Georgetown, ON

"You don't have to be everything to everyone; you just have to be something to someone." Don't you think this quote speaks volumes?

Seriously though, let's embrace this profound statement for a moment...

(Embracing)

So, here's the thing...I've quickly discovered as a business owner; I've strived to market myself to a large group of people, I also had a desire to "please" everyone.

Here's the problem:

I simply couldn't! I couldn't possibly please everyone, it's just not possible. When I created my marketing material with promises to my prospects that I was the best; and in turn prospects just had to do business with me, I was falsely advertising myself and my core values of my business. Why you ask? Because I couldn't possibly be everything to everyone!

Kicking it old school - Take it back to the basics

Instead, I should have been focusing my attention and my efforts on a being something to someone. I realized I had to take my efforts back to the basics. I told prospects that I would be myself, be honest, and promise to offer then only what I knew I was capable of fulfilling. Instead of owning Girl Friday and promising the "be-all"; I did some soul searching and found what I was truly passionate about. Who did I really want to help? What could I honestly offer them? With these answers, it was only a matter of time before I opened NessLindsay.com.

It was this outlook that allowed me to be me. I didn't have to pretend, I was fully confident in my abilities. I didn't need to try to re-invent the wheel. I was able to bring things back to the basics and wasn't afraid to offer personable services to my clients - services with all my quirkiness to boot!

Just be yourself

You don't need flashy technology or big empty promises to grab the attention of prospective clients. You just need to be you - narrow your market to the people who match who you are. Don't break yourself trying to be everything to everyone....just be something to someone! Clients will naturally gravitate towards you....with all your quirkiness too because they can relate...you quickly become human again. This feeling is pretty surreal. Since I have begun being something to someone, I have grown my business 10 ten-fold!

Best of luck to you and your business' success!

Vanessa Lindsay, REPA

When conducting an open house, it is important to gather feedback from people viewing the property in order to assist the seller in making their home more marketable.

A great way to capture the feedback is to provide a type of guestbook for people to sign and leave their comments.

Provide a feedback System

Make it easy for people to leave their comments by providing simple statements that can be checked off. Leave space for additional comments and don't forget to ask for their contact information. Supply a check mark box indicating if they wish to be contacted.

Kill Two Birds with One Stone

By providing a chance for people to leave their feedback, you will help your clients make their home memorable as well as; give you an opportunity to follow-up with those that wish to be contacted. This is a great way to convert shoppers into buyer clients.

P.S. Remember when following up with potential buyers, be sure to ask if they have already signed an agreement with another agent.

For assistance with creating your feedback system or help with your real estate business, contact Ness Lindsay today and begin to enjoy the freedom of selling homes.

To Your Success,

Vanessa

Creative Business Owner

http://www.NessLindsay.com

If you haven't tried to market your business with your cards - you should. Business cards are a great cost-effective marketing tool.

Stand out and be noticed

Your cards should be eye-appealing and memorable. You want your cards to stand out and encourage people to contact you when they are in need of your services. Each and every aspect of your card should be strategically planned and have meaning.

A design that makes sense

Your business cards must include your company name, contact information, state what you do and why people should do business with you. Did I mention they should be visually appealing?

Marketing yourself for all your worth

Design your cards to conveniently fit in a wallet. If it's too big and bulky, people are likely to throw them away or bury them in paperwork. Always have your cards on hand. Don't let them collect dust - use them. Hand them out whenever it is appropriate. Slip one or two in the bill fold at the restaurant when you pay for your meal. Hand them out at networking events. Don't be afraid to ask if you can give two cards to give to someone they feel would benefit from your services. You'll be surprised at the referrals you will receive.

To learn more about effectively marketing yourself with your business cards or to reserve our services as your real estate assistant, contact Ness Lindsay today and enjoy the freedom to sell homes.

To Your Success,

Vanessa

Ness Lindsay Creative Owner

http://www.NessLindsay.com

I thought I would reiterate the importance of having a branded identity. For some, you may be thinking, "OK I've hear of branding but, what does that actually mean"?

A branded identity is your opportunity to shine. To put together a logo, colour scheme and design for your business that will allow you to successfully stand out about your competition.

You want your identity to be eye appealing, catchy and memorable. With successful branding, prospective clients will remember your name and be more willing to seek your services when needed.

Be sure to carry your branded image across all marketing material. Prospective clients need to see your name at least 7 times before they actually begin to remember you.

For help or suggestions with your business branding, contact Ness Lindsay today!

To Your Success,

Vanessa

Http://www.NessLindsay.com

I have been a stay-at-home mom since my daughter was born. It's hard to believe that was eight years ago! Throughout this time, I had done small jobs for family and friends but for the most part, I was devoted 100% to my children and family.

After the birth of my son in 2003, my husband and I began to talk about my returning to work once my son started school. I looked forward to the idea as I thought it would be nice to get back into the workforce and socialize with adults again. However, as my son got older, I began to have second thoughts. I couldn't fathom the idea of my children going to daycare. The thought of another person seeing a new milestone before I did was heart wrenching!

I had to come up with an idea that would allow me to work from home. This I thought was my only option. Since I had always completed jobs for family and friends, I decided I could try and put my skills together that would be the foundation of my business. Instead of doing the jobs for free, as I had in the past, I would charge people for my skills and creative talent.

I completed a year of research, and it was then I discovered the wonderful world of Virtual Assistants. I quickly realized I wasn't alone, but more importantly, I knew that I could do this! That was 2 years ago. I now run a successful Virtual Assistant business and have had my doors open (so to speak) since January 2007. I can do what I always wanted to do - raise my children while helping to support my family!

For me, opening my business wasn't the hardest part. It was in fact, creating a balance. Now I have two passions that I would love to dedicate all my time to. Yet, as I've quickly realized, it's just not possible! Self discipline has played a huge role in how I manage my time. I have learnt to carefully draw a line between my personal and business life. It can be so easy to forget ‘I'm not at work' when my computer is within arm's reach. Somewhere along the way, we as entrepreneurs need to set ground rules.

I have listed some steps that have helped me create my balance in life. Feel free to implement these techniques and adjust them accordingly.

1. Set a designated time for your office. For example 9 am to 5 pm or 7 am to 3 pm.

2. Set up your office in a specific place within your house. Don't have your office in your master bedroom or living room. Your office will be too tempting during family time.

3. At the end of your work day, turn off your computer, cell phone, hand held device and any other form of technology where clients contact you.

4. Do your absolute best to leave the burden of your work at your office. I know sometimes this can be easier said than done. But, you don't want to burn yourself out. When it is family time, do everything possible to focus on just your family.

5. At the end of your work day. Unwind before beginning your family time. Take a quick walk, go for a drive, engage in mental meditation, whatever it is that sets you at ease and gives you the ability to completely focus on your family.

"Balance in your life between work and your personal life is very important. Without balance, you eventually burnout negatively affecting your performance at work."
Byron & Catherine Pulsifer, from What Are the Benefits to Me?

To Your Success,

Vanessa Lindsay

Http://www.NessLindsay.com