IN THIS ISSUE

Message from Marian: Preparing for My SN4BW Presentation  Events: 7 Strategic Steps To Propel Your Business to the Next Level  Featured Article: 4 Execution Mistakes That Damage Your Business Profits Marian Recommends Select online business building resources About Marian Please add "Marian[@]SparkActionNow[dot]com" to your whitelist or address book in your e-mail program, so that you have no trouble receiving future issues!

May 28, 2009  Volume 1, Issue 5 Published every other Thursday.  You're on our list because you signed up for one of our programs or updates to the blog.    To change your subscription, see the link at the end of the email. Sign Me Up for this eZine!

What did you do this past weekend?  I had a self-reflective Memorial Day Monday in California! Monday was a reminder of the freedoms--the way of life--that my late father fought for while serving in the US Air Force. So, here's to all the service members who stood up for "the cause"...  

I'm preparing for my SN4BW presentation!   

It's official!  I've joined the list of 12 expert trainers for the June 3rd SN4BW Global Online Expo sponsored by Adobe (more to follow later).  One of the speakers is my Twitter and Tweetup friend Elizabeth Potts Weinstein (or @ElizabethPW on Twitter).  

Here's a photo of us meeting casually at the first ever Tweetup that I organized at a local cafe in Silicon Valley. It was 12noon on a Wednesday and we weren't wearing suits! We're sitting in a semi-circle with a few others which is why I look hunched and leaning forward.

Shhh! Don't tell Elizabeth I shared this photo... It maybe not the most flattering picture of us, but what the heck! We're keeping it real!

(Note - Don't be fooled by casual appearances...Elizabeth is a rock solid business woman, attorney and author, quoted in the media. Learn more about her from her bio on the SN4BW event page.)

Thus far, I've completed the 5-page Action Guide for all participants.  It gives you a framework for capturing relevant information for massive action later.  This is the type of tool, I want you to consider using in your tele-events.  It hods your attention and helps you frame what's most important.  But what's MORE special about THIS Action Guide is that you'll walk away from the 60-minute session with a customized Action Plan for Your Success. Your strategic execution plan that cuts through the noise.

I'm REALLY, REALLY excited about sharing this information and helping you make strategic decisions. But I have to be honest with you.  I'm a wee bit nervous...I'm going to want to give you everything that you can possibly handle (without overloading you). I'm notorious for being thorough to a fault!

In fact, Kammy Haynes (@KammyHaynes on Twitter) asked me one simple question--basically helping her decide between two options.  And she ended up with a thorough recommendation including 4 simple action steps plus the best and affordable resources to execute quickly. And her response to this was...


That took me 10 minutes to do! And it made my day to make an impact!  So here's to Kammy for asking!

Now to finalize the powerpoint slides...both challenging and fun. Because you're sorting through the best approach / combination of slides to convey the message in a very simple way. I hope you're at the event to see how it all turns out!

4 Execution Mistakes That Damage Your Business Profits
Today's featured article is all about the failure to execute.  I've seen it in the work I've done in Corporate America, in small businesses and with entrepreneurs. At first glance, you might be tempted to say "that makes sense". Yet, when you're in the thick of handling the day to day, you often miss the forest from the trees.  So, I invite you to see if you're making any of these execution mistakes today and then take corrective action.

I invite your comments, suggestions and ideas on what you want me to share next.  Just send me an email or complete the contact form on the blog! And I just might feature you in the next eZine or blog.  Don't worry, I'll never release your email address.  But I'd love to share your Twitter ID or website.  So don't forget to include that!

P.S. Are we connected on Twitter yet?  When you tweet what we share in common (for example, you're a subscriber of this eZine), you'll catch my attention ;)  I'd love to interact with you more and learn about your business project or challenge.  Connect with me here. 

Got 30 minutes?  Join this complimentary call when Social Networking for Business Women, Lesley Johnston interviews Marian Sparks about her upcoming training! Walk away with at least 3 tips you can use to redirect your business efforts before the Global Training Expo and how to determine what to focus on first. Attend free if you're uncertain about whether  creating your Action Plan for Success on June 3rd (below) is for you.

Register FREE: http://sparkactionnow.com/june09-expo-preview

BONUS:  Receive THIS replay plus 11 replays from the expert trainers for the June 3rd upcoming event.  That's 5 hours total of business-building advice.  But only when you register!

In this 60 minutes, you'll discover 7 strategic questions to cut through the marketing and mindset noise, see the Big Picture fast, improve your decision making, focus on the critical few projects and spark action on the first manageable chunk.  You'll leave with a flexible Action Plan for Your Success and tool you can use repeatedly to move you from struggle and frustration towards your unique path for business success.  Get ready for a return on investment of your time, attention, money and effort when you shift from acquiring information to applying strategic insights in your business.

Register for "Your Action Plan for Success-7 Strategic Action Steps":  
5PM Pacific / 8PM Eastern 
http://sparkactionnow/june09-expo-7s
(scroll past agenda to "buy individual sessions", select "Marian Sparks")

BONUS - You'll receive the audio replay, the Action Guide and the video recording for your convenience.

Social Networking for Business Women is partnering with 12 expert trainers who will teach you how to improve profitability in critical areas of your business, drive traffic and build a system that works.  Thanks to the sponsorship of Adobe, you can experience this 12-hour information-packed event live in the comfort of your home, office or local cafe.

Check out the 12-speaker lineup and register:
http://sparkactionnow.com/june09-expo

Note - "Friends of Marian" save $50 on your investment when you use the discount code.
 
Print the agenda:
http://sparkactionnow.com/june09-expo-agenda

by Marian Sparks

 You're investing incredible amounts of money, time, effort and attention figuring out the best way to increase your profits using a variety of online marketing strategies or electronic business tools. Whether you're implementing new strategies or existing ones, most decision-makers make one or more of these execution mistakes that can lead to frustration, false starts and limited business success.  Make a note to see if you're struggling in any of these four execution areas so you can take corrective action immediately.

Do you know what it's going to take to get you from where you are to where you want to be?  Mapping out what you want to accomplish and the best strategy to get there faster and with more ease is critical to your success. Imagine having a focused guide map that informs your decisions. You would certainly save money and time from not doing things that are irrelevant.  The best plans are simple, flexible and move you in the right direction.

Are you clear on what needs to be done, who's going to do it and when?  The major reason why you never accomplish what you set out to do is because you never complete the projects or necessary actions that will get you there.  Whether you do the work yourself or you have a team to help you, YOU are ultimately responsible for getting it done. So build your plan. Work your plan.  

3. Failure to check your results     

Are you measuring your progress?  To do so, requires knowing your ending point and your starting point.  Let's say you want 50 new subscribers to your ezine next month.  You've mapped out what it would take to make that your new reality.  You implemented the necessary steps to do it.  And now you check if you hit your target.  Did you hit, exceed or come short of your targe?  What worked? What didn't work? Celebrate what you've accomplished and what you learned.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE?
You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Marian sparks strategic action that moves busy solopreneurs, independent professionals and small business owners from where they are to where they desire to grow their eBusiness. If you’re ready to jump-start your success, get your FREE tips, tools and recommendations now at http://sparkactionnow.com

WANT TO SEE MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS ONE? See Marian's Spark Action Now blog.

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One more thing…
I'd be grateful if you share this issue with a friend or colleague.  You see, I'm so happy to have you as an eZine reader, that I'd love to connect directly with more people just like you.  And since I want to keep you all to myself, I'll never share your email address with anyone including the people you refer to me!  You always have the power to unsubscribe at any time (and so will your referred friends!)

The resources below are select services and products that I use so I know they work. Please check them out.  Learn more about how they can benefit you as you design your business around your strengths and services.  I'm just an email or Tweet away for any follow on questions that you may have.

Conducting teleseminars is a cost effective way to deliver your services, build relationships with your market and leverage your time to serve more people in a one-hour period.  Alex Mandossian is the best when it comes to teaching you time-tested strategies to make teleseminars a profit center. Now you can access 4+ hours of what is normally an 8-week teleseminar training course. You'll have instant access to the audio and written transripts filled with actionable tips to expand your business now.  Go here to save $79.

One tool I simply can't live without is Roboform!  I have 250+ online accounts (yes, I counted) and it's challenging to manage and track all my usernames and passwords by myself. Sound familiar?  If you find yourself clicking the "forgot password" link on websites, then check out Roboform.  You can generate secure, "strong" passwords and auto-fill forms with a click of a mouse.  And the free trial makes it easier for you to evaluate who does a better job at "remembering" your passwords--you or Roboform. Download Roboform for free. 

This is the service I use to create and deliver the Spark Online Success eZine as well as the Spark Action Now blogzine. I love their email marketing tips and how I can turn RSS feeds into email.  It's a popular choice by many independent professionals, solo-preneurs and small business owners. Learn more.

I prefer listening to conference calls and teleseminars through my computer (feels like surround sound).  And what's wonderful about Rick Raddatz's service is that about 60% of attendees choose the webcast option versus the phone line - especially those calling outside of the U.S.  The question feature makes it simple to capture what's on your audience's mind before, during and after the call.  Give it a whirl with the 21-day trial.  But only when you're ready. You want to get the most out of your $1! Get details here.

Marian Sparks MBA is a MIT-trained MBA, strategic business advisor, action mentor and problem-solver. She works with business leaders and service-focused business owners seeking to achieve their optimum revenue and cost savings, but struggling with the best strategy to get things going and get things done.

A former educator, Fortune 50 executive and now entrepreneur, Marian combines her passion for making an impact and harnessing the Internet to build connections, collaborate and serve clients. Her philosophy: It’s Your livelihood. Your lifestyle. Your legacy. Your choice. Experience it now!   

An American born and raised in the Philippines and Japan, Marian acquired a unique perspective for sparking change and making an impact. What gets her excited?  Exchanging ideas and collaborating on how to make an impact, build a legacy, while enjoying as many laughs as possible along the way! Because business is supposed to be fun!

Sign up for the Spark Online Success eZine to learn about my latest projects and group programs underway.

For a wealth of action strategies to jump start your success, browse Spark Action Now and sign up for blog updates by email.  You'll receive a complimentary subscription to my Spark Online Success eZine published every other Thursday.

For more frequent updates or to simply connect with me live, follow me on Twitter.