Tips to Plan for a Successful Day

Feature Article: Maximize Your Marketing for Less

Business Owner in the Spotlight
Ginger McGuire
McGuire Immigration

Refueling Recommendations
Make-it-Fly® Advisory Boards
Advisory Board Openings

Make-it-Fly® MarketPlace

Next Make-it-Fly® Café

ISSN# 1552-3705

April 7, 2009
Volume 6, Issue 7

"In-Flight Refueling" is published twice a month.

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Victoria’s new book, The Small Biz Balancing Act, won three awards at the Colorado Independent Publishers Assn. EVVY Awards. Maintaining a healthy work/life balance is a continual challenge for most entrepreneurs, including us. Dave facilitated six Advisory Boards in four days last week—fun, exhilarating and very rewarding, but tiring too!

The Small Biz Balancing Act by Victoria Munro

Dianne Ochoa, Make-it-Fly franchisee in Metro Los Angeles

Make-it Fly® is spreading its wings: Dianne Ochoa (left) started a new Advisory Board 101 in the Los Angeles area last week, and Sharon Gibson (right) plans to start a Board in NW Denver later this month.

Sharon Gibson, Make-it-Fly franchisee in NW Denver & Foothills

Yesterday, we ran a Raving Fan Event* for one of our clients. It was not only very encouraging for the business owner, but yielded a wealth of valuable information, ideas and eager support from loyal clients.

Our very best regards,

Dave and Victoria

*Read more about Raving Fan Events and how you can host one to grow your business in Victoria's award-winning ebook, There's a Goldmine in Your Backyard.

Ginger McGuire
McGuire Immigration

Immigration is all over the news these days, but usually it’s the illegal kind. Ginger McGuire focuses on the legal area of immigration. “We are a full service immigration and nationality law firm,” Ginger says of her practice, which began as the McGuire Law Firm in 2006. “The area of practice includes citizenship, family based immigration, business based immigration, permanent and temporary visas to the United States, consular processing, deportation/removal defense and I-9 compliance.”

Q: What do you find most fulfilling about running your business?
GM: Practicing immigration law can be a very frustrating area to focus on given the outdated regulations and visa backlogs. So, there is no greater feeling of satisfaction for me than when a client whom I have worked with throughout the different stages of immigrating to the United States becomes a citizen. Then I reflect and realize that I am keeping families together and helping people make better lives for themselves.

Q: What motivated you to start this business?
GM: I learned at a young age that although I was born in Colorado, my parents and my oldest sister were intending immigrants to the United States. They benefited from an immigration law that allowed them to legalize their status. They became citizens in 1994, after being in the United States since 1969. I did not understand what this meant until I became older and began to appreciate what my parents did for our family. I knew I would become an immigration attorney and be a part of something purposeful.

Q: What book has been most helpful to you in your business?
GM: The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson. The book helped me realize that I do not need to sacrifice my relationship with my husband or my small children to have my business. I measure my success by how strong every aspect of my life is running, and the law firm is only one aspect to consider.

Q: Who has influenced you most in your life?
GM: Without my parents’ courage and determination to make a better life for their children, I would not be where I am today.

Q: What has proved to be your most successful marketing strategy?
GM: Through the Make-it-Fly® program, I have learned that building strong relationships yields the best referrals. Now my focus is relationship building with my clients, colleagues, attorneys in other areas of law and other small business owners.

Q: What have been the greatest challenges you have had to overcome, or are currently facing, in your business?
GM: The financial issue of starting and growing a business while paying the pre-school bill, mortgage, car payment, etc. has been a constant challenge. I have learned, though, that the persistent and consistent practice of good marketing from the beginning helps solve this issue. Also, knowing that other small businesses are going through the same situation helps me realize that I am not alone. To that end, talking with my advisory board has been very helpful and encouraging.

Q: How did you benefit from participating in a Make-it-Fly® board?
GM: Joining the Make-It-Fly® Advisory Board was the best business decision I have made thus far. It took me “out of my box” and opened my eyes to better marketing strategy, systems and processes, and the importance of financial planning. The board has become an invaluable resource for me.

Q: What would you say to other business owners who are contemplating getting involved in a Make-it-Fly® board?
GM: Do your research and talk to alumni before joining an Advisory Board. You get out of it what you put into it, so only get involved if you know it’s the right fit for you and you’re willing to invest time to work on your business.

Ginger McGuire can be reached by phone at: 720-922-2988, or visit her web site at: www.mcguireimmigration.com.

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Dave’s Networking Nugget:

When you first meet someone, make it your goal to discover what he or she is passionate about—it might be family, a hobby, a sport or particular sports team, or a spiritual interest. Ask questions and get to know and appreciate this person by listening as they talk about their passion.

Maximize Your Marketing for Less
By Victoria Munro

In a down economy, marketing is more important than ever. If marketing funds are low (and even if they’re not), you can benefit from the creative low or no-cost marketing ideas below.

Connect with Your Clients
	Design a consistent ‘client touch’ program to keep your name and your company’s name in front of current and past clients.
	Develop a survey to discover needs clients may have that you’re not aware of. You may find you can easily create new products/services to meet those needs.
	Read the ebook There’s a Goldmine in Your Backyard.
Review Your Networking Activities
	Consider what your ROI has been for each of your regular networking activities. Invest your time, energy and dollars in the most productive events.
	Take steps to sharpen your networking skills.
	Find a leads group where the members share your values, or start your own group.
Make the Most of the Internet
	Make sure your website is optimized so that the clients you really want will find you.
	Plan to invest time and energy in social networking on a regular basis.
Get Your Name Out There as an Expert
	Be a guest on radio talk shows.
	Write articles on your area of expertise for trade or professional publications.
	Offer free or paid classes, workshops or teleseminars.
	Write regular press releases on a newsworthy aspect of your business.
Host a Special Event
	Hold an open house, throw a Raving Fan Party, invite clients to a customer appreciation evening, or organize a charitable fundraising event.
Create Win-Win Alliances
	Form alliances with other non-competing business owners who share your values and serve your target clients. Meet regularly to discuss ways to help each other.
	Co-market, give referrals to each other and sponsor joint events.
Employ the Power of Many Minds
	Join a Make-it-Fly® Advisory Board, mastermind group, or invite several friends and colleagues to brainstorm creative marketing possibilities for your business. Ask them to come up with as many solutions as possible; let the ideas flow freely. No matter how inappropriate a suggestion may sound, don’t judge or respond—that crazy suggestion might be the one that sparks a million-dollar solution.

It’s vital to keep marketing in a slow economy. Choose and start to implement one or two of the ideas above this week.

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Marketing in a Down Economy – Tip #4 of 5

It is 6-7 times more costly to gain a new customer than to retain an existing one. Be sure you offer the highest level of customer service. Think about how you can go the extra mile for your customers leaving them with a “Wow” factor—something that will leave a lasting impression and give them reason to talk about you to their friends, family and business associates.

Marketing tip by Beth Boen of CreativeXchange Marketing

Rev Networking

Upto 20 professionals, each representing one profession, meet one on one at customized speed networking events, allowing you the opportunity to have a five-minute conversation with each participant to generate leads, referrals and business. Rev Networking is not a group, as you will meet new professionals every time and people that attend are serious about growing their business by networking and power partnering with other professionals.

Reservation only $48
Marilyn Manning 303-763-1865
marilyn@revnetworking.com
www.revnetworking.com

The Riverfront specializes in well crafted, richly satisfying occasions that balance aesthetics, personality and party. The site is versatile, accommodating groups from fifteen to five hundred. Features include: two dance floors with professional sound and lighting, a fireplace nook, three bars, outdoor patio, and gazebo. Our personal chef, custom menus, and full suite of inclusions rank us paramount in our industry.

Call 303.865.8500 today
and schedule your holiday event!
www.riverfront-center.com

We manage your email marketing,
YOU run your business and increase profitability.

We make your email marketing easy by offering consistent, reliable, managed email implementation.

The Email Works brings 25 years of marketing experience to its creation of high-impact, professional-looking emails that build strong, successful, and lasting relationships with customers, clients, or members.

Cheryl is offering a free 30-minute phone consultation, plus ask about the discount for In-Flight Refueling readers.
Visit www.TheEmailWorks.com.

Do you want to promote your business on the net but haven’t a clue where to start?

Online Social Networking Made Simple

A step-by-step strategy for increasing your web traffic and online visibility. Set up available at an additional charge.
Mary Walewski, Buy The Book Marketing, www.buythebookmarketing.com, 303-725-9313

Wanted: People with a Passion and Heart to Help
Small Business Owners

Have you ever wished you could work with like-minded business professionals to grow your own business, while doing work that results in major positive changes in lives and businesses?

Make-it-Fly®, Your Small Business Board of Advisors, has been changing the lives of small business owners and professionals in the Denver metro area for six years through peer advisory boards. We are now looking for franchisees with heart and passion to do the same in their communities.

After testing and perfecting our advisory board system with more than 800 clients, we are expanding. If you have a sales and/or marketing background, outstanding people skills and want to invest in your own business with a team committed to your success, we’d like to talk to you.

Contact Dave Block - 720-962-8888.

READING THIS AD? THEN WHY NOT PUT YOURS HERE TOO? The In-Flight Refueling Ezine reaches more than 2,700 entrepreneurs, small-biz owners, consultants and marketers. Reserve your advertising spot today in the next In-Flight Refueling Ezine,
http://www.make-it-fly.com/ezineads.html.

Paid Advertising Disclaimer: Make-it-Fly® LLC does not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any of the paid advertisements above or the quality of any products, services, information, or other materials displayed, purchased, or obtained by you as a result of an offer in connection with any ad. It's common sense to do your own due diligence before purchasing any product.

The Make-it-Fly® Advisory Board 101

Each Make-it-Fly® Advisory Board 101 program consists of 12 non-competing business owners who meet once a month for three consecutive months. In the spirit of giving, they offer each other solutions, ideas, resources and encouragement. Dave and Victoria facilitate each group and share powerful tools to assist business owners in reaching their goals and living more balanced lives.

If you have experienced a Make-it-Fly® program, please share the following openings with other business owners who need support. Call Dave for more information at 720-962-8888.

Programs are held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Current program openings in Denver:

Tuesdays - April 21, May 19, June 16, July 21 - NW Denver
Fridays - May 1, June 5, July 10, August 7
Mondays - July 6, August 3, August 31, October 5

Click here to sign up for Advisory Boards.
Or call Dave at 720-962-8888.

Alumni Boards are groups of 12-14 small business owners who have participated in at least one Make-it-Fly® Advisory Board 101 and wish to continue the support and accountability with a group of like-minded, giving business associates. Members meet once a month for a three-hour meeting. If you completed the initial Make-it-Fly® Advisory Board 101 and are interested in more information on Alumni Boards, call Dave at 720-962-8888.

Make-it-Fly® Café
High altitude networking, where exceptional people help each other.