Ambitious Entrepreneur Show

As a coach, do find yourself offering your client a discount to influence them into investing in your program or package? Or do you cave in and offer a discount when your prospect asks for one? 

If you’ve answered yes to either one of those situations you’re certainly not alone. Annemarie admits this is something she’s done in the past, too. However, over the years she’s realized this is not the best approach to making a sale while remaining true to her personal values and business growth goals. 

So, in today’s episode, Annemarie shares: 

• 3 Reasons why you shouldn’t resource to discounting your services to get a sale 
• 3 Strategies that’ll have your prospective clients step up gracefully and confidently when investing in your services and packages  
• Money Mindset tips, and much more 

RESOURCES:  

• Core Business Foundations: Your Pathway to Profitable and Sustainable Business Growth  
• Book a time to chat with Annemarie 
• The Influence Alliance special Podcast Series: How to stand out, be heard and INFLUENCE for coaches and consultants 

Enjoy This Podcast? 

If you enjoyed today’s episode of Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast, then hit subscribe now! 

Post a review and share it!

If you learned something by tuning into this podcast, do not hesitate to write a review and share it with your friends, so they can find out more about how to generate returns from a Google Ads account. 

For more updates and episodes, visit the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show website. You can also subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Email, RSS, and more! 

You can also follow us through Facebook. 

Want to build a scalable business you are passionate about? Join The Influence Alliance – the Business Building Community for Change Makers. 

Want to launch your own Thought Leader Podcast? Access my ‘Are You Ready to Launch Your Podcast’ Quiz here, and have a chat with me. 

Have any questions? You can contact me through these platforms: 

• Company website 
• Instagram 
• Facebook 
• Join our Community of Change Makers 
• Twitter
• Linkedin 

To staying ambitious, 

Annemarie

The post [Ep#359] Why You Shouldn’t Discount Your Services – and what to do instead appeared first on The Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast Network  

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You only need to look online to find numerous marketers talking about how you need to do this in order to get more clients, or this new bright shiny object is THE answer. Whatever the tactic, or whatever the bright shiny tool there’s one key thing that none of these marketers talk about. 

And, that’s – just because you can – doesn’t mean you should. 

Just because you can (fill in the gap of the tactic or bright shiny tool) – doesn’t mean you should. Because it might be a GREAT tactic, a GREAT tool, that is right for someone else and it may be right for you BUT not right now in your business. 

So, right tactic, wrong timing.  

Even the best thought-out strategy may not be the RIGHT strategy for you, become it’s the WRONG timing for where you’re at in your business.

For instance, a podcast is a great marketing strategy IF your message is already working. 

If your message isn’t working and you’re hoping a podcast will turn things around – it won’t. 

Because a podcast will only amplify a message that isn’t working, to a lot more people. So, be mindful of the strategies and tactics you implement.  Because you may be falling into the trap of RIGHT strategy, WRONG timing for your business. 

Another example could be writing a book. Writing a book is a great way to build your authority, however similarly to a podcast if you haven’t clearly defined how you’re going to leverage your book, you’re unclear on what you want to become known as a trusted authority in, and your message isn’t working – then writing a book at this time is WRONG timing. 

Have a think about some of the marketing and tools you’ve been using in your business. Are they working as well as you’d hoped?  

Perhaps it’s because they are a great tool or marketing strategy BUT just wrong timing for you with the state you’re at in your business. 

YOUR NEXT STEP:  

Are you a coach or consultant who is struggling to stand out online? Do you feel unnoticed, unheard, invisible?  

Access my free Masterclass, on how to become Distinguishable, Uncopyable and Irresistible to your ideal client – even if you’re in a crowded marketplace. 

Go to: www.IndustryThoughtleaderAcademy.com/DistinguishableMessage 

Post a review and share it!  

If you learned something by tuning into this podcast, do not hesitate to write a review and share it with your friends. Help us help them grow their business and create positive impact. For more updates and episodes, visit the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show website. You can also subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Email, RSS and more! 

You can also follow us through Facebook. Want to build a scalable business you are passionate about? Join The Influence Alliance – the Business Building Community for Change Makers. Want to launch your own Thought Leader Podcast? Access my ‘Are You Ready to Launch Your Podcast’ Quiz here, and have a chat with me. Have any questions? You can contact me through these platforms: 

• Company website 
• Instagram 
• Facebook 
• Join our Community of Change Makers 
• Twitter 
• Linkedin 

To staying ambitious, Annemarie 

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Have you got diverse experience, along with the number of roles you’ve had in your life, so-much-so you’re finding it difficult to clearly define your message and your business focus – nothing really captures the essence of who you are and the unique blend of what you have to offer? 

You’re not alone – this is exactly what Karen Crowell had been experiencing for years. Despite her diverse background, rich knowledge, her experience and ways she could support clients – she had just not been able to capture what she did in a concise, succinct and empowering unique and uncopyable message, brand, and offering. 

Until now.  

What changed? What did she do? She shares her journey in today’s interview, which I’ve titled a success story to model. 

Full disclosure, Karen is one of my clients and her interview covers her experience and what happened as she has been working with me, and I know it’s going to be incredibly helpful for you, if you are a coach or a consultant who too, is struggling to clarify and capture the essence of who you are and the unique blend of what you offer in a concise, succinct and empowering unique and uncopyable message, brand, and offering. 

Let’s hear from Karen. 

RESOURCES:  

• Core Business Foundations: Your Pathway to Profitable and Sustainable Business Growth  

 I hope you’ve been inspired by Karen’s story. If you want to learn more about my Core Business Foundations Program, go to: www.IndustryThoughtLeaderAcademy.com/CoreBusinessFoundations.  

About Annemarie Cross:

Dubbed “The Podcasting Queen,” Annemarie is recognized as an industry pioneer, launching her first co-hosted podcast in 2008 to be the voice of inspiration and hope amongst the deluge of ‘doom and gloom’ after the GFC devastated families worldwide.

Over a decade on, she’s the author of Industry Thought Leader: How To Go from Invisible to Influential (and Profitable) with a Podcast and continues to be the voice of inspiration to a global audience through her award-winning podcasts.

Annemarie continues to live out her mission of ‘Changing the World – ONE Message at a Time’, with her own podcasts, as well as by supporting Professional Services Businesses (coaches and consultants) who are experts in their field (yet feel like they’re the world’s best-kept secret) go from Invisible to Influential (and Profitable) with their own Thought Leader Podcast.

Click here to access Annemarie’s Industry Thought Leader Podcast Series to help you go from Invisible to Influential (and Profitable) with a Podcast.

Contact Annemarie:

• Website: www.ambitiousentrepreneurnetwork.com / www.annemariecross.com
• Twitter: @TheAmbitiousPod
• Facebook: @TheAmbitiousEntrepreneurShow

The post [Ep#358] A Success Story to Model with Karen Crowell appeared first on The Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast Network 

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Whenever you create a piece of content there has to be an end in mind AND a next step that you encourage your ideal client to take that gets them into the next step, the next phase of the customer journey as you continue to build know, like and trust.  

The purpose of your content is of course to bring value, position yourself as a trusted authority, with the content so good, that when you invite them to take the next step, your ideal will. 

When it comes to your content, think about the 3 ‘E’s 

• Educate 
• Engage 
• Entice 

Educate your ideal client with valuable insights, engage and build know like and trust by ensuring your message resonates with them, and then entice them and seed and lead to the next step. Invite them to take that next step. 

YOUR NEXT STEP:  

Are you a coach or consultant who is struggling to stand out online? Do you feel unnoticed, unheard, invisible?  

Access my free Masterclass, on how to become Distinguishable, Uncopyable and Irresistible to your ideal client – even if you’re in a crowded marketplace. 

Go to: www.IndustryThoughtleaderAcademy.com/DistinguishableMessage 

Post a review and share it!  

If you learned something by tuning into this podcast, do not hesitate to write a review and share it with your friends. Help us help them grow their business and create positive impact. For more updates and episodes, visit the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show website. You can also subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Email, RSS and more! 

You can also follow us through Facebook. Want to build a scalable business you are passionate about? Join The Influence Alliance – the Business Building Community for Change Makers. Want to launch your own Thought Leader Podcast? Access my ‘Are You Ready to Launch Your Podcast’ Quiz here, and have a chat with me. Have any questions? You can contact me through these platforms: 

• Company website 
• Instagram 
• Facebook 
• Join our Community of Change Makers 
• Twitter 
• Linkedin 

To staying ambitious, Annemarie 

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Brand identity plays a crucial role in establishing a successful business, as it can strengthen and differentiate your business from your competition. You must take this step to run your business successfully. Your brand helps you stand out in a competitive market by making your business memorable. Creating a positive perception of your brand in the mind of your clients is unquestionably the most important step that a business can take. 

However, building your brand isn’t an easy process. It will take a long time before your clients will truly understand your brand, and it will take some time for them to understand why they should do business with you. This is why consistency is key. A brand identity can only be built through a consistent effort that takes time and energy.

On today’s show, we’ll talk about building a strong and memorable brand identity that will surely take your business to the next level.

Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode: 

1. Learn how you can combine the most powerful organic and paid traffic strategies 
2. Learn how Funnel Marketing Strategy works
3. Understand the importance of having a clear brand identity and message

• ResourcesThe Influence Alliance — A business-building community for changemakers who want to build a sustainable and scalable business they love. 
• The Influence Alliance Free Podcast Series 
• Are you struggling to be known as a trusted authority in your industry? Schedule a chat with Annemarie at help@annemariecross.com.
• Connect with Michelle:| Website | EMail | Instagram

About Michelle

Michelle is a Facebook & Instagram Ad Strategist and Funnel Expert. Her marketing agency, Michelle Fernandez Media creates strategic ad campaigns and highly converting funnels for coaches, course creator & online experts.  

She is an expert in branding and a vital force behind the continued growth and scale of multiple 6 and 7 figure businesses.

You can connect with Michelle thru her Website | EMail | Instagram

Enjoy This Podcast?If you enjoyed today’s episode of Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast, then hit subscribe now! 

Post a review and share it! If you learned something by tuning into this podcast, do not hesitate to write a review and share it with your friends, so they can find out more about how to generate returns from a Google Ads account. 

For more updates and episodes, visit the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show website. You can also subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Email, RSS, and more! 

You can also follow us through Facebook. 

Want to build a scalable business you are passionate about? Join The Influence Alliance – the Business Building Community for Change Makers. 

Want to launch your own Thought Leader Podcast? Access my ‘Are You Ready to Launch Your Podcast’ Quiz here, and have a chat with me. 

Have any questions? You can contact me through these platforms: 

• Company website 
• Instagram 
• Facebook 
• Join our Community of Change Makers 
• Twitter
• Linkedin 

To staying ambitious, 

Annemarie 

The post [Ep#357] How to Get Crystal Clear with Your Brand Identity first appeared on appeared first on The Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast Network.

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Hey it’s Annemarie – welcome to another 30DaystoDistinction tip where I’ll be sharing 30 tips over the next 30 days as part of our 30DaysToDistinction Challenge to help you become distinguishable, uncopyable and irresistible, so you are THE choice vs just A choice for your ideal client and can continue to bring real change in your sphere of influence with your message and expertise. 

This is Tip #25.  

And it’s all about the importance of repurposing your content. 

Now, before you roll your eyes and go ‘Annemarie, we already know that!’ 

Let me ask you a question – are you repurposing your content?  

Across different platforms at different times AND by leveraging different mediums?  

It’s important, because: 

1. It can take multiple times for someone to finally take action, which can be for a number of reasons from they’re not quite ready yet, they may to struggle through on their own and need to get to that frustration point where the cost of NOT doing something and investing in help is greater than them struggling on their own, and  
2. Not everyone consumes content in the specific way you are sharing it so will appreciate you leveraging a different medium to share it. 

For instance, you can: 

• Write an article 
• Take that article and create an infographic from the main points 
• Take that article and create a video 
• Take that video and strip the audio and include on your podcast 
• Take points of that article and create a slideshow  
• Take the article and create slides and a document on Linkedin 
• Take one of the points of the article and go deeper into that specific point 
• Then take that point and create an infographic from the new points you came up with 

And on it goes.  

See the content you can come up with just from one article?  

YOUR NEXT STEP:  

Are you a coach or consultant who is struggling to stand out online? Do you feel unnoticed, unheard, invisible?  

Access my free Masterclass, on how to become Distinguishable, Uncopyable and Irresistible to your ideal client – even if you’re in a crowded marketplace. 

Go to: www.IndustryThoughtleaderAcademy.com/DistinguishableMessage 

Post a review and share it!  

If you learned something by tuning into this podcast, do not hesitate to write a review and share it with your friends. Help us help them grow their business and create positive impact. For more updates and episodes, visit the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show website. You can also subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Email, RSS and more! 

You can also follow us through Facebook. Want to build a scalable business you are passionate about? Join The Influence Alliance – the Business Building Community for Change Makers. Want to launch your own Thought Leader Podcast? Access my ‘Are You Ready to Launch Your Podcast’ Quiz here, and have a chat with me. Have any questions? You can contact me through these platforms: 

• Company website 
• Instagram 
• Facebook 
• Join our Community of Change Makers 
• Twitter 
• Linkedin 

To staying ambitious, Annemarie 

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Hi, this is Annemarie – welcome to another episode of the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show.  

In today’s show, I’ll be talking about how to develop a healthy mindset around money so you can attract a higher-level client and charge what you’re worth as a trusted authority in your industry. 

Here’s what I’ll be covering in this show: 

• Why your relationship with money can either hinder or help you; 
• What’s your story around money; 
• Money Mindset Impact Grid; 
• Your Money Archetypes; 
• Do you have a Scarcity (Just Enough) or Abundance Mindset when it comes to money, and much more 

Let’s dive in. 

RESOURCES:  

• The Influence Alliance  
• Breakthrough Your Money Drama’s eCourse  

About Annemarie 

Annemarie Cross is a personal branding strategist and award-winning podcast host. She has been podcasting since 2008 and is a pioneer in the podcasting space. Annemarie’s expertise includes brand marketing, content strategy, social media marketing, digital marketing, lead generation, and business consulting, among many others. 

Annemarie is also the founder of The Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast Network and has made significant contributions to several organisations, including the Industry Thought Leader Academy, THe Influence Alliance, and Podcasting with Purpose.  

You can connect with Annemarie: Website | LinkedIn | Twitter 

Enjoy This Podcast? 

Content is everything when it comes to marketing. Digital technology has made it possible to access a wide range of content, and we need to make sure we produce content that is both unique and valuable.  

If you enjoyed today’s episode of Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast, then hit subscribe now! 

Post a review and share it!

If you learned something by tuning into this podcast, do not hesitate to write a review and share it with your friends, so they can find out more about how to create effective and valuable thought leadership content. 

For more updates and episodes, visit the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show website. You can also subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Email, RSS and more! 

You can also follow us through Facebook. 

Want to build a scalable business you are passionate about? Join The Influence Alliance – the Business Building Community for Change Makers. 

Want to launch your own Thought Leader Podcast? Access my ‘Are You Ready to Launch Your Podcast’ Quiz here, and have a chat with me. 

Have any questions? You can contact me through these platforms: 

• Company website 
• Instagram 
• Facebook 
• Join our Community of Change Makers 
• Twitter 
• Linkedin 

To staying ambitious, 

Annemarie

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As I mentioned yesterday in Tip#23, as someone who is looking to build your thought leadership – be mindful of the tactics you follow as you continue to build your reputation as a trusted authority.  

It matters.

Rather than following the same ol ‘hack this’ and ‘hack that’ visibility tactics – focus on the insights, hindsight and foresight that only YOU can bring to the conversation through your years of experience and knowledge.

Because it’s the wisdom and knowledge YOU bring through longevity in your industry that matters! Showcase THAT as you build your thought leadership collateral.

Another way to do that is to: 

• Innovate – even 1% difference can make the difference  

So here are some tips to help you come up with content ideas. Specifically the type of content people WANT to read and will help you stand out, be heard and influence your ideal client?  

An interesting poll that Linkedin’s ran a while ago may just be helpful.  In fact, ‘Fresh Ideas and Inspiration’ topped the poll at 60%, followed by ‘New Industry Insights’ in second place at 29%. 

Here’s what I would add – especially important if you’re looking to add value to the conversation WHILE build your reputation as a trusted authority – that trusted voice in your industry.  

Be mindful your ‘Fresh Ideas and Inspiration’ are specific and relevant to your industry. Because while those inspirational ‘popularity posts’ may generate higher levels of engagement, you’ll want to spend the majority of your time creating posts that challenges the status quo, inspires new ways of thinking to your industry, while showcasing your thought leadership.  

So, specificity and relevancy are key. 

Here are 3 ideas to get your creative content juices flowing when it comes to innovating – even at 1%:  

• Look at what other people in your industry are talking about AND go deeper. Much deeper.  
• Pinpoint the areas no-one’s talking about. Find evidence that validate its importance and relevance, and continue to bring fresh and innovative insights into this area. 
• Research other industries and pinpoint overlapping similarities/challenges/solutions to build a solid business case for why change is needed and why outdated principles/approaches are no longer valid. 

YOUR NEXT STEP:  

Are you a coach or consultant who is struggling to stand out online? Do you feel unnoticed, unheard, invisible?  

Access my free Masterclass, on how to become Distinguishable, Uncopyable and Irresistible to your ideal client – even if you’re in a crowded marketplace. 

Go to: www.IndustryThoughtleaderAcademy.com/DistinguishableMessage 

Post a review and share it!  

If you learned something by tuning into this podcast, do not hesitate to write a review and share it with your friends. Help us help them grow their business and create positive impact. For more updates and episodes, visit the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show website. You can also subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Email, RSS and more! 

You can also follow us through Facebook. Want to build a scalable business you are passionate about? Join The Influence Alliance – the Business Building Community for Change Makers. Want to launch your own Thought Leader Podcast? Access my ‘Are You Ready to Launch Your Podcast’ Quiz here, and have a chat with me. Have any questions? You can contact me through these platforms: 

• Company website 
• Instagram 
• Facebook 
• Join our Community of Change Makers
• Twitter 
• Linkedin 

To staying ambitious, Annemarie 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My guest today says, “No amount of denying happiness will diminish loss. Life is to be lived. Loss is inevitable and happiness should always be embraced.” 

Joining me today is Lisa Kaplin. 

Lisa is a psychologist and professional certified coach. She teaches others how to be coaches, giving numerous talks around communication, executive presence, and leadership. She considers herself a life coach for the business world in that often the issues that show up at work also show up in our personal lives. When we figure one aspect out we influence the other aspect as well.  

On today’s show, Lisa is going to share: 

1. Network, network, network! 
2. Keep going even if it is only one tiny step at a time 
3. What are you most afraid of? Do that first!  

• ResourcesThe Influence Alliance — A business-building community for changemakers who want to build a sustainable and scalable business they love. 
• The Influence Alliance Free Podcast Series 
• Are you struggling to be known as a trusted authority in your industry? Schedule a chat with Annemarie at help@annemariecross.com.
• Connect with Lisa: Website | Twitter| LinkedIn | EMail | Instagram

Enjoy This Podcast?If you enjoyed today’s episode of Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast, then hit subscribe now! 

Post a review and share it! If you learned something by tuning into this podcast, do not hesitate to write a review and share it with your friends, so they can find out more about how to generate returns from a Google Ads account. 

For more updates and episodes, visit the Ambitious Entrepreneur Show website. You can also subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Email, RSS, and more! 

You can also follow us through Facebook. 

Want to build a scalable business you are passionate about? Join The Influence Alliance – the Business Building Community for Change Makers. 

Want to launch your own Thought Leader Podcast? Access my ‘Are You Ready to Launch Your Podcast’ Quiz here, and have a chat with me. 

Have any questions? You can contact me through these platforms: 

• Company website 
• Instagram 
• Facebook 
• Join our Community of Change Makers 
• Twitter
• Linkedin 

To staying ambitious, 

Annemarie 

The post [Ep 355] Network, network, network! first appeared on appeared first on The Ambitious Entrepreneur Podcast Network.

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As I mentioned yesterday in Tip#22, as someone who is looking to build your thought leadership – be mindful of the tactics you follow as you continue to build your reputation as a trusted authority.

It matters.

Rather than following the same ol ‘hack this’ and ‘hack that’ visibility tactics – focus on the insights, hindsight, and foresight that only YOU can bring to the conversation through your years of experience and knowledge. Because it’s the wisdom and knowledge YOU bring through longevity in your industry that matters! Showcase THAT as you build your thought leadership collateral.

Another way to do that is to:

Bring in validating third party statistics.

Why? Because relevant third-party statistics validate where you’re saying AND can add even more urgency and/or importance to what you’re saying.

For instance, one of the sources I love to reference is Edelman Trust Barometer. Edeleman is a highly trusted authority in the area of Trust and what builds trust, with the information they gather in their annual trust surveys, giving us a clear appreciation of what’s important when it comes to building trust. I’ve often used Edelman’s findings in my content. Recently, Edelman partnered with Linkedin to conduct a B2B Thought Leadership Survey and the study came up with some amazing statistics which validated the importance and urgency to the things I’ve been saying around the importance of building thought leadership.

According to Edelman and Linkedin ‘2019 B2B Thought Leadership Impact Study’:

87% of decision makers said that building Thought Leadership builds trust;

89% of decision makers said that building Thought Leadership enhances your reputation;

58% of decision makers said they would choose a business because of their Thought Leadership;

61% of decision makers said they were willing to pay premium prices to work with a brand that articulated a clear vision through their Thought Leadership.

These findings validate the importance of building your thought leadership and becoming a trusted authority in your industry.

Now it’s your turn.

What organisations are conducting studies that are relevant to your industry that can validate the importance and/or urgency of what you are saying and teaching?

Go ahead and begin journaling these ideas into your Take Action Guide, and start to look out for additional organisations. Perhaps even commit to spending once a month in online research as to the more recent articles and findings being shared. Because this will continue to validate the importance and/or urgency of what you are teaching.

I can’t wait to hear what you come up with.

If you haven’t downloaded the Take Action Guide, you can access it over at: www.IndustryThoughtLeaderAcademy.com/Distinction

You’ll also be able to catch up on the other tips so you can become distinguishable, uncopyable and irresistible, and THE choice vs just A choice for your ideal client and can continue to be the difference and bring real change in your sphere of influence with your message and expertise.

Stay tuned for another 30DaystoDistinction tip tomorrow.

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