Add Coaching Programs to Your Product Funnel

Most information marketers start their business by selling low-end products such as short eBooks and simple reports. This is actually a great idea as most people are not comfortable shelling out thousands or even hundreds of dollars the first time they do business with a particular eseller. But, they surely wouldn't mind spending $30 on eBooks or reports.

However, you shouldn't stop there; you should be open to the idea of creating more and more products that have higher tag prices as this is the key to get your customers to come back and to boost your earnings. For your middle-end products, I would recommend CD or DVD series. And for your high-end offerings, you must seriously consider adding coaching programs.

Online coaching programs are designed for those people who want to get comprehensive in-depth information and who want to learn at the comforts of their own home or office. You can teach these people by either calling them one hour every week or by sending them regular instructional emails. You also have the option of conducting face-to-face coaching or using video conferencing.

The good thing about online coaching is that the demand is currently on it's all-time high. This maybe because the lives of potential clients get busier that they prefer hiring a virtual coach instead of attending regular seminars on a weekly basis.

Depending on your subject matter, you can charge your client $1,000-$3,500 per program. But keep in mind that you'll only be able to charge that high if you already have proven track record in your niche.

What I suggest is that you offer your coaching programs to those people who have done business with you before. As they already have an idea about the quality of products and services that you offer, they'll most likely to do business with you again. To boost your sign up rate, offer preferential discounts to your returning clients.

Of course, you must also find ways to attract new customers. I suggest that you invest on PPC and display advertising to easily create product awareness. Take your time when creating your ads and get them published on search page results and on websites that are frequented by your potential clients.

Offering free sample sessions to new customers would help you boost your sign-up rate. Its highly recommended that you give them the first couple of sessions free of charge. This is one way to assure these people that you have what it takes to give them the exact assistance and information that they're looking for.

It's important to ensure that each of your coaching programs is worth every cent. Commit yourself to making your clients really happy. This would mean going that extra mile to ensure that they'll walk away with increased knowledge in your niche or armed with skills they need to either realize their goals or solve their pressing issues. If these people are extremely happy, you can be assured that they'll take advantage of your other coaching programs and they'll most likely to recommend your offerings to other people.

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Preparation: The Key to Successful Product Creation

Preparation really is the key to successful product creation. Great preparation will enable you to create your products more easily and quickly. Thoughtful preparation will make sure that your product really meets the needs of your potential customers which in turn will increase your sales. Organised preparation will make sure that your information is delivered in a way that is easy and quick for your customers to absorb and implement which they will appreciate greatly and thus come back wanting more. So I stand by my statement that preparation is the key to successful product creation.

Preparation to speed up creation

Your preparation needn't be complex or take a long time to complete. Indeed if you find that preparation is taking a long time then it probably means that you are trying to be too much of a perfectionist and/or using it as an excuse not to get on with actually creating your product (usually because you fear it won't sell). Assuming you know the content of your product then all you need to do is to create a simple outline. The outline will contain the 6 - 10 main topics you are going to cover with bullet points for each topic that capture in note form the key points. This is pretty much all you need to get on with actually creating your product.

Preparation to meet the needs of your customers

This element of your preparation might take a bit longer until you get into the habit of regularly asking or surveying your customers to find out what they want, what their challenges are, what results and goals they want to achieve. So if you don't have the answers to these questions already then you need to reach out to your customers and get their input. You can literally say that you want their help to make sure that your next product really delivers what they most want and need to learn.

Preparation to deliver your information clearly

This aspect of your preparation shouldn't take long either. In part it is about structuring and ordering your information so that it presented in a logical manner that helps them build up to the promised results. It also involves thinking about what aids you can give them to implement your information and track their progress such as worksheets, flow diagrams or checklists. It could mean create a quick start guide or basic instructions for getting the most out of your product. Just put yourself in their shoes and think about what you would want or even better get someone to give it a trial and give you feedback.

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Product Photography - How to Get High Quality Product Photos on a Small Business Budget

The recent economic downturn has been a blessing for us entrepreneurs. With the Government and high-profile businessmen such as Virgin's Richard Branson and Innocent Smoothies' Richard Reed backing schemes for new businesses, now is as good a time as any to jump in and act on that idea you've been sitting on.

Once you've decided to take the plunge and found your product, at some point you'll be looking to have your own website, with engaging content and high quality pictures that really show off your items. A quick scout around local photographers' websites will show just how expensive a professional shoot can be - I'll use my real life example to demonstrate. I was quoted for 50 items of costume jewellery, 3 photos of each. The quotes came back ranging from £400 to £1400! For my start-up budget, getting great results for as close to zero as possible was the goal, and a change of tactics provided a clear winner, reducing the cost to £50.

Posting an advert online using a local classifieds website (my choice was Gumtree.com), was not only free, but provided a plethora of photographers to choose from, all within a local area. As it's your ad, you can specify how much you are willing to pay; handy when you're cautious with every penny that leaves your hands! Of course, as anyone can reply to an ad, there will be better responses and better applicants than others. A quick request for the photographers' previous work will remove any time-wasters or low quality applications. Here's a quick list of things to include and ask for in your ad:

Who are you? The photographer will need to know who they're dealing with, so make sure you tell them who you are, and what you do. You by the same token need to know who they are and what they do - will there be any reason they have to abandon the project because of their main job or education? What do you want? The more specific and focused your ad, the higher the chances you'll find exactly what you're after. Be sure to include the amount and angles of pictures, what format you want them in, if you want them on a white background etc. The more detail you can give the less confusion for the photographer When do you want it? Agree a timeframe before allowing any work to be started, but make it realistic! Ask when they expect to have the work completed; if that doesn't suit you, choose another photographer. Previous Work? Always ask to see examples of previous work; the more the better. An experienced photographer will be more than happy to showcase their past shoots, making it easier to find the right person for your job. Where? This goes without saying, but if you are taking it to them you need to know an address! If they're willing to give a full address, they're more than likely serious about completing the job, but if you're giving them valuable stock, it might pay to be a little critical of their house when you get there. Run down, unkempt houses with broken windows could mean they'd be less than careful with your products (tipping my hat to past experience)! If they are coming to you, directions would be helpful! How much? Possibly most important. While it's true you're looking to pay as little as possible, remember they're also not likely to do something for nothing, or even a lot for a little. Don't be afraid to tweak the advert - once you've got people responding regularly, you know you've got the right price for your job.

Having recommended this method countless times, I tend to get asked the same questions - a favourite being 'How do you know you can trust the photographer with your items?' In truth, you can never be 100% certain they won't accidentally damage something, or worst case run away with your items. The cautious people out there might do well to have the photographer come to them, that way the whole process can be overseen. So long as you're willing to take time and have a conversation with your photographer about what exactly you want, you should get a positive or negative feeling for them. If you're unsettled, don't risk it.

If the reduced cost alone isn't incentive enough to try out student photographers, they'll also more than likely be looking to build up a portfolio they can use to gain more work. Your products could appear on their website as examples of their previous work, which ultimately means more people seeing your items. Don't be afraid to ask if this is the case - it might just mean more advertising for you.

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How Can I Create an Information Product That Isn't Boring?

Do you have an idea for an information product, but are a bit concerned that it might seem boring to customers? Fact is, most individuals who purchase ebooks or other informational products don't even consume them! There are probably several reasons for this, including busyness, procrastination, even laziness. However, I believe one reason is that the information is not packaged in an interesting way. Every info product needs at lots of variety. In this article I'll provide you with a few tips to teach you how to mix things up a bit and make your next product pop.

Tip 1 - Use a Mindmap to Introduce Your Product Mindmaps are creative diagrams used for presenting words, tasks or ideas. I love to use them at the beginning to provide an overview of what I'll be teaching. They are also great to use during a pre-launch email campaign as teasers to give your prospects a taste of what they'll learn if they purchase. One way to do this is to send your prospects an email with a link to a video demonstration of you walking through the mindmap. Of course, you'll need video screen capture software to do this. In addition to the video, give them a PDF of the mindmap.

Tip 2 - Use Video for Your Primary Instruction Anyone who has heard me teach on product creation knows how much I believe in video. It's such a powerful method to not only teach content, but to also demonstrate how to implement your training. People love seeing demonstrations. Video also has a high perceived value. The type of video you use will depend on the content. For example, if your product is on setting up a blog, then you'll need to use screen capture software to create a video of you setting up a blog. On the other hand, if your product is on a less hands-on topic then you can create a Power Point presentation video. In some instances, you can record yourself conducting whiteboard training. Regardless of what type video you choose, do your best to make it as professional as possible.

Tip 2 - Convert Your Mindmap to Audio This is an extra component of your product that can be created in about 15 seconds. Using free audio software, such as audacity, upload your mindmap video, export it to mp3 and you're done. I love buying info products that include mp3s because I can listen while I'm doing other things like house cleaning (yuck!) or running. Including an mp3 may also inspire customers to consume the rest of the product and take action.

These are just three tips out of many. Hopefully, this motivate you to think of other creative ideas for packaging your info products. Variety is the key!

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You'll Never Create A Product That Sells If You Don't Do This

Have I got your attention? Good. I've got a question for you.

Why can't you create a product that sells?

It's a serious problem that a lot of people have. Your website says you're an expert in such and such field but your product sales just don't make the grade. You start to question your ability to market your products. Is it my products that don't sell or is it my marketing?

You get disgusted and slowly and ever-so-quietly find something else that conveniently fills the time you used to spend on your business. It doesn't have to be this way.

The story is your life-long struggle with everything you do but why? What is the problem? Are you asking too much? Do I really have what it takes to do this online stuff?

Then your stupid little brain fills in the gaps with more demoralizing experiences like the time you wasted money on that MLM or the time you decided to sell Memorial Plots, final resting places for the literally impaired. Who needs this? You throw your hands up and walk away to something you know, that boring job in: fill-in-the-blank.

All good questions and very informative and if you're shaking your head, going. (Yeah Don, that's me) then you are in good company. I know that doesn't make you feel better.

There is a way to get out of that funky no-account feeling.

No the answer is not to chuck it all. Think about how you would feel if you left it all behind. Not good, especially when you are so close to the answer that you can almost touch it. You've already done all the hard work. Come on, you've created your site, you've created content, written articles, placed ads, videos, and socialized. You're almost there, can't stop now.

Do you remember the reason you got into the business in the first place? What were the reasons you told yourself you were doing it? Was it to make money? Was it to have your own business? I bet I'm getting close.

Remember the excitement you felt when you created your web page or blog? You were full up with the promise of what's to come and the possibilities that lay before you. If you did everything just right you would be set. You were like a kid with a new bike, free at last, thank God I'm free at last. Waking early, eating sparingly, and pounding away on your laptop till past bedtime because you were on a mission. A mission to create your freedom, right?

Now; If you think I'm going to tell you to get back to that place in your life and be that person you used to be, you're off your rocker.

I'm not that kinda guy and... We can never go back, never I tell you!

Who would want to anyway? We're like rubber bands that have been shot too many times we never take our original shape. That's a good thing though, who wants to be the same day after day? It's like watching 60's sitcom reruns, boring...

What I am going to tell you is: That if you seriously want to grow that little baby of a business into a strong fully equipped life-sustaining entity of its own you need to find out what people want.

You: "Oh that's hard Don, glad you cleared that up"

Me: Now just listen. If you can find out what drives the folks that buy your product before you attempt to sell it to them and present it to them in that light, don't you think you might be a little bit ahead of the game?

You: "Oh Don, I do this already, I emphasize the benefits my customers receive if they buy my product, I advertise with proper keywords and target my market.

Me: That's great, glad to hear it... not what I'm talking about!

Think about your internet searching habits, do you stay on the same topic you started searching or do you get distracted by something shiny? I bet the answer's the shiny thing. Your customers are that way too, what are they Really searching for?

What Really moves them to take action?

What made you read this?

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The Hunger First Then The How to Create An Information Product

I've been in business for myself since the early 90's. Back then I was hungry and needed to find a way to feed my growing family. I started a cleaning business and developed fliers that I distributed to neighborhoods that looked like they could afford my services. It was a good strategy since within a 30 day period we were living off the income from that business alone.

The reason that I was so successful in such a short time is because I was hungry. I don't mean my belly ached but I needed to provide for my family. That hunger allowed me to focus and do what was necessary to succeed. That hunger is what you need to create an information product for your business. If you don't have it you need to develop it before you attempt to create your product.

How to develop that hunger. Short of quitting your job and spending all of your money on lottery tickets you can develop a hunger and deep desire to have a profitable business by doing what I have done.

Before I started my online business I operated two brick and mortars and was doing ok. We lived in a nice house with land and a lake we didn't have car payments and we always had money in the bank. I say this not to brag but to let you know I didn't have the same hunger as before to start a new business. In fact I was starting to get bitter about the negative side of my business and there is a negative side to every business.

Every day I would go to work and do my job and deal with employee problems and deal with customer problems and nothing ever seemed to change. I was there to provide a service and I did that very well but to what end? The bills got paid, the employees got paid but it just wasn't enough. Like I said we made a pretty good income but I just wasn't moving forward. I needed something more.

I began to realize that I had hunger. My hunger or desire had turned into something that wasn't necessarily satisfied with more money. I had developed a desire for a more fulfilling lifestyle or career whatever you want to call it.

This new-found hunger had me searching for something that would fill it. And that's where I found the online world. I started with an eBook about what I did for a living and grew it from there.

From then I started looking around and found out what other people were searching for. Everybody's looking for something we are all at different stages of development. And I found my niche, my place that I could be happy, at least for a while. I found teaching. Teaching really excites me because I love to learn and the more I teach the more I learn.

These are the 5 steps I use to create an information product.

1. Find a problem that needs solving. This is something that many people desperately need solving Like: How to find true love, How to get promoted. Choose one of the main topics people are searching for.

2. Research how to solve the problem. Thank God for the Internet, there are so many resources, some free, some pay that can answer almost any question.

3. Write an outline. The best way to write an information product that I've found is to start with an outline. An outline can start with a summary that states what you plan to tell the reader.

4. Write the Body. The different chapters that first describe the problem and how others have had to live with it and what they have done to cope. Then chapters that deal with the solution. You should include as much pertinent information as you believe is necessary to solve the readers problem without too much trash. An information product is about one thing and that is solving the readers problems. You must find your own imaginative style but don't fill the pages with anecdotes about yourself that they could care less about. But if your experiences with this same problem or the solution to this problem are helpful then by all means put it in there.

5. Write the Conclusion. The conclusion should reinforce the solutions to the problem and possibly prove other effective strategies that may not have been covered in the body, either for lack of space or because you didn't want to detract from the main solution.

Creating an information product isn't all that difficult. The difficulty lies in differentiating it from the millions of other products out there and the way to do that is through online marketing.

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