Action Plan Marketing
Mastery Program



The Marketing Mastery Program - Spring 2011

April 2011 to March 2012

Please note that the Marketing Mastery Program for 2010 is now full.

The Marketing Mastery Program is a one-year marketing and business acceleration program for Independent Professionals.

Would you like to increase your income by $100K this year - despite the economy?

This program is not for beginners in business. It is for those who already have achieved a certain level of success in their business and want to take it to a new level of success and achievement. The Mastery Program will include a wide range of professional service businesses, from coaches to consultants, accountants to executive recruiters, from designers to writers.

Is this you?

• You already have substantial success in your business

• You are committed to making a measurable contribution to your clients

• You want to dramatically increase your income/success

• You want to leave a legacy with your business

Everyone wants more success, but at what price? If you are working longer hours with more clients, spending more time in marketing activities and not having a life outside of your business, what's the use? That's not Marketing Mastery.

Isn't this what you want in your business?

• You work fewer hours but make more money

• Your marketing is very focused and effective, taking minimal time

• You can always take on more business relatively easily

• You have a good work/life balance and business is fun


Objectives of the Program

In this program you will learn and implement the three key disciplines of HEOB (High-End, Outcome-Based) Marketing:

1. You will develop a complete HEOB program designed to deliver measurable bottom-line results to your clients. I'll work with you hands-on to create and articulate this program, including written materials.

2. You will create and implement a step-by-step marketing plan to successfully promote this program or service to your ideal clients. I'll help you get up to speed as quickly as possible to put your plan into action.

3. You will master a proven selling system designed to convert qualified prospects into paying clients. For many, this is the key to the program. Ultimately we'll help you set up more selling conversations with qualified prospects.

In addition we'll focus on these other key areas:

4. Goals, Project and Time Management - I'll work with you on managing your projects and time. The program will give you a lot more things to do and you'll learn ways to fit it all in with less stress. This will include a simple but powerful time and project management system.

5. Marketing Mindset - I'll teach you advanced skills for overcoming any limiting mindset related to marketing and business. I want to make sure that limiting attitudes and beliefs are not holding you back.

6. Marketing Technology - I'll give you the tools and step-by-step "recipes" for implementing any marketing activities that involve online technology, from autoresponders to email management, from teleconferences to web pages.


Results and Benefits You Can Expect

The Marketing Mastery Program is about increasing your business and learning the systems and tools that will enable you to keep marketing effectively year after year. But it's also about having a business that you enjoy and clients that you love working with and making a contribution to. Here are some other benefits and results you can expect to achieve through the Marketing Mastery Program.

Take your business to the next level (whatever that is for you). In the first stages of the program you will create a focused vision and specific goals for your business, including financial and project goals.

Create a momentum in your business and marketing that is unstoppable. This includes mastering the art of "Getting Unstuck" so that no circumstances, either external or internal can stop you. You will gain the ability to be detached from obstacles and engaged in moving forward.

Have balance in your life. This means managing your time and energies so that you run your business, your business doesn't run you. It also means loving your business and making a lasting contribution to your clients and community.

Make Marketing and Business Development Fun. Anything can be fun once you know how to do it and can create consistent results. The same goes for marketing. It's really fun when you can attract as many clients as you need with relative ease.

Discovering the Power of Affiliation and Collaboration. Often the best way to promote your business is to leverage the relationship you have with others. We'll show you how to create these kind of affiliations.

How to Create Marketing Experiences. Once someone has experienced who you are and what you do, it's a lot easier to turn them into a paying client. We'll help you design and implement these marketing experiences.

Finding Your Power as a Marketer and Business Owner. Power comes from doing and producing results. When you know you can implement a plan that automatically brings in new business, you'll be freed up to focus on the needs of your clients instead of scrambling for new business.


Two Big Things that Make the Mastery Program Different

What makes this program different? After all, there are many ways, workshops, books and programs that could help you with your marketing.

1. The Participants

The key difference in this program is the level of the participants. This is not a marketing program for beginners. It is for those who already have substantial business success. It is also for those who have already applied the Action Plan Marketing principles to their businesses. They have a web site, they are attracting clients and they are growing.

In the current Marketing Mastery Program, participants have worked productively together to brainstorm, share resources and expertise, give emotional support and even to create joint venture projects.

2. The Hands-On Coaching

The information, strategies and techniques in this program are proven to help you get new high-end clients - if you use them. But that's the problem with most programs, courses and books. The information goes in one ear and out the other. It's rarely translated into action.

In the Mastery Program I go beyond information, strategies and techniques and work with you closely and intensively to make sure you implement what you learn. Each step of the way you'll get training, guidance, and coaching to put what you've learned into action. As a result, this program ensures you get results.

To listen to the impact the current program has had on participants, you can listen to a teleclass at this link: Mastery Intro TeleClass - Case Studies


Why do professionals at your level need a program like this?

Because you want to take your business to places that your current efforts will simply not get you. You know the kind of work it took to get your business to where it is now. It wasn't easy. And along the way, you got support in the form of books, programs, coaching and workshops. (Or perhaps you were one of the rare few who did it mostly on their own.)

What I discovered (a lot later than a I wish I had), is that some kind of structured support makes all the difference. But not all support is created equal. Some support is rather random, with a few ideas and inspiration here and there. This might be good for a business just getting started, but isn't sufficient to build a solid business that brings in a substantial income month in and month out for years on end.

We tend to go only as far as our current knowledge, plans and limitations.

With new knowledge, plans and attitudes, what we can accomplish is virtually unlimited. Sadly, very few people even reach a fraction of their potential in their businesses (or other areas of their life, for that matter).

Within the structure of the Marketing Mastery Program, you will enter a "high stakes game" where you'll play and work at a level that you have rarely experienced.

In the Marketing Mastery Program you will:

• Step outside your comfort zone and take on projects that you once considered impossible.

• Work with your clients at a level of commitment and excellence that will accelerate their results (and your income) beyond the expected.

• Get past limiting beliefs, states of mind and behaviors that have been holding you back for your whole life.

• Experience wins and successes that are not just episodic, but that are repeatable and predictable.

• Feel true satisfaction and fulfillment as a business owner that will spill over in to all areas of your life.


How do you know if you're right for this program?

As I've said, this program is not for everyone, it's for InfoGurus who are more advanced in their businesses. Typically participants in this program fit the following criteria.

1. You are an InfoGuru or Professional Service Business. You may serve small or large companies and sometimes individuals as a coach, consultant, trainer, designer, or writer, as well as financial and employment professionals.

2. You are successful in your business already. Typically participants are making $100K or more in their business already (although we may accept those who are making up to $75K, depending on other factors).

3. You are disciplined and are good at getting things done. You demonstrate this by your quality and consistency of work, and high standards of integrity. You likely exercise regularly, manage your life well and are interested in personal growth and life balance.

4. You are a lifelong learner. You are focused on discovering ways to make things work better, make a bigger contribution and earn more money. You want to take your business to a whole new level of success and workability.

5. You have the ability to market yourself, but have an inadequate marketing and selling system. Despite your success, you have built your business mainly by word-of-mouth and some random marketing activities. But you now realize that if you are to earn more, work fewer hours and develop and sell higher-end programs, you need a proven marketing system that will help you take things to the next level.


Some concerns or fears you may have

It is quite an undertaking to join a one-year program! Above all else, you want to make sure you get the value you're looking for and actually gain the skills to market and sell yourself more effectively, not to mention implement these ideas and grow your business successfully.

Here are a few of the concerns past participants have raised:

Will the information in this program address my needs? Will I be able to apply what I learn?

If you are an InfoGuru, that is someone who provides expertise to solve problems and produce results for your clients, the information and marketing models taught in this program has been used successfully with hundreds of people over the 25 years I have been working with clients. If you are willing to make the effort to learn and apply this information, it will work for you.

Will the other participants be quality business people?

I make a great effort to screen the people who participate in this program. They are successful, professional and fun people! You will learn as much form them as you will learn from me. You'll have ample opportunity to work with the other participants, through the group coaching sessions, the workshop and your mastermind group.

What if I get stuck? After all, I've avoided implementing marketing up to this point! How can I be sure I'll implement it during the Mastery Program?

Good question. The short answer is, we hold your feet to the fire and give you continual support in moving into action. In the first part of the program before the workshop you'll create a series of powerful written marketing materials. Everyone completes them. And you get hands-on support to make sure it happens. After the 3-day workshop you'll have detailed marketing action plans that we'll work on together step-by-step. And if you get stuck for any other reason, you'll get the coaching and support you need to move forward.

Is it really possible to increase my income by $100K or more?

It's not only possible, but many of the past participants have surpassed this goal, with just one to four new clients they wouldn't have gotten otherwise. However we cannot guarantee that everyone will hit this goal during the program; some will reach this goal after the program ends. It depends upon your commitment and effort. But we are always focused on supporting you in taking the marketing actions that will increase your chances of success compared to trying to accomplish this on your own.

What if I don't like the program (for whatever reason)?

I can't guarantee you'll always like the program. In the program we push you past your comfort zone. We make you question your limiting beliefs. We challenge you to do things you've never done before. And this isn't always fun! However I want to assure you that I'm always working to make this program not only an effective vehicle for growing your business, but an experience you will remember and value for a lifetime. Although it won't always be easy, the final results will be more than worth the effort.

One thing is absolutely guaranteed: You'll spend a lot of time laughing as you learn. I take this program and the participants seriously, but I try not to take myself too seriously, and one of my big priorities is to have fun myself. I note that if I'm having fun everyone is getting the value they came for.


The Structure of the Program Includes:

1. Two Mastery Group Sessions by teleconference (and often webinar) per month. Each meeting will be approximately 90 minutes long. Sessions will be recorded if you need to miss a session.

2. One (or more) small group meeting per month with your "Mastermind Group" of 3-4 program participants. We'll match you with compatible participants and provide guidelines for a regular mastermind group where you'll work on assignments, share expertise and resources and give support in moving forward.

3. A minimum of one individual meeting with Robert Middleton by telephone each month. Depending on what you are working on, we often schedule them more often. Sessions are typically 60 to 90 minutes.

4. Feedback on materials and answering questions by email. Robert is available to you for anything you need during the course of the program.

5. A Marketing Mastery Report sent to Robert every month, logging the progress in implementing your Marketing Plans.

6. Participation in the Action Plan Marketing Club - using the materials and resources in the Club as needed. If you are already a member, I suspend your membership fee for a year.

7. A 3-day Intensive Workshop - "The HEOB Marketing Blueprint" - (described directly below).

8. A weekend Wrap-Up Workshop where we get together to celebrate our successes and make plans for the future. Held at the end of March 2012.

8. A Special Vacation Bonus - See below for details.


Three-Day "HEOB Marketing Blueprint Workshop"

Held at the Presentation Conference Center in Los Gatos California (near San Jose) in May 2011, we will work together intensively for three days to convey the fundamentals of the HEOB Marketing System. Here's the basic outline of the workshop.
Weds Evening - May 18 - In-depth review of written marketing materials (you will already have developed these materials before the workshop.)

Thursday - May 19 - Marketing Conversations, Marketing Plans, Setting up Mastermind Groups

Friday - May 20 - Marketing Strategy How-tos, Appointment setting, pricing, Overcoming Client Fears, Marketing Mindset

Saturday - May 21 - The High-end Selling Process, Project and Time Management.

The workshop includes all food and lodging. You just have to get yourself to the SF Bay area and show up!

After the workshop we will work together in the Mastery Program to implement the principles you've learned to make the HEOB System of marketing a reality, not a theory.

A description of the structure of the program, however, really doesn't do it justice. You will be immersed in a process of marketing your business in a whole different way and be supported in following through and making it happen.

Thank you again for the workshop last week! I have to tell you that it was one of the best things I have ever done in my professional career (27+ years). I thoroughly enjoyed being with such a smart, talented, motivated and funny group of people. Best of all, they are all out there trying to make a difference. It was truly inspiring for me and my business.
- Lisa Collins - Luminaria Wealth Strategies


Program Vacation Bonus

You expect most products and programs to come with bonuses, but not THIS bonus. For everyone who is accepted into the Marketing Mastery Program, you will get a complimentary one week vacation in my condo in Mazatlan, Mexico. I only use the condo one or two weeks a year and I thought, "Why not? The people in this program will need some vacation time as well!" Airfare, etc. is up to you, but the value of this is $875. You need to take advantage of this before the MM Program ends in March 2012.

See details on the Condo here.


Dates of the Program

Program Launch - The official program launch will be on Mid January 2011. That's when the program will open for applications.

Teleconference Sessions - Starts on early April 2011. Twice monthly (on Wednesday afternoons) through March 2011. You'll get the complete schedule available to you once you apply.

Workshop Intensive - Mid to Late May 2011 - Located in the South San Francisco Bay Area. (see details above) Dates: Weds eve May 18 to Saturday May 21. (mark your calendars)

Individual Coaching Sessions - Scheduled monthly (or more if needed).


Fee for Program

Once you apply for the Marketing Mastery Program, I will send you the fee and payment terms. Please don't ask me what the fee is before you apply. I break the fee down into affordable monthly payments.

Why I don't share the fee with you before you apply? Some people feel this is manipulative, to trick you into applying. No, the reason is that the answer to the question, "Do I want to do it?" is a completely different question than, "Can I afford it?" If you really want to do it, you'll find a way to afford it. But if you think you can't afford it first, you may give up on your interest in doing it.

So, do you want to do it? If so, please apply. Then you'll receive the price and you can determine if you can fit it into your budget or not.

The application for the Mastery Program will be posted on this page in January 2011.


Learn more about the Marketing Mastery Program

What would happen in your business if you offered High-End, Outcome-Based programs? It can transform your business. You will not only earn more money, you'll be working with more of your ideal clients and making a bigger contribution. These two teleclass recordings are a great introduction to developing, marketing and selling high-end programs. I've also included a slide show on the complete HEOB process.


Get these two recordings and slide show on HEOB Marketing

1. Recording #1 - "Marketing and Selling High-End-Outcome-Based Services." This covers the basics on how to develop, market and sell these kind of programs and services.

2. Recording #2 - "HEOB - Case Studies" In this teleclass we talked with six people who are successfully marketing and selling high-end programs in their business. This includes many hands-on approaches to developing, marketing and selling these programs.

3. HEOB Slide Show - A slide show from my presentation at the ICF Conference in December on "Marketing and Selling High-End-Outcome-Based Services" These slides are a good companion to both teleclasses.


Claim Your Recordings

To get your recordings and slide show, just fill out the form below. There is no cost for these recordings.

Also, if you are interested in being notified about the upcoming Marketing Mastery Program, please fill out this form.


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All the best,

Robert Middleton

 



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