Great MP3 Streaming Software: MP3 Sound Stream: Listen In Below

I am a big fan of adding audio to websites, blogs and even articles, because the voice is such an intimate tool. So, I am always looking for tools that can help me make audio easier to download and can draw attention at the same time.

I am in love with MP3 Sound Stream. The tool is super easy to use. You simply load an audio into the software, choose the color and style of button you want, and you then tell the system to “go.” Once you are finished, you will have a little piece of code to add to your blog or website that looks similar to the one you are playing right now.

I also used Audacity Audio Recording Software to create this video…so in about 5 minutes, I am able to stream audio directly onto this blog page. I also recommend the Podpress plug-in for podcasting, but I am using MP3 Sound Stream for most of my streaming. I know you will enjoy the tool as much as I do!

Want to Do a Little Direct Marketing? Let Jigsaw Help You

Ryan Coleman gave me the BEST list of business websites a few weeks ago. I just spent some time on Jigsaw. The site includes millions of companies, websites and addresses. You can buy points if you want names, but here is how I am using it: I go to the site, download the companies I am interested in talking with, and I then perform a search on the actual website for the person or people I want to approach. If they are not listed on the website, you can perform a Google search such as “Executives for XYZ Company.”

Great resource, and some direct mail does work. I would recommend that you wait until January 1 so that your mail does not get covered up in holiday mail, send out a letter of introduction and then follow that letter up with a phone call. If you are a bit skiddish on making phone calls, contact Donna Senge of Jump Start Revenue, Inc., and she can break the ice for you on a first phone call.

Robin Meade Survey: People Not Skimping On Quality Toilet Paper

I watch Morning Express with Robin Meade every morning while I work out. She conducted a poll today to find out what people are NOT skimping on during the tough economy. The top answer: High Quality Toilet Paper!

I have to agree that I don’t skimp on toilet paper…I always get the best, AND if you follow what Mike Michalowicz says in The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, you can do your business a huge favor by only using 3 sheets, but using them effectively. Are you curious? Check out what Mike and Scott Bradley are up to with The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur.

And…just remember…during a down economy, it is more important than ever to be marketing using guerrilla strategies and advice from people like Mike!

Is The Business Development Plan Dead? Try Focusing On Great Partnerships!

I have been asking this question a great deal lately, because I am just wondering if the time, energy and often headaches that come from writing a business development plan are worth it considering all that is going on in our world and economy.  You go to bed with a plan in mind, and you wake up the next morning only to discover that your biz development plan has become obsolete.

About two years ago, I sat down and wrote my first true business development plan.  I spent the week-end on it, and I looked over it last week.  A few things have transpired, but most of the information in the document is now outdated.  A great deal has changed in both my business and the coaching industry, yet there’s one area that really stands out for me:  my business partnerships.

I have a section in the business plan on developing strategic partnerships and the qualities I wanted in those partnerships.  There are 2 people who I can say without a shadow of a doubt fit into my plan:  Corey Blake and Carol Dickson-Carr.

You see, my business plan had a section which reads “Qualities for Strategic Partnerships,” and in this blank, I had:

• Tops in their industry
• High level of expertise
• Quick turn-around time
• Highly accessible
• Responds to e-mail within 24 hours
• Does what they say they are going to do
• Upbeat, positive…does not whine, complain or blame
• Creative
• Can churn out IP as quickly as I can
• Believes in me and my work
• Comes to each call with a strategic vision in mind
• Willing to change course if need be
• Stickability
• Honest
• Trustworthy
• Highly Professional
• Moving in the direction of success
• Able to navigate change
• Able to innovate based on current market trends

As I looked at this list, I believe that I also hold these qualities and that my business stands by these principles.  So, I believe that if you have a strong set of qualities you stand behind and if you recruit partners and clients who have these same qualities, your business should be moving forward and developing out over time.  While I do believe in having a business plan, it just makes sense to me to surround yourself with smart people who can help you get the job done!

If you do want to spend a few hours with a business development plan, I have one that I developed over the last year, and it is only $3.95.  It is a 27-page workbook which includes every question you need to answer to get clear on your business development.

Order the e-workbook here.

Interview with Mike Michalowicz: Author of The Toilet Paper Entreprneur

I had a great interview last night with Mike Michalowicz. You can listen to the interview via this special audio postcard here.

I know you will enjoy this call!

http://www.ToiletPaperEntrepreneur.com