The thing is…writing is not something that is as easy for me as I know it is for others. It comes much more naturally for me to speak than to write. And I want to share tips for people who aren’t writers and might not be able to afford to hire somebody to help them.

It can be done! You can still come up with some valuable content because you have good information to share even if you’re not a professional writer.

The key is to capitalize on your style of communication.

Focus on the form of conversation that comes the most easily for you. There are some people who can speak clearly on any subject they’re comfortable with. If that’s your style of preference, there are techniques you can use to take that style and generate written copy from it.

Techniques to get ideas out of your head when you prefer speaking to writing:

• Record yourself. If it’s easier for you to talk through your idea for your next article, then do that. You can record it and use a transcription service. Once you have a transcription all you have to do is edit it a bit and your article is done!
• Bullet point your ideas. Sometimes, jotting down ideas in bullet points is a great way to quickly spit out ideas without getting bogged down on the mechanical part of writing. After this brainstorming session, you can clean up the copy.
• Use an outline. Think about giving a presentation on the subject. This will help you focus on the main points you want to address instead of writing every word down. Once your outline is complete, it’s much easier to go through it and fine tune the writing.
• Mindmap it. I absolute love this process and it’s particularly great if you’re a visual thinker. A tool I’ve been experimenting with is Free Mind, and there’s also Gliffy. You can capture key points in bubbles and keep asking yourself “what’s next that I want to share?”

If you’ve discovered shortcuts on creating content I’d love to hear what works for you! Last year two of my favorite interviews from my online success summit shared very valuable information on this topic of creating content.

I interviewed Jennifer Odear, a copywriter, on how to confidently and quickly create compelling content – like blogs, newsletters and press releases. I also interviewed Caleb Scoville, an audio/video specialist, on how easy it is to repurpose the content that’s in your head (or on your hard drive) into multimedia marketing – podcasts, videos and teleseminars. I loved their ideas so much that I created a short report – Leveraging Your Knowledge for Profit – brimming with their tips and shortcuts that you can use right away.

First, what is PLR? These are rights assigned to articles that you purchase and have the legal right to modify the content. The rules can vary a bit but usually you’re free to resell the articles, use them "as is" on your website, or edit them to match your needs and/or style. PLR articles are usually inexpensive because they are sold to dozens or even hundreds of people.

To me PLR is the ultimate shortcut because as entrepreneurs, we have so many ideas, thoughts and concepts that we want to get out there! Yet when it comes to actually sitting down, outlining the product, producing it, all of a sudden we get bogged down with the details…

How long? What do I share? Where should I start? What are all the steps?

The beauty of purchasing a Private Label Right’s piece of content is that it’s a base – it’s a jumping off place from which your creative ideas can come. It’s a very cost-effective shortcut – and what busy entrepreneur doesn’t want a cheap, easy-to-use shortcut?

Personally, I like taking PLR pieces and creating something that’s fairly new.  I find that people “listen” to you – your blog, your articles, podcasts, etc. – because of your style, your content, your spin, your personality.  So take PLR content and tweak it, change it, or shape it using your own personality and your style so it really does become something new.

This bonus call with Paul was just packed with suggestions! In fact, here’s what Heather Stephens had to say about it, “I just listened to the Bonus call and totally agree that it was brilliant. I’ve known about PLR but always felt funny about using it because it wasn’t "mine." After listening to Kim and Paul, I totally get it…that it’s something I can make my own and can be a springboard for ideas.”

Grab a copy of 10 free tips on “How to Use PLR to Turn Content into Cash”.

Listen to this podcast

Learn more about my new class Think it, Create it, Sell it where I will teach you how to use your knowledge and expertise you’ve already got and create it into valuable content that can leverage your time and make you money.

You may be comfortable with writing your blog or ezine, but not all of the people in your community take in information by reading.  Many prefer listening.   Or, if they’re like me, they like to use both.  At different times, I’ll grab transcripts or have my CDs in my car. Sometimes I have my iPod and need information in MP3 format.

Here are a few tips on using audio to reach your community:

•    You can record yourself presenting an ezine by using a handheld device or by using Audio Acrobat (which I’ve used for years and absolutely love its ease of use.)  You just speak and start recording yourself, and save the file as an MP3 which can be uploaded to your site.

•    If you need to edit your recording there are free online tools like the audio editor Audacity. (With a bit of experimentation, this is very simple to use).

•    You can use these recorded audio segments as mini podcasts on your blog.  You can also submit your content to iTunes.

•    If you are conducting teleseminars make sure you record them and repurpose that information. This same process will work with recording your public speeches. If you have obtained permission from your client, you can also record coaching sessions and phone consultations.  (You always want to let someone know that you’re recording.)

It may be out of your comfort zone to use audio presentations of your great content, but you’ll be of much more service to a greater breadth of people in your community. Using audio will enable you to leverage your knowledge and repurpose the content that’s in your head (or on your hard drive) into powerful multi-media marketing.

How can creative entrepreneurs and others benefit from repurposing?

Repurposing saves you time and energy because you don’t have to start from scratch. Instead of procrastinating, you’ll start realizing how much you have to offer, maybe things that you previously took for granted. Here’s an important mindset reminder for creative entrepreneurs – what you know has value.

Another benefit of repurposing is it gives your audience the ability to digest your message on their own terms, not just yours. People take in information in different ways. Some people love to read. Some people prefer to listen. They may be both types at different times. At different times, I’ll grab transcripts or have my CDs in my car. Sometimes I have my iPod and need my MP3 format. Sometimes I enjoy watching something. It really depends on the situation.

If you’re not putting your message out there more in multiple ways, formats and streams you’re not allowing yourself to help as many people as possible. Creative entrepreneurs want to be able to touch people in different ways and give them a sense of who you are. That’s the beauty of what you bring to your business when you embrace the repurposing concept.

So creative entrepreneurs won’t focus on what you DON’T have, but will focus on what you DO have. You might find that you can be repurposing something of real value and touch the lives of many more people. You can also really maximize your limited time and energy and yes, get a lot more done!

What example of repurposing content has worked for you?

How would like to increase your business and reach more people?

Leveraged marketing is all about repurposing content you already have and transforming it into other forms of media. It’s a simple and easy way to get your message out there to a larger audience. I found this to be a critical component to marketing because people take in information in different ways. Some people love to read. While other people prefer to listen or watch.

You want to be able to touch people in different ways and give them a sense of who you are. It’s one thing to explain who you are in written form. It’s a very different thing when someone gets to hear you in audio and see you in video. That can have a much stronger impact.

The beauty of the repurposing concept is it makes creating audio and video so easy to do! You can turn something you have written and transform it into audio or video. I do this with each of my ezines. I record it and turn it into a podcast. It takes just a few minutes and I now have a substantial collection of podcasts. I’ve also taken one of my popular information products, The 7 Deadly Sins Women in Direct Sales Make…and How to Avoid Them, and transformed the content into a series of instructional videos on YouTube. The options are really endless – and fun!

This is really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to leveraged marketing. To learn how you can be an expert at repurposing content, download my interview with Caleb Scoville, founder of North Bank Audio. He explains how we can easily repurpose content that will pull in targeted leads and customers like a magnet. He shares a wealth of information in our interview, “Leveraging Your Knowledge: Repurpose the Content That’s in Your Head (or on Your Hard Drive) into Powerful Multimedia Marketing.”

If you have been successful in repurposing information, I’d love to hear your tips as well!

I think what I found the most interesting was how the expertise of the different speakers weaved together. In the end I discovered consistent references to what it takes to be successful in today’s economy.

Let me share some of my highlights of the four online success principle I discovered:

1. You Need to be Authentic

One theme that kept coming up from was the importance of being authentic in your marketing. I heard it from Nancy Marmolejo as she talked about social networking, Michele PW as she shared copywriting tips, and Wendy Maynard as she discussed blogging. They all said basically the same thing – the key to being successful online is to be authentic and create relationships that are mutually beneficial. Laura West then really pulled this authenticity theme together when she spoke about “Attraction Marketing.”

2. Make Sure You Use Every Avenue to Connect

Jennifer Odear and Caleb Scoville really helped clarify how you can maximize your expertise by using all the different ways of communicating. Jennifer spoke about recycling your content and using it in your blog, articles, press releases, newsletters and more. Then Caleb shared how to take that very same content and use it in podcasts and YouTube videos.

What’s great is that once you have some content there are so many ways to get it out there. Alicia Forest gave great tips on using content to build your list. Amy Miyamoto showed how to tie your content into your social networking, Shannon Cherry shared publicity tips and Ty Downing shared easy-to-implement SEO ideas.

3. Women Need Foolproof Systems

Busy women juggling a business and a family need more then great ideas. They need help implementing proven systems that will get the money pouring in. Beth Schneider and Erin Blaskie gave fantastic tips on how to build a solid team and then create systems to keep things running smoothly. Jennifer Haubein shared how technology can help you set-up a website that helps you build relationships effortlessly. Debbye Cannon shared tips specific to moms on how to keep their family thriving as they build their business.

4. Get Your Mindset Prepared for Success

No amount of internet marketing strategies will help you achieve your goals if you’re stuck with a negative attitude or mindset. Victoria Colligan and Traci Long , from Ladies Who Launch, were truly inspirational as they shared how to take the next step in your business. Gina Bell shared how to identify and eliminate resistance to self-promotion and success.

The Metromom Online Success Telesummit (now called The Online Success Toolkit) is available for you to listen to. Click here to learn more! Once you listen I’d love to hear your feedback so come back and post your comments. What were some of the highlights for you?

Step Two – Develop a rapport.

The internet is impersonal by nature so there is an even greater need for rapport when you’re selling a product or service online. Here are a few suggestions that will help you establish that rapport with potential customers:

· Make the person reading your copy feel as if you are writing directly to them. You can do this my using the words “you” and “I”.

· Focus on them. Instead of describing the ins-and-outs of your product or service, talk about how they will benefit from it.

· Be authentic and sincere. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. People do business with those they relate to.

Step Three – Have a clear call to action.

What do you want your reader to do? If you’re not sure the reader won’t be either. Do you want them to call or e-mail you for more information? Order a copy of your product? Schedule a free consultation? Sign-up for your tele-seminar?

It may seem obvious but people need to be told what to do, clearly and specifically, and they’ll be far more likely to do it. Make it as easy for them as possible – they shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to figure out how to “order now”.

However, your objective shouldn’t necessarily always be to close a financial sale. A long-term strategy is to entice them to sign-up for your newsletter or download your free report. This allows you to begin building a relationship with them and convert them into buyers. We’ll discuss more of these strategies in an upcoming Online Success Tips.

So remember the three steps on how to make your website work (and sell) for you:

1. Determine your target audience.

2. Develop a rapport.

3. Have a clear call to action.

These three steps will work effectively whether you have a high-tech, sophisticated website or a very simple website. Remember, business is all about marketing and marketing is all about communicating! Read more tips by Wendy Maynard, the Marketing Maven, on how to turn your website into a super selling machine.

(If you would like more in-depth training on any of the tools I’ve mentioned in this article make sure to check out the learning in the Online Success Toolkit)

This blog is the final part of a series of online success tips.

No matter what your business is, you need a website.

I’m not against technology or graphics; in fact I utilize them quite extensively on my own site. BUT that’s not where I invest most of my time, resources and energy and neither should you.

My focus is on communicating with my visitors because that’s where the money is. People do business with those they know, like and trust – this is true online and offline. Which is why I spend my time on articles, blog posts, video and audio recordings – mediums that allow me to communicate my message.

Effective communication doesn’t require thousands of dollars, the latest technology or high-end graphics. So, what do you need to communicate effectively?

Step One – Determine your target audience and how you can help them.

When you’re writing copy for your website you need to be very specific about who you’re speaking to. Who’s that ideal person you want to attract? Man or woman? What age group? Are they parents? What level of education? You get the idea.

Also, get in mind how you can serve this audience. What is their big challenge or problem that you can help them solve? Put yourself in their shoes.

Copywriting Strategist, Lorrie Morgan-Ferrero uses an interesting technique she calls the TARKET FACTOR. When she writes copy rather than writing to a group of people she writes to a single person – her “tarket” – who is a representative of the majority of her ideal customers.

Spend some time analyzing your target market – or tarket – (target market) and watch for my next post about the next two steps to creating a website that sells.

(If you would like more in-depth training make sure to check out the learning in the Online Success Toolkit)

This blog is part 3 of a 4 part series of online success tips.

Let me share with you a few effective internet marketing tools that you must be using if you want to generate business online:

1. A Facebook Presence is a Must

Facebook is a great place to maximize your results because there are so many people on Facebook – millions actually – who are there to do business. What are the benefits of using Facebook? A good presence builds your online visibility – people and search engines love it. It also builds your online credibility – by sharing information with others, creating articles and providing insightful comments you become recognized as an expert in what you do. Read a blog post by one of my favorite online experts, Nancy Marmolejo to see why social networking is worth your time and energy – Want Social Networking ROI? Read This.

2. Become a Blogger

Blogs are great because they’re very flexible. You can blog daily or weekly, you can post long or short blogs, you can be have informational posts or entertaining ones. A blog is a fantastic way to let your individual style and approach to business shine through. It’s also a very interactive format so visitors can leave comments and/or questions for you to respond to. According to my SEO guy, a blog can be the easiest and most inexpensive tool to drive traffic to your website – another BIG bonus of blogging.

3. Develop Your Own Freebie

A freebie is at the core of your list-building strategy. Most people won’t buy your product or sign-up for your service the first time they visit your site. So you want to persuade them into sharing their email address so you can add them to your list and continue developing a relationship. This freebie can be something as simple as a tip sheet or free report. We all have something we know that the average person doesn’t and more importantly, it’s something that our target market wants to know.

4. Sent out an Ezine Regularly

Once you have a list you need to communicate with them regularly to convert them into loyal customers. With an ezine (newsletter) you’re keeping your company in your customer’s mind on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. To maximize the value of your ezine send it regularly and make sure it contains content that’s of value to them, not just information about you and your products.

So now you have my list of the basic tools for promoting yourself online. I’ve used them all personally so I know they work. They’re also very inexpensive and easy to implement. The next post in this series will provide more in-depth strategies for creating a website that sells.

(If you would like more in-depth training on any of the tools I’ve mentioned in this article make sure to check out the learning in the Online Success Toolkit)

This blog is part 2 of a 4 part series of online success tips.