Monetize Random Acts of Inspiration

You have great business ideas and opportunities coming to you every day. Yes, even those of you in slumps have them. But having great ideas and opportunities doesn't always equal money in the bank. Even random acts of networking, marketing and planning don't necessarily mean any new business will come your way. But wait, don't give up! With a little intention, planning and strategy you can monetize all of your random acts of inspiration. Let's take a speaking opportunity as an example. I'm offered many opportunities to speak on the radio, tele-summits, and interviews. I always say yes, no matter how big the crowd, when it's something I can do over the phone. If it's an in person gig, I'm super picky because it involves more of my time, energy, arranging childcare, putting on makeup, possibly driving in traffic, flying on planes, etc. Why do I say yes? Because I truly enjoy this way of delivering my message, it's easy for me and I see it as money in the bank even if the results aren't immediate. Once I say yes to the speaking gig, I begin planning how I will leverage this opportunity. Here's how: 1. I decide what content I will deliver based upon the audience, how long I have to speak, and what products or programs I'm marketing during that time.
2. I decide what action I want them to take after they hear me. I usually point them to a free product or strategy session with me that makes it easy for them to say yes, if this is the first time this audience has heard me. I may offer a product or service that is $97-$2500 if a colleague is interviewing me exclusively for their clients and I'm not competing with other experts' offers.
I'm thrilled if I can just get them on my mailing list. I then continue nurturing the relationship through my articles and free classes. In a few months — or even a few years — they may become my very own customer.
3. I find a way to follow up with them after the event. My preferred follow-up method is email. I give them reminders of the key points of my talk, plus information on the next step I want them to take with me. I make it easy for them to say yes.
4. The most important thing I do is set my intentions for my desired outcomes for this random act of inspiration. Then it is no longer random, but fits into my bigger vision and marketing funnel. I also clarify how I want to feel before, during and after the act. The act is not just another item to cross off on my to-do list. It's a building block in the growth of my business. Every inspired idea or action you take in your business needs to be leveraged and intentional once you decide to move forward with it. Otherwise you're just spinning your wheels — looking busy but not producing results. Another example is my new iPhone app. It was inspired by a client who uses my Speed Dial the Universe Journal and said if I could create a way for her to do the journal entries on her smart phone she'd be really happy. I loved the idea and set out to find a programmer who could create what I wanted but not cost me $10,000. Once the programmer was in place, I had to see how this app could be used as a marketing tool to generate additional business. Everything from the content, features, pricing, and keywords in iTunes was very intentional. I have to get people to buy the app and then give them incredible value, otherwise nobody would want additional information from my company. Having an iPhone app is cool, but not cool if you don't make profits as a result of creating it. In the next week or two, take time to revisit your "HELL YES" business plan for the coming year and brainstorm how you can monetize and leverage your most inspired ideas. There is always a way. If you get stumped, ask someone with out-of-the-box marketing ideas to help you. It's time to act from inspiration and make more profits.