I got on a roll with life and wrapping up projects, so the blog had some drafts sitting in it for awhile, including this one. As I always say “don't be a content hoarder” so — here it is getting published. Yay me!

It was “literally” freezing in Florida when we were in Orlando. Seriously, lakes had ice on them. But, I couldn't let a Marketing Lesson Opportunity pass me by. Especially not when my MOM said “Oh, Nik, you need to post that on your blog. Let me take your picture.” lol!

So, I took off my gloves (seriously – it was cold) and my headband (which I was wearing to keep my ears from aching, NOT for stylin) and I pointed at this quote for you while my teeth chattered. (Yes, I love you that much.)

There are two major online business lessons to learn here.

First lesson:
Read the quote “The way to get started is to quit TALKING and to start DOING.” Dang, that Walt Disney was a smart business man. He knows that we get stuck in the details rather than just making our best decision and jumping with both feet. All of the greatest things in life take risk.

If it weren't for risk, I wouldn't have gone to college, traveled, moved to Oregon or Florida, had children, or started my online business. Those are all things that made and make me very very happy now. Heck, if it weren't for risk, I wouldn't get my hair cut and THAT would be scary (looking)! Repeat after me “Risk is good”.

Second lesson:
Disney is great at optimizing EVERY point of contact with people. This sign was on a wall where they were doing construction. Instead of having a big ugly sign that said “Wear a hard hat” or “Caution: Construction Zone”, they used the opportunity to connect with their visitors.

That's important.

But, are you doing that in your online business? Let's check.

What do the following areas of your websites look like right now?

– Thank you pages.

– About you pages.

– Error pages.

– Download pages.

– Shopping cart emails to affiliates.

– Help desk emails to customers.

I'll bet you're leaking opportunities (or as I say “bleeding  money”) from each of those areas. And, that's just a list off the top of my head.

Optimize every single point of contact that you make with potential customers, customers and affiliates. It'll definitely be worth your time.

Example:

Today I received a little affiliate payment for $32 from a business name that I didn't recognize. I opened it to peek and see if it was something that I might promote more. Inside there was nothing but a code and the amount. Frustrating. Wouldn't that have been the perfect opportunity to give me a link to the affiliate center? (Answer: Yes.)

I always view my affiliate payments as an opportunity to remind my best affiliates about upcoming contests and offer content they can use to earn commissions. It takes about 30 seconds to do it. Who better to get my info in front of than an ACTIVE affiliate who just earned some cash? Makes sense to me. You?

I'll be talking much more about this topic soon. But, for now, just take a quick inventory of places that you could spend 5 minutes and improve how they're working for you. Tackle a few that will give you the biggest bang for your buck. Then, of course, you know what I'm going to say… Get Back to Your Marketing!

That's it for today. Have a great one.

Warmly,
Nicole