Dear ,

Dump the junk! I've been unsubscribing like crazy the last week or so to rid myself of all the irrelevant marketing pitches, newsletters, and updates I get. It seems that there are those on Facebook who have automatically signed me up and I don't appreciate it. This is called Permission-Based Marketing for a reason, you have to opt-in and must always have a way to opt-out. Remember this if you are starting your own ezine, do not add without permission.

Get permission! Permission isn't as hard to get as you think. If you offer value content it is downright easy. While I'll go into details in an upcoming article, the key is to get their initials on their card saying yes if you are leading an event. They can opt-in on your feedback form. You are not allowed to collect stray email addresses and send, it is considered spamming.

Lost in translation! Well I got my feature interview into the Chinese publication for translation. They asked both business and more personal questions, primarily to do with design, my legacy and such. I won't be able to read it since it will be published in Mandarin. I hope that my meaning isn't lost in translation, it is a little daunting to consider.

Prospering by Design, ARE YOU?

Melissa Galt
The Six Figure Design Professional
Your Interior Design Business Systems Specialist
Devoted to Your Design Business Success

"Action makes more fortune than caution."

~ Luc DeClapiers
1715-1747, Essayist

TWITTER Training Replay NOW AVAILABLE with MY NOTES!

Social Media Success: How to Build Your Nest On Twitter for Fun and Profit was a success last night! If you missed it and want the REPLAY, MY NOTES (trust me better than yours), and your QUICK START ACTION GUIDE, please click below:

Twitter Webinar: Replay, Notes, Guide!

You'll also get access to a F.R.E.E. call on Tuesday evening, March 24 8pm EDT for any questions you have on Twitter or if you need assistance understanding tools and features.

The Difference between Success and Failure is Asking

Too often the difference between and success and failure is simply in the asking. You neglect to ask for the raise, you fail to ask for the sale, you forget to ask for referrals. It is all about asking both in business and in life. There are 5 ways to ASK YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS:

Ask for Business
We all know sales people that fail to ask for the sale. I hope you aren't one of them! It isn't enough to educate, inform, and even entertain the prospect; you've got to ask for the sale. Whether you are offering a service or a product doesn't matter, you must ask for the sale. Simply pausing when you are finished, doesn't mysteriously invite the prospect to buy. You have to ask "when are you available to schedule that first appointment?" or "would you like this in red?" or whatever question will get you the sale.

Ask for Testimonials
Way too many people neglect asking their customers and clients for testimonials or rave reviews. Are you one who neglects this too? It is easy. When you have completed delivery or an installation simply invite them to write a short note on a card you provide and be sure you have their permission to quote them. If you wait until a later date this becomes much more challenging as they are no longer in the moment and feeling the elation and immediate benefit of the service or product provided.

Read the Rest of the Article Here!

It Isn't Networking, It's Netliving that Makes the Difference

Have you ever recommended a movie to a friend, a restaurant to a colleague, perhaps shared a doctor with a close friend or even a favorite boutique with a fellow conference participant who complemented you? Then you're Netliving^(TM). It is easy to get caught up in networking and most people dread it on some level or another, but what you forget is that you are Netliving^(TM) every day without considering it difficult or a chore. Stop networking and instead simply up your Netliving^(TM).

Read the Rest of the Article Here!

The Aladdin Factor, A Primer on Asking

This is one of my all time favorite listens (sure you can read the book, but who has time!) The link here is for Nightingale-Conant, The Aladdin Factor. You can certainly go to www.amazon.com and find it also. I found this life changing! I read this several years ago and have been ASKING ever since. I use this in business and personally, whether it is for an upgrade at a hotel, a better interest rate on a credit card, a restaurant of my choosing, a larger fee, or more business. IT WORKS!

Melissa Galt, The Six Figure Interior Design Professional, specializes in interior design business systems for success. As a successful independent interior designer for over 15 years, Melissa knows the design business inside out. Now, she presents unique workshops providing design professionals, at every level of their career growth, with simple, proven systems for achievement.

Melissa shows designers, decorators, and home fashion experts how they can boost their business, put more profit in their pocket, and enjoy the life they design. Find total freedom in your business to embrace the lifestyle you want most. Get the tools and techniques, not just the strategies, for winning lead generation, masterful marketing, priceless PR, sales secrets to optimize every project, and fruitful follow up for a lifetime of raving fans.