Recently, someone wrote to me and asked: “Maria, how can I differentiate my services without actually ‘giving it all away’ in the marketing and sales process? It's literally like pulling people out of The Matrix: unfortunately "no one can be told what the Matrix is - you have to see it for yourself." So I spend all this time ‘explaining the … [Read more...]
How Your Money Story Impacts your Business Success
Did you know? By the time you are 7 1/2, your money story has already been imprinted on you. And it’s either fueling or hindering your business success. What is your money story? It’s your relationship with money. It’s how you view it as a tool or a weapon. As scarce or abundant. How well you budget, plan, save and invest. All … [Read more...]
How a Chocolate Éclair Makes You A Better Marketer
Ever thought about why you dive into a chocolate éclair (or mint chocolate chip ice cream, or a bag of jelly beans…name your guilty pleasure!) I mean, it offers so much, right? Maybe you’re hungry. Maybe you had a bad day. Maybe you’re celebrating a big client win. Maybe you’re having coffee with a friend and want to share a bit of decadence together. Maybe you just think it … [Read more...]
How to be a better negotiator
Nice guys and gals finish last. That has been the conventional wisdom, hasn’t it? That only sharks using cutthroat tactics can make favorable deals and negotiate effectively. I’m calling BS. Turns out, empathy is a secret weapon when it comes to negotiation and effective collaboration. And author, activist and strategic … [Read more...]
How to Break the Rules of Success
Everyone applauds mavericks and innovators for breaking the rules when it comes to products or technology. It’s the classic Cinderella story. And we celebrate this image of the lone wolf, standing on a TED stage, sharing with the world how he or she refused to listen and followed their own heart to find success. We tend to think of technology companies or … [Read more...]
Does empathy make you a better leader? And thought leader?
In researching my forthcoming book, The Empathy Edge, I found ample evidence that empathy can make you a more successful leader, But…why? And can it also impact your success as a thought leader? Yes. Today I’m interviewing Denise Brosseau, CEO of The Thought Leadership Lab, where she works with executives and entrepreneurs seeking to grow their influence. She’s the author of Ready … [Read more...]
How Brand Benefits Define your Position
Choosing the right lead benefits for your brand messaging dictates which customers you will attract. And a pair of hospital system giants in the San Francisco Bay Area exactly prove this point. Why this is even more amazing: healthcare advertising is the WORST. Most of it talks about the exact same things and offers no real differentiated position for customers. In my advertising days, we used … [Read more...]
3 Ways to Give Your Marketing More Charisma
You know that killer accessory you have? The one you feel in love at first sight with at a random boutique years ago? You wear it with everything to give your outfit a pop. It makes a statement. People take notice. The great thing is, you can add this piece to simple sweater and jeans and like magic, you’ve added some pizazz to your look. Your marketing and messaging needs to be the … [Read more...]
How to Become a Better Connector
It’s time to go beyond networking and start connecting. Being a good connector reaps endless benefits for your business and life. Knowing the right people gets you jobs faster, scores you more clients, boosts your visibility, increases your acumen and skills, and shapes your ideas. It is also great for your health and enjoyment in your career. But how do you become a good connector if you think … [Read more...]
The Stubborn Person’s Guide to Creating Habits
I’m stubborn and it’s hard for me to change. We can have the best of intentions, but if we can’t make healthy habits stick, the results will always be the same. Apply this to any habit you might be trying to create: updating social media on a regular basis, finding time to focus on writing, sending invoices every week, working out 3x per week, drinking more water. Flossing every … [Read more...]
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