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5 Strategies to Master Profitable Business Relationships

Because relationships are the heart and soul of business, I've gleaned five powerful strategies to master Profitable Business Relationships.

Profitable Business Relationships

I think one of the best compliments I ever received was, “Geez, you’re like Tim Ferriss and my Italian Grandmother had a love child!” You’re welcome for the mental image, by the way. In this case, the “Italian Grandmother” part of the equation refers to my unabashed enthusiasm for bringing people together and extolling their many talents and virtues to each other. I adore connecting wonderful people to each other and watching the collaborations, opportunities, and new ideas that happen as a result of those connections blossom.

Relationships are the heart and soul of business, that pumping lifeblood that keeps us all growing. So in concert with my character, and my commitment to bring together amazing people and resources, I’ve gleaned five powerful strategies for you to use-regardless of the type of business you’re in-from brilliant entrepreneurs I admire along with one of my very own habits for spinning relationship gold.

1. Spin a Web of Warm Introductions

Authors interested in having their books turned into audiobooks often send me copies of their work for review. Regardless if we work together, I make a point of introducing them to someone in my network who would be a wonderful connection for them, and vice versa. Not only does this delight everyone involved, it keeps my services as an audiobook and podcast producer top of mind.

How do you easily create a “warm email introduction” effectively? One quick and easy method is to go to your colleague’s LinkedIn or “About” page and use the first couple of sentences as your email copy. Here’s an example of a warm introduction email I just recently sent to give you an idea, along with an example of the copy that I give my referral partners so they can easily introduce me to the people in their circles as well.

2. Make Sure Everyone Wins

As the host of an annual virtual summit, Bailey Richert suggests building business relationships is about creating projects and partnerships where everyone involved wins. “No one wants to feel like they’re being invited to the party purely for what assets they can bring to the table. They also want to walk away having benefited in a concrete way,” she says.

Bailey states one of her biggest relationship-building tips when working on her summit is to email every speaker individually. Mass emails, while faster, do not make your partners feel valued. Instead, they can work against you, making partners feel like they’re being leveraged. Instead, personalized emails let partners know you are concerned with their success and overall satisfaction with the project being conducted.

3. Take Time to Authentically Spread the Love

Intuitive business coach, Rebecca Liston suggests that using social media isn’t about lead generation but about deepening the relationships with people we already know. “Mastering business relationships is all supporting one another to shine because we simply want the best for one another.”

Rebecca says that you can easily do this by commenting on the posts of people you know and sharing their information freely and genuinely. I do this because I want to, because I care about them, and because I want them to shine. Each week I “Spread the Love” about a colleague that I adore, and respect. I write a personal note about who they are to me, and why I think the world of them, and why I think that the world ought to know them

4. Show Up (for Real)

“One of the biggest things I’ve learned this year is to show up,” says Stella Orange, a marketing teacher. Orange draws inspiration from her days as a playwright, who regularly attended friends’ performances and openings. “Nothing says ‘I care about you’ like showing up for an event,” she says. If you can’t get there in person, she says send a card or flowers.

One of Orange’s best tips is to nurture personal relationships over time. Check in with colleagues and promotional partners periodically, to stay current and connected. Keep track of what you talked about, and carve out time each week to cultivate relationships colleague relationships. Those conversations build rapport and trust over time, and lead to the most fruitful, organic and rich collaborations.

5. Reach Out With Genuine Interest

“Not dropping the ball on follow up has been huge,” says Sarah Dew, a marketing strategist. It’s easy to have an initial conversation with a potential partner but to in order to grow and nurture that relationship you have to have authentic connections through out the year. 

Sarah’s best tip is to make sure you check in with your colleagues and partners frequently and regularly. Always approach every interaction thinking, what can I do for them? Is there some way I can make their lives easier or brighten their day? Consistently following up and staying connected will quickly turn your partners and colleagues into close friends, who will have your back when you need it. 

What are some of your favorite ways to build business relationships?

125 Tina Dietz | The Magic and Intimacy of Podcasting and Overcoming Your Fears To Find Success [Podcast]

​Since practically the age of two, Tina Dietz has always felt comfortable with a microphone in her hands and that easiness and her background as a therapist has since led her to become a very regarded interviewer, coach, consultant, and podcaster.(Podcast on Podcast Junkies, April, 2017)

Podcasting

She is the founder of Start Something Creative Business Solutions where she helps people launch businesses, podcasts and audio books. We cover a lot of great topics that is sure to enlighten even the most seasoned podcasters and entrepreneurs.

What We Covered:

  • 05:33 – Why she loves going to podcasting conferences
  • 06:04 – The Messengers – A Podcast Documentary and how she is involved
  • 10:51 – Podcasts and podcasting as a means of therapy
  • 12:51 – What the impetus for starting her podcast was
  • 16:01 – Her early childhood recordings
  • 16:32 – What she did the first time someone handed her a microphone
  • 17:41 – How she became so comfortable behind a microphone
  • 18:15 – Performance Anxiety
  • 19:35 – How to use your complaints and upsets to quickly and creatively solve issues
  • 25:57 – Who she was grateful for and surprised to have on her podcast
  • 29:20 – The price one pays for being famous
  • 29:54 – Realizing there is an audience who wants to hear great conversations
  • 32:11 – How she helps her clients face their fears of starting a new business venture
  • 36:42 – Best practices you can implement to find success
  • 38:05 – Business plans
  • 39:38 – The Nayada Institute of Massage and a new massage modality
  • 42:22 – What she’s changed her mind about recently
  • 44:39 – The one most misunderstood thing about her
  • 45:18 – The books she’s reading/listening to now
  • 46:26 – Her vision of 10,000 thriving businesses
Click to tune in to the podcast “The Magic and Intimacy of Podcasting and Overcoming Your Fears To Find Success.”

Links Mentioned

Start Something and Finish w/ Tina Dietz [Podcast]

​​I was a guest at the Moms With Dreams Show, hosted by Erica Blocker where we talked about how you can Start Something and finish it. Tune in(Podcast on Moms With Dreams, March 28, 2017)

Start Something - Tina Dietz & Erica Blocker

This week on the podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Tina Dietz, owner of Start Something Business Solutions. Tina and I met last September when she was speaking at Mid-Atlantic Podcast Conference here in New Jersey. I knew from the moment that Tina shared her story that I wanted to invite her to be a guest on my podcast. I just knew that her story would inspire and excite YOU to start something brilliant.

Tina Dietz is an internationally acclaimed business coach, audiobook publisher and launch specialist, podcast producer and a bestselling author who has been featured on ABC, Inc.com, Huffington Post and Forbes.

Her podcast, The Start Something Show, was named one of the top podcasts for entrepreneurs on Inc.com. Her company helps clients who want more than just a business and more than a routine life – they want a Business Oasis. I LOVE that!

One of the things that we jump into during this interview is the idea that so many creatives and entrepreneurs struggle with avoiding shiny bright objects and staying focused. It’s because they have brilliant ideas and love starting new projects but often have a hard time finishing them. (I know this is one of my own personal challenges.) Tina sheds light on this topic and shows you how to redirect your excitement of “starting” so you can finish what you’ve started. It’s powerful!

Tina shares lots of great tips during our time together and suggests that you read the book, Big Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert.

You can connect with Tina and learn more about her by visiting:Her website: www.StartSomethingCreativeBizSolutions.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TwinFlamesStudios

Twitter: www.twitter.com/TheTinaDietz

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/tinadietz

It’s hard to believe that this is my 87th episode, but it is. And that means that I’m only 13 episodes away from my next big milestone as a podcaster! I’ll share more about what I’m planning as we get closer.

For now, I want you to think about one thing that you learned from my interview with Tina and how you will implement it in your life.

Let me know what you’re going to start. You can leave me a note in the comments or send an email to Erica@momswithdreams.com.

I hope this was valuable to you in some way and that you now have a different outlook on your life, your business or both.

I’ll be back next week with more inspiration and education.

Get out there, do what you love and make a difference!

xoxo,

Erica

Wondering how you can Start Something and finish it? I can help you – Let's talk

3 Techniques to Tame the Identity Monster in Your Head

Do you know those voices in your head that tell you all kinds of nasty things about yourself? That is Identity Monster – Here's how you can tame it

Identity Monster - Tina Dietz

A colleague of mine sent me a panicked text while I was on a call with a client. He was so freaked out that I called him right after my session, but I wasn’t expecting what he had to say.

​”I just got the biggest opportunity of my life,” he said. “It’s what I've always wanted.”

“But since I found out,” he went on, “I've spent the last four hours playing online soccer and I'm completely paralyzed.”

This is the Identity Monster in full attack.

You know those voices in your head that tell you all kinds of nasty things about yourself, right?

“There’s a million people doing the same thing as you, how can you possibly compete?”

“You can’t do this, you’re way too lazy.” (or fat, or stupid, or ugly, or poor)

“HOW much money did you spend? Oh no, what are you going to do now?”

“Who do you think you are, anyway?”

This is the voice of the Identity Monster. The favorite tools of the Identity Monster are a megaphone and an old school boom box with a tape set to “repeat.” The tape replays all the crap in your head that gets triggered when your comfort level is threatened.

This Monster's job is to maintain the status quo. Even when good things are happening, the Identity Monster really sucks at telling the difference between a threat and an opportunity, so it reacts pretty much the same way in both scenarios.

Oh, the glorious neurology of it all!

Here are three ways to tame the Identity Monster, get yourself off the ledge, and back into the groovalicious flow so you can have more of what you want in life – because that’s why you’re reading this, right? In the video I go into more detail on all three of these techniques, plus you get to see a little piece of one of the places I’ve lived in Costa Rica, which is just good for your brain.

1. Revisit your big picture

Take the focus off of your current reaction and circumstances and put it on your larger view in the world – the legacy you want to leave, the impact you’re out to make, your inspiring vision of the future, and so on. If your thoughts and actions are ‘facing outwards’ instead of on your internal voices and neurological hamster wheel, it disrupts the repetitive thoughts to guide you back on track.

2. Create new brain wiring with a Daily Workshop

Create a sacred space for yourself on a daily basis, even if it's 15 minutes to start. Use that time to get present to what you're most excited about, what you appreciate and what you're grateful for, and the one or two goals or accomplishments that you're focused on for that day. Even celebrating small accomplishments (some days, that’s getting out of bed or going a whole morning without getting distracted by Facebook), when done repeatedly and consistently, helps you maintain a more solution-focused state of mind.

3. Challenge the voices in your head to a battle of wits!

When those nasty voices in your head pop up, you may have noticed that if you try to directly combat them, they come back twice as strong. This is known as the “I'm rubber, you're glue” Principle. Very technical. Instead, use your brain’s natural abilities to break up the beliefs using techniques like evidence gathering and disarming humor. These techniques are not only highly effective, they can be incredibly entertaining as well. What does your Identity Monster sound like?

You can find details and examples of these techniques in the video – enjoy and send me a tweet to let me know which one is your favorite!

The New Expert Platform: Using Podcast Interviews For Thought Leadership Marketing

Podcasting is one of the fastest and easiest ways to establish authority – Let me show you how you can leverage it for thought leadership marketing.

Originally published on ForbesThought Leadership Marketing

It’s no longer only insider knowledge — podcasting is one of the fastest and easiest ways to establish authority. Whether you’re just starting to build a business or you and your company have long-established credentials, this online audio platform can catapult your influence beyond the capabilities of many other expert-building marketing platforms. Since there are now 65 million people in the U.S. listening to podcasts every month, thought leaders have an exciting opportunity before them to engage new audiences and build their brand.

Getting featured on TV or publishing a book still serve as gold standards for having achieved expert status, but podcasting has made it possible for even budding business owners to share their knowledge and expertise with a wide audience.

The advantage of this modern platform is that it’s open publicity — meaning the host has the freedom to generate the message and control the content. Podcasting also requires fewer resources and is more accessible because audio is available to consumers when text and video are not. The convenience of listening to downloadable audio files on smartphones or tablets has allowed for a new wave of attentive, on-the-go listeners.

The opportunity to reach your target market by using your personal voice offers an additional layer of communication to convey your company values and brand authenticity. Doing so deepens trust and develops loyalty. By using a conversational format, leaders have the freedom to articulate what makes their business unique, without using typical marketing jargon.   

As you may have gathered, podcasting isn’t just for entrepreneurs. Bigger brands, industry leaders and corporations often miss a big opportunity by not taking advantage of this trend.

Below, we’ll focus on leaders who are looking to establish themselves as experts and develop their spheres of influence.

How Can You Get Started With Podcasting?

You don’t need to be a host yourself. One of the best ways to introduce yourself to a new market is as a guest. Hosts are hungry for content. They are searching for people like you to feature on their podcasts to keep their shows fresh and to provide value to their audience. Libsyn, one of the largest commercial podcast hosting companies, reports an increase from 16,000 hosted shows in 2013 to 22,000 shows in 2014 to 28,000 shows in 2015. These numbers are expected to continue to increase as more people become exposed to the platform.

The key is to connect with the hosts of shows most appropriate for your subject niche, and to do so in a way that’s personal — your chance of getting a response lowers dramatically if you have an assistant send an email.

Podcast hosts want a good fit on their show; if they decide to have you on as a guest, they will take the time to give you ideas on how you can most effectively reach their audience. One way to find podcasts that are looking for guests is to do a keyword search in iTunes or Google for shows with topics that appeal to your ideal clients or target market. iTunes is to podcasts as what Amazon is to books; it is the premier platform for broadcasting your audio message to an eager audience.

You don’t have to start with cold leads, however. The easiest opportunities for guest spots may exist under your nose, via your colleagues. Ask people you know who have been podcast guests to introduce you to the hosts of those shows. Referrals can go a long way in establishing credibility and building relationships.

If you have the resources, you can also use a booking service to acquire guest spots; there are several excellent companies that can take care of placing you on the perfect shows.

How To Leverage Podcast Interviews

Once you’ve secured a podcast spot, there are an extraordinary number of ways you can use, and re-use, this valuable material. You can now post audio clips on your website or blog; include audio clips in your media kit or feature them on your company profile page or LinkedIn page. You can share the audio across social media, or use the transcribed content for new articles or blog posts. A wealth of marketing assets is available at your fingertips when you have podcast content.

As thought leaders, experts and business owners, we’re always looking for ways to increase our exposure and to grow our communities of loyal followers. Podcasts are free to access, there are so many shows to choose from, and it takes virtually no technical know-how to get started as a guest. These characteristics make being featured on podcast interviews one of the best “New Expert Platforms” available today.

Want to learn more aboutpodcasting for your business?

3 Ways Entrepreneurs Kill Their Productivity

How much time do you spend collecting information, certifications, and more training? Yep, these are some of the ways entrepreneurs kill their productivity.

ways entrepreneurs kill their productivity - Tina Dietz

There has rarely been a better time in history to start a business. In 2013, more than 135,000 jobs were added to the US market and guess where nearly half those jobs came from? SMALL businesses. To really make it as an entrepreneur you need tremendous tenacity, top notch networking skills, and a no-fear approach to sales—even in the most heart-centered of business ventures. But if you’re reading this, I’m probably not telling you anything new yet, and what you want is to break through to the next level of time and money freedom in your business.

Every industry I’ve worked with-and there have been more than 20+ industries internationally-has its own unique quirks and challenges. However, some very common trends arise when it comes to how you’re likely to sabotage yourself regarding time and your productivity.

Productivity Killer #1: The “Perpetual Expert”

Collecting information is only useful if it is immediately practical. If you have a client who has a question, look it up. Google is your friend, and problem solving when there’s actually no problem is a drain of time, energy, and resources. The brain only retains about 10% of the information that it is exposed to, so chances are you’re going to have to look it up again anyway if you need it at all. Your time is better spent finding out what your ideal clients need, and focusing on filling those needs in a targeted and concise manner.

Productivity Killer #2: Having an Open Schedule

There’s a difference between being available and being a 24/7 hotline. Have a policy that you will always return communications within a certain amount of time (say 12, 24, or 48 hours) and honor that policy. This gives you room to breathe, builds trust with your clients, and also sets clear expectations. People value a service more when they know they have to plan for it, and most “emergencies” resolve themselves or quickly become non-emergencies if you don’t feed the energy of a knee-jerk reaction. Limit checking your email and voice mail to 2-3 times a day for a half hour at a time. Unless it’s someone you’re waiting to hear from, don’t pick up your phone when it rings. These practices will have you focus on your most important tasks and keep your responses to the point.

Productivity Killer #3: Being Too Friendly

This goes for both colleagues and clients. Obviously you don’t want to be a jerk, but it’s completely doable to be kind even when you’re setting a boundary or saying no. Gossip, social media, and instant messaging, and other kinds of chitchat can wipe out hours of your day, leaving you frustrated and scrambling to get your priorities handled. The same goes for meetings. Start by wearing a phone headset (in the case of an office setting) or putting a “please do not disturb” sign on your office door if you have one (even at home) to reduce distractions and interruptions. Minimize your time in live or phone meetings by partnering up with a colleague and trading off going to meetings and taking notes for each other. As for clients, steer clear of personal entanglements. If you’re with a client who is on a roll with a personal story, reach over and give a gentle, compassionate squeeze to their shoulder or hand and say, “you’re really going through some difficulty right now, so why don’t we take a step back and see where I can best help you.” You can then redirect the conversation to a more solution-focused place. Don’t be afraid to interrupt them, they will thank you for it later.

Can't wait to hear your thoughts. Let me know in the comments if you have any of these “killers.”

Tina Dietz – Unleash the Voice of Your Message! [Podcast]

​Tina Dietz is coming to unleash the voice of your business!(Podcast on Talking with Giants, March 1, 2017)

Voice of Your Message - Tina Dietz & Scott Schilling

Tina Dietz is coming to unleash the voice of your business!

Internationally acclaimed business coach, world class audio-book publisher and launch specialist, popular podcast host, and bestselling author Tina Dietz brings passionate vision, perspective and attention to detail for her clients. Tina’s company, StartSomething Creative Business Solutions, helps clients who want more than just a business, they want a ‘Business Oasis!’

Ready to unleash the voice of your message?

10X Your Book Sales With Audiobooks, Tina Dietz [Podcast]

​A lot of people write books but they fall short of using a huge distribution channel: audiobooks. Learn to 10X your book sales with audiobooks. Tina Dietz shares the strategy.(Podcast on The Brand Journalism Advantages, February 20, 2017)

Book Sales With Audiobooks - Tina Dietz & Phoebe Chongchua

Get Tina’s checklist for producing your audiobook and demystifying the process, click here.

When Tina Dietz was two-years-old, someone handed her a tape recorder – and that was that! A lifelong love affair was born. Today, she is an internationally acclaimed business coach, audiobook publisher and launch specialist, podcast producer, and a bestselling author who has been featured on ABC, Inc.com, Huffington Post and Forbes.

Her podcast, The Start Something Show, was named one of the top podcasts for entrepreneurs on Inc.com and her company, StartSomething Business Solutions, helps clients who want more than just a business and more than a routine life–they want a “Business Oasis.”

As part of her own business oasis, she herself splits her time between the US, Canada and Costa Rica. Tina Dietz, welcome to the show!

Icebreaker

When I go to conferences I like to organize what I call “transformational karaoke” outings ????

Think Like A Journalist Quote

“When you read a book, the story definitely happens inside your head. When you listen, it seems to happen in a little cloud all around it, like a fuzzy knit cap pulled down over your eyes.”

―Robin Sloan, Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore

Success Quote or Tip

FOMO…fear of missing out.

Career Highlight

Tina grew up in a small town where her parents sold fireplaces. Their home was upstairs and the business downstairs. When she grew up, find out why Tina was unemployable and how that actually benefitted her and the world.

When It Didn’t Work

Hear what happened to Tina when she first started her business with partners. Find out what this difficult lesson taught her.

Top Tips 10X Your Book Sales With Audiobooks

  1. Bestsellers are created every day.
  2. Publishers don’t always act in the best interest of authors.
  3. 1.5 million audiobooks were downloaded more than ebooks in 2015.
  4. The cost of production of an audiobook has dropped 50 percent in the last seven years.
  5. Don’t narrate your own audiobook. It’s not the best use of your time.
  6. Leverage the power of your book by distributing it in the audiobook world.
  7. Audiobook listeners listen to, on average, 20 books a year. The average book reader reads 12 books per year.
  8. Self-produce your audiobook by using ACX.com audiobooks exchange.

Did you know that 1.5 million MORE audiobooks were downloaded than ebooks in 2015? Audiobook publishing is growing at a rate 3 times faster than any other format. Walk down any street and you’ll see people soaking in information through their phones–will your book be available to the millions of listeners looking for content?

-Discover how to get your audiobooks produced for 50% less than what it costs the big publishers

What is one piece of technology, video or multimedia equipment, or app that you just can’t live without?

High-quality mic. Blue Yeti and Audiotechnica 2100.

One book, documentary, blog, podcast, or Internet Channel to watch?

Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert (Get a free audio book when you try Audible free for 30 days)

OR to get a physical copy of the book…click the book title.

Contact

StartSomething Creative Business Solutions

Twitter

Mentioned In This Episode

TBJA 266 Three Steps To Start A Movement, Joseph Ranseth

Thanks For Listening

Wondering how you can leverage your books and work?

2 Minute Confidence Boost

We all possess the innate ability to boost our confidence levels in literally two minutes with this simple Confidence Boost.

Confidence Boost

Whether you’re starting a business, a movement, or just changing habits in your life it takes time, energy, persistence, tenacity, and confidence.

Lots and lots of confidence. But we don’t always have that level of confidence. Fortunately we all possess the innate ability to change our confidence level quite literally in two minutes.

Getting out there and starting something in the world really takes something. We have bad days, we’ve had bad experiences that we don’t want to repeat, other people’s negative messages get stuck in our heads….Yuck.

Out in the wild, animals express their dominance (an expression of confidence) by taking up more space. Appearing to be bigger than they actually are, pacing back-and-forth, puffing themselves up, and other displays. At our core, we are no different. Confident people often seem to take up more space in a room. They spread themselves out, use large hand gestures, and when they speak they often will move around quite a bit. Think about how a confident motivational speaker uses a stage-rarely that really ever stand in just one place, they use the entire stage.

On the other hand, when an animal or a human is feeling frightened or has a lack of confidence, they tend to make themselves small. Curling up in a ball, crossing your arms across your midsection, tucking your chin to your chest are some examples.

So we all know that body language affects the way that other people perceive us. But did you know that your body language also affects how YOU see you? And I’m not talking about looking in a mirror.

Researchers at Harvard have found that by adopting anyone of a number of “power poses” for 2 minutes, we can boost our confidence. These poses raise your level of testosterone (even in women) and lower your level of cortisol. No, you’re not going to get a burst of testosterone that’s going to make you more aggressive,but testosterone increase in both genders is associated with feelings of confidence, control, and well-being. Cortisol, on the other hand, is a stress hormone. It tends to be associated with the flight or fight response. So that’s definitely one that we want to keep low.

A number of examples of these “power poses” are shown below. Notice how the body is spread out, taking up more space, expanded:

Confidence Boost

Imagine what would happen if you did a power pose as a practice several times a day?

Even if you don’t need a confidence boost right now, I suggest you give these a try and make it part of your daily routine. It’s also useful when you’re going into a meeting, a networking event, or hitting the stage to speak.

Give it a try and let us know how it goes-comment below and share with your colleagues. Here’s to more confidence!

Unleash Your Business With Audio Marketing, With Tina Dietz [Podcast]

​Audio marketing is fast becoming a popular way to position yourself as an expert in your industry.(Podcast on The Business Creators Radio Show, February 7, 2017)

Audio Marketing - Tina Dietz & Adam Hommey

There are hundreds of podcasts, webinars, radio shows, etc. on the internet today. How do you make sure yours is viewed and heard above the others?

Joining Adam is audio marketing expert, Tina Dietz.

Tina is going to teach you all the tricks to creating audio marketing that will let your voice be heard above the sea of noise.

About This Guest: (View Guest's Profile And Appearances)

When she was 2 years old, someone handed Tina Dietz a tape recorder – and that was that! A lifelong love affair was born. Today, Tina is an internationally acclaimed business coach, audiobook publisher and launch specialist, podcast producer, and a bestselling author who has been featured on ABC, Inc.com, Huffington Post and Forbes. Her company, StartSomething Business Solutions, helps clients who want more than just a business and more than a routine life – they want a “Business Oasis,” and she herself splits her time between the US and Costa Rica. Tina Dietz, welcome to the show!

Interested in learning more about audio marketing?