any online purchase. Yet my inbox remained empty. Three days went by with zero contact. I even checked my spam filter. Nothing. On the fourth day I canceled my subscription.

Provide a Continuous Experience

Have you ever gotten a massage? Did you notice, even when he/she got more oil, the massage therapist kept one hand on you at all times? The reason is to provide a continuous experience. If the therapist kept breaking contact with you between touches, you’d notice. Each new touch might put you slightly on edge…because you wouldn’t know what to expect, or when. That simple gesture of constant contact allows you to relax, and TRUST the experience.

Predictability establishes Trust

Online marketing is similar. Although contact is not constant, it needs to be CONSISTENT and at all the appropriate times. Your audience wants to know what to expect. Your predictability helps establish trust. Follow up on subscriptions and purchases with an autoresponder. And if you’re a newsletter publisher, send it out on a regular basis.

Why Weekly beats Monthly

While talking with clients about the need for consistent contact, I’ve heard concerns of emailing too much. Do you ever feel this way? It might surprise you to know, according to Dan Zarrella (the social media scientist) you get more unsubscribes if you’re sending out monthly newsletters vs. weekly versions. Remember, people subscribe because they truly want to hear from you. Give them what they want by maintaining consistent contact and you’ll begin to establish trust at the same time. WIN – WIN! :)

So, what do you think? Do you expect regular contact when doing business online? I’d love to hear from you in comments below.

Piper

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Sing. LOUDLY!

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For those of you wondering where I’ve been over the past few weeks…my apologies. I’d love to tell you I’ve been on some great trek across the world, but the truth is, I’ve spent my time running back and forth to various hospitals.

My husband and I have been forced to come to terms with the fact that my mother-in-law is dying. Over the past month, she’s been in 3 different facilities, but continues to decline.

While it’s devastating to see a person’s life slipping away, I find her situation especially tragic. You see, my mother-in-law was always very motivated and determined. She ran their household, was extremely active, and even mowed the lawn each week. While working full-time she also made time to pursue additional education. She’s only a few hours shy of earning her doctorate.

Live YOUR Life

But then about 10 years ago, it all started to change. She allowed herself to become wrapped up in problems that were not her own. To put it simply, she tried to fight another person’s battles for them. I think it was out of a sense of obligation, or maybe guilt…I’m not really sure. Regardless of the WHY, she stopped living the life she loved and instead took on this new role.

Needless to say, it did not suit her well. Her happiness slipped away and her playful nature was soon just a memory. Bitterness set in and stayed for many years.

Then about 6 months ago, her health took a turn for the worse. In that moment, it was as if a light suddenly clicked on for her. It seemed she suddenly realized the time she’d wasted over the last decade.

Don’t Wait until it’s too Late

With this newly found clarity, she warned us not to make the same mistakes with our lives that she’d made with hers. And even though mobility was a real problem by that point, she desperately tried to become active again. She suddenly wanted to go out to eat, go shopping and even go to sporting events. It was heartbreaking to watch as she realized, it was too late to get back the life she loved.

The reason I share this with you is because it’s been such a powerful lesson for me. I think some of you may benefit from it as well. More than once, I’ve heard Dr. Wayne Dyer say you don’t want to die with your music still in you. Through watching my mother-in-law’s situation, this phrase took on a whole new meaning.

Sing Your Song

Don’t let your song be stifled. Stay true to your life’s vision! There may be detours along the way. That’s just life. But don’t lose sight of the big picture. Keep going. Sing your song. LOUDLY! Get it all out, while there’s still time.

So I’m curious, what life lessons have you picked up along the way? I’d love to hear yours in comments below.

Piper

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