Archive for the ‘Announcements’ Category

Taking the Next Step Is Smart and Easy

Thursday, October 6th, 2011

Dear Smart Woman,

Sometimes the next step needs to be a small step forward and sometimes only a Quantum Leap will do. It really depends on what we are thinking and how that relates to our big WHY.

This week, instead of sending out a newsletter, I wanted to connect in a different way since we have so many new subscribers on the list.

I want to offer a Show and Tell of sorts and encourage YOU to just take a step forward… small or big. And remember, a step taken in faith feels big no matter what size it really is. I get it and that’s why our company offers you so many choices.

Here are just a few Smart Steps we can support you in taking at the Smart Women’s Institute of Entrepreneurial Learning:

Smart Free Tools, Reports, Books, and Kits
The easiest steps for many are just committing to learn a smarter or more scalable way of doing what you are already doing. Today, take a moment to go to http://www.smartwomeninstitute.com/free-stuff and download tools on:

  • Wealth Building and Creating Your Next Vision
  • Scalable Business Models
  • Infinity Marketing
  • and so much more!

And we even offer free printed books for you to learn from (there is a small s/h fee), go here to grab your books: http://www.smartwomeninstitute.com/free-books.

Smart Coaching
You will absolutely move faster and be in a lot less pain if you have a little tough love from time to time from someone who can hold the space for you to grow. We have two coaching programs right now for you. Check out http://www.smartwomeninstitute.com/coachsulting today and take an “educational” step by learning more about the group and one-on-one programs we have for you. The help you need is right in front of you.

Smart Events
Nothing, nothing has ever been accomplished alone. Networking and connecting is what women do well and it happens to be the only way to grow a business exponentially. We offer events each quarter on various topics so you can uplevel and continue meeting new people so you can then create more positive change in the world. Our next event is on October 13 on Smart Mindsets and Money Manifesting and you can still register at: http://www.smartwomenevent.com/live-event

Smart Publishing
One of my favorite ways for helping women uplevel their businesses is having them document their brilliance into a published book. Books are phenomenal tools for building businesses. They have a shelf life of over 10 years and make public relation opportunities a breeze to manifest. Plus they are these great little hard workers out there spreading your big WHY around and creating positive change. They do it all while you sleep, hang out with your family, and poke around on Facebook. ;)

And we are always looking for the right Smart Women authors to partner with our branded series, so if you are ready to finally have a book out there working hard for you, take another smart step and check out our publishing program at http://www.smartwomeninstitute.com/publishnow.

That’s it for now, I hope this helped!

Remember, we are always here, supporting you one smart step at a time!

Have an amazing weekend,

Sheri McConnell

PS

Almost forgot, we also have a lot of Smart Tip Videos for you at http://www.smartwomentv.com

Enjoy and share it forward!

Smart Women Fundraiser – Free Books and Product Downloads When You Donate

Monday, September 26th, 2011

Donate today to Smart Women Charities and you get lots of free stuff that will help you move forward in your life and in your business.

Go to smartwomenwhy.com and donate today! Don’t forget to share this forward and help others.

Smart Women and San Antonio Living

Tuesday, September 13th, 2011

Sheri McConnell, CEO on San Antonio Living discussing how to sign up for the 2011 Virtual Smart Women’s Event at http://www.smartwomenevent.com

Infinity Business Model – Finding the Sweet Spot for Your Clients and Your Company (And Why the Business Funnel No Longer Works!)

Thursday, August 25th, 2011

by Sheri McConnell

To get the most out of this article, visit our site to watch the accompanying video complete with a Map of the Infinity Business Model.  Read both the article and watch the video and by all means please share!  As one of our followers put it:

“I have known for a while now that the funnel approach is one that keeps us focused on the up sell, always the up sell. It also seemed too restrictive and was more apt to treat people like numbers and projects. I haven’t known another way though… until your model!! Yours is much more realistic about the marketing process, keeps the energy up and flowing, and focuses more on client engagement, rather than squeezing them through the narrow bottom of the funnel… love it!” – Maryann Ehmann

The Energy of the Infinity Business Model

As you look at the map of the Infinity Business Model, you should take notice that your marketing is always in movement. Your marketing is also a combination of free strategies and activities and paid ones that your customers invest in, to expand and take big leaps.

You should also notice with this model, there are no boundaries as far as where new leads can come from… they don’t always have to enter in through the “top of the funnel via a free give-away”.  In fact, many of your leads will come into the Infinity Business Model through many of the paid strategies and activities.  So remember, your job is to keep the energy moving in your business and to keep problem solving through free and paid forms of marketing and clients will be pulled in because the energy of the Infinity Model is absolutely magnetic!

Now let’s talk about the speed of the energy with this model.  You’ll notice there are bigger arrows and smaller arrows… for demonstration purposes the larger arrows represent faster movement.  Which brings us to my favorite place to be in the Infinity Business Model and that is the Sweet Spot!

The Sweet Spot of the Infinity Business Model

As your clients or customers move energetically along the model by engaging in the free and paid options you offer, they begin to experience what I call the Sweet Spot of this model.  Here in the center of the map is where they take big leaps, they expand, they have breakthroughs, and the eventually become the leaders they were meant to be.

In my opinion, many people may have to cycle through the model many times learning new lessons and expanding before they are ready to lead.  The Sweet Spot represents growth nonetheless, and as you and I both know, ALL GROWTH IS GOOD.

Now, here is what you must be cautious about in the Sweet Spot. It moves fast, it can be overwhelming to grow so much so fast. So practice self care when you are in the Sweet Spot.  Entrepreneurs are challenged neurologically in a completely different way than non-entrepreneurs.  If you are tired from building and growing your business, that is normal.  Your energy output is in hyper speed as you move through the Sweet Spot over and over again.

Ways to Play in the Infinity Business Model

With this model, there is a real sense that through all your marketing activities you will have many chances to lead them into a relationship.  There is no need to push or pull, you only need to serve and teach through your marketing and focus on being graceful and positive as you help them problem solve.

With the outdated business funnel model, you needed to progress (push in a sense) them through higher and higher amounts for them to uplevel.  I am not saying that you still won’t have 20% of your clients experiencing your premium services or products to uplevel. You absolutely will.  And they will do this over and over again in the Sweet Spot.

What I’ve come to know is that building and growing a successful business is about so much more than what we’ve been taught up until now with previous business models.

Remember, with all your followers, customers, and clients moving along this model faster and faster, they will create a magnetic attraction and begin to pull more and more people in.  The Infinity Business Model accurately represents how successful businesses grow.  Because there is literally magnetic energy happening in your business, you begin work less and make more.

80/20 Rule Applied to the Infinity Business Model

With the outdated Business Funnel Model, you spent your time trying to get everyone through the hierarchical 80% to be the 20% high level client.  In the Infinity Business Model it is not about getting them to higher priced services and products at all, it is about having them create success for themselves so they cycle back through the Sweet Spot over and over again.

So you can visualize that the center of the map (the Sweet Spot) is the 20% and your clients and customers successes or love for your company in general will begin to magnetize business to you.

So for the first time ever, the 80/20 rule is about the customer being successful and how that makes you and your company successful instead of the other way around.  The funnel essentially was really focused on the company.

Last Thoughts About the Infinity Business Model

  • Creating a magnetic, energy filled business is more fun and less work.
  • Marketing can be simple and still be more effective in overall business success.  Yes, this does mean more profits.  Remember, money is power. The POWER to create more positive change if you have the intention to do so.
  • It is normal if some people move extremely slow around the Infinity Business Model (even stop off for a decade at Starbucks!) and then get going again.  Remember you have a WHY, a purpose that drives you and you will be here for the longterm.  I consistently have women from my very first company (the National Association of Women Writers) that I owned from 2001 – 2010 resurface and engage over and over again.
  • Your team will speed up the energy along the Infinity Business Model. Wow. Think about it.
  • And lastly, part of the Sweet Spot’s sweetness is creating leaders.  You get to be a leader to more leaders.  That means we all begin to shift into a businesses with a higher vibration and much bigger WHYS!

Want To Use This Article In Your Ezine or Website? You have my permission, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Sheri McConnell is the CEO of the Smart Women’s Institute of Entrepreneurial Learning (formerly the National Assn of Women Writers-2001). You can visit Sheri, access her free article archive, and grab lots of free stuff at http://www.smartwomeninstitute.com. Sheri lives in San Antonio, Texas with her husband, their four children, a weenie dog, and three hermit crabs.

Smart Women’s Business Conference (Virtual/Live Event & Expo!)

Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011

Listen as CEO, Sheri McConnell shares how to sign up for free at our 2011 Smart Women Event and how to hear all the behind-the-scenes real life stories on how to actually LIVE your WHY each day!  Register now at http://www.smartwomenevent.com

INFINITY Business Model

Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011

Learn from CEO, Sheri McConnell on why the Business Product and Service Funnel DOES NOT accurately represent how to make money in an authentic and graceful way (not to mention FUN!) on the Internet. See visuals and hear Sheri explain WHY the INFINITY Business Model is more energy focused, more problem solving focused, and helps your clients uplevel faster and over and over again!

For free tools, wealth building kits and more, visit us at smartwomeninstitute.com/​free-stuff

Simple, Smart Strategies for Living and Thriving

Wednesday, August 17th, 2011

Dear Smart Women,

Welcome to all the new Smart Women Members this week! So happy to have you as part of the Smart Women Family.

This week, I wanted to use a video instead of words to introduce you to our most recent addition to the household, Max and also tell you about what’s happening today and over the next few months at the Smart Women’s Institute.

Want to save 25% on all of our Smart Products so you can get busy learning SIMPLE, SMART STRATEGIES for LIVING and THRIVING this Fall?

Use this Coupon Code: BACK2SCHOOL from August 17th – 31st on the following Smart Women Products and save!

Take Care!

Sheri McConnell

Sheri McConnell

Sheri McConnell 2009

The Smart Women’s Institute for Entrepreneurial Learning™

http://www.smartwomeninstitute.com

This “intro” was taken from our latest newsletter. Not getting our newsletter? Sign up by clicking on “Send My Kit” at the TOP of this page and you’ll also receive our FREE Smart Steps to Success kit!

Your Ego, Author Spaces Almost Gone and How to Leverage This Book

Friday, July 1st, 2011

Become an Author In Our Next Smart Women Book Series!

Dear Smart Woman,

How are you?  I wanted to take a quick moment to wish you an amazing and safe holiday weekend!

I also wanted to let you know that the author spaces in our next book are going really fast.

Since we’ve had so many questions come in during the last week about the opportunity, I thought I’d give you my two cents here with the most popular question that came up about your ”ego”.

It amazes me what comes up for women when they are faced with a decision to say yes or no about an opportunity.

I hope this helps and make sure to take a moment today before the weekend to go ahead and commit if you are interested in the opportunity.  The spaces are going fast.

Big hugs to each of you,

Sheri

First, a little bit about the mission of the book:

The Smart Women’s Institute of Entrepreneurial Learning is proud to open up the opportunity for you to participate and be an author in the 4th book in the Smart Women SERIES TM This year’s book title Smart Women Live Their Why – How Women Entrepreneurs Are Living On Purpose and In Passion will be a compilation of tips, advice, inspiration, and stories from successful women who live all over the world. The mission of our latest book is to empower women who are just starting their entrepreneurial journey as well as those women who have been in profitable businesses for decades. We want to remind people to never negatively compare the beginning of their journey with the middle of another persons. Instead, we want them to feel the potential and the possibilities in front of them when they read our stories.

Ways You Can Leverage This Book to Grow Your Business

Becoming a Smart Woman co-author is the next best thing to authoring your own book and a lot cheaper. And when it comes to the promotion side of book publishing, being a co-author is a lot better because you have a large company with an established brand behind you as well as 30 to 40 other co-authors in the trenches promoting with you.

And because these authors are invested (meaning they paid to play) they actually promote!

Listen, I’ve been publishing books for over a decade now and I’ve used many models and what I can tell you behind the scenes is when people pay for something, they value the opportunity.

Don’t let your ego get in the way of not taking advantage of what is right in front of you and is going to be a LOT of fun for everyone involved.  This isn’t about how good you are and waiting for someone to pay you to be published.  That is not a business mindset.  That is your ego talking.  Period.

ROI is all about return on investment.  And this opportunity is about brilliant women partnering together and encouraging others to live their dreams and believe in themselves.

Remember, we are all one!

Well, if you let your ego get in the way, that is about you, not about what you can do to help others.

In my opinion, your ego has no business getting in the way of you inspiring other women to take the next big leap.  Are you hearing me?

I felt like I had to write and share from the heart today because we are getting so many emails from women regarding the pay to play.  And interestingly, they aren’t worried about the money, they are worried about what people will think. Wow. I hope this helps you if you were trying to deal with some of those ego-driven mindsets this week. :)

Now, if you are one of the people who aren’t listening to your ego and are ready to play, but just don’t understand how to leverage an opportunity like this, let me tell you.

Co-authors can leverage this book as a marketing tool for years by:

  • Sitting on physical and virtual panels together
  • Participating in media interviews such as TV, radio, and print that we will be booking across the USA
  • Participating in our month long virtual event and video expo in September
  • Taking advantage of the positioning along side very successful entrepreneurs
  • Sending the book to potential clients as a gift
  • Using it as a bonus, benefit, or list builder in your current business
  • Using it to build your database at live events
  • And so much more!

Possible ideas for your chapter:

  • Tips on how to live your purpose while running a business
  • Stories of how you survived a breakdown in your business and how it ended up leading to a breakthrough
  • Inspiration on how you became successful and key points that you believe would inspire other women
  • How to balance your life and your business
  • Time management tips that help women stay sane and on purpose
  • Feel free to email us with your ideas too!

AND you can use past content as long as you own the copyright to it.

Secure Your Spot Today In Our Next Book

Before All Slots Are Gone!

Go to http://www.smartwomeninstitute.com/authorlivewhy

A Little History of the Smart Women SERIES TM

The Smart Women SERIES TM has a inspiring track record.

Our 2010 book, Smart Women Live Their Why for instance reached No. 11 on Amazon over all at launch and then was the only female authored book in the top 25 books in business.

Sheri McConnell, the managing editor of this year’s book was also the past CEO of the National Association of Women Writers for over 10 years.

 

The Smart Women SERIES TM has also been

 

Secure Your Spot Today In Our Next Book

Before All Slots Are Gone!

Go to http://www.smartwomeninstitute.com/authorlivewhy

Become an Author In Our Next Book!

Friday, June 24th, 2011

 

Title and Mission of Book

The Smart Women’s Institute of Entrepreneurial Learning is proud to open up the opportunity for you to participate and be an author in the 4th book in the Smart Women SERIES TM

This year’s book title Smart Women Live Their Why – How Women Entrepreneurs Are Living On Purpose and In Passion will be a compilation of tips, advice, inspiration, and stories from successful women who live all over the world.

The mission of our latest book is to empower women who are just starting their entrepreneurial journey as well as those women who have been in profitable businesses for decades. We want to remind people to never negatively compare the beginning of their journey with the middle of another persons. Instead, we want them to feel the potential and the possibilities in front of them when they read our stories.

Submission Details

  • 1500 to 2000 words (usually about 3 to 5 pages)
  • Submission deadline is July 15, 2011.
  • Possible ideas:
    • Tips on how to live your purpose while running a business
    • Stories of how you survived a breakdown in your business and how it ended up leading to a breakthrough
    • Inspiration on how you became successful and key points that you believe would inspire other women
    • How to balance your life and your business
    • Time management tips that help women stay sane and on purpose

Feel free to email us with your ideas too!

AND you can use past content as long as you own the copyright to it.

History of the Smart Women SERIES TM

The Smart Women SERIES TM has a inspiring track record. Our 2010 book, Smart Women Live Their Why for instance reached No. 11 on Amazon over all at launch and then was the only female authored book in the top 25 books in business. Sheri McConnell, the managing editor of this years book was the past CEO of the National Association of Women Writers for over 10 years.

Here are some of the books in the Smart Women SERIES TM:

Launch Details

Our latest book is due to be launched on September 1, 2011 and should start shipping no later than September 15, 2011.

This year’s book will be launched at the same time we start our 30 day virtual event happening from September 1 – September 30th!

All authors also have the opportunity to participate in our Virtual Conference and Expo which will have audio and video components to it this year.

In addition to the initial 30 day launch and the book being included in the basic level of registration at the virtual event, we will be adding this book to our Smart Women Catalog and website, and Sheri McConnell (CEO) will launch another PR campaign to promote book in the Fall.

And finally as an author, you agree to send one solo email regarding the book to your entire list in the month of September.

  • We will provide the solo email and you may add to it to personalize (Note: when you pay the fee below, you are agreeing to this broadcast in September. We will also include a copy of this agreement in writing and require signatures as we move forward into production process.)
  • We will have anywhere from 30 to a maximum of 40 authors promoting in month of September.

Deadline for Registration Fee

All authors will pay a one time fee of $597. Registration fee should be paid ASAP to hold your spot in the book. Submission deadline is July 15, 2011.

This fee covers:

  • Editing of your submission
  • Photo included on cover and bio and photo in book
  • 25 free copies shipped to you as soon as book is produced
  • Right to purchase all future copies at cost, $6 each
  • Right to co-promote and participate in future book signings and/or leverage our brand for PR opportunities. See History of Smart Women Series above.

This is truly an amazing opportunity for women like yourself to partner with us and share your brilliance while at the same time using Smart leverage to grow your own business. The positioning alone is worth the $597. And by the way, we do care about quality, so if for any reason should we not be able to accept your submission, you will get a full refund of the author fee.

 

Secure Your Spot Today In Our Next Book

Before All Slots Are Gone

Click on the button below to pay one time fee of $597 and secure your spot in our next best seller!

Summer Reading Recommendations for Smart Women

Wednesday, May 25th, 2011

One of the best ways for smart women to stay productive and still enjoy summer is to make really great reading choices while they relax.  Relaxing and expanding your mindsets at the same time is profitable and healthy.  Here is a list of my favorites books for you to read this summer and of course, you know I wouldn’t leave you hanging without answering the all important question, “WHY?” for each one.  These are in no particular order and please let me know your suggestions on our blog. Enjoy!

Business

What Your CPA Isn’t Telling You by Mark J. Kohler

Why: This one is a must read in my opinion for start-ups and seasoned business owners. It’s for you if you don’t have a strong understanding on how to use your entity structure for the maximum benefits. The author teaches through a fictional story which I think is a helpful way to teach this type of information.  It is one of the only places I’ve seen this type of information shared in book form.  I had to learn all this by asking lots of questions and from networking with wealthy people.

Smart Women Know Their WHY by Sheri McConnell

Why: Because I am not shy when it comes to recommending my own books. :) Seriously, this book is a must read because I show you how to build a profitable business while you discover your life purpose.

Health

Crazy Sexy Diet by Kris Carr

Why: Because I love my friend Kris Carr’s full on approach to life and how eating green is actually what real living is all about. This book is also a visual feast (yes, I had to go there!) too for all of you who love books full of color. Even if going green isn’t your thing, I recommend this book anyway because of how much you will learn about the way the body works.  It’s all science baby!

A Course In Weight Loss by Marianne Williamson

Why: Because only Marianne could pack so much wisdom into single sentences.  This book is full of spiritual lessons that help you love yourself more and fall in love with real food that loves you back.

Love

Committed: A Love Story by Elizabeth Gilbert

Why: This book is an exploration of what marriage is and what it is not… I love the way Elizabeth strings words together, so this book is for those of you that were completely changed forever from reading Eat, Play, Love and want to dive back into another journey (this one is much closer to home) with this author again.

Life

Positive Action Plan: 365 Meditations for Making Each Day a Success by the Napoleon Hill Foundation

Why: I love this book because it breaks down all the teachings of Think and Grow Rich into smaller themes and only 2 to 3 paragraphs at a time.  A great pool side read.


Want To Use This Article In Your Ezine or Website? You have my permission, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Sheri McConnell is the CEO of the Smart Women’s Institute of Entrepreneurial Learning (formerly the National Assn of Women Writers-2001). You can visit Sheri, access her free article archive, and grab lots of free stuff at http://www.smartwomeninstitute.com. Sheri lives in San Antonio, Texas with her husband, their four children, a weenie dog, and three hermit crabs.