Subject: Aspirations: Discover the Secret Ingredient...
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Aspirations
Issue #7
In This Issue
Secret Ingredient?
Are you on the Marketing Fast Track?
Recommended Resource - Linked In
Recommended Culture - Ingrid Michaelson: Girls and Boys
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January 2008
Dear Shawn,
 
 
I hope you enjoy this edition of the Aspire newsletter - if you know of someone else that would enjoy it, please Share with a friend.
 
"The only difference between where you are right now, and where you'll be next year at this same time, are the people you'll meet and the books you'll read."                  - Charlie 'Tremendous' Jones
 
I've been giving a lot of thought to (and doing a lot of ) networking in the last year or so and I'm convinced that good networking, done the right way, is one of the foundations of success, both for business owners and in general.  It's a great foundation to build on.
 
In fact, I'm just wrapping up an in-depth report on how to network that I'm going to host on my site - if you'd like a copy let me know.
 
I help small business owners make more money will less effort, if you know of someone that might be interested in that I would like to meet them.  If there's someone I can help you meet, just let me know.  I've got a lot of great contacts in almost any field.
 
Have a great day and I hope to talk to you soon!
 
Shawn
 
What's the Secret Ingredient to Success?  
Thinking in the box?The one thing that makes everything else work.                              Photo by .Bala
 
You've got a great product that people need.  You know how to deliver the product, you know the industry, you know how to help people solve problems - ultimately you deliver value.
You've been to training, maybe you're certified, you know your product or service inside and out.  If anything you get distracted by all of the great things you could do!

However - if you're like most small business owners, there's a good chance that you're not experiencing the success you should be having.

 
Are You on the Marketing Fast Track?  
Leveraging your win-win relationships - photo by AmnemonaFast Track for Marketing
 
Most people would agree that networking is a critical part of marketing. 
 
But as you're building your network, are you considering some creative things you could do beyond referrals that will really jump start your marketing?
 
 
Recommended Resource  
 Linked InLinked In
 
Linked In has fairly quietly become a significant player when it comes to Social Networking on the internet.  There are currently more than 17 Million professionals with profiles on Linked In.  In fact I've been fortunate enough to 'Link' with a lot of the people on this mailing list.
 
A lot of people I talk to say "Well I signed up, but what do I do now...what's the point?"  It's a great question - and luckily I have a great answer!  I'm working with a few other people in Kansas City to sponsor a Linked In workshop, including a key note presentation from one of the Linked In executives that will address that very question.  We don't have a date finalized yet, but it will be in a couple of months, early Spring, so keep your eyes open for some information.
 
Until then, here's a great article from Guy Kawasaki on :10 ways to use Linked In
 
Recommended Culture  

Girls and Boys Ingrid Michaelson - Girls and Boys

If you're looking for something new, Girls and Boys is a great place to start.  You've likely heard Ingrid Michaelson on the GAP commercials that played before the holidays.  The 'Sweater Song', (actually titled 'The way I am') is a great song, but luckily it's not the best song on the CD.
 
This is light alternative pop music that is both haunting and upbeat.  She's kind of like a young Tori Amos without the really dark vibes.  She was discovered on MySpace and is quickly becoming a name; this is a great listen all the way through.
 
Aspire Business Development works with small business owners looking for more.  We work with successful people that understand the value and the need for continual improvement and growth.  Think of Aspire as the GPS system for your business.  We'll help you figure out where you are, where you want to go and we'll work with you and help you get there. 
 
If you have customers, revenue and costs, we can help you grow your bottom line, find more free time and generally have more fun with what you're doing.  Give me a call and I'd be happy to have a free consultation with you.Shawn Kinkade
 
Have a great day!  
 
Sincerely,      
 
Shawn Kinkade
Aspire Business Development
913.660.9400 (work)
816.210.0255 (mobile)
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Shawn Kinkade | Aspire Business Development | Leawood | KS | 66224