Have you ever had something happen that brought the world as you know it to a standstill? Something so unexpected that it seems almost surreal, yet you know it’s very real?
Recently, I had just such a turn of events. With a phone call my world turned upside down. So much in fact that for the first time in fifteen plus years of owning my business I chose to cancel several teleseminars, interviews and client mentoring sessions.
Last week I cancelled three such events until further notice. This coming week I chose to cancel two more. Things are still in limbo with our family emergency so this is a choice I needed to make. For anyone who registered for these you will be notified when we reschedule.
Due to the severity of the family crisis I have made a choice to postpone any events for an indefinite period of time that prevent me from being fully available for my family. The love and support I have received from readers and clients around the globe has been amazing. I am forever grateful.
Fortunately, I am able to respond to the needs of my parents (both in their 80’s) due to the structure of my business. However, it wasn’t always this way and I realize many people are not able to do this.
There are ample reasons, but in reality it doesn’t have to be this way. When your business is set up in a way that you are not trading dollars for hours 100% of the time you do have more flexibility. Simple as that.
For those who have structured their business with sustainability there is more freedom to make the choices during times of personal crisis or simply a desire to take time off.
You can create sustainability with multiple streams of revenues. One of the best ways to do this is with information products.
Information products are a great way to package your expertise and knowledge base. I know lots of people making hundreds, thousands and tens of thousands of dollars each and every month with information products.
Lots of top experts have everything from low priced info products to high priced resources. One of the easiest to develop and sell are eReports.
I have developed lots of reports that have generated thousands of dollars each.
Why not write some of your own? Ready to learn how?
http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/ReportProductDevelopment.htm
The mistake many people make is they’ve bought into the statement, “Build it and they will come.”
Don’t believe this for a moment. Otherwise you will build and build and build and nobody comes because they don’t know “it” existed.
To learn some powerful ways to market online check out my Become a Bestseller eReport.
You will learn strategies that will not only show you how to market a book online, but just about any information products you can think of.
http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/bestsellerreport.htm
Speaking of marketing, one of the best promotions tools around is web radio. I have done hundreds of interviews over the last few years. Radio has been one of the best tools to get my message out to large numbers of listeners for next to nothing.
http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/radiointernetsales.htm
There you have it. Three outstanding resources I created based on my years of experience with online marketing and making hundreds of thousands of dollars in the process.
What are you doing to sustain your business? Your comments are welcome.
Multiple streams with multiple price points. You’re absolutely right…that’s the key.
You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers, Kathleen.
Hi Kathleen,
I was reading and thinking about this brilliant writing. “Are your ducks in order” is a phrase that grabs me and I say most people probably don’t have their finances in order or prepared for emergencies better said. For some we wake up to this new world of internet marketing, as example, and trying to play the catch up game. I want to see you in front of me always as a stamp across my forehead saying “find ways to monetize in good and bad times.”
Thanks for always sharing from your heart as a living angel. May all go well for you and the family. I’m glad you can choose to be with them as your priority and still having ways to monetize even during “emergency” crisis. Remember to also make time to give yourself a hug from all of us to you.
Carol Giambri
Kathleen, I am thrilled for you that you have built your business in such a way that it enables you the work/family balance that is so important at this time in your life. What a gift. In fact, you have shown us that anyone can have this same gift if we create a “sustainable” business model. Your reports/classes/blogs about this model are so helpful. I am following them faithfully. Now, it’s all about the implementation and execution. Not surprised that your clients are supportive. We can wait because we know whatever you create will be content rich and plenty helpful. Lots of love to you and your family, Linda
Hello from beautiful Montana:
Our hearts and prayers are with you and yours. While this time will be stressful now, when you look back you will find it was filled with spirit.
That you can take the time to be family centered is your final gift to your parents. Your foot slowed you down so you could re-group and remember.
Your family must be very proud of the woman you have become and the influence you have on others for good.
With Love,
Judy H. Wright aka Auntie Artichoke, family relationship author and keynote speaker
Kathleen you are so right on with this post! So many solopreneurs don’t take time to think what would happen to their businesses if they had to take time away because of a family crisis or personal illness. Then, when disaster strikes, it’s much too late. A little planning now can save a lot of grief in the future.
Hello Kathleen,
This morning, I was looking for a “pearl of wisdom” to share this afternoon with my Dream Coach.
Although I perfectly know that I have received plenty of them during the past week, I just couldn’t find anyone to write on my worksheet!
Reading your post, I just found an abundance of “pearls of wisdom”! I must say that both personal and professional areas of my life greatly benefited from this awesome post of yours.
Thank you so much!
Blessings,
Chantal