12:59:50 From Michelle Kaplan : Hey! 13:00:00 From Leslie Blaize : Hi, there 13:00:07 From Michelle Kaplan : coffee pot 13:00:08 From ilhan : Hello! I would say it’s my MacBook Pro. 13:00:14 From Leslie Blaize : My laptop 13:01:06 From Ryan : My smartphone 13:01:25 From patriciavisount : Hello everyone. It’s VERY exciting to finally be here 13:01:40 From patriciavisount : Yes it is! 13:02:51 From patriciavisount : My iPhone is the most useful thing I own. But sometimes it gets in the way 13:03:26 From ilhan : W - Broke a procrastination streak that I’ve been on. Feeling good about moving forward. 13:03:30 From patriciavisount : W - I managed to write 2 blogs and an 8 page brochure in the last 4 days 13:03:37 From Michelle Kaplan : W-I think I finished my website 13:03:49 From Nick : W: Gave my notice at work. About 2 months away from being a full-time freelancer. 13:04:12 From Leslie Blaize : W: Talked to two prospects Tuesday - one for Architecture/Engineering/Construction writing and one for a web designer seeking a copywriter for a client. 13:04:17 From patriciavisount : @Ilhan… procrastination is my worst hurdle. Good for you! 13:04:41 From Ryan : W-Email from a new client I love working with: "Good morning Ryan. I'm making my way through the article and have to say, it's AWESOME! I feel like I finally found a writer who I'm on the same page with (pun intended)!" 13:05:08 From Alison : w: submitted a case study proposal with my new higher rate. fingers crossed. 13:05:08 From Leslie Blaize : @Nick, congrats 13:05:55 From Nick : @Leslie thanks! 13:06:10 From Greg Reid : Hey there all 13:06:33 From Michelle Kaplan : YES! Pricing is my kryptonite! 13:07:53 From patriciavisount : Love that, Susan. I need to think more about that when pricing! 13:08:55 From Michelle Kaplan : For me that’s everything…you want to be fair to them and to you…and feeling confident when you send that price makes all the difference. 13:08:58 From Eva Hatzenbihler : W: Have had current clients continue to come back, feel it good about recurring 13:09:02 From Alison : Yes, that’s a great consideration I hadn’t thought of! 13:09:13 From Eva Hatzenbihler : Hi Sorry 13:09:21 From Greg Reid : W I think…. agency job offer likely forthcoming 13:10:12 From Anne : one 13:10:45 From Nick : I: Cash flow management; website 2.0 13:11:02 From patriciavisount : I: Productivity habits in game plan are soooo helpful! I’m feeling very positive 13:11:03 From Michael : Finishing up website, working on bio page, hope to launch later this week! 13:11:20 From Eva Hatzenbihler : I: continue to revise my 3-2-1 LinkedIn and implementing my 9-word emails 13:11:27 From ilhan : I - Cleaning up my CRM to support warm email prospecting (and other follow-ups). 13:11:40 From Nick : @Susan Since I started with this program … about 9 months 13:11:44 From Anne : Doing 3 videos for one client. It’s really nice to use those skills again. 13:12:02 From Ryan : I-More of a mindset shift, but I'm continually asking myself, "How bad do you want it?" Helps me push through internal/external resistance when I feel like giving in. 13:12:11 From patriciavisount : Is the LinkedIn strategy also in training? 13:13:02 From Leslie Blaize : Using LinkedIn 3-2-1 and becoming more active online 13:14:39 From Eva Hatzenbihler : I feel like LinkedIn and local networking have become my go to and actual job producing marketing strategies 13:15:02 From Eva Hatzenbihler : Not really 350000 13:15:20 From Eva Hatzenbihler : Well yeah that is a difference 13:15:21 From Greg Reid : All things relative! 13:16:15 From christinebutler : Networking with local Chamber of Commerce has been great for me. 13:16:35 From Ryan : Q-Keeping fairly steady work, but still feel like time is my main enemy. Feels like I take too long on each project. Client love the work, but it 13:16:56 From Leslie Blaize : I agree on local networking. I worked with a client and he said the web design firm had heard of me. That added to my credibility. I write monthly blogs for Social Media Breakfast. 13:17:02 From ilhan : Q - I’m wondering what Lead Status categories you recommend for tracking outreach in a CRM. These are the ones I’m working with: Inbox Working Connected Dropped Off No Reply, Moved On Hot List Open Deal Dead Opportunity Not Yet Ready Bad Fit Current Client Former Client Maybe Later 13:17:23 From patriciavisount : We have a few Meetups for small businesses. Every Monday for lunch. Like a BNI without the huge fees 13:17:56 From Ryan : Q-holding my rate back. The biggest problem is the time spent on editing/proofreading. Considering outsourcing this area, but wondering how much is considered "done" before handing it off to others? And any other tips for speeding up. 13:20:00 From patriciavisount : Q: What do you include in website audits? I’ve done them and but I go waaayyy too deep for not enough money… Do you provide a report? Do you provide a further option for you to make changes? 13:20:06 From Michelle Kaplan : the paid version of Grammerly does that also…Facebook, email etc. 13:20:30 From ilhan : Grammarly is cool, but I recommend against using the browser extension. It sends EVERYTHING you type (including passwords) back to their servers. Better to copy/paste into their web app to check your text. 13:20:55 From Eva Hatzenbihler : @Ryan- I use Grammarly and then send it to a writer friend who edits. She does it for free and has helped tremendously. Others have offered to so it for $100 for 500 words. 13:21:10 From patriciavisount : Is paid version of Grammarly worthwhile? I’ve been thinking about it, for the additional options 13:21:58 From Greg Reid : I: Hemingway is an amazing app for helping you simplify your sentences. 13:22:00 From Eva Hatzenbihler : @patricia- I have found it very helpful, Grammarly that is, there is also a plagiarism watcher on there. I write mainly online so this is essential for me 13:22:00 From Nick : Q: I've heard other writers say that January/February tends to be somewhat slow in terms of picking up new work. Has that been your experience and/or do you have any seasonal tips for networking and prospecting coming out of the holidays and into the new year? 13:22:23 From Ryan : Agreed. Perfectionism gets the best of me sometimes. 13:22:43 From patriciavisount : I really like Hemingway too 13:23:09 From patriciavisount : @Eva. Awesome! Thanks so much 13:23:22 From Leslie Blaize : @Ryan, I really liked the book, Happy First Draft. The author pushes research, then writing, then editing. Don't write and edit at the same time. 13:24:42 From Eva Hatzenbihler : @Ilhan- I agree with Susan. 4 tops maybe. Be kind to yourself, this is a lot to think about 13:25:59 From Leslie Blaize : Q: do you send holiday cards to clients or something more? I'm thinking of including one of my husband's nature photos for a bonus. 13:28:08 From patriciavisount : @Susan. THX! 13:28:29 From Eva Hatzenbihler : @patricia- I run an audit on SEMRush, which gives me platform issues and writing issues, from there I recommend what needs to be fixed and the writing we need to improve if they want to move forward. 13:30:32 From patriciavisount : @eva. Thanks so much! 13:30:34 From Michelle Kaplan : @Leslie, I think that’s a great way to reach out to old clients and see if they need anything 13:30:34 From Eva Hatzenbihler : @Nick- my first two years, January and February were slow. But in the last 2 years, this time frame has consistently (key word) been better. It is a matter of building up your marketing through out the year and being consistent. Plans, goals, first quarter like Susan said are great conversation starters 13:31:42 From Eva Hatzenbihler : @Leslie- that is a good idea, especially if you are closer with a few of your clients. I normally send a nice email but haven’t done more. 13:31:43 From Nick : @Eva - awesome, that's great to know! 13:32:12 From ilhan : RE: “It’s a slow time of year”, I think of the quote: “I heard that there was going to be a recession. I decided not to participate." 13:32:48 From Eva Hatzenbihler : @Susan- great point about business building for yourself when its slower! 13:33:34 From Eva Hatzenbihler : @Ilhan-LOL no participating, too funny! So true, I believe it is a matter of consistency. 13:35:46 From Leslie Blaize : @Susan, good point. Thank yous are great. 13:35:55 From Michelle Kaplan : BUT EVERYONE celebrates New Year’s so you can always reach out with a happy new year….and the nature theme is fitting for it 13:36:37 From patriciavisount : @Susan. Show your personality in the cards - helps clients decide if they want to work with you 13:37:28 From Leslie Blaize : @Michelle, good idea on New Year's - and I'll have more time later in December. 13:37:35 From Eva Hatzenbihler : Q: I really enjoy the freedom of time by business has built to during this time, but I do find it hard to jump back in after the holidays. Any suggestions as to keeping the fire burning to hit that list hard after a longer break? My why is strong but I love the freedom, which I understand will go away if I take too lax and approach. I do have an accountability group besides which keeps me on task for sure. But I do find I can still not go all out. 13:39:48 From Michelle Kaplan : OMG I’m always trying to get a pic with me and the dogs - those are the Best…can you show us?? 13:40:35 From Michelle Kaplan : I call them “the creative team” my two are rescues. 13:42:02 From Michelle Kaplan : @Eva set a date! 13:42:06 From ilhan : @Eva - I have the same issue. I’m afraid of my own potential success! 13:44:25 From Eva Hatzenbihler : @Susan- intentional and permission, so true, I don’t write that down to be such a hard start. @Michelle-yes I should set a date. @Ilhan-true, I have found myself oscillating between success and fear of. Thanks All! Great Ideas. 13:44:34 From patriciavisount : Q: I currently have a full-time contract which is done in March. I’m still working on my business but time management and energy level is a work-in-progress. I hesitate to go full bore in my business now but I want to make sure I don’t have a huge lull once I’m consulting full-time. Thoughts on timing to start ramping up? Or first things I need to do in the new year? 13:45:39 From Eva Hatzenbihler : @Susan- my boss sucks some times LOL 13:45:58 From patriciavisount : @Eva LOL 13:46:49 From Michelle Kaplan : @Susan, that IS a great picture!! 13:47:18 From Eva Hatzenbihler : @patricia- I would network as much as possible now, to start relationships. And what Susan says :) 13:47:25 From patriciavisount : yes, full quarter. 13:49:12 From Eva Hatzenbihler : @Patricia- Ed suggested I make theme days. I used to do 2 or 3 prospecting things each day. I found it very time and brain power consuming. So now I ALWAYS do 3-2-1 LinkedIn because it’s easy and fast, and then one smaller marketing thing. It is easier to be consistent and I’ve been able to do it with a full plate of projects. 13:49:25 From patriciavisount : Holiday mixer invites have been coming in - so I’ve been going to them to remind people I’m still out there! 13:49:32 From patriciavisount : Thanks! 13:49:48 From Michelle Kaplan : @Eva…OK I HAVE to check out that 3-2-1 SOLD! 13:50:19 From patriciavisount : LOL. @Michelle - me too! 13:51:07 From patriciavisount : V_ clearly the 321 LinkedIn is a winner 13:51:09 From Eva Hatzenbihler : Everyone should! It has been one of the best tools in the 1.5 years I’ve been in the group. 13:51:14 From Michelle Kaplan : Perfect! 13:51:29 From christinebutler : V-Finding out where to find the 3-2-1 13:51:30 From Leslie Blaize : V: I'm going to create some photo cards that I can send out as thank yous. 13:51:40 From Eva Hatzenbihler : V:Writing up a plan for time off. Maybe I’ll even make a vacation request for myself. 13:52:34 From ilhan : V - Reminder about theme days. If I find it too much to do several prospecting things per day, I will switch to this. 13:52:37 From Eva Hatzenbihler : Market-Plan-3-2-1 Formula 13:52:40 From Michelle Kaplan : @Susan I have the picture of the creative team in my About section too…My website is in cue for review. I built it in Divi it’s all up. Considering my last website was 2006 it was about time 13:53:56 From Michelle Kaplan : I added contact section saw it was missing this morning 13:55:17 From Eva Hatzenbihler : Q: does anyone have a social media plan they are using for themselves and really like? I find a disconnect between what I recommend for my clients and what I want for myself and having a problem staying consistent as it’s not a real lead driver for me. But it might be if I had a better plan. 13:56:01 From Leslie Blaize : Q: I've been using Excel to keep track of contacts. What program do you use or can recommend? I know you've talked about this in the past. 13:56:06 From Michelle Kaplan : @Eva create an editorial calendar for your social just like you would for a client. 13:57:12 From ilhan : @Leslie: HubSpot CRM is free. That’s what I use. It tracks you’re emails. You can track calls. You can track pending deals. It automatically looks up company info when you type in the domain to create a record. 13:57:17 From ilhan : your* 13:58:36 From Eva Hatzenbihler : @Michelle-thanks, yes, I need to create a calendar. @Susan- I love to write a blog each time, hahaha. But seriously I have been told my posts are too long. Yes, I need to simplify 13:59:37 From patriciavisount : Colleagues use Dubsado 14:00:00 From ilhan : https://www.facebook.com/notes/accelerator-members-forum/-resources-/404948343407866/ 14:00:34 From Leslie Blaize : @Susan, thanks 14:01:39 From patriciavisount : @Ilhan: Thanks 14:01:47 From ilhan : Yes, the free version tracks emails. Be careful about opening your emails outside of Chrome or it will track your view as if they are viewing it. 14:02:41 From Leslie Blaize : @Ilhan, thanks 14:04:11 From patriciavisount : A: Finish my first game plan - the last action item is a website! 14:04:18 From ilhan : C - Warm email prospecting, Linkedin 3-2-1 prospecting, and cold phone calls mixed in (at start and end of the workday). 14:04:25 From ilhan : A* 14:04:44 From Michelle Kaplan : Working on a brochure package for a non-profit…Heading to Boston on the 10th…and going to start with the lessons on prospecting 14:04:58 From Eva Hatzenbihler : A: Keep my marketing going daily. Finish up a few projects and hopefully fill my January! 14:05:23 From Leslie Blaize : A: Put contacts in a CRM like HubSpot; Seek case study work from prospects in AEC industry 14:05:30 From Michelle Kaplan : I used to live in Boston! I was there in October. Miss it so much 14:05:52 From Eva Hatzenbihler : A: Oh and apparently an editorial calendar and social media messaging. 14:05:53 From Michelle Kaplan : not the weather…I’m in South Florida 14:06:24 From patriciavisount : Fun Fact: Halifax (I’m Canadian) sends Boston it’s Christmas tree as a thank you for their support during the Halifax Explosion in 1916. 14:06:29 From Alison : thank you cards to clients! 14:06:31 From Michelle Kaplan : Yup I hear from Friends and Fam…so yeah…I always say when it gets to be February and you’re freezing come south 14:06:52 From Eva Hatzenbihler : Only 1 foot here in Wisconsin but I could move! Yes, I use Canva too. 14:07:20 From Eva Hatzenbihler : @patricia- cool fun fact 14:07:24 From christinebutler : What was the name of the tool? 14:07:51 From patriciavisount : Sorry, 1917 14:08:02 From Eva Hatzenbihler : Canva 14:09:23 From Eva Hatzenbihler : Thanks Susan, G-bye everyone 14:09:23 From Michelle Kaplan : @Susan - Thank you! 14:09:24 From Greg Reid : Thanks, Susan. Thanks all. Great call! 14:09:30 From ilhan : Pexels.com is a good aggregator for free stock photos 14:09:34 From christinebutler : Thanks Susan! 14:09:37 From Alison : thanks!! 14:09:42 From ilhan : Thank you!