One step at a time...

Morning Everyone!

I had a meeting yesterday with a former client, Dr. Dana Lightman. We introduced her to another client of ours in that their services will really compliment each other. The meeting was perfect...and both began working with each other - literally starting yesterday. I feel like singing the song "Match Maker...Match Maker..." but I can't sing. And I digress from my point...(I do that way too often).

Dr. Lightman (Dana) brought up a topic that she's going to start with, which is basically a question. "Are your goals too far to reach at one time?" And that had me thinking of so many different areas of life in which that ONE question can pertain to.

In our meeting, we were talking about the context of physical fitness. You see the project we're working on is a complete marketing and implementation project for Tanya Stroh - a NSC certified personal trainer. She's building a team of resources to make her new website and online fitness services a complete, well-rounded gym destination/ experience. Talk about value add!

Again, I digress...

Anyways...in regards to personal training, I know I personally want to lose 25 pounds...but looking at it that way can be incredibly daunting. But if I break it up into 3-5 pound increments...then that's a more attainable goal. When I reach the first goal, I keep adding on new goals.

Then I'm thinking about other projects. And there's one prospect that wants to create a massive 10-disc DVD Collection. That's an incredibly daunting task. Tons of fun...but the question here is...for this client...is it worth it for him to invest all of that money up front? Well...yes and no. And, it depends.

Yes - because if you look at the big scheme of things...it's so much more cost effective to do it at the same time b/c of the savings in production process/ costs/ etc. But you need to know you are eventually going to do the entire project. So, it takes thorough planning and a clear direction. Here's an example that's much more easy to understand... When you take your car to the garage for some maintenance or repairs...they charge you for each time it has to be hoisted onto the lift. So, if you need to get an oil change...you know you might as well rotate/ change the tires at the same time. If you get an oil change one weekend, and then go back the next weekend for the tires...it will end up costing you more. More money and more time.

No - because he has not been proven in the market place just yet. He's successful...but through various other means of presenting his product and services. Perhaps, starting with one DVD...testing the market and then recognizing the need based off of actual demand may prove to be a more cost-effective and more conservative approach.

And then, the all mighty, well, it depends...and that's the tough one. Being honest about how much is in your budget is extremely important. No one likes sticker shock. And for me, I don't like losing business because they're not sure of any other options. Competition is a major factor in this category...is someone going to come out with something like this soon? If you're the second one...now you have to follow in their light. If they did a great job...why would they come to you? Making your job a lot harder. If they did a horrible job...why would they come to you? When they didn't get the results they wanted from the first guy who came along?

There's so much going on in the decision making process that can make it feel like a ping-pong ball floating around in your head.

My suggestions:
Be Honest.
Talk about it Openly.
Stay focused on the Big Goal.
Know when you need to take steps to get there.

Til next time...have a great time making those goals!

Best!
Emilia