Showing up in a Big Way!

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The last few months has been one astonishing moment after another. I can’t begin to express my deepest gratitude for all the wonderful events, opportunities and people that have come into my life. One such moment is the start of my weekly radio show airing on Moments with Marianne at Dreamvisions 7 Radio Network and every second Sunday on WMEX 1510AM Boston!

It’s interesting that this opportunity showed up when it did. My inner journey over the last few months has me reflecting on how I could show up in a bigger way and how I could make a greater impact. Almost instantly, the path opened up before me.

Judy Goodman told me some time back “when you are on your path, life gets simpler and everything falls into place.” How true that has become over the last few years. The struggle is gone and a greater sense of peace is what rules my world now. This is not to say that everything is always easy for me, I still have the same challenges that everyone else does. Yet my inner peace is at an all time high, along with an strong conviction of who it is that I am and what I have to offer. When we stand in this knowing, these moments not only define who we are to a greater degree, but also gives us the opportunity to shine our light in the world.

Make Every Moment Count!

Marianne

Moments with Marianne

 

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I’m delighted to announce Moments with Marianne! Tune in for an hour that could change your life!

Join me on October 11th at 8pm EST with special guest, Judy Goodman CPC, CSRC, CRC, author of the award winning, International bestselling audiobook, Journey… The Quest of the Soul, as we discuss the workings of both the spirit and physical worlds.  Walking in both worlds at all times, Judy answers the profound questions we ask ourselves.

JudyJudy brings a broad range of knowledge presented with a gentle quality that captivates, and lifts each person individually.

Her sense of compassion and understanding, coupled with a great sense of humor keeps the topics interesting and very informative at the same time. You can learn more about Judy Goodman at her website here: www.JudyGoodman.com.

In a single moment you life can change!  “Moments with Marianne” is a transformative hour that covers an endless array of topics with the ‘best of the best.’ Her guest are leaders in their fields, ranging from inspirational authors, top industry leaders, business and spiritual entrepreneurs.  Each guest is gifted, and a true visionary!  A recognized leader in her own work, and while teaching others to develop, refocus, and grow; Marianne will bring the best guest, and sometimes a special surprise.  Don’t miss this – you never know just which ‘moment’ will change your life forever.

Tired of going to your Facebook page and hearing crickets? Use these simple techniques to boost your popularity overnight!

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Based on my years of experience working with thousands of clients, businesses and brands to gain a greater following, I’ve developed these simple tips for boosting your engagement.

The good thing is, you don’t need a PhD or to work for NASA to develop a great marketing campaign on Facebook. What you do need are inspiring pictures that grab attention and drive traffic to your page, while encouraging interaction. Photo posts get 39% more interaction than videos, links or written posts, and they account for 93% of the most engaged posts on Facebook. Considering that, on average, most people only like 34 posts a month, you want to make your status updates count! So how do you choose the right photo to post?

  1. Many of us have seen pictures or infographics that are geared to sell or pitch something. Most people run for the hills if they can smell a salesperson approaching — that’s the last thing you want to be associated with. Posting pictures that are original and authentic is your best bet. For example, if you own a dance studio, a picture of you teaching lessons or dancing with a student is far better than continuously pitching sales for dancing lessons at the studio.
  1. Use an image that people can emotionally connect with. Pictures of you blissfully working with others at a charity function, beautifully colored landscapes such as a breathtaking sunset, pictures of you and your friends having fun over lunch or even a trip to the local bookstore where you share your thoughts on the latest releases can all be engaging. Posting your morning meal with the text “This is what I’m eating for breakfast” isn’t what I would call useful information (unless you are a foodie) for your Facebook page. You want people to remember you for useful and engaging content. If you want to keep friends and followers, use the examples above to help you define more of what works best for posts!
  1. Engaged people want to be connected with others who are engaged. This means that you have to get out in the world. Leave your computer behind and go explore, but remember to take as many pictures along the way as you can, even if it’s a few pictures at your local espresso shop while you plan out your week. Posting the same picture every couple months is less likely to be engaging than original images that describe your journey through life. Everyone loves a good story. Make yours memorable, interesting and engaging, and you’ll have friends and followers for life.

Finally, keep the conversation going. When someone takes the time to comment on your post, make sure to respond. The easiest way to get into the doghouse on Facebook is to ignore people when they take the time to comment on your postings. Remember: People want to engage with those that are engaging! Social media is all about being social so have a great time with it.

To Your Success!

Marianne

Getting Outside the Box with Social Media Marketing

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Several recent studies confirm that there has never been a greater need to take advantage of social media marketing.

A recent report by Sharaholic shows how the tide has turned in traditional ways of searching for referrals (Google, Yahoo, etc.) online.  People are relying less on search engine and more on social media and direct messaging via mobile apps to share recommendations and referrals. Data now confirms that the shift from social to share is already here, so make sure that you and your business is in sync with this change.  According to a BuzzFeed Insight, the #1 source of referral traffic to content online is now done through social referrals. Is your business set up to handle this course correction in social media?

With over 80 percent of consumers now using mobile devices to share goods, services and now their recommendations online, having your content available on social media has never been more important.

Unsure how to chart a course through the turbulent waters of social media, marketing & publicity?  My firm is currently accepting a few new clients, so contact me to schedule a complimentary 15-minute appointment.

To Your Success!

Marianne

Saying “Yes” and Moving Beyond Fear

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Many times during my career,  I have come up against fear in one form or another. Should I move my business in a certain direction, accept a proposal that I knew in my heart wasn’t a good fit the future of my business or work with a client that didn’t value, respect or appreciate what I bring to the table? When I quiet myself and listen to that inner guidance, typically the answers come quickly.  When I find myself struggling for a solution, a list of pros and cons will do the trick with money out of the equation. Overall, I have come to realize that fear itself is the doorway to a greater plateau of my personal and professional development.  When I move through fear with courage and faith, I have gained the greatest insights of my life.

If I want a different result, I have to do things differntly. It’s that Einstein quote “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results” that rings countless truths, yet many of us do this repetitious behavior expecting things to change.  So how could I show up in a bigger way, breaking the routines and patterns that have kept me feeling “safe” to expand my horizons?  One way of doing this is to say “Yes” more often, even when you feel like saying No!  This doesn’t mean to be a doormat, but it does mean moving beyond the boundaries that provide a comfortable and secure border around your life.  

This year, saying Yes more often has opened doors that I couldn’t imagined were possible.  This has allowed me to meet life more boldly and be more present to the gifts that are coming my way.

I challenge you to say Yes more often and see what the Universe has in store for you!  I bet it’s worth the adventure!

Wishing you all the best!
Marianne

Gratitude for 2015

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A couple months ago, a dear friend of mine came to visit from Ohio. As a good hostess, I made plans everyday so she could see as much of the beauty that Colorado had to offer during her stay. One day I had special plans to take her to Shambhala Mountain Center in Red Feather, otherwise known as the Stupa. For me, there is a lot of magic in visiting this Buddhist Temple.

The Stupa itself is a grand building, mostly white and gold, accented with a few brilliant colors, looking like a perfectly wrapped gift in its picturesque setting. Surrounded by aspens, pines, and tall grass, the majestic building is tucked away in a small valley in the Rockies. A gentle river ribbons down the hillside, humming a melody that only the wind, trees, and occasional eagle joins in chorus. The Temple’s site was specifically chosen for the good prana quality of earth, sky, and water. While previously visiting the Stupa, it has always felt more like heaven on earth to me with its gentle winds and the crisp smell of pine filling the air.

For the pilgrim or visitor, the journey starts with a serene walk up the Path of Enlightenment. Along the path, pebbles are left behind, representing worldly worries or thoughts that travelers have discarded. This is one of the gifts of the Stupa, being in the present moment, which is something to revel in.

Many people bring prayer requests, leaving them at different places around the Temple. After a prayer meditation, the Stupa has another gift for all that visit: a tiny red marble symbolizing a seed from a pomegranate. This is beautifully inset among the many stone designs of the temple floor.

Many people don’t know, but I almost didn’t live to see this beautiful place again.

The two-lane highway, winds around open fields of flowing grass that nestle against the mountains. The sky is a brilliant blue, with an occasional white cloud slowly making its way across, just to give the brilliant blue contrast. A gentle breeze dances along the tall grasses, and cows and their calves lazily wander the countryside softly calling to one another.

Laughing and enjoying the beauty of the moment, there was only fun and friendship that filled the air. As we rounded the next turn, a little red car coming from the opposite direction was headed straight for us. The driver’s head was down, and I could see his cell phone in his hand as he was texting someone. Missing the curve of the road completely, he was now approaching a head-on collision with us. At the rate of speed he was going, there wasn’t even time to honk the horn.

Our joyful conversation immediately stopped, and the car became chillingly quiet. I veered off the road onto the foot-and-a-half shoulder, with the oncoming driver now headed directly toward me. In that split second, everything slowed down, I was hoping not to roll the car in the ditch and down the hillside that followed the small shoulder where we currently were. I hoped that my friend would survive the crash and that she wouldn’t be confined to a wheelchair or hospital bed. I thought to myself that I wasn’t going to make it, and I thought of the pain that would surely ensue.

At the last second, the driver looked up and slammed on his breaks while simultaneously turning the wheel. He was within inches of my car — so close that I could see down into his. I could see his well-worn red and black plaid shirt and his disheveled black hair. Dropping his phone and with both hands now on the steering wheel, he angled his body as if willing his car to move in a different direction. Tires screeched and by some miracle, he missed my car. Immediately, he then sped up and was gone over the next hill.

I pulled over, more in shock than shaken, and a car behind us pulled over to see if we were okay, having nearly witnessed my last few moments on this planet. I got out and looked at my car, not a scratch on it. My very talkative and cheerful friend was now extremely quiet, and we both continued our journey in silence.

When we arrived at the Stupa, the prayer requests that I had thoughtfully written out the night before were now irrelevant and meaningless. As we stared up the path, I took a moment and closed my eyes, letting the sunshine wash over me and feeling a gentle breeze on my face. I was filled with an immense feeling of gratitude: I am so grateful to be alive.