It’s time for me to introduce you to my little friend, Otter.ai. I’m telling you- if you are writing a book, wanting to remember a recipe or take notes from the talk you’re sitting in on. Oh baby, have I got the tool for you. With the Otter.ai App, all you have to do is open it up and let it listen and transcribe for you. I mean this tool is perfect for the pastors who have a million ideas, but absolutely no time or wherewithal to pen every single thing you say. Now you don’t have to Otter will do it for you. It’s the most convenient gift you can ever give yourself for speaking and having it written for you.

Best features:

• Every spoken word is recorded for you.
• Time stamps included between pauses and breaks.
• Email the captured note and you won’t believe how accurate the transcription is and half the time.
• You have 600 free minutes per month, again for free.

This is a must have for any secretary or speaker who wants to be a writer. It’s too easy not to download this one today. Tell me what you think when you get it.

To Your Success,
​
MG

Marketing – especially on a low budget – can be a challenge. Because it’s a necessary component of your business, you’ve got to get it done. Luckily for you, there are a myriad of ways to get the word out about your company. Here’s another 2 low-cost, and potential high upside ideas.

Think Seasonal Marketing

I love to celebrate everything and almost anything. But this can work to your advantage with some creative thinking around seasonal marketing tactics. Now, you must keep it simple like grouping some of your related products or service just in time for the upcoming holiday or season. Think in terms of bundles or special packages. Then, gift it a holiday name. Who doesn’t love a cute namesake! Or even consider creating something unique to capture your customer’s seasonal interest. People do still by things just because it’s that time of the year!

Text Message Marketing

This idea for marketing is especially great if you have a business where customers can physically come to your spot or location. Create a customer opt-in to receive text message specials and updates. I’ve seen companies and I know you have to do this very well. Just send out regular text messages with discount codes for free or special discounted products or services. This is an awesome way to connect with people when they are out and about.

Now give one of these two options a try and see what happens. You’ll be surprised just how easy it was and how much your customers and friends will enjoy it.

To Your Success,
​
MG

Let’s get those creative juices flowing today. If you’re writing a book or blog OR you may be knee deep in a huge project and haven’t come up for air. Well, let’s take a moment to get our creative mojo working for us again. Here are two quick ways I do it and boom, I’m flowing on all cylinders again.

     1. Change your surroundings. Taking a trip to a foreign land which could just be a new neighborhood or subdivision coming up on the other side of town. Sometimes my husband and I will take a drive around the city to inspire ourselves to keep dreaming. Years ago, there was a concept called Dream Building in which you went to places that may be out of your reach then, but could be within your reach if you worked hard and pursued it. It was a way to stretch what you believed was possible.  We still do that today. For someone else it may be going to the park with a cup of coffee or head down to a new part of downtown you've never been. The point is, new places, new restaurants, new cafes all get you to open your eyes. Just don't forget your notebook! You never know when a change of scenery will cause you to think of something brilliant. 

     2. Jot down your goals. It's so easy to get stuck in your daily routine that you forget about the bigger picture. Stay focused and motivated by putting your goals to paper and keeping it close by. Every time you get bogged down with challenges or minor upsets, look back to your goals. They won't fix your problems but they will remind you why those problems need to be fixed. I absolutely love writing down everything. I have so many journals and notebooks of ideas, dreams, prayers and thoughts – you would see why I am an author and publisher. 

Of course, this is my way of getting my creative mojo back and staying attune with myself and my creative flow. I want you to give it a go yourself and see what you think.  I can’t wait to see what you do next.

To Your Success,

MG