Do you have any idea how AWESOME it is to have people pay attention to and care about what you're doing?

It's an incredible honor...

AND it takes a ton of thoughtful action on your part to get there.

If you wanted to attract the BEST clients/subscribers/fans in the world, how would you communicate with them?

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1 :: Would you keep all of your valuable content behind closed doors, or would you create a blog to share and build trust? 

A blog has the potential to be a place where valuable content roams free.

valuable free content = money in the bank

Why does this equation work? Well, the content on your blog gives people something to go by - a way for them to build up familiarity and trust. If your giving away truly valuable free content, they can only imagine what they'll get when they actually buy something from you.

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2 :: Would you continually apologize to your readers for not showing up on your blog, or would you prepare yourself with a supercharged editorial calendar that sets you up to create & share amazing free content regularly?

One of the simplest methods to create raving fans that freaking love you is to generate and share cool and valuable content on a regular basis.

So, having an editorial calendar is a no brainer - of course you want to set one up! Here's how:

• Some people say that if it's not written into the calendar it's less likely to get done. For me, this is true. Set aside time slots each week for generating content. Use Google Calendar as a free and effective tool to help you out. 

• Next, brainstorm topics that answer questions your customers want to know about. What could help your tribe right now? What do your people need that they don't know to ask for? What information would help with their fears or concerns? What are they confused about? What do you they find entertaining? Let your brain go wild and make a list with whatever comes to mind - no judgments yet! We'll sort the good from the bad next. 

• Now go ahead and mine the best topics from your list. Which ones are you confident would provide high value to your audience? Cross out all the others.

• Fill in your time slots on the calendar with one topic from your list above. Now each time you go to town on generating content you'll know where to begin - no writer's block here!

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3 :: Would you sacrifice your message for the next best technology - or would share your content in a way that highlights your communication strengths?

Are you an excellent writer? Blog posts may be a perfect match for you.

Love being in front of the camera? Creating video content could be the way to go.

Can you interview like nobody's business? Sweet, audio could be your thing.

Don't get hung up trying to do it all. Quality connection and consistency is what counts here.

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4 :: Would you agonize over the thought of being perceived as annoying, or would you use your newsletter as a way to create personal connection online?

Email marketing is pull marketing, not push marketing - meaning someone has already given you their email address and opted into your newsletter. They're expecting to hear from you! 

Staying in contact via newsletter creates a natural opportunity for a deeper level of connection and carves out a space to offer what you're selling to people who are already interested in what you have to say.

I use the free version of MailChimp for building my email list and sending out newsletters.

Creating a newsletter can be stressful, but you can totally make it into a planning parting instead of a chore. Here's are some things to consider when crafting your newsletter:

• How often will your newsletter go out? Will it go out on a certain day or time? Mine go out once a week on Tuesdays.

• Will it be designed or just be written in plain text? Mine is designed using a free template in MailChimp.

• How will your subscriber feel while they read your newsletter? (I aim to give inspiration, motivation, reassurance & a plan for action)

• What is the theme of your newsletter content? What's the common thread? 

• What items, events and topics do you want to keep people updated on? (workshops, events, classes, services, speaking gigs, new blog posts, sales, etc.) How will these items fit into your newsletter? All my newsletters have a personal note, a list of the new content on my site, links to connect with me on social media, a bit about me and an offering.

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5 :: Would you waste valuable energy fretting over competition, or would you seek to collaborate and connect with like-minded people in order to build the industry together? 

Share the love! Help a sista out. Online entrepreneurship is all about teaming up with other people in your industry. You'll likely have different products or services your selling even if you're in the same industry and targeting the same audience. Feature each other as guest posters on your respective sites, mention people in tweets, like their Facebook Fan Page. You're in this thing together. If your mission is strong and positive you know that the more people you can get on board the better!

I spent hours coming up with resource pages that link out to all of my recommendations on yoga, ayurveda, raw foods and business. Without these people and servies I wouldn't be where I'm at right now and I want to express my gratitude!

This way of being - sharing, collaborating & connecting - builds credibility, trust, and positions you as someone who knows what the heck they're talkin' 

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6 :: Would you speak like a robot and keep people at a distance, or would you aim to be friendly and HUMAN?

Which message would you rather see in your precious inbox? 

       "Dear Customer, Vixi.com would like to take a moment to inform you about our upcoming event being held next weekend...." 

OR

       "Hi Josie, I hope you're enjoying this day.

       Wanna come to a dinner on the farm next weekend to celebrate Vixi's one year anniversary?

       I'd love to see you. It'll have organic food from right off the farm, drinks, and you're welcome to bring friends..."

No contest, right?

If you want people to fall in love with you (and your products & services) drop the corporate speak and get friendly.

When drafting up any type of communication for your business, use the 'friend filter' and ask yourself, "Would I send this to my friend?" If not, keep workin' on it until it's right. Experiment and find your own groove. Personal is more fun!

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7 :: Would you make people spend time figuring out how to pass on your stuff to their friends, or would you make sure it's easy to share your awesome work?

When people like what they see they'll want to spread the word. And word of mouth marketing is one of the most powerful, lucrative kinds of marketing on the planet!

Make it easy for your people to share the love. Here are a couple of tips:

• You have social media accounts, right? Twitter, a Facebook Fan Page, Google+....

• Choose a clear and simple domain name.

• Get your social media outlets connected. Aka - make sure your Twitter, Facebook Fan Page, Google+ accounts all have links to the other sites. Direct people on Twitter to your blog. Direct people on your blog to Twitter, FB and G+, etc.

• Give permission to share your valuable free content with attribution.

• Have clear calls to action. Don't assume that people know what you want them to do. Tell them (kindly) what action you'd like them to take.

All-in-all the message here is that honest, genuine caring will do more for your bottom line success than any super-secret marketing technique ever will.

Have anything to add to this list? Speak up and share in the comments below - please ;)