Eric Tippetts

More Readers Equal More Sales

Content production is an important aspect in today’s business atmosphere. Entrepreneurs who are not using a blogging platform are losing out on clients and customers. And there are those who do blog, but their readership levels are low. They draw a few readers but the percentages are low in comparison to competitor blogs.

What is even more frustrating is the fact that when you read your own content side-by-side with the competitors, you know that you are providing greater information and you wonder why you are not getting more readers.

Don’t feel bad

There are posts I have wrote that I thought would go viral and they barely get any attention, and other posts that I thought would “fall flat” that have had many readers. It is a system that is difficult to understand. But I have discovered some important tidbits that help articles get more readers and more shares.

Let me share a few of these tips and tricks with you.

Gain More Readers By Using High Quality, Original Images

Online article readers are drawn by visual items. Using high quality photos is a great way to draw more readers. And, they need to be original. People do not want to see the same photograph on various posts.

It is also wise to caption some images because readers do read these captions and they are more apt to share the image at sites such as Pinterest, Facebook and others.

Gain More Readers By Using Explosive Headlines

Studies have proven that online readers are scanners. They are drawn to headlines and if that headline “grabs” them, they will read the information following that headline.

Use wording in your headline that is explosive, attractive or emotional and you will draw more readers.

Gain More Readers By Telling Stories

Some of the experts over at BufferApp performed an experiment. Using an A/B testing format, they wrote a piece of content that essentially had the same information. One post just went straight to the point while the other post told a story first and proceeded to take the reader into the point of the article.

Guess which one had the most readers…

The story post had 300% more readership. It just goes to show that people want to read and hear stories.

One key with that is: if the story is fictional, be sure and let the reader know that upfront. DO NOT lead the reader to believe that fiction is fact.

Gain More Readers By Embracing White Space

Have you ever come across an article that had a great title that you felt you should read but when you visit, you see a post that is written like a college thesis?

The information is solid but as you try to read it, your eyes hurt.

The words all “jumble” together and you give up and move on to the next article.

If the writer would have just forgot what their English professor said about writing…

Nothing against all the great English professors out there, but writing online is a much different ballgame.

We must write for the readers and not by the “school laws.”

Give them short sentences, short paragraphs and plenty of white space for eye breaks.

Gain More Readers By Embedding Video When Appropriate

Just as I told you about images earlier, videos are another tool that will attract more readers.

The key is ensuring the video coincides with the content.

And since I have not yet developed a video on this subject, I will just rely on images and the content to boost this post.

Gain More Readers By Engaging With Current Readers

It is imperative that you respond to comments on your posts.

When you engage with current readers, those people are more apt to share the post with other people they know who are interested in the same subject.

Gain More Readers By Using Bullet Points And Numbered Lists When Appropriate

Another study has shown that bullet points and numbered lists do attract readers.

When it can fit:

  • Use bullet points to draw the readers eyes
  • Use numbered article – Top 10, 15, 20, etc…
  • Number certain subjects that need to be completed in order.

Gain More Readers By Bolding Key Points

You must be careful with this tip because too much bolding can defeat the purpose.

But when you bold key points, the reader’s eyes will be drawn to it much like a headline and if it “perks” their interest, they will read more.

Gain More Readers By Adding Useful Links

The experts at Copyblogger are keen on adding useful links.

The main point is to add links that are actually helpful and are not just adding links to gain SEO coverage.

Make sure that link will add value and I suggest you always make sure the link opens in a new tab.

Conclusion

I cannot promise you will get thousands of readers overnight but by following these tips, I know you will see an improvement.

I hope this helps you and I would love to hear your opinions. Also if you have any questions, just post those below too.

I want to see your business move To The Top, so I suggest you add one more resource to your collection: my book, To The Top will give you the wealth blueprint you need to race up entrepreneur mountain.

Get your free copy here.

Thank you for popping in today… Please share this advice with your social media friends. They will be happy you did.

To The Top!

eric tippets

Business Trends You Need To Be Aware Of

Some call them fads and others use the word trends. We have watched many come and go, and come back again:

  • Bell Bottoms
  • Tie Dye
  • Long Hair
  • Short Hair

Business works on a similar process; there are business trends that come and go. Some of these business trends stay for a long period of time and others fade away quickly.

In today’s post, I am going to share some current and upcoming business trends that all entrepreneurs should be aware of. By working these business trends correctly, you can grow your business in amazing ways. But if you ignore the trends, you may discover a large customer base ignoring your brand.

Business Trends #1: Deeper Customer Engagement

Customers want to know that brands truly care about them. They want to be treated as individuals and businesses must use methods to achieve this all important business trend. We saw this develop slowly with businesses such as Burger King offering the opportunity to “Have it your way!”

It Is imperative that you treat each customer individually. Call them by name, offer to show them some tips and tricks and inspire them on social media and in person.

Business Trends #2: Show Them The Green

You may be thinking I am talking about money but I am not.

Going green has been a trend for businesses for several years and I believe this trend will continue to grow. People want to do business and partner with entrepreneurs who are planet conscious.

Find ways to save energy and lessen the footprint you are leaving. And, if you can create a product or service that achieves a green initiative, you will surely make huge profits.

This also falls in line with the sharing system that has become prevalent.

  • Sharing office space
  • Shared living spaces
  • Uber
  • Airbnb
  • and Peer-to-peer lending to name a few.

Business Trends #3: Quality Over Quantity

We have went through several years of accepting products that were considered disposable. That in itself was completely against trend #2 by filling landfills with rubbish.

People are generally fed up with buying cheaper goods that wear out faster and are less attractive. I predict that trends will take us back to “paying more for quality.” Customers are generally measuring the length of time a product lasts and realizing they are saving both time and money by spending more for items that will last longer.

Business Trends #4: Products And Services Geared Toward Freelancers

Everyday, people are discovering that freelancing their skills and talents is more lucrative than commuting to a job and trading hours for dollars.

Knowing that they can work the hours they want to work and achieve financial independence by managing their own stay-at-home freelancing business has grabbed a huge piece of the population.

These freelancers will need products and services that help them automate as much of their tasks as possible. If you, as an entrepreneur, can solve problems for freelancers, you are poised for huge success.

Business Trends #5: Hiring Blind

So many employers and employee recruitment firms have been battling a huge issue; they are forced to hire in percentages based on

  • Race
  • Gender
  • Age
  • Economical class
  • and more…

What has developed are candidates with little or no experience being hired just to fill the percentages.

I believe we will see a huge system of “blind hiring.” Services will determine the best candidates based strictly on their skills and samples. They will not even look at any other variables such as education, experience, race, etc… Interviews will be done using an anonymous approach and even using voice masking technology.

Business Trends #6: E-commerce Competition Craze

There was a time in the early late 1960’s and early 70’s when gas stations were at war with each other. One gas station would have gas at 7 cents per gallon and the station down the road would drop their gas to 6 cents.

The gas war was on and I believe we are going to see a similar thing happen with E-commerce. The competition is getting ferocious so unless you have a product or service that is completely unique, you will probably be forced to take a huge hit in profit margins to gain sales.

Business Trends #7: The Infusion Of Augmented Reality

I believe we will see a huge rise in augmented reality. Consumers will be able to pick the product and sit it in their home, on their land or anywhere the product may be used to view the layout and how it will “fit” in the space.

If you sell physical products for homes, you may want to introduce augmented reality into your customer’s experience.

Conclusion

These are a few of the trends I predict will take hold moving forward. I also do believe we will have to continually adapt our websites to keep pace with the changing search algorithms. Google and others are attempting to make the internet a great zone for consumers and it is imperative that entrepreneurs keep pace with these changes.

As always, keeping track of your business expenses and keeping the profits flowing is a major factor. Many entrepreneurs know that having an automated method of doing this can save time and relieve stress. The Expense Tracker is a great way to manage those business (and personal) finances. Learn how by clicking here.

What are your thoughts on coming business trends? Please post your opinions and questions below.

Thank you for stopping by today. May your entrepreneur journey take you

To The Top!

eric tippets

12 Tips: Teaching Entrepreneurship To Kids

As parents, grandparents and/or guardians, we have a huge influence on children. They will follow our path if we allow them to do so. If we expect the public school system to teach our kids entrepreneurship, I believe that we will be quite disappointed.

Nothing against the public school system… I know that many teachers are teaching great things and they also have the task of managing 20, 30 and even 40 or more kids at one time. And face it, not every child is destined to become an entrepreneur. I would even claim that out of 20 kids, 2 or maybe 3 will become successful entrepreneurs.

I do believe entrepreneurship can be taught. If we want the very best for our kids, I truly believe we need to actively teach them entrepreneurship. So, I am giving you 12 tips on teaching entrepreneurship to kids.

These are in no certain order and if you have any other methods you use with your kids, feel free to share them at the end of this post.

Children are our future!”

Teach Entrepreneurship Tip #1: Inspire Creative Play

There are many toys that inspire creative play:

  • Legos
  • Erector Sets
  • Etc…

And with smartphones and tablets, kids have creative play at their fingertips. But on the other side of that equation are games that create kid zombies.

I suggest you are actively seeing what your child is playing with and inspire the creative play. Promote your child building a cool app or even a website.

Teach Entrepreneurship Tip #2: Ask Your Child How To Solve A Home Problem

I just love using this approach. It empowers kids to use their problem solving abilities.

Let’s just say that you have discovered a small water leak. Show it to your child and ask them how they would solve the problem and why they would do it that way. Let me use a scenario:

Dad: “The water is leaking from this pipe under the sink son (8 year old Thomas). How do you think we should fix it?”

Thomas: “Dad, I think we need to buy the parts and take this off and this off and replace it.”

Dad: “That is exactly right Thomas! But because I have to go to a meeting in 2 hours with clients and you have Sally’s birthday party in 1 ½ hours, do you think we can buy the parts, do the work and get cleaned up in time?”

Thomas: “Ummm, no Dad.”

Dad: “You are smart son; this is when as a business person, we have to rely on someone else. I will call the plumber and he can fix it and we will be able to make our appointments. Thank you for your help buddy.”

Teach Entrepreneurship Tip #3: Teach Goal Setting

This is a basic must I believe all children should learn. I suggest you share the goals you are setting and the plan on how you will reach them. You then help the child write down his/her goals and how theyt plan to reach those goals.

Teach Entrepreneurship Tip #4: Involve The Child In Your Business

I have met many entrepreneurs who have their children perform certain tasks within their business. You could have them fill out postcards, print fliers or other tasks that are geared toward your business.

Make sure and reward your child with profit payments. Show them that when they work towards success, they gain rewards.

Teach Entrepreneurship Tip #5: Do Not Minimize Emotions

We all know that failure is a part of discovering success. I mentioned goal setting earlier and if the child misses a goal, they are apt to feel certain emotions. It can be easy to minimize the emotions the child is feeling.

It is better to allow your child to feel those emotions and explain that it will happen again. Tell the child a story when you have failed and how you overcame that failure.

Teach Entrepreneurship Tip #6: Encourage Selling Ideas

Whether it is starting a lemonade stand, yard sale or approaching neighbors to mow their lawn or a similar idea to earn money, I suggest you encourage your child to perform these selling activities.

Selling is a major entrepreneur function and the sooner children learn selling techniques, the better at sales they will become.

Teach Entrepreneurship Tip #7: Deadlines On Chores

To teach children on meeting deadlines, it works to put deadlines on the chores you give them. I suggest rewards for meeting those deadlines and consequences for missing the deadlines.

Be sure and explain how it works the same way in your career path.

Teach Entrepreneurship Tip #8: Teach Financial Management

This is another area where I believe all parents and guardians need to be proactive with their kids. Teaching children how to budget, save and spend on items that will help them grow is so very important.

I will use the lemonade stand as an example. You may point out how they could take profits and add cookies or candies to their product list to gain more profits.

Teach Entrepreneurship Tip #9: Encourage New Hobbies

Various hobbies can help your child find their passion. Encourage new hobbies and allow them the ability to see what they like and what they don’t.

Maybe that idea of having a drum set in little Johnny’s room makes you shudder… But allowing it shows Johnny he can do whatever he sets his mind to do.

Teach Entrepreneurship Tip #10: Encourage Your Child To Help Others

If your child suddenly says he/she would like to help the homeless person they see outside the store you are in, as them how they think they could help. When they give an answer, encourage the child to go forth and do what they decided.

Teach Entrepreneurship Tip #11: Allow Decision Making

Allow your child the power to make decisions even if you think they will not be successful. I see nothing wrong with telling the child why you think it is a good decision, but also tell them you allow it and will be there to support them as long as it isn’t dangerous.

As entrepreneurs, we have learned through trial and error; it only makes good sense that we allow our children to learn the same way.

Teach Entrepreneurship Tip #12: Use Positive Words

I saved the most important tip for last… Many people tell their children words like can’t, won’t, shouldn’t, etc…

Kids need to hear positive words and if it doesn’t work out, they need to still hear positives that the next thing they set their mind on will be successful.

Conclusion

Kids can be taught entrepreneurship but do not assume they will learn it in school. By following these tips, you can instill that entrepreneurship mindset in kids.

Please let me know what you think and if you have any added tips.

One other tip… Get my book To The Top and after you finish reading it, have your child read it too or read it to them.

Let’s build your business and help them build their inspiration so they become successful entrepreneurs too!

Thank you for stopping in and please share this with parents on your social media sites.

To The Top!

eric tippets

Master The Art Of Storytelling

Experts all agree that entrepreneurs who master the art of storytelling have higher rates of success. While graphs and charts do wonders in presentations, they are still far under the response level a great story will attain.

After all, who doesn’t love a story?

Entrepreneurs must know how to be effective communicators. Storytelling will play a major part in gaining customers. But storytelling also plays a roll for entrepreneurs when communicating with

  • Potential investors
  • Vendors
  • Partners
  • And the team

I have decided to give you tips and advice to help you master the art of storytelling.

The Art Of Storytelling Tip #1: The Right Story For The Audience

You should have multiple stories stored up. Depending on the audience, you will want to use a story that pertains to your audience and what you want to achieve.

With investors, your story could be how your Grandfather loaned you $20 and you invested in golf tees and sold them to golfers stating they were “wonder tees.”

You may have a story for your team that goes back to the days of school and how your basketball coach turned a bunch of ruffians into a solid team.

The Art Of Storytelling Tip #2: Know The End Before You Begin

Going right along with tip #1, you want to have the end goal drawn up. What is the objective of your story? You do not want to take your audience on a hike around a lake and force them to swim back. You should have a boat with wine and lobster awaiting them.

Do you understand?

The Art Of Storytelling Tip #3: Have A One-Liner

Having a powerful one-liner will grab the attention of people and make them want to hear your story.

“Using items people toss in the trash daily, we designed a product that takes the stress out of deadlines…”

“Living in poverty in Los Angeles, I challenged myself to rise to the top and to help others do the same.”

Those are just 2 examples. As you can see, they leave you asking the questions who, why, what, when and how. This is when the entrepreneur can tell his/her story.

The Art Of Storytelling Tip #4: Choose The Right Time And Place

You have to choose the time and place to tell your story carefully. If you try to tell it during moments when the listener can be interrupted, it is highly unlikely the listener will catch the whole story.

Try to tell your story in a place and at a time with the least distractions.

The Art Of Storytelling Tip #5: Have A Central Character

Every great story has a main character. Just think like Agatha Christie or Mark Twain. Have a primary character be it you, a past customer or some other persona.

Keep the character in the action of the complete story.

The Art Of Storytelling Tip #6: Story Sources Are All Around You

As an entrepreneur, you will discover sources for stories all the time. You may have to splice various actions together to come up with a story, so I strongly suggest keeping a notepad or using your smartphone to record or write the various cool things you encounter on any given day.

The Art Of Storytelling Tip #7: Be Authentic

You have to be in the right state

  • Mentally
  • Emotionally
  • and Physically

to tell a good story. A great story means being authentic and telling the story with conviction and enthusiasm. Use humor, sadness, excitement… Use what makes your story turn the listener’s mind into a huge screen where they can see the action unfolding in front of them from your words.

The Art Of Storytelling Tip #8: Practice

It never hurts to ask your spouse, children, friend or other family member to listen to your story. Ask them for honest feedback. Accept the feedback and make changes to your story as you receive critique.

The Art Of Storytelling Tip #9: Body Movements

I like to say that as you are telling your story, allow your body to dance with the rhythm of that story. Eye, hand and hip movements can give the story a more intense message. Let your body flow with the story. This also includes your eyes, mouth and facial expressions.

The Art Of Storytelling Tip #10: The Call To Action

The whole point in telling the story is to get the listener to do something. It is essentially a “close” in a sales pitch. So do not neglect the call to action. It is the only way they will do what you want… The listener is not a mind reader.

“This is why I wrote the book To The Top! You can get your copy at the back table or just go to this link.”

That was an example of a call to action I may use at a speaking engagement after I told my story.

And, by the way, you should get the book too. After all, that is what this post is all about… Creating the story to climb To The Top… so pick up your copy here.

Conclusion

So what is your story? Why not sit down and draft your first story now?

Do not think it is boring because only the listener can judge that. The storyteller cannot be the judge. Just tell your story and great surprises will come your way.

To The Top!

eric tippets

11 Tips On Developing A Business Plan

There are 2 words that go together like eggs and bacon… Plan and success. I would predict that no businesses ever succeeded without a plan in place.

I have noticed that many new entrepreneurs really have no idea how to put a business plan together. So in today’s post, I want to help and encourage you by giving you 11 tips on developing a business plan.

I am using both my knowledge of creating a business plan as well as other successful entrepreneur’s input. These tips are in no particular order, so I suggest you print them so when you are developing your business plan, you will have them at your fingertips.

Business Plan Tip #1: Start Writing

Sometimes the most difficult part of writing a business plan is just getting started with it. There are entrepreneurs who have wrote parts of their business plan on napkins or post-it-notes. Creating a business plan is similar to writing a best selling book… You just write and proceed to edit later.

Don’t concern yourself with perfection, just write. You may want to write an outline which will help you take all your business plan notes and put them in categories.

Business Plan Tip #2: Name The Competition

You need to determine who your competitors are. Name them one by one and I suggest that you determine what they are doing right and wrong. You then explain how you can do it better.

Business Plan Tip #3: Be Realistic

When developing your business plan and determining your goals and objectives to reach those goals, you must be realistic.

Dreams are great, but realism trumps dreams in a business plan. Keep in mind that you may have investors reading this business plan and being realistic will be much more attractive to them instead of telling them your dreams.

Business Plan Tip #4: Use Industry Statistics

You need to back up projections using industry stats. Just writing that you are “guessing” you will have $X in gross profits is not how you create a business plan. You can go through Census data or there are several software programs that can give you data in the industry you are in.

Business Plan Tip #5: Be Conservative

This goes hand-in-hand with being realistic. I suggest that even if you find statistics that make it seem like your idea will generate $400,000 in gross revenues in your first 6 months, I suggest you state in your business plan that you expect to generate $280,000 in gross revenues.

By being conservative, you are setting yourself up for great success.

Business Plan Tip #6: Use Visuals

Graphs and charts placed within a business plan at prime locations help keep people reading the plan engaged. Use them to show projections.

Business Plan Tip #7: Get Help

There are many successful entrepreneurs who are willing to help you. Don’t try to develop that business plan all by yourself. Ask for help and you will get that help. Look for entrepreneurs who have created a business plan in a similar niche and ask them to mentor you or look over your rough draft and critique it.

Business Plan Tip #8: Dive Deep Into How You Will Use Investments And Profits

How you will manage the finances is of prime importance in your business plan:

  • How will you pay back investors?
  • How will you use profits?
  • What amount will you pay yourself?
  • Etc…

You need to cover every financial aspect of the business within the plan.

Business Plan Tip #9: Tell Your Story

Your business plan should start with your story. Tell the plan why you are starting this business, what your vision is and how you want to solve problems.

How will you change the world with your idea?

Business Plan Tip #10: Make It Short And Concise

Your business plan need not be the size of an encyclopedia. Try to keep it 20 pages or less. Make it concise… Get to the point and leave strong adjectives out.

Business Plan Tip #11: Use Empathy

Put yourself in the shoes of the person who will be reading your plan… Would you invest money after reading this?

You may want to have several people read the plan and offer their opinion about it. When they do so, do not get defensive; just accept their outlook and review the plan to see if you should make changes they suggest.

Conclusion

As a final tip, I suggest drawing up several business plans. Depending on the person who will be reading it, you may want different information or a different layout. I suggest having a plan that is for you and employee use and one to show potential investors.

It is ultra-important that you create a plan for your business. Do not procrastinate this task.

I also suggest you pick up some other valuable resources to help you in your planning. The Home Business Success Kit is one resource that I know will help you. You get:

  • The Expense Tracker
  • To The Top Book
  • and Rocket Recruiting

You can get it here.

So what are you waiting for? Get that business plan created and start climbing success mountain…

To The Top!

eric tippets

9 Proven Tips to Create and Manage Your Tribe

Do you have a tribe? Every entrepreneur should.

What is a tribe for an entrepreneur?

Your tribe is that group of followers and fans that believe in you and in what all you teach and preach. Some even claim that an entrepreneurs tribe could be defined a cult.

I do think that may be carrying it overboard, after all, I will not ask you to drink some funny (and possibly deadly) juice. Nor will I claim that the world is going to end tomorrow and you should all get on a train to Pittsburgh. (Some say Pittsburgh will never end).

To gain recognition in your niche, it helps to have a tribe. So in today’s post, I am going to give you various tips and advice on creating and managing a tribe.

Tribe Creation Tip: Have A Vision

To gain followers… A tribe, you must have a vision to share with them. Your tribe must know that you have an ultimate goal with their good at the forefront of that goal.

So create a vision that is a direct reflection of your passion.

Tribe Creation Tip: Name Your Tribe

Every tribe has a name. I suggest you may even want to brainstorm with members to create a name for your tribe.

Tribe Management Tip: Be Consistent

Your tribe is expecting a message… Your message may be:

  • A blog post
  • A Tweet
  • or A Facebook post

They are anticipating that message. But if you fall down and don’t deliver the message, your tribe just may find someone who is consistent.

Tribe Management Tip: Support The Members

As your tribe begins to create, they will need your support. If one writes and publishes a book, you should buy it. If a member asks you to call them so they can ask you some questions, pick up that phone and dial.

Your tribe counts on your support.

Tribe Creation Tip: Be Vulnerable

The best leaders are those who are willing to admit weaknesses. Open up online about some of your faults. This will show potential tribe members that you are a real person and not one of the online robotic people who are full of themselves.

Now I am not saying to let go of every little thing that you have done wrong, just share errors that are within the area of passion your tribe is built around.

Tribe Creation Tip: Define The Enemy or Enemies

Every tribe has at least one enemy. While I am not saying enemies need to be human, you should define the enemy or enemies that your tribe is against:

  • Chemicals in manufactured products
  • Weight gain
  • Animal testing
  • Abuse against elderly or children
  • The list goes on and on

By defining the enemy, it gives your tribe something to work against in various ways.

Tribe Management Tip: Meet

It is a great idea to set up regular meetings where the tribe can all get together. You can use Go To Meeting or another online platform where the tribe can meet, brainstorm and give each other tips. It will be your responsibility to chair these meetings and keep them controlled. Give each person a certain time limit to speak.

Just consider it a tribal Pow Wow.

Tribe Creation Tip: Recruiting

There are various ways to recruit tribe members. Of course, the top method of recruiting is to write and share valuable content. But there are many other ways too. Try these:

  • Find places where potential tribe members may be both online and offline. Interact at other blogs that are geared around a similar niche. Attend conferences that are along the same lines. Be active and offer value in these places and you will gain followers.
  • Reward people for content or actions they have taken that is related to your passion; your vision. You could reward them with a free ebook, give them a commendation on social media or use them as examples in your content linking their website.
  • Offer words of advice or encouragement to struggling entrepreneurs. Act as a mentor asking for nothing in return.

Tribe Management and Creation Tip: Ask Members To Invite Guests

It always help to grow a tribe by having your current members invite just one or two guests to see the tribal workings. You could even set up a free gift (ebook, discount, etc…) for guests that attend a meeting.

Not every guest will join the tribe, but the odds are good that some will.

Now Go Out And Create A Tribe

You can start a new tribe or become a subsidiary of an existing tribe. I would love to have you as a member of my tribe and to show you, I will send you my free book To The Top just for the cost of shipping and handling.

Come and “hook up” with my tribe. Join us at:

Looking forward to meeting you…

To the Top!

eric tippets

Eric Tippetts

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