Joey Ragona | Strategic Business Academy

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Author: Joey Ragona

Entrepreneurial Mindset

Goal Setting & Why I HATE This Time of Year

I don’t know how to say this…but if you're goal setting…

I may as well just come right out and say it.

(WARNING: big boy and girl language used – if that offends you, stop reading now.)

Goal Setting

I HATE this time of year.

For ONE reason.

And that is…I HATE watching entrepreneurs roll over another year without accomplishing anything they promised themselves during LAST YEAR'S goal setting routine.

I know “hate” is a strong word…I truly feel helpless when I see people struggling…

Yet they’re unwilling to really do something about it.

Listen, nobody is saying goal setting and changing things for the better is easy…

But I gotta tell you – I can’t help being pissed off when I’m around a group of people declaring how they’re going to “change their life” starting in the New Year!

First of all – you know as well as I do, most of ‘em are full of shit (and liquored up, so they will say anything)

Secondly, the statistics are against you and me.

Check this out:

(http://www.statisticbrain.com/new-years-resolution-statistics/)

WOW – only 8% of people are successful in achieving their resolutions.

Just LOOK at the other percentages!

Remember that “top 10%” thingy everyone talks about?

The “successful” 10% of people in the world?

Well, this just shows you another perspective of why most people are NOT in that 10%.

And it’s as simple as following through on our New Year’s resolutions and goal setting promises.

I’ll take it a step further.

It’s NOT just about New Years.

It’s about the promises we make to ourselves EVERY DAY, and BREAK every day.

I’ve seen it.

I’ve done it.

The “I have a ton of other things I need to get to first” excuse.

We have the same problems.

“I’m feeling overwhelmed.”

“I need another me when it’s busy.”

“I feel like I’m flailing all over the place and will never stop working IN the business.”

I could go on and on, but you get the picture.

It’s why I HATE this time of year – and the whole traditional goal setting process.

If it wasn’t for my family, the joy of freedom and being around such positive people in my life, I’d probably lock myself away until after the New Year fiasco is over.

Because I know more entrepreneurs just like you and me, are waiting for the “New Year” date to try and overcome all of it.

My advice?

Fuck it – start NOW.

Really, WHAT’S going to different in 3 weeks that will make you change your life that isn’t already within your decisive control TODAY?

Change your personal statistics.

Heck, do you want to take it a step further?

Join me in January for my Business Breakthrough Mastermind.

And I’ll make SURE you’re changing your stats.

I hope 2017 is a rockin’ year for you.

If you’ve read this far, I apologize – I know it’s been sort of a downer email…but I HAD to say it.

And I applaud you.

Because most people would not read all of this.

It tells me that you’re willing to listen – willing to stop the excuses and do something now.

It’s ALWAYS your choice.

Whether you do it today or keep waiting for another day.

Peace and love for the Christmas Season of 2016!

Let me know your thoughts below!

Improve Email Marketing

A Failed Email Marketing Plan You Want To Avoid

If you're email marketing plan is about SCRAPING EMAILS…

If you're “hacking” and “chopping” your way into people’s inboxes…

STOP right now!

Here’s what I’m talking about.

There are some “genius” email marketing dudes out there (you know I’m being sarcastic, right) who will sell you an email marketing plan like grabbing people’s email addresses and put them on your own list so you can offer them shit.

But it gets’ better.

These geniuses are saying “in today’s world, you have to target the right people. So don’t send stuff to people who are not interested in your stuff.”

That almost sounds professional.

And it kinda sounds right for email marketing plan .

But here’s where everything takes a turn for the worse.

Failed Email Marketing Plan

The way they “teach” this targeting is for example, you go to LinkedIN (or whatever else) and search for people who are in “groups” or have interests related to your shit.

Then you market to THOSE dudes.

Because they are “obviously” interested in the same stuff you’re selling.

AND, these genius gurus tell you it’s OK to “steal” these emails because people have generously put their email out there publicly, so you can use them in your new email marketing plan

I mean, if they didn’t WANT us to email them, they would keep those email addresses private, right?

Look.

If this is your email marketing plan, to PUSH your way into people’s inboxes and lives without being invited, you’re doing it all wrong.

Plain and simple.

How this email marketing plan pissed me off

And as I write this, I’m coming off another “email invite” from someone who clearly is using this very email marketing plan.

She sent me an email last week.

I didn’t know who she was.

Noticed she checked me out on LinkedIn and connected the dots.

I let it go.

Marked her email as SPAM because it was very convenient that there was NO WAY to unsubscribe the “official” way from her email.

Today, I got another one.

Again, CLEARLY sent from an auto-blast, auto-drip, hoping for the best email campaign thing.

I don’t KNOW this person.

I didn’t SIGN UP for her shit.

I WANTED to unsubscribe politely, but couldn’t…

So she received a VERY nasty reply…

I hope she responds because I’ll let you know how it goes.

Point is…

LinkedIn, Facebook or whatever it is you use is NOT there to INVADE people’s lives with your shit.

You ADD to their lives.

You educate them.

Sure, every once in a while you’ll post an offer or something like that…

But it’s an INVITE for them to learn more and ADD THEMSELVES to your email marketing.

I can’t tell you how WRONG it is to just push your shit in front of people who didn’t ASK for it.

How'd this sit with ya? Lemme know below and let's start a conversation!~

Spark Entrepreneurship

How to Tell if Your Entrepreneur Problems Are Actually Denial

I’ve found in working with entrepreneur problems all this time, the ones who struggle the most have blinders on as they navigate through life and business.

They’re totally living in a false reality.

Here’s why.

The biggest “reason” why they waste time, procrastinate, blame others for stuff, and are stuck in analysis paralysis is because they tell themselves (and others) how different things will be in the future.

They rationalize why they can’t “find” the time to work on things that must be done because they’re caught up in the same bad habits and behaviors all day long.

They’ll admit they need to change things, yet they’re still doing the same things they did yesterday, last month and last year.

When their current chaos and state of disorganization, lack of focus, panic, and chasing business opportunity after business opportunity is presented, they’ll tell you it’s not a reflection of who they are or what they really want.

They just need a little more “time.”

I’m here to tell you…

THAT’S denial.

Here’s the truth about entrepreneur problems

The current life and situation YOU (and me) are in RIGHT NOW, IS the purest reflection of who we are, the choices we’ve made and the actions we’ve taken. – Rich Schefren –

That’s a hard pill to swallow – especially if you’re in denial.

And if you’re reading this and know deep inside I’m telling the truth, and it hits home with you…

The time to change some of your entrepreneur problems is not someday, or next year (now that we’re coming up on the famous “New Year’s promises)…

Change is NOW.

Here’s the reality.

NOW is all you have.

I know, you’ve “heard it before.”

But what have you done about it?

And listen, I’m no perfect peach here either.

I’ve pushed things back – I’ve neglected things…and have had some of the same entrepreneur problems you have.

But as soon as I realize it – I DO something about it – something to CHANGE the bad habit.

I DO NOT say “ah well, I’ll do it tomorrow” and give in to my bad habits.

And sometimes, I make huge mistakes and things don’t work out.

But I’m so much further ahead because I know I’m moving forward.

The person who tells me they “need” to change their mindset and priorities…yet FAIL to do anything about TODAY is FOOLING themselves.

They don’t WANT to change any of their entrepreneur problems – because if they did, they would.

They would be OK with stepping into the fear and the unknown of what’s going to happen.

Because if we all knew what was going to happen, we’d all be picking the same lottery numbers this week. (just a metaphor…I don't really believe in lottery as a “wealth strategy”)

And it’s not about procrastination – that’s just another excuse for some manifestation of fear.

Period.

Sometimes it goes even deeper:
We are afraid to change because the people around us do not or will not support us.

REALLY?

Are you living YOUR life or someone else's?

Think about that.

Because again, the situation you’re in is a reflection of who’s life you’re living.

If you want to act differently, have a better, organized business, and stop the chaotic life you have today, what’s stopping you?

WHO's stopping you?

Think about THAT too.

Your life today, IS your reality.

It won't get any better unless YOU make it better.

I had a HARD TIME swallowing that one.

Because I knew I could be better than I was when my first coach called ME out on all this.

And the truth hurts.

And if it hurts enough, maybe you’ll do something about it.

Tough love my friend.
– Joey

Spark Entrepreneurship

The “Cost” of Entrepreneurship

You don’t have to get entrepreneurship perfect every time you’re out.

And you don’t have to tell me how hard things are sometimes.

That’s the “cost” of entrepreneurship.

Read between the lines of that last part carefully.

Because I said the “cost” of entrepreneurship is being OK with things being tough, and when they don’t always go the way you want them or believe they should.

I DID NOT SAY “the cost of entrepreneurship is to give up your life, grind yourself to the bone and sacrifice the moments of presence you owe yourself and your family.”

Yet MILLIONS of entrepreneurs do that very thing each and every day.

Can I tell you something?

If you believe you have to work harder and longer just because you’re struggling – in MOST cases, that only means you’ll have bigger and more problems.

That is, IF you don’t build your business strategically.

Here’s what I mean:

As entrepreneurs, we’ve got our backs against the wall multiple times a week. Sometimes multiple times A DAY!

And it gets tough.

Sometimes there’s not enough to pay ourselves.

And if you’re anything like me, there were a LOT of those times.

So what do we do??

Yea, we stay up late – work harder – work more –

– we go after “new” opportunities

– we throw quick promotions together to drum up business

In other words, we scramble.

We become MORE distracted because all we’re focused on is “shit – I gotta make some money here.”

Just me?

I dunno about that – I see a LOT of distracted entrepreneurs unfocused.

And I’m not pointing any fingers here.

I’m just putting this out there so you know that I know 🙂

What’s the Answer for Better Entrepreneurship?

TAKE OUT the trash.

All that trash in your head.

All that trash on your desk.

And look at what you are really trying to accomplish.

95% of the entrepreneurs I know have trained and taught, they want to really help people.

And I’m not talking about that “help people” thingy EVERYONE says, yet all they care about is their wallet.

The trouble is when we want to help people, sometimes our businesses struggle – and we’re stuck, we’re short on cash and we CAN’T help people the way we want.

And THAT’S the point of this article.

It’s to understand that things will not be perfect in our quest to help others.

And when we hit a low, we get distracted because we believe we need to “just get things in order first.”

Possibly.

But in my experience, I’ve seen people “get things in order” for YEARS.

And it’s like they’re stuck in a round-a-bout, not knowing which road to take.

I know it’s simple to say, but the answer is, STAY TRUE to your dreams.

And that means you gotta believe in your ability.

When things are tough – it’s the universe testing you.

Most will fail. They are biz-opp people. Not entrepreneurs.

That’s just how it goes – and if you're an entrepreneur, you know EXACTLY what I'm talking about.

Love Joey

Market Your Product

The Best Marketing Plan Ever

By total mistake, I’ve found the best marketing plan ever.

And I want to share it with you.

I recognized the power of this marketing plan after getting my newest coaching client this month.

Because I didn’t have to do ANYTHING.

She didn’t come into my world through marketing.

That means she didn’t opt-in for a lead magnet that would set her up for a free consultation call.

Even though this is how I get MOST of my clients.

And there’s nothing wrong with that approach – because it works. It lets me help someone WITHOUT selling them.

And that’s cool.

And I thought it was the best marketing plan ever.

Not anymore.

It’s a close second.

The Best Marketing Plan in Action

My newest coaching client came to me because of:

Referral + Proof

OK – I know what you’re thinking.

“Joey, that’s not NEW – I already know about referrals.”

Sure ya do.

“…and proof? yea, what’s so new about that?”

Here’s what’s new:

The COMBINATION.

Here’s what I mean:

Let’s say we have a product that cleans wine stains out of carpets.

A conversation between two friends might go something like this:

Friend one: “hey, I just bought this new stuff called XYZ that cleans carpet stains like you’ve never seen before – you should buy it”

Friend two: “yeah, maybe…I’ve got some stuff that I’ll finish off first, and then I’ll see..”

Friend one: “Ok, watch this” and proceeds to pour a glass of red wine into her newly carpeted living room.

Shocked, friend two is thinking “holy shit – why’d she do that? She’s crazy!”

Friend one then sprays the new XYZ stuff on the stain, lets it sit for a bit and then blots it up with a white cloth.

The carpet?

Nothing.

You can’t tell a stain was ever there.

BLAMMO

referral + proof in full effect.

Of course, I’m exaggerating the story, but it’s to make my point about the best marketing plan you can have.

When someone’s referring you, that’s awesome.

And it usually works.

But you STILL have to do some “selling.”

Still, easier than selling “cold.”

On the other hand, when you get someone referring you who has ALREADY GOTTEN RESULTS…

AND, the other person has SEEN the results…

AND…that person wants the SAME results – YOU’RE IN LIKE SLIM BABY!

Did you catch that (in my A.D.D. way of writing)?

Let me repeat the best marketing plan formula:

Referral from Person with results + Person who WITNESSED the results and wants the SAME results = CUSTOMER

Are you getting how powerful this is??

When my newest client called me, I didn’t have to SELL A THING.

Not me.

Not my service.

NOTHING.

When I asked her “how can I help?” she said “I found out about you through X…and I’ve known her for years. I’ve seen how much she’s changed in the past two years and I want to be the same way – so I decided it’s time to call you.”

DONE.

The sales “pitch” was never needed.

The “proof” was already demonstrated through the work I did with my other clients.

And that to me, is the best marketing plan you can have.

WHY am I telling you this?

For two reasons:

when you actually get results for people, they will not only be happy to tell others; but the results will speak for themselves – so others can see for themselves. (referral)
when you actually FOCUS on ONE SPECIFIC customer to get specific results, the RIGHT prospects will recognize those results. (specific proof)

In my case, because I help entrepreneurs straighten out their business by getting more focused and organized with systems and marketing campaigns, so they can make more money without working 18 hour days anymore…

So they can GET THEIR LIFE BACK… (BIG RESULT)

WHO do you think recognizes that result?

Yep – other overwhelmed-hard-working-disorganized-exhausted entrepreneurs who HAVE NO LIFE because THEY’RE working 18 hour days.

So when they see their colleague/friend suddenly calmer, organized and spending more time out with family, skiing on weekends and all that great stuff…

They start to ask questions.

And THAT my friend is the BEST marketing plan you can have.

Referral + Proof = Customers

What’d ya think?

Any comments, questions, suggestions?

Lets’ get a conversation going below!

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