10 November 2010

An alternative that doesn't require women to lean into men to relax in ourselves and our circumstances



"One of the deepest feminine pleasures is when a man stands full, present, and unreactive in the midst of his woman’s emotional storms. When he stays present with her, and loves her through the layers of wildness and closure, then she feels his trustability, and she can relax."
~David Deida

"One of the deepest feminine pleasures is when a woman stands full, present, and unreactive in the midst of life's storms. When she stays present and loves herself through the layers of wildness and closure, she experiences renewed confidence in her own trustworthiness and relaxes with ease in all the glory that is her."

~Charlon Bobo

08 November 2010

How and Why Your Conscious Copywriter Effectively Captivates The Attention—and Heart—Of Your Customers



As a knowledgeable business owner, you already know the individual definitions of the words ‘conscious’ and ‘copywriter,’ but when combined into one term, ‘conscious copywriter,’ what is the definition?

conscious copywriter
A person who writes the text of advertisements or marketing content using an artful combination of technical and visceral skills, such as intuition and intention


Why are visceral skills important in the creation of your copy?

As part of the creative process, visceral skills (based on instinct rather than intellect) ensure effective development of the vibrational aspect of your copy, which is essential to making an authentic connection with your audience.

From personal experience, there are elements of the creative writing process that cannot be accomplished by expert training or years of real-world writing. These fall into the visceral category. They are the awareness and application of intuition. These inspirations rise to the surface and conscious copywriters know there is an inherent wisdom within, even though the insight may not make ‘sense’ using logic. They just appear.

What is ‘the vibrational aspect’ of copy?

It is that often overlooked—and underestimated—aspect of your marketing content. It is the feeling your readers experience when they read your copy, based in the pure intent behind your message.

As consumers become more self-aware, feel their way through life (here’s a great example), and align themselves with businesses that speak their language, they become more attuned to the subtle nuances of the spirit of your copy.


That’s why conscious copywriting
is so important.
It takes into account
the vital essence
intended to serve, not sell


Serving vs. selling is what sets your marketing materials apart from the rest. If your message is not genuine, the reader picks up on it even if they cannot articulate what’s happening as they read your offer. They know when they’re being ‘sold’ and simply won’t resonate with a message that’s intended to manipulate them toward the sale… no matter how strategic the savvy copywriting method being used!

In Conclusion

There is a heart behind conscious copywriting; it cannot be manufactured with skill or replicated in an attempt to sell for the sole purpose of making the sale. It requires an authentic, intuitive connection to the spirit of your business to convey your message.

As a conscious copywriter, using my technical ability in equal portion to my intuition is the most effective method of delivering content to clients that is ‘spot-on.’ Time has proven that development of conscious-based copy with intent to serve truly resonates with potential customers, resulting in increased response rates.




01 November 2010

When you value your products and services, others will too



Imagine your customers asking you to lower your prices because although they want (and need) what you have to offer, they say they cannot afford it. Instead of the onus being on them to grow their business to the point they can hire you and pay fair industry rates, it becomes your responsibility to say No when they ask for special favors to make your offerings accessible to them.

As a heart-based business owner, your desire to help others is probably high. However, it’s important to carefully consider the impact and ripple-effect of accommodating those who ask for reduced rates, extended terms, or other compromises from you.

Special accommodations often translate to reduced perceived value. If consumers are able to secure products or services at less than fair market value, studies show they value them less than if they’ve given something of value, in exchange for those products/services.

Believe me, I would love nothing better than to accommodate every business owner on the planet who can benefit from my services. And when our societal agreement changes from cash money to giving away services--knowing that when I need a specific service to grow my own business the person who possesses the expertise I need will give it to me at no cost--I will be the first to offer my copywriting, copyediting and consulting expertise to help my fellow entrepreneurs succeed in business.

In the mean time, I proudly operate and honor my profitable company serving those who truly understand the value of my expertise and are relieved to delegate to a pro. Years of learning and refining my craft make it an asset to any business owner who’s ready right now to take advantage of it. And this requires that funds are allocated for this purpose.

There’s a time and a place for boot-strapping. However, when hiring business advisors--whose contribution is vital to your continued success--that approach must be replaced with a solid plan to invest in the best, as often as possible. Your legal advisor, accountant, bookkeeper, Web developer, online marketer, mentor and your friendly copywriter/editor do what they do so you can enjoy the benefits of business goal achievement and long term rewards. When you consider all the support they provide, it’s not even a thought to ask them to give more of their time or expertise without being fairly compensated.

As a provider, there may be circumstances in which you want to barter or create workable agreements that require more creativity than usual; that’s fine. You’ll know those situations when they arise. However, you can’t build a solid business by doing favors and making special arrangements just because someone asks; that’s not a successful business model. And it’s not your responsibility to make your products or services available to everyone.

If your offerings have value--and I assume they do or you wouldn’t be in business--you must value them first by putting a premium on them. Then you’ll be positioned to attract those perfect customers who genuinely want what you offer and are happy to give you what they value in exchange, to enjoy the benefits.

25 October 2010

My best business advice? Scare yourself silly on a regular basis


"Sometimes you have to scare yourself silly in order to play a bigger game and participate in something amazing."

~ Steve Errey, The Confidence Guy


There's no better season to talk about scaring yourself silly.

With Hallowe'en quickly approaching, common scary activities include ghost tours, the telling of ghost stories and frightening tales, and watching horror films. But, there's nothing more scary than scaring yourself silly.

The term itself is comical to me and makes actually doing it a little easier. It brings light-heartedness to something that can be so off-putting that we find ourselves paralyzed in mediocrity--existing, but never deeply contented; living within the illusion of safety, but never fully exploring our infinite possibilities.

The only way to play bigger and be a part of something bigger than yourself is by doing something that completely unnerves you; makes you sick to your stomach; makes you think you'd go to most any extreme to avoid doing the thing. Each of us has at least one thing that scares us silly; some many more.

Have you ever wondered how much energy is being silently and stealthily siphoned off by inaction? However, if you face your issue(s) head-on by taking an action step, it's incredible how much personal power remains within to multiply exponentially so you can accomplish even greater things.

The truth is: the subconscious voice of inaction doesn't go away, although it may quiet down temporarily. Don't be mistaken! In some way it will continually make itself known. It's not going anywhere until it's appeased; with an action toward its resolve.

Even though it might not seem or feel like it, your inner voice is actually providing an opportunity for you to shine! It's leaving clues that a belief is ready to be shattered and replaced by something much more empowering. Wouldn't you rather have that?

I will let you in on a secret, but lean in closer; I don't want everyone to know!

I had a BIG fear of public speaking.

And it wasn't just public speaking; teleseminars were the worst. Any time I knew my conversation was being recorded, I froze. All the free-flow that was so comfortable in every other conversation; all my hard-earned knowledge; all my insights; all my conversation skills; flew right out the window leaving me a bumbling mess. And it felt terrible because I knew there was importance in the message.

But, I just couldn't get beyond the belief that I wasn't a good public speaker. In spite of support and opportunities to get better, I held that belief for years until I was tired of being limited by something I didn't really know to be true; after all, it was just a belief! Maybe, just maybe, I had been wrong, but I wouldn't know until I took action.

I knew if I simply focused on getting better every time, that was my personal measure of success. My goal was not to be the world's best speaker. My goal was to move beyond paralysis of unfounded beliefs.

Here's another secret: You may not have made the correlation by reading my newsletter, but until a few months ago, I didn't offer teleclasses. You know why I started? Because it forced me to take an action. I knew if I was accountable to others, I would have to come through for them. I used the exercise to scare myself silly. It was a beautiful self-orchestration to play at becoming better.

When I lightened up and prepared a platform for me to practice, based on my terms, my confidence soared. Now I am unstoppable. But it wouldn't have happened without my initial decision to scare myself silly and take an action step; little by little, you know?

This is how I did it. I set up the first teleclass to practice sounding more natural using a script. The second one was set up to "wing it" using only bullet points. I aced both, based on my personal measure of success. And completely gone is the fear. I only aspired to be better than I was before the experiment and I accomplished that.

Another way to say scare yourself silly is: go out on a limb. Why is this so important? Because that's where the fruit is! This applies both literally and figuratively. Literally, nature provides fruit in abundance. It's right there within eyesight, but it might require effort to enjoy the bounty; climbing high and reaching far. Figuratively, we must go out on a limb to access life's fruit (abundance). Based on my observations, it's after we invest something of ourselves that we reap the most benefit.

Are you afraid of public speaking? Contact everyone you know and let them know you're available to speak (choose a comfortable topic based on your personal expertise). Then follow through, meaning: go do it.

Are you afraid to make sales calls? Get a list, sit down, and start dialing.

Are you afraid to hire a support team? Run the numbers, establish a budget and a plan for implementation, ask for referrals and start interviewing.


Whatever your scary thing, take some action toward it. Go out on a limb and scare yourself silly on a regular basis. Soon that becomes your norm and you wake up one day to realize you are playing bigger and participating in something amazing; it's called your life.

An inspiration from Buckminster Fuller and a message to every misfit on the planet


I had the privilege recently to attend an informal presentation by Jaime Snyder; grandson of Buckminster (Bucky) Fuller.

If you’re unfamiliar with Bucky Fuller, he was a true visionary: philosopher, designer, poet, architect, artist, engineer, entrepreneur, author, mathematician, teacher and inventor.

It was astounding to hear some of the more personal aspects of Bucky’s life and notice so many similarities to my own experience and those of my friends and colleagues; maybe even yours. Read on.

In his 30’s, already a proven “failure” at numerous pursuits (including flunking out of Harvard twice: first for spending all his money partying with a vaudeville troupe, and then, after having been readmitted, for his "irresponsibility and lack of interest"), bankrupt, jobless, living in public, low-income housing, and drinking frequently due to the death of his young daughter, he sat on the edge of Lake Michigan and seriously contemplated “ending it all.” He believed that his wife and second child would have better opportunities without him due to his failed attempts to succeed in life.

Then, he had another thought: If he did only things that truly inspired him instead of his former approach (which obviously wasn’t working), maybe the outcome would be different. At that moment he chose to embark on "an experiment, to find what a single individual [could] contribute to changing the world and benefiting all humanity."

Like many of us, Bucky was first driven by a focus on money. It’s a common experience based on systematic social conditioning. Inherently, there’s nothing wrong with that focus; it just wasn’t his priority. With the passage of time, however, in part, it led him to contemplate suicide.

He recognized that a focus on money—because it wasn’t a part of his personal agenda—and putting his attention on what others thought was important—instead of following his own bliss—wasn’t in alignment with making his greatest contribution. He could never achieve personal excellence within the confines of the existing model. As history eventually revealed, he would thrive outside convention. His lakeside inner guide was spot-on. (After all, life is a grand experiment; why not approach it as such?)


It doesn’t even occur to us to question the model. It doesn’t even occur to us that there are alternatives to conforming. It doesn’t even occur to us that to shine as brilliantly as possible, we might have to navigate our own way; meaning we follow no one and no thing. We might have to create a solitary path that paves the way for others.

By his own appraisal, Bucky was a “non-conforming misfit.” Does this sound familiar to you? If you’re an entrepreneur, it’s very likely you’re a non-conforming misfit, too.

So, what’s the point? What’s the big takeaway here?

1. Every misfit has been discouraged to the point of taking dramatic action.


Whether it’s suicide, or an abrupt or uncharacteristic decision about a move, a relationship, business, or your health, you know when you’ve had enough of what is. You simply cannot take any more. Your “sponge is full” and you cannot live one more minute within your current circumstances; you can’t, and you won’t.

Life has interesting ways of presenting enormous opportunity; it may even be packaged in despair. Quite effective, it finally gets our full attention, although there may have been signals of misalignment for years. When we’re done; fully saturated; fully convinced that we’ve tried everything; that’s the moment fresh possibilities surface to grab our focus and set us off in a new, inspired direction.

2. Every misfit has felt alone in defining and/or delivering her unique message.


You and life collaborated to create a moment of decision; this is one of your great life opportunities to shine. After the realization that there may be options you hadn’t previously explored, now what? As if you weren’t overwhelmed before! Hmph.


Now that you’ve determined your best options are based in following your own inner drummer, it’s likely you’ll spend your time discovering your passions (if you haven’t already), find more ways to nurture and be kind to yourself, send the inner critic on vacation, invest in some down-home soul searching, explore the many ways to enjoy what is, and simply be.


Inspirations come with allowing; not planning, strategizing and acting, as so many of us have been taught. When you’re wholly aligned with who you are and intimately knowledgeable of your unique gifts, the rest will naturally present itself in response to your alignment. The Way will be made known to you. It must; it’s a Universal Law.


3. Every misfit has felt overwhelmed at some point in figuring out the how of making his finest contribution to humanity.


When you follow no model, you are ever creating in-the-moment. You may have no idea if what you’re doing makes any sense. You may have no idea if your inspirations are a few or hundreds of years before their “time.” You may have no proven methods of implementation. Upon implementation, you may have no universally-agreed-on measure of “success.” At best, you may have no or few supporters. At worst, you could be persecuted or ostracized for acting on your convictions.

Every effort is based in inspiration. You may have no idea how—after the investment of precious resources of time, money, effort, passion, and drive—or if, all your efforts will eventually enrich humanity. After all, life’s a grand experiment!




In conclusion, misfit, this is my heartfelt message to you:

Misfit, you may never achieve personal excellence within the confines of the existing model. You probably weren’t meant to. Create your haven—and thrive—outside convention. Embark on an experiment to find out what a single individual (you!) can contribute to changing the world and benefiting all humanity. As a misfit, that’s most likely your calling.

Misfit, wear the term as a badge of honor, for it requires a tremendous amount of courage to be a leader; a visionary; a pioneer; a lightbearer; a path maker; an entrepreneur.

Misfit, regardless of how lost, lonely, or scared silly you might ever feel on this journey, you are never alone. There are misfits everywhere, lurking among the masses, trying to figure out their own ways to change the world and benefit humanity. Make it your mission to find them!

24 October 2010

Teleclass THIS WEEK: The Art of Money Magnetism Revealed



It's time we all WAKE UP to embrace our birthright; our relationship with outrageous abundance. It's a natural, comfortable state when you get there, but whew! what a tumultuous journey for so many of us.

I made peace with outrageous abundance and I want to share "the how" with you because the results of my own life tickle my heart; the information must be shared.

You'll become a money magnet, but don't be fooled by the title; when you make peace with outrageous abundance, it shows up in EVERY facet of your life. Money is only one facet, but it's one of the most important relationships to heal because it can be intertwined with issues of self-value and block outrageous abundance.

The techniques I give you are inspired, heart-based, and provide immediate relief.

One hour and one registration fee gives you access to:
  1. both live calls (same content, just offered at different times to accommodate busy schedules) 
  2. both recordings, AND
  3. a copy of my best-selling book personally inscribed with the wording of your choice; Overcomer's Inc.: True Stories of Hope, Courage and Inspiration
PLUS, the first 25 registrants receive a complimentary 20-minute private consult with me on the topic of your choice including copywriting, copyediting, online marketing or personal empowerment (an additional value of $31.00). If you've ever wanted an insider's expert input for f*r*e*e, this is a perfect opportunity!


For full details and registration, click here.

21 October 2010

Pure Poetry... Each day is a blank canvas



"Each day is a blank canvas. At this time, there is stillness and quietude in the ethers as the new dawn of each day arises. There is a feeling of possibility, of optimism, of hope and of expectancy. Perhaps this day will be better than the last. Perhaps our time will come; our true destiny will finally be revealed. This could be the day of our lifetime. The day stretches out before us, as yet untouched by our desires, our choices, our mistakes and our achievements. There is a feeling of purity about the new day–and a freshness of hours and minutes as yet untouched. To live more fully, let us regard each day as an opportunity for deeper love.

As we awaken more fully to the divine spark within, we begin to glimpse our true strength and power. This is the same spark that we also share with the Sun, the stars and the galaxies. It is limitless in nature and fueled by the great preservative force of love. Within every life-stream, human or otherwise, is this same spark, urging for expression; dimly in some and with great strength in others."

~ Chrissie Blaze

11 October 2010

My secret source for wholesome home, kitchen, bath and
RAW food ingredients

Organic herbs, spices, teas and oils.



Some secrets are meant to share. My one-and-only resource for organic herbs, spices, teas and essential oils is Mountain Rose Herbs.

Recently awarded the 2010 Oregon Ethics in Business Award, this recognition is further validation that their modality of conducting business based on "people and planet before profit" works.

Mountain Rose Herbs shares my values and they make it easy to give them my money:
  • superior customer service
  • quality products sourced respectfully and responsibly
  • hundreds of organic, wildcrafted and fair-trade ingredients for kitchen, home, bath & body, health & wellness and garden
Additional benefits include:
  • one-stop shopping that saves shipping costs
  • pricing that's significantly less (compared to other suppliers) due to MRH's ability to purchase in high volume 
  • gift options and gift certificates that are favorites among my circle of friends and colleagues; no one has ever refused a gift from Mountain Rose Herbs! 

BONUS! If you're a raw food eater, you will be THRILLED to know that Mountain Rose Herb's prices are up to 50% less than suppliers who cater to raw foodists. Choose from common raw and organic foods including goji berries, carob powder, maca, cacao nibs and powder, bee pollen and more!


Check out all the quality products offered by Mountain Rose Herbs:

Bulk Herbs, Bulk Spices, Culinary Salts, Peppercorns, Resins & Burnables, Seasoning Blends, Seaweeds,  Sprouting Seeds


Black Tea, Flowering Tea, Green Tea, Herbal Tea, Red Tea, Tea Supplies

Aroma Sprays, Diffusers & Burners, Essential Oils, Hydrosols, Kits & Samplers, Oil Blends & Resins

Bulk ingredients
Butters, Carrier Oils, Clays, Cosmetic Salts, Flavoring Extracts, Wax

Bath and Body Care
Bath Products, Body Care, Facial Care, Hair Care, Massage Oils

Natural Health
Capsules, Herbal Oils, Herbal Sprays, Syrups & Lozenges, Salves, Tinctures/Extracts 

Home, Garden and Gifts
Accessories & Tools, Books, Cards & Games, Candles, Incense & Accessories, Mountain Rose Gear, Pet Supplies, Seeds

Containers and Packaging 
Bags, Glass Bottles, Glass Jars, Plastic Bottles, Plastic Jars, Tins


10 September 2010

Love Transcends Behavior


When we directly address and actively engage the SOUL (or highest essence) of the person we love with our words, thoughts, and actions, THAT person invariably shows up. Instead of reacting to behaviors, focus your full attention on the goodness of the soul-person they are. Often, without conscious awareness, the very best of them is what they present. Without understanding why, they respond energetically to the pure vibrance of love that beckons the qualities that reflect and represent their highest self.

I find this a much better approach than nagging, complaining and being the voice of how someone else is wrong, inadequate, or inferior. Honestly, it's insufferable! What would be the reason to remain in such a situation if you were the one on the other end of this unkind and unloving behavior? And why would you do that to someone you claim to love? Yet, it's so prominent. Fortunately, the power to change today is within you!

Try the counter-habitual thing that provides peace, profound joy, deep fulfillment, mutual satisfaction and the rock-solid foundation for a long-lasting, love-infused connection: silently address the well of potential of the soul, and miracles will unfold before your eyes!

01 September 2010

Hey, give me back my wrinkle!



These were my words to the photographer who touched-up my recent business headshots.
She did a beautiful job editing out my wrinkle and had no idea that with a few strokes of her mouse, she was erasing something I value. Assuming I would want it removed, I was adamant about having her start over again, making any other changes she wanted, but leaving my adored wrinkle.

You see, that wrinkle represents something... something important: It represents the 45 years I have invested in understanding who I am and how to make a
positive contribution to this planet, and leave her inhabitants better for my being here. I EARNED that wrinkle!

With so much emphasis in our society on youth and flawless, external beauty, I stand for something else: a more graceful, peaceful journey to embrace and adore the many indicators of aging. I may be bald, but I have gray hair. My skin is thinner. Hair is sprouting in the strangest places and is sparse in others. And what happened to my upper arms? My Pilates teacher says it's changing hormones. Whatever the explanation, it's kinda weird.

Committed to being an excellent steward of my precious life resources, it just makes sense to invest my time, money and effort in celebrating the work-in-progress that is I.
Honestly, even the thought of how much energy it would require to struggle and fight the process of maturing leaves me yearning for a nap. Yes, there are changes and adjustments, but looking back, no stage of life was free of the necessity to be flexible, so why should this one be any different? Life is, after all, in perpetual motion. Change is inevitable and the more willingly I bask in the truth of what is, the more free I am to be the most glorious and free version of myself.

Besides, removing the inevitable indicators of our age with technology changes nothing. As time goes by, it only reflects our inability to embrace what's real and true, and prevents us from loving what is so lovely about ourselves when we love ourselves without condition. When you think about it, can you expect others to love you when you don't?

I am leaving a legacy and sometimes that is represented in the most peculiar ways. For me, it's reflected by my forehead wrinkle. So, lady, give me back my wrinkle!

(BTW, she did.)

28 August 2010

As an awakening or awakened woman, what information would be helpful to you RIGHT NOW to educate you, and ignite and fuel your journey?



As women, it’s our time in history to stand.
Not for anything. Not against anything.

But to simply stand in our power.

Power is not our birthright.

Power is our nature; our very essence.

~ Charlon Bobo


With expertise in the handmade beauty industry, female entrepreneurship & leadership, conscious entrepreneurship and the women's empowerment paradigm shift, I am developing a series of real-world, real-time, real-benefit teleclasses. And I want to hear from you so I can deliver content that has true value and meaning.

From your personal experience and of the women in your circles, what message do you think women most need to hear? Is it about relationships? Health & wellness? Finances? Career? Overall happiness? Obliterating self-imposed barriers to confident living? Tangible skills during this shift? The hows of standing in power? Let me know your thoughts.

I thank you in advance, Sisters. We are a powerful collective and can accomplish anything our hearts desire in conscious collaboration.

23 August 2010

Repurpose your content: a surefire way to make delivering fresh content more manageable and save your sanity in the process


You didn't go into business to lose your mind.

Developing and delivering regular content can be daunting simply because of the sheer volume required; original content for newsletters, updates, blogs, article marketing, FaceBook, Twitter.... On and on it goes, where it stops, nobody knows.

I learned a long time ago that if I was going to do a superior job as an online marketer, I had to implement a system. There was no way humanly possible that I could create original content for every application. So, I execute this strategy every week and it has worked beautifully for several years now. I share it with you in hopes it can lighten your load and free up some time and energy for other business-development tasks:
  1. Write one or two original articles for the weekly newsletter.
  2. Write one or two very short personal quotations, quicktips or life insights.
  3. After the newsletter goes out on Mondays, all this content is repurposed.
  4. Article(s) is/are submitted to my ezinearticles.com account (to feed my ongoing article marketing campaign).
  5. Article(s) is/are queued to post on my blog approximately 2-3 days apart (this keeps the blog content fresh).
  6. 5 or so segments of less than 140 characters are clipped from the articles and insights as stand-alone posts for social networking sites (Twitter+Facebook+Indie Beauty).
  7. As I see posts, articles and rich content throughout the week from multiple outside sources, these inspire content ideas for the next newsletter.
  8. The cycle begins again.

Work smarter. This is a business marketing machine that with minimal effort on your part, organically runs itself with a continuing influx and outflow of content, allowing you to actually enjoy the myriad benefits of creating materials once that have many applications.


19 August 2010

This is why women rock this planet!



I just asked a dear colleague, friend and confidant for her help in spreading the word via social media channels about an inspired project that is rocking my world. It is the work-of-a-lifetime and not only does it have me fully engaged and captivated, it is blossoming with a life of its own as the message travels worldwide. Anyway...

Her response?
on it! That's it, just, "on it!"

It doesn't take much to support the women in our lives who assume the many diverse roles in shape-shifting the existing paradigm. Sometimes the fullness of support is contained in 4 letters, 2 words and 1 exclamation point. Thank you, dear friend.

Right now, think of one thing you can do to encourage, inspire or support a smart, savvy, strong woman in your life and go do it! Yes, now. Sense the urgency? It's
that important.


18 August 2010

a direct message from the Feminine Divine: Mother God


Like never before we are being guided as women to rock this world by operating from a position of personal power.


As women, it's our time in history to stand.
Not for anything. Not against anything.
But to simply stand in our power.
Power is
not our birthright.
Power is our nature; our very essence.
~ charlon bobo


I invite you to join me next Wednesday, August 25th at 6 PM (Pacific) for an inspired message straight from Mother God. Who better than The Source herself to enlighten and inspire us?!


11 August 2010

Reader or scanners? You don't have to choose; write to both at the same time!



There are readers and there are scanners. Readers want to digest every word. Scanners want the gist and nothing more.

If you think you have to choose between writing to readers or scanners, the good news is: there's an easy to way reach both at the same time!

Go ahead and write your full content (your readers will LOVE this!). Then, to capture the attention of scanners, embolden prominent segments so they benefit from the value of your message but don't have to read every word.

Your content can then be enjoyed by everyone; readers and scanners.


Emphasizing Price vs. Value: Two Easy Tips to Make Your Desired Impression

Pricing your products or services can be tricky. From calculating the cost of ingredients or components, to factoring in resources like electricity, natural gas, time and expertise, pricing is a common area of stumpification for business owners. (Okay, that's not really a word, but it still works!)

Then there's the marketing aspect. When listing dollar figures, how do you leverage your marketing content so it maximizes results? And what about value? How do you emphasize that?

Fortunately, there are only two things to remember when putting your pricing in writing:

  1. If you want to deemphasize the price/cost (and decrease the perception of cost) exclude .00. Here are several examples:

    • The investment for this 14-day writing retreat is $1,495.
    • Until the end of this month, pricing for all necklaces is $49.

    Any time you list prices that your customers pay you for your products or services, avoid cent placeholders. This not only ensures you have clean copy, but the consumer perceives a cost that seems less because of the visual simplicity. Want to this this in action?

    Of these two options, which visually seems like less of a cost/price/investment?

    $2,998 or $2,998.00

    Yes, one little dot and two zeroes can make that much difference.

  2. Conversely, if you want to emphasize the price/cost (and increase the perception of value) include .00. Here are several examples:

    • 36-page workbook (value $19.00)
    • I give you my 100% "no questions asked" satisfaction guarantee on your tuition, plus $750.00 in documented travel expenses.

    Any time you list prices that represent the value of what you offer your customers, always include cent placeholders. That way, it feels like "more."

    With a quick visual scan, copy on a page should be clean. That means there's plenty of white space, visual variety in colors and content, and natural flow. Extra-seemingly unnecessary-digits can make content look busy. However, when you understand the rationale for including .00, the tradeoff is worthwhile; it's more busy, but it's also more effective to convey value.


One dot. Two little cent placeholders. Use them to your greatest advantage by knowing when--and when not--to include them in your savvy marketing materials.



~~~


Want to reprint or share this original article? Feel free; simply use the unedited article in its entirety with the following credit:

Charlon Bobo is a best-selling author, entrepreneurial visionary and empowermentor, as well as a copywriter, editor, online marketer. Affectionately known as the 'conscious entrepreneur' Charlon develops high-impact marketing materials for conscious business owners and empowers women worldwide with her acclaimed 1-on-1 coaching service, Stand In Your Power®. See more at EditCopyProof.com and charlonbobo.com

05 August 2010

3 Edgy Insights to Access the Wisdom of the FUTURE YOU and Guide You In Business NOW


Spirituality is shifting every facet of mainstream business.

With a following of more than 120,000 subscribers, Copyblogger recently featured an article authored by Mark Silver addressing how spiritual concepts and practices are easily applied to business. As conscious business owners, we have a rare opportunity to completely transform commerce. What we are actively creating in-the-moment has no template. And that's the point.


Create your future from your future not your past.

~Werner Erhard


As an astute observer of life, you have probably noticed an ever-widening gap between traditional business formulas and what spiritual, heart-based and conscious consumers want and need. Traditional marketing and sales campaigns simply aren't working. That's because people are starving for what is real; what is true; what speaks to their souls; what truly has value.

We are being called to serve, using our businesses as catalyst for this grand shift. There's some something drawing us forward into the unknown to allow us to experience and share a greater fullness and depth. It responds to our individual intents and desires to serve humankind with our unique gifts. It is real, it is happening right in front of us and yet, it seems as conscious business owners, we don't quite know what to do with that information.

We know that anything created using the past as a foundation can only create more of the same. Business and life approaches that simply recycle the old and put it into new packaging lack vibrance, vitality and don't capture the wisdom of the information, products and services that need to be in the world right in this very moment. As savvy entrepreneurs, we know there's so much more to discover by sitting on the edge of innovation; frankly, it's our favorite vantage-point!

So, let's get on it... but how? How do we apply what we intuit the market wants based on something that doesn't yet exist? Why, we create it, of course; in this very moment by drawing from the guidance of the future in which it does already exist in the physical.

How you create in the present from your future:
  1. Engage the wisdom of 'your future self' to guide you

    Admittedly, this idea is foreign to most of us. We don't even think about our future selves and yet this entity is very real and accessible to guide us. Think about it: isn't the person you are now real? Were you any less real 10 years ago because the current you hadn't evolved yet? What was is real. What is is real. What will be is real. Was, Is, and will be can coexist simultaneously in this moment.

    If the future is a result of the inspiration of this moment and the action steps you take right now (which it is), then the future already is. If it already is, it is a resource to tap. Why not engage the future you to navigate the present? And how do you do this? With sincere intent, simply ask, with your thoughts, to be guided by the future you.

  2. Without attachment, in your mind, continually pose this question: How will I bring this new ___________ onto the physical plane?

    It's simply a pondering; nothing you need to figure out, intellectualize or answer. It's just a question; a silly, little question with no agenda or attachment to it. However, you will be amazed at that answers that begin to appear--seemingly out of nowhere--in response to your query. Merely posing the question opens worlds of solutions; the magical key is zero attachment.

    How is this creating from your future? Because it is based on the premise in #1 above. Engaging the energy of what already is (full manifestation of your vision, existing in the present in an energetic form and the future in a physical form), guides you in the current moment to take the appropriate steps and eventually actualize in the physical world.

    Keep in mind: When the answers are being handed to you by the Universe, there's nothing necessarily to do about them right now. Let them brew until you're clear on the next inspired action step(s).

  3. Be in a state of wonder: I wonder how this new _____________ will come to fruition?

    This is another one of those innocuous little exercises that delivers a power-packed punch in terms of the flood of information that comes to you. Wonder, but be ready for results! The magic of these simple tools is a simply a genuine wondering. Without an iron-grip on the outcome, your mind can simply wonder and wander, planting an unanswered question in the Universe. Immediately, forces are at work to orchestrate events (via matching vibration) and deliver the 'answers' of how. It's your job then to take inspired action.

Conscious business owners are at the helm of innovating and implementing the leading-edge principles of the new age. It's never been a better time to make your unique contribution to the world by allowing your future to inspire you, draw you to it and work in active collaboration with the Universe until you manifest your perfect vision of service.

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Want to reprint or share this article? Feel free; simply use the unedited article in its entirety with the following credit:

Charlon Bobo is an empowermentor and entrepreneurial visionary, as well as a copywriter, editor, online marketer and best-selling author. Affectionately known as the 'conscious entrepreneur' Charlon develops high-impact marketing materials for conscious business owners and empowers women worldwide with her acclaimed 1-on-1 coaching service, Stand In Your Power®. See more at EditCopyProof.com and CharlonBobo.com


04 August 2010

Transform Adversity Into Personal Triumph


Recently, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Pete Winiarski of the Institute of Success and Goal Achievement. Listen to the 60-minute interview now. Enjoy!

Following is the marketing content authored by Pete to promote the call.

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Is there a traumatic event in your past holding you back in some way? Here are common examples:

  1. You just received a pink slip and lost your job.
  2. You had a parent, child, sibling, or close friend die unexpectedly.
  3. You just ended a long-term relationship or got divorced.
  4. You were abused as a child and have been carrying that around with you for years.
  5. You lost your life savings due to poor investment choices.
  6. Your favorite car was totaled in an accident.
  7. You have a permanent physical disability.


And the list goes on. The bottom line is: you've been impacted by something traumatic at some point in your life. We all have.

First, know that you're not alone.

Second, realize that your personal adversity is likely impacting you and your performance in other areas of your life.

For many of us, past events created wounds that we unconsciously carry around, impacting every area of our lives. For some of us, these events may have occurred in childhood.

Would you like to learn how to overcome this adversity and turn your traumatic experience into a personal triumph?

Our guest this week, Charlon Bobo, is an empowermentor and entrepreneurial visionary, as well as a copywriter, editor and best-selling author. She's here to share with us her raw and very personal story of overcoming and the 5 key insights she uses often as her life guide. You, too, will be able to overcome your personal adversity.

I promise: you will be shocked by what Charlon went through, and amazed at the power of her decision to work through it. You will learn how to manage and overcome your personal adversity, and learn to incorporate her "Whole Life Approach" for everyday peace and success.

You, too, can learn to live a life of ease. Listen to this
60-minute interview to find out how.



03 August 2010

Do you heart you?


Do you know that it's impossible to heart yourself too much? Yep, not even possible. So, how about giving yourself a BIG DOSE right now in the way that means the most to you.

Whether you relish quiet time, indulge in the luxury of sitting on the beach or in your favorite chair with a good book, finish that painting masterpiece, take a break from work to enjoy a cool glass of tea/lemonade, you are deserved of self-love. Hey, what about standing in front of a mirror and watching you hug yourself? Powerful.

There's no reason to wait for someone else to heart you. Give yourself a gift; heart yourself.

Celebrating You In Sisterhood, Light & Love,


01 August 2010

Conscious Marketing: From Selling To Serving


Copywriting + spirituality = conscious marketing materials

The calculation is a new one, but it reveals exciting possibilities as we move ahead with a fresh, inspired vision for business.

Traditional copywriting is saturated with the intent to get you to do one thing as a consumer; buy. Conscious copywriting is saturated with the intent to get you to do two things as a consumer; 1) consider whether or not the offer resonates with you, and 2) decide for yourself.

The purpose of traditional copywriting is solely to sell. The purpose of conscious copywriting is solely to serve. There's no judgment here of right or wrong, good or bad. It's simply a matter of recognizing that our world of commerce is shifting dramatically from selling to serving.

Conscious business owners place a high priority on providing value. They are not content to throw out an offer just to make a buck. The basis for everything they do is truly to be of service, applying their unique combination of life experiences and knowledge. So, whether they offer products or services, the emphasis on providing value for what you purchase is of primary concern.

What's so interesting--and frankly, unexpected--about the shift to serving is that sales aren't compromised. No longer limited by the belief that we must choose between service or success, we provide quality offerings based on core spiritual values and grow thriving businesses.

The grand paradigm shift-of-the-ages is impacting every facet of life, including business. And as spiritual business owners, we welcome the changes that come with it because it means exploration that is simultaneously created and discovered. How fun is that?! As entrepreneurs, there's nothing more enticing than a new challenge. We never retreat from innovation. In fact, that's the environment in which we most shine.

Business and spirituality are perfectly paired because they continually propel each other; one needn't be compromised for the other. They can harmoniously co-exist. And as the caregivers of this approach, we have front row seats to witness the positive and far-reaching impact of a marketing method that was our own collective, conscious creation.

Beautiful!


31 July 2010

Mother God Azna has a gift of physical healing just for YOU


Rebecca Marina is a cherished friend, trusted mentor, masterful online marketer and valued copywriting client. From my many personal interactions with her, she is the REAL DEAL. No one is more genuine--or more committed to serving others--than Rebecca.

As a Channel/Energy healer, she receives powerful guidance from Spirit so you can reach out and grab success... the easy, joyful way. The necessity of "growth through suffering" is no longer necessary!

I am continually amazed at the content Rebecca delivers. It is like NOTHING else on the planet; the information is downloaded and immediately disseminated in real-time via her life-changing f*r*e*e and low-cost teleseminars.

My success resources are of the highest caliber, but when something especially remarkable--and truly miraculous--crosses my path, I am compelled to share it with you.

Rebecca's inspired Heart Point Technique (HPT) for physical healing is directly from the Feminine Divine. As the very first recipient of this healing modality, I can personally attest to its power to mend the physical body and eliminate pain. Hear my session during this 90-minute audio that completely details the 4 Protocols so you can perform the technique on yourself and your loved ones. It's simple and most importantly IT WORKS.

Physical healing with Azna's Heart Point Technique


27 July 2010

Life’s Experiences Go Deeper Than The Surface: What An Overweight Personal Trainer Taught Me Today


On my daily walk/run today, I noticed an overweight personal trainer. She was teaching a group of moms with strollers how to exercise with stretch resistance bands. I wondered what each of them thought the first time they saw her. Could it have been something like What can *she* teach me about physical wellness, strengthening, toning, etc.? She doesn’t even have a masterful grasp on it herself!


And yet, this trainer obviously has some expertise because this isn’t the first time I’ve seen her with what I assume are clients. As the babies watch their Mommas stretch, grunt and bend, laughing often and enjoying the camaraderie, the Moms are focused on following the instructions from their trainer. They know there’s more to this experience—and their trainer—than how it appears. There’s more; so much more.


I’ve started to say, “It’s never the thing.”


What I mean is: regardless of the situations in which you find yourself, it’s never about what you initially think it’s about. It’s about something much bigger than the current circumstance. It’s about attracting yet another experience so you can exercise the muscle of self-mastery.


For those women, this experience may be about setting aside prejudices, or taking the most positive benefit from everyone who crosses their path. It may even be about being a teacher themselves… of compassion and acceptance. And that may be the biggest gift that trainer receives all week.


No matter what you see in front of you, consider that there’s so much more going on if you’ll take even a moment to look and simply wonder about that possibility. Approach every circumstance by posing this question: If this isn’t what it seems, what IS it… what IS it about?


With this question, you lift the veil that conceals the energetic component behind or beneath experiences to discover the delightfully unexpected; what you could never have anticipated! As a usual practice, it’s fun and a true delight because you see that which is rarely seen by others; they just don’t take the time. You experience a rich fullness that is always there, but often goes unrecognized because most of us think that what’s on the surface is all there is.


And what happens when you see the true energy (the purpose, the value, the dynamic, etc.) behind what is?


When you honor the energy of what is with your attention, it responds in recognition. Because you acknowledged its presence, it wants to continue the conversation. In response to it, your gratitude floods and infuses it with your unique vibrance. Then what? With your genuine curiosity, you have established an invisible yet powerful connection to duplicate the process again and again! Essentially, you are inviting it to guide you to refining this skill through more opportunities to practice. Just like practicing anything, the more you do it, the easier it is and the better you become. With practice, this can become your first-nature. This insider knowledge can be yours instantaneously.


The better you are at this technique, the quicker you will know in any situation what’s really going on and can immediately attune yourself to bringing in the highest benefit for all parties. Whether it’s saying something, taking an action or powerfully focusing your thoughts, you are a catalyst for change in-the-moment; where and when it’s needed most.


Thank you, personal trainer. You inspired me today.



23 July 2010

Action as a self- and life-affirming gesture


Bald-by-choice isn't for every woman. But then again, what is? One of the most fun aspects of life is the freedom to choose what’s best for us as individuals. Who knows better for ourselves than we do, right?


On a regular basis, as I’m conducting the business of my life, women smile at me and make some gesture or comment about my near-hairless head. They often say, “I’d love to do that, but I don’t have the courage.”


And I say, “Sure you do. You just don’t know it yet.” And with a few words, a stealthy but powerful seed-of-thought has been planted, to burst into bloom at some perfectly-orchestrated moment in the future.


Shaving my head wasn’t an act of courage. Rosa Parks had courage. Eleanor Roosevelt had courage. Amelia Earhart had courage. Lucia Rene has courage. I have a bald head. But it means something to me and that’s all that matters.


It’s been so long since I had hair that bald is now my norm. However, in the moments when I stop to think about what it means to me now, it serves as a reminder of the importance of doing what is right for each of us, regardless of social convention or what others think. It’s your life. Live it!


Within your body and your being, you must be at peace to make your greatest contribution.


Free yourself from the imposing beliefs of others on your life, with action. Do what makes the most sense to you. Maybe it’s shaving your head. Maybe it’s saying, ‘No.’ Maybe it’s obliterating a limiting belief. Maybe it’s creating more ‘you’ time. Maybe it’s responding, ‘Yes,’ to the beckoning voice of your soul.


Whatever the prompting, propel your transformation with action.