Overcome Roadblocks to Your Cash Machine

So you’ve set up your Cash Machine. Your idea is modeled after a similar business, and you’re organized and ready to go. Now what?

People come to my workshops with great ideas, but they’ve usually hit a roadblock when it comes to actually making money. The problem is they don’t know where to find customers and, when they do, they don’t know how to ask for the sale. Does this sound familiar?

So what do you do?
Marketing is a science. There are firms out there that would be happy to charge you thousands of dollars to research your potential customers, develop a strategy, and tell you how to implement a plan to bring customers to you. Who has time or money for that? If you’re like most, the decision to create a Cash Machine was born of necessity and you’re starting out on a shoestring budget. I’m here to tell you it can be done and you can do it. I see it every day.

Here are nine tips to get you headed in the right direction…

1. Overcome your fear!
Start talking with people about what you’re doing, and most importantly, ask for their business and for what you’re worth. New entrepreneurs oftentimes feel as if their newness in business makes their product or service less valuable. Not true! Stay within your fair market pricing. If you’ve done your homework, you already know what others charge for similar products or services. Don’t sell yourself short. Your Cash Machine is based on skills and talents you’ve possessed for many years. Your experience is valuable. Don’t forget that!

2. Stop thinking you need a lot of money!
Marketing on a shoestring budget is necessary for most people starting out. And the good news is it can be done. Big ads in newspapers and TV commercials are great, and when you’ve built your business to a point that you can afford that route, go for it, but in the beginning you don’t need it. It’s a misconception that you need a big marketing budget to be successful, and it often holds people back. It becomes an excuse to not pursue their Cash Machine. Start small. Make some fliers. TALK TO PEOPLE!

3. Don’t be shy!
It’s hard for many people to talk about what they have to offer. If you’re an entrepreneur, you’d better get used to it. You’ve got to let people know what you’re doing. It’s nice when they start coming to you, but in order for that to happen, you need to be a blabber mouth! Live Out Loud!

4. Find out what works for others!
Learning from others is essential. Be a snoop. Find out how other people do it. Do research online and get out there and talk to your peers. Yes, I said it again! Learn what to avoid and what to enhance for your Cash Machine. Be a copycat — and by that I don’t mean rip off businesses — modify ones that work for you.

5. Become an expert!
One of the best ways to get attention is to become an expert in your field. Write articles. Start blogging. Compose a free report. Write a column in your local newspaper. All of these are good ways to show your market that you know your stuff. Remember your business is based on skills and talents you already have. Your future customers will trust your advice and expertise because you are, after all, the expert!

6. Stop making excuses!
People usually hold themselves back. Get out of your way already! Sure, there are challenges and bumps in the road, but don’t let them turn into excuses.

7. If you make a mistake, move on!
Everyone makes mistakes, especially when they first start out, some bigger than others. If you decided on a marketing campaign that bombs, try again! Mistakes can turn out to be life’s greatest lessons. At least then you’ll know what doesn’t work. Let that free you to go forward!

8. The Internet is your friend!
There are hundreds of ways to get your name out there online for free. Get involved in community sites, social networking, and Web 2.0 properties. Just ask Joel how effective they are! Advertise on Craigslist! If you’re not using these strategies, you’re missing some of the hottest marketing trends. It’s not just for kids anymore.

9. Keep it simple!
Don’t over-complicate things. There’s a lot to be said for simplicity. People respond to it.
The goal for your Cash Machine is your fastest path to cash. Go with what you know! And don’t be afraid to get out there and make it happen.

Ready, Go!