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Goal Setting: 1 Simple Hack That Actually Works

Goal Setting: 1 Simple Hack That Actually Works

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Goal Setting is the key to success and why you should try 10X-ing your goals

We all know that setting goals is the key to success, but what if we told you there was a simple hack that could take your goal-setting game up a notch? That’s right — it’s time to 10X your goals!

The concept of 10X-ing your goals has been around for some time now, and it basically means setting objectives that are ten times bigger than average and working ten times harder than average in order to achieve them. It takes extraordinary thinking and effort to get extraordinary results, so why not give this technique a try? In this blog post, we will discuss why taking massive action can help you reach new heights of success. So let’s get started on Goal Setting: 1 simple hack that actually works!

What is the 10X Rule for success and how it can help you achieve extraordinary results

Goal-setting is essential for any type of success, and the 10X Rule can help you achieve extraordinary results. The concept behind the 10x Rule is that any goal you set should be ten times greater than your usual objectives. This incredible stretch goal forces you to think outside the box when developing strategies to reach it and helps keep you motivated and on track despite any obstacles that arise. Reaching this extreme level of success isn’t just about pushing yourself harder; it’s about using your creativity and ingenuity to hone in on new ideas, strategies, and techniques that will not only help you reach your target faster but also provide a much higher level of satisfaction. By challenging yourself with the 10X Rule, you can tap into a whole new level of potential for success!

 

Goal Setting

How to set higher than average goals with the 10X Rule

Goal setting may seem challenging, but the 10X Rule can help take it to the next level. If you’re aiming for average, then an average outcome will be your result.  By increasing your usual expectations by ten times, you’ll find yourself striving for higher-than-average goals. This is a surefire way to guarantee reduced mediocrity and increased opportunity for success—if you can dream it, you can make it happen! The 10X Rule is also great because it encourages creativity and taking risks; after all, if you’re looking for significant achievements then it stands to reason that extraordinary action is needed, so don’t shy away from the unexpected. Step out of your comfort zone and stop daydreaming about all of your big dreams—go achieve them!

Benefits of setting larger, more ambitious goals

Goal setting is the key to success. Too often people set their goals too low and barely challenge themselves. Setting larger, more ambitious goals raises your standard of success and pushes you to think bigger and aim higher. Whether it’s a 10x mindset or a goal that is 100x what you thought was possible, setting lofty goals gives you something hard to reach for and ultimately will result in greater achievements. Regardless of how often you may fall short your goals are always evolving and ever-changing as you reach new heights. So come on, set larger, more ambitious goals – it’s time to start reaching for the stars!

Tips on taking massive action to reach your goals faster

Goal setting is the first step on the path to success. But taking massive action and not sitting by idly is how you will reach those goals faster. To get started, figure out what you need to do in order to reach your goal and break that into smaller more achievable tasks. Then it’s all about following through on those tasks and never giving up, no matter how challenging things get. Taking massive action means pushing yourself further and following through on opportunities that take you closer to your goal even if it isn’t always 100% comfortable. You time investment may seem hard today, but this relentless drive for success won’t stay with you forever!

Address the high-level actionable items first!

High level actionable items are like the foundations of a house; they are what make up the bigger picture. Don’t wait to address the smaller details and nitpick those foundational elements that will determine your overall success, step up and tackle those tasks first! High level actionable items form the basis of achieving any kind of vision, so make sure they are prioritized. Don’t procrastinate, you won’t regret it.

Goal setting is the foundation of success, and if you want to reach your goals faster than ever before it’s time to start using the 10X Rule. The 10X Rule encourages creativity, risk-taking and extraordinary thinking that will help you achieve massive success with minimal effort. So don’t be afraid to dream big; set larger, more ambitious goals for yourself and take massive action towards achieving them! With this goal setting hack in your toolbox, there’s nothing stopping you from reaching new heights of personal achievement and satisfaction. What are you waiting for? Let’s get started on taking control of our destinies today – let’s do this!

Empower Digital Grant: How To Get It!

Empower Digital Grant: How To Get It!

Reading Time: 5 minutes

What is the Empower Digital Grant?

Are you a small business owner in Massachusetts? Are you looking for ways to develop your digital capabilities? If so, then the Empower Digital Grant may be just what you are looking for!

 

The Empower Digital Grant is $5,000 to expand your Businesses Digital Capabilities

This grant program is open to those who qualify and was originally intentended to provide funding for the needs of small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals seeking tools and services to develop their digital capabilities in partnership with a Small Business Technical Assistance (SBTA) provider. 

In this blog post, we will discuss what the Empower Digital Grant is, who is eligible to apply, and how to apply!

We have an official Small Business Technical Assistance (SBTA) Provider 

Looking to make your small business dreams a reality? SBTA providers are the key – they’ll help you apply and provide technical support through every step of the process. Plus, work with qualified experts in areas like digital development planning that will get you closer to success! Through this grant program, they’ll provide both guidance and technical assistance as you work together with a Qualified Professional towards achieving digital transformation.

Empower Digital Grant Video

Grant Application Process

  1. Introduction
  2. Prequalification
  3. We create a proposal for your new website or marketing campaign.
  4. Introduction to the Grant Sponsor
  5. Complete The Application
  6. 4-6 weeks until the $5,000 grant funds are approved!

Get Started With Your Empower Grant Application

Is your business located in the state of Massachusetts?

3 + 10 =

Services We Can Provide With Your Empower  Digital Grant

Web Design

We have been building websites since 1998, but we are always on the cutting edge of web design. Our websites are modern, clean, attractive & fast!

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Social Media Marketing Management

Our social media marketing experts will make sure that you are speaking to your customers where they are, in the language they speak, so they can be informed & buy your product.

Google My Business Local Market Domination

If you're not taking the steps to dominate your local market with your Google My Business listing you are being left behind.

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Content Creation

Our marketing expertise will make sure that you are speaking to your customers where they are, in the language they speak, so they can be informed & buy your product.

Search Engine Optimization - SEO

Make sure that the pages of your website are speaking the language of search engines so Google will show them to your customers!

Digital Marketing - Google, Facebook & Instagram Ads

Let our advertising champions target the town or demographic do you want to do business with and we will have them knocking on your door.

Branding

Create a consistent brand experience, builds brand recognition, stand out from the competition. 

Business, Tech & Marketing Consulting

We provide support for all of your web technical issues. From integrating CRMs, Accounting Software or setting up your organizational email. No problem too big, no issue too small.

empower digital grant

APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY

The Empower Digital Grant is open to participants who meet the following requirements. Eligible applicants must be a small business that:

  • Has been nominated by a Technical Assistance Provider through MGCC’s Small Business Technical Assistance Program
  • Is based and operating within Massachusetts
  • Is employing 1-20 FTE employees (including 1099s)
  • Is the business owners’ primary source of income
  • Has an annual revenue not exceeding $2,500,000
  • Has completed and submitted the Digital Assessment to their SBTA Sponsor for review
  • Has been in business for a minimum of one year at the time of application
    • Requires 2021 Federal Business Tax Returns or Schedule C
  • Is NOT owned by someone employed by the sponsoring SBTA
  • Is NOT a nonprofit, not-for-profit, or charitable organization
  • Is NOT a business supplying digital services to other businesses (e.g. website design/development, SEO, programming)
  • Is NOT a franchise with more than 2 locations, including those individually owned-and-operated (Franchises with up to 2 locations will be considered, but MGCC reserves the right to limit grant funding to one location)
  • Is NOT a real estate rental/sales business
  • Is NOT a lobbyist
  • Is NOT a cannabis related business

Owned by:

  • An individual of 18 years or older at the time of application
  • A United States citizen or permanent resident

ATTENTION MULTI-BUSINESS OWNERS: When applying, be aware MGCC reserves the right to limit grant funding for one business per owner.

How To Use The Holidays To Your Marketing Advantage

How To Use The Holidays To Your Marketing Advantage

Reading Time: 3 minutes

How You Can Use Holidays to Your Marketing Advantage

If you’re like most people, the holidays are a time to relax and enjoy time with family and friends. But if you’re a marketer or business owner, the holidays can be a great opportunity to boost your business. Here are some tips on how you can use holiday festivities to your marketing advantage.

Get festive with your products – offer holiday-themed packaging or discounts

What better way to get into the holiday spirit than with your favorite products and services? Santa isn’t the only one who’s feeling festive this season – why not share in some of his cheer by offering your customers special holiday-themed packaging or discounts on their purchases? Whether they’re shopping online or in-store, customers will appreciate being able to enjoy a little extra fun in the form of Season’s Greetings packaging and deals that spread the Christmas joy. Let the bells jingle and make sure your customers are singing “Ho Ho Ho!”

Create social media campaigns around popular holidays – think hashtags, giveaways, and user-generated content

With popular holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve fast approaching, now is the perfect time to hatch some funny and ridiculously NERDy plans to create stand-out social media campaigns. You can do this with clever hashtags, giveaways with fun prizes, and user-generated content that will give your campaign maximum visibility, loads of exposure in users’ feeds ( thanks to those ever-friendly algorithms), and plenty of people talking about it. See? Ridiculously NERDy plans can sometimes be the most rewarding!

Run a Holiday Toy Drive or Other Charity Effort

Organizing a charity effort, like a holiday toy drive, is a great way to give back while receiving plenty of positive publicity for your business. It’s an excellent cause that can significantly boost your organization’s reputation and bring in new customers eager to support businesses committed to helping those in need. While organizing any type of charity effort requires some planning and coordination, the rewards are certainly worth it. Not only can you make a real difference in people’s lives, you’ll enjoy great brand recognition and increased sales due to the extra attention of potential customers. Seeing how even a small gesture can bring about so much good should be motivation enough for any accountant or business owner looking for ways to make their mark on society.

Take advantage of seasonal trends – people are more likely to search for winter apparel or summer travel during those times of year

Trends don’t just appear with the changing of the seasons – they shift inside our own heads! As temperatures start to drop, suddenly everyone’s in search of the latest winter apparel or cozy new sweaters. Then when summer rolls around, our thoughts turn to booking trips for some sun-soaked fun. Trends like these aren’t to be taken lightly – taking advantage of them could give your business a major boost. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and take advantage of seasonal trends!

Plan ahead – start working on your holiday marketing strategy well in advance so you’re not scrambling at the last minute

Gather ’round everyone! Planning ahead is the key to success when it comes to your holiday marketing strategy. By taking the time up front to organize and strategize, it will save you a lot of stress and headaches as we get closer to the big day. Having an established plan with standard operating procedures ensures that everything runs smoothly for your holiday promotions. So don’t be afraid to take the necessary steps now – by planning ahead, you can have the most fun and exciting holiday season yet!

These are just a few ideas to get you started on thinking about how you can market your products or services during the holidays. Whatever you do, make sure you’re planning ahead so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. And most importantly, have fun with it! After all, holiday marketing is all about spreading cheer and getting people into the spirit of giving. What are your favorite holiday marketing strategies? Leave a comment below and tell us!

How To Ask For a 5-Star Review (And Get It!)

How To Ask For a 5-Star Review (And Get It!)

Reading Time: 6 minutes

The Complete Guide to Getting Google Reviews for Your Google My Business Listing

5 Star Google Reviews are the Ultimate Trust Builder

If you know how to effectively ask for a 5 star Google review you’ll be able to rank your Google Business Profile above those of your competitors. This is absolutely huge in generating new business from clients and customers who need your services. You can’t be a great white shark in the big blue ocean if you’re not even a big fish in your own little pond yet. You must corner your market.

Don’t be afraid to ask, but make it good when you do!

Like any time we ask anyone for anything an in-person is always most effective. So do anything you can to expose people to the idea so they won’t be surprised when you do ask. Talk to them about your business, mention how you’re looking to expand, and even chat about Google reviews in person or on the phone if you can. 

However, ultimately you’ll need to forward them the review link so they can actually submit the review. Thus it will be essential to send via e-mail or text to get them to actually submit the review. To do that you’ll need to be able to find the review request link yourself.

 

How to Get Your Review Link (2 methods)

Get Your Review Link from the Search Results

With just a few clicks, you can find your Google review link on the search results page in seconds.

Step 1 – Ensure that you’ve signed into Gmail with your business account, and then follow these steps:

Step 2 – Type “your business name” into Google and search for your business.

Step 3 – Click the “Get More Reviews” link.

Now you’ve got the link and you can text or email it to your contacts! 

Get the Review Link from Google Business Manager

To get your review link, sign in to Google Business Manager business.google.com with the Google Account (Gmail account) which manages your Business listing, and scroll down until you see “Get More Reviews” on the main page (as seen below).

google business profile google my business

How to Manage Your Google Business Listing & View Your Insights / Analytics

The best way to conveniently do this is to have the Google Maps app on your phone (available for Apple iPhone & Android Phones) so you can easily click the “Get More Reviews” button (seen below) and fire off the request to anyone you have in your phone contact list via text or email.

What happened to the Google My Business App? Google discontinued it and moved its functionality into the Google Maps app!

A 5-star Google review can be like a goldmine for businesses. They are the most coveted type of review because they not only help to improve your ranking on Google, but they also have a huge psychological impact on potential customers.

Studies have shown that people are much more likely to trust a business with 5-star reviews and that they are also willing to pay more for products and services from 5-star businesses.

In other words, 5-star reviews can help to drive highly targeted traffic to your business, and they can also significantly increase your bottom line. So if you’re looking to give your business a boost, make sure to encourage your satisfied customers to leave 5-star reviews on your Google Business Profile.

 

6 Steps to Structure your ask for a 5-star Google review aka my “secret script.”

Studies show that people are dramatically more likely to complete your request if you do these things.

 

  1. Use their name – Start with “Hello James” or “Good afternoon Jane”. Leading off with someone’s name reminds them of how familiar and close you are.
  2. Make the ask – “Would you please give me a 5-star Google review?”
  3. Give them a reason“Because I’m trying to get ahead of my local competition” It doesn’t have to be crazy, studies show that even if the reason doesn’t seem that important the person will be much more likely to give you the review if you give them a reason.
  4. Include a number if you can “I’m trying to get to 10 (or 25) five-star google reviews to get ahead of my local competition” is even better.
  5. Tell them it won’t take much time so they do it right away. “it will only take 2-3 minutes of your time and it will help me a LOT!”
  6. Provide them with the link – Hit them with the link right away! You’ve set them up and they’re ready to give you a five-star Google Review, make sure you make it easy for them and hit them with the review link right now!
How to ask for a 5 star google review

The number & quality of your Google Reviews makes a major difference in how much NEW BUSINESS you will receive from people who find you online and call your establishment to hire you. 

When you know how to ask for a 5 Star Google Review, you’ve got a majorly important skill you need to grow your business.

Example Script You can Copy, Adjust & Use to get 5 Star Google Reviews

 “Hello *Their Name*, would you be willing to give me a quick 5 star Google review? I’m trying to get to 25 five-star reviews today, so I can get ahead of my local competition. It will only take 2-3 minutes of your time. Here’s the link. “

We have found this is extremely effective, ask in person first (if possible) send a message via text or email, include their name, give them a reason you are asking (use my reason or create your own,) include a number & tell them it won’t take up much of their time and give them the link so they can actually do it.

If you follow this technique on How to ask for a 5 Star Google Review, I guarantee you will have a greater than 90% success rate when you ask your clients & friends for a five star google review.

Do you need help getting listed on Google? If you don’t have your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) set up & optimized it’s like you’re not even listed on the phone book.

Contact us right away and start getting the new business you deserve.

Don’t know if you’re listed on Google? Need help getting the business your company deserves?

How To use AI to Dominate The Business Networking Scene

How To use AI to Dominate The Business Networking Scene

Reading Time: 3 minutes
There’s no question that networking is a critical part of any business owner or entrepreneur’s success. But with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), there may be some new opportunities to supplement your existing networking group – and potentially expand your reach even further. Here are a few ideas on how you can use AI to help take your networking game to the next level.

You can use AI to brainstorm ways to recruit new members for your BNI networking group

Brainstorming for ideas on how to recruit new members for your BNI networking group just got easier with artificial intelligence (AI). Using the powerful capability of AI, you can generate an endless well of creative thought that will jump-start networking activities. Imagine having AI at your disposal to help craft and deliver engaging messages that will reach potential new members like never before! It’s an exciting situation that elevates the game of brainstorming like a superpower. With the help modern AI, gone are the days of not know exactly how to attract people to join your network – AI is here to make sure your message always hits the mark.

You can use AI to write social media posts to advertise this networking group

Networking is an invaluable tool for success and BNI is the premier networking group to be a part of! AI technology can make advertising this amazing networking group on social media a cinch. With AI, you won’t have to worry about crafting interesting posts with captivating pictures – it’s completely taken care of! Networking with BNI will ultimately benefit you, so stop wasting time and let AI take your social media presence to the next level.

You can use AI to Write Follow Up emails to your meetings

Follow up emails are a critical component of any successful email marketing plan. There’s nothing worse than going to all the trouble of having a productive meeting only to never hear from the people involved afterwards! But with AI, you can have powerful, engaging follow-up emails sent out automatically whenever your meetings end. Automatically tracking conversations and being able to personalize email content is simple; plus, it frees up your time and energy so that you can focus on what matters: actually making things happen! If you’re serious about success in your business or life, AI-powered follow up emails are something you simply must consider.

 

You can use AI to write a script for your networking group presentation.

Writing the script for a networking group presentation used to be a challenge for most people. However, with the help of AI that is no longer the case. With AI, you can quickly generate an optimized script tailored to your needs and objectives. You’ll be able to create an elevator pitch that’s engaging and memorable, along with providing your audience with all the necessary information they need. And there’s no limit on how creative you can get! AI ensures that you get more time to focus on impersonating your script, making it even more entertaining for your audience.

All in all, there are many ways that you can use AI to support your BNI networking group. From helping you write follow up emails and social media posts, to brainstorming new ideas for recruiting members and writing a script for your presentation – AI can be a powerful tool to help you streamline your processes and save time. So if you’re looking for ways to make your BNI group run more efficiently, consider using AI tools like ChatGPT or Jasper. What other ways do you think AI could help improve business processes? Let us know in the comments below!