Creating,Assets,amp,#58,Spark, marketing Creating Assets:  Spark Your Thinking with these 16

Automation technologies represent a fundamental aspect of any modern industry. The major types of industrial automation solutions, such as DCS, PLC, SCADA, and MES, are used on a large-scale in process and discrete industries.DCS technologie Awhile ago, I got an email from one of the "gurus" I follow and it shocked me. The gist of it was this person wanted to trade services for a household item.To say it floored me would be an understatement.What was worse was a few days later t

Creating Assets:  Spark Your Thinkingwith these 16 Comprehensive QuestionsHere are some questions to get your thoughts and cash flowmoving that will also keep your product creating aligned andfocused.Find your gold mine in your surroundings by looking at anypromotional literature you have created, audio or videotapes you have produced, press releases or articles about orby you, your product catalog or list and even your businesscard.1. What is the one single important subject from yourexperience or knowledge that you want to tell the worldabout? If you have a list or create a list, which onespeaks to you the loudest?2. What are you most frequently surprised about that peopleask about in your subject area? Track all the questionspeople are asking -- they are telling you what they arewilling to buy. It is usually something so common sense toyou that it escapes your radar. Be observant for a monthand you will be amazed on what pops up.3. When you created your list or selected the singleimportant subject, look to narrow down this topic intosegments. Can these segments be a product or service ontheir own? Most of the time it can be.4. How will you spread the word -- what will be yourmarketing tool for this subject/segment? Think how buyerswant to hear about it (not what's in your comfort level --that is if you want it to be easy as possible -- however itdoesn't have to be). Can this become a profit center foryou? If yes, how? What are your ideas and thoughts?5. What is the top thing you want people to know about thissubject/segment? Is it a new skill, perspective, attitude,expanding general knowledge, wisdom -- what?6. Does the information need to be presented in logicalorder or randomly?7. What do you want people to do or not to do, change ormove during or afterwards with this? How will this benefitthem?8. Who besides this market can benefit from this? Arethere any other specific markets that this would apply to?Manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, who?9. Is there any specific words or language for thistopic/subject/segment? If not specific, what words appearmore frequently than others? Create a list of keywords thatyou might search on the Internet if you were looking forinformation on this.10. Think back to a time when you first learned about thistopic/subject/segment. Did you keep any notes or journalentries? Did you receive an aha moment when you learned aprinciple or key about this? Yes, then write about thestory/aha moment.11. Do some research on the Internet and Amazon. Whatother information is available on this? How old is thisinformation? Create a file in your word processing softwareand call it "[your topic/subject] research." Do theresearch in small chunks or big ones. Don't read until youhave collected 10-20 pages. Set a time limit on theresearch and/or number of pages of research notes. Don'tforget to track the URL source. Keep cutting and pastingthe information in as you progress.12. What do people need to know about you? Why do you wantto tell this or teach it? Do you have any credentials, ifnot, that's okay to, however, what is your experience onthis topic? More times than not, life training is worth alot more than credentials.13. Do you have any other information that connects orcompliments this topic/segment? Another article, booklet,audiotape -- anything -- go-ahead pull it out and gather itall together.14. Have you heard any short anecdotes on this topic? Ifso, what were they, who was the source? Can you interviewthem to hear it again? Give them the credit; it makes youmore attractive on the topic?15. Does your information need visual assistance?Graphics, pictures, charts, models. Anything come to mindas a possibility? Draft out every idea so they can grow.Use the research you are doing to spark your creativity. Ifsomeone presents it in words, can you do it in a model ordrawing?16. Are there any ebooks on the topic? What about specialreports? Paid or free? If purchased, does it complimentyour topic or how can you create a different angle and useit to compliment? Can you create an affiliate with theirproduct? Do you want to use it as a marketing lead-in or asa bonus?Boy, that was tough thinking about all this and answeringthese questions. Yes, I agree. Yet, as I know you well seewhile reading them, how important they are to your success.Now, the tough time comes, you need to sit down andanswering them. Not just once, however, on a regular basis.Like minimum once a year.Take the time, it's the best time you will ever spendworking "on" your business. Best wishes on your journey.If you need guidance, let me know.