Welcome to the blog of Spiritus - the Spiritual Marketing Directory
Hello and welcome to the blog of Spiritus - the Spiritual Marketing Directory.
I am Shelagh Jones, and I have created Spiritus as a place for businesses to attract the customers they really want - with ease.
And as a place for customers to get to know something about the people and philosophy behind a business before starting the business relationship.
So a Search in the Directory produces a list of matching businesses. But this is not just a list of contact details. Each business answers three questions:
- What does "Marketing from Spirit" mean to us?
- How is that reflected in the way we run our business?
- What three values are most important to our business?
Visitors look through the list, then click to get full contact and business details of any business that attracts them to start the business relationship.
In this way, Spiritus aims to connect businesses and customers in a manner that is for the greater good of all.
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Posted by shelagh on August 18th, 2008 filed in Spiritus |
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Ask your questions about Spiritus-the Spiritual Marketing Directory
We are holding a series of interactive calls during July where you can ask any questions that you have about Spiritus -the Spiritual Marketing Directory:
The dates and times are:
Thursday July 2nd - 8pm Hong Kong, 10pm Brisbane (Australia), 1pm UK, 8am Eastern Time (US)
Thursday July 2nd - 9pm UK, 4pm Eastern Time (US), 1 pm Pacific Time (US)
Tuesday July 7th - 8pm Hong Kong, 10pm Brisbane (Australia), 1pm UK, 8am Eastern Time (US)
Tuesday July 7th - 9pm UK, 4pm Eastern Time (US), 1 pm Pacific Time (US)
Tuesday July 21st - 8pm Hong Kong, 10pm Brisbane (Australia), 1pm UK, 8am Eastern Time (US)
Tuesday July 21st - 9pm UK, 4pm Eastern Time (US), 1 pm Pacific Time (US)
Thursday July 30th - 8pm Hong Kong, 10pm Brisbane (Australia), 1pm UK, 8am Eastern Time (US)
Thursday July 30th - 9pm UK, 4pm Eastern Time (US), 1 pm Pacific Time (US)
Telephone number for all calls: (1) 712 421 8894 Access code 774748 (spells Spirit!)
The purpose of these calls is to introduce all the features of Spiritus - the Spiritual Marketing Directory and answer any questions about the Directory.
We will look at the public face of the Directory, how to create a profile in the Directory, the members’ Forums, the Helping Hand fund, and the business training offered as part of membership.
Everyone is welcome, whether a member or not.
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Posted by spiritus on June 25th, 2009 filed in Spiritual Marketing, Spiritus |
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Spiritus Helping Hand Fund award for May
I am delighted to announce that the Helping Hand fund for May is awarded to the worldwide organisation “Room to Read”.
“Room to Read” believes that “World change starts with educated children” and to further this aim has, to date, opened more than 7000 libraries throughout the developing world.
“Room to Read” was chosen to receive the Helping Hand Fund award by Kay Ross of Kay Ross Marketing.. Kay was born in Glasgow, Scotland; brought up in Adelaide, Australia and now lives and works in Hong Kong where she has a marketing consultancy, runs a healing practice - and is a stand-up comedian!
Kay joined Spiritus in March, and in April she referred more new members than anyone else, so won the right the choose who received the Helping Hand Fund in May.
Now all this may seem a bit familiar to you - probably because Kay also referred more new members in April than anyone else, so this is the second month running that Spiritus is able to donate to the Room to Read organisation.
Thank you for your support, Kay, and thank you for choosing such a worthwhile organisation.
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Posted by spiritus on May 10th, 2009 filed in Business, Spiritual Marketing, Spiritus |
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What is the real lesson to learn from Susan Boyle’s appearance on TV?
I’ve read a lot about the lessons to be learnt from Susan Boyle’s appearance on the TV show, Britain’s Got Talent (BGT)
Most seem to talk about pre-judging from what a person looks like.
And that is a good lesson to learn again - and was my first thought on seeing the actual programme.
But then I was invited to look a bit deeper, and what I found is, I think, an even greater lesson.
I think that what we should really be looking at here is the manipulative behaviour of the BGT producers - and how we can so easily miss that.
Simon Cowell’s comment during the judging was very telling - he said he knew immediately something very special (correction: Extraordinary) was coming.
Why did he say that??
Not because he could “divine” her gorgeous voice before he heard her sing.
But, I suspect, because she was allowed by the producers to go on stage looking so dreadful.
They COULD have improved her appearance considerably - just see what she looks like next time round!!
But they knew perfectly well what first impression she would make with that hair, that dress, those eyebrows.
And they were not going to ruin a potentially great TV moment by allowing her to present herself better.
They allowed her to go out to face the reaction they knew she would get - cynicism, ridicule, disbelief.
They wanted to build up as much of that as they could so as to get the greatest reaction possible when she opened her mouth.
Simon knows how the producers work - he could even demand that they produce one such “surprise” per show, as there seems to be one!
So seeing someone so poorly presented, he probably DID have an inkling she had something amazing hidden inside.
He knew that the only reason someone was allowed on stage looking like that was to create contrast.
The producers set us, the viewers, up masterfully.
I had my guard down and fell right into the obvious trap they set. As did most people.
But I hope I’m not the only one who, on reflection, sees the bigger trap, sees the blatant exploitation of Susan, and has learnt the even more important lesson about being discerning at all times -even when relaxing on a Saturday night.
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Posted by spiritus on May 2nd, 2009 filed in Business, Law of Attraction, Spiritual Marketing, Spiritus |
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Spiritual Marketing explained by looking at four strategies for selling vegetables
Spiritual Marketing explained in 5 steps by looking at four strategies for selling vegetables
You can learn the basic concept of Spiritual Marketing by looking at four alternative strategies for buying and selling vegetables.
It starts with you
Law of Attraction says that our thoughts, minute by minute, create feelings which cause us to give off vibrations. These vibrations attract to us events, people and things which match those vibrations – like vibrations attract each other.
In the business world, some businesses accurately reflect the thoughts and feelings of the people who own and run them. Others put on a public face which is what the business thinks their customers want to see, but is not necessarily what is true for the owners and staff.
And customers “get” the difference. Maybe not consciously, but deep down we know when what a business says is important to it, and when the principles which guide it really do reflect the thoughts and feelings of those running it.
Furthermore, we instinctively feel more comfortable working with people businesses whose thoughts and feelings are a match for our own – businesses whose values match our own.
For example, consider a business that sells vegetables.
So let’s look at 4 strategies to select and sell vegetables, and the predominate value behind that strategy.
A - Buy and sell at the lowest possible prices (Price)
B - Provide the widest possible choice of vegetables every day of the year (Choice)
C - Choose suppliers who use no artificial chemicals in the production of the vegetables (Organic)
D - Offer packs of prepared vegetables in non-specialist shops close to where people work or live (Convenience)
The way the business operates will vary tremendously depending on which of these four values is most important.
The greater the degree to which the way of operating reflects the personal values of the people running the business, the closer the relationship between the business and its customers.
So the first step is to get really clear about what matters to you, what values are important to you, and what you want to see reflected in your business.
Envision your perfect customer
The first step is to think about the sort of person who would not be the perfect customer for you.
These are people who would not be perfect customers for these four vegetable businesses:
A - people who are prepared to pay for what they want, and will not accept what they don’t want just because it is a lower price
B - people who like the rhythm of the seasons, and eating different vegetables each month; people who are concerned about the sustainability of food supplies and the carbon footprint of vegetable delivery.
C - people who are unconcerned about eating artificial fertiliser residues in their food; people who are not prepared to pay more than the minimum for their vegetables.
D - people who shop once a week for all their vegetables; people who dislike overpackaging of food; people with plenty of time to shop and prepare vegetables.
From this, it is easier to see who would be perfect customers for each of these businesses
A - people who value low prices above quality, sustainability, convenience.
B - people who want to be able to buy the vegetables they want any day of the year, and are not concerned about the cost of that, or the impact on the environment.
C - people who are concerned about the way their vegetables are produced, about chemical residues in them, and the impact of their production on the environment, and are prepared to pay to have what they want.
D - people who want to buy ready-prepared vegetables in a shop close to them at a time convenient to them and with maximum availability.
Now, which of these businesses are most likely to reflect the values, the passions, the thoughts and feelings of their owners and staff?
And which are most likely to have been created to fill a perceived niche, to fit into a business strategy to exploit a lifestyle situation?
Reflect your values in how you run your business
These four vegetable businesses will have very different ways of operating, and will make very different choices about
where they source their vegetables,
how they are grown,
the range they offer,
the packaging they use,
the prices they charge,
the variety on offer from week to week,
the prices they pay their suppliers.
So consider every aspect of your business, and make sure it really is congruent with your values.
Any aspect which is “off” or incongruent will confuse your customers, and make him less attracted to you.
Acknowledge and appreciate your customers
The best way to do this is to give great service, both during and after the selling process. Go that little bit further, and do something which enforces the message of the values which underpin your business.
Some tactics for these vegetable businesses:
A - offer one “staple” vegetable each week at a very low-profit price
B - create data sheets showing where the business sources each vegetable as the year progresses, and the efforts which go into ensuring year-round continuity of supply.
C - share details of the growers of the vegetables, who they are, where and how they grow their vegetables
D - invent recipes which use the prepared vegetables and other items available in the store to quickly produce a complete meal.
Every business can find ways to reinforce their message in unexpected extras which show their appreciation of their customers.
Take Action
The final stage of the Law of Attraction is to allow it to do its work.
In terms of marketing your business, this is about taking action to allow customers to be attracted to you.
So it is about advertising, public relations, networking.
The purpose behind the activity is to convey your message in a clear manner to the people who are most likely to share your values and become your customers.
Exactly what you do will depend on your business.
For some businesses, mass advertising is the way. For others, that hold values which are held by a small percentage of the public, a more targeted approach is needed.
The important thing is to get your message out where your prospective customers likely to see it.
Conclusion
Apply these five steps to your business and it will reflect your values more accurately, attracting to you customers who share those values and making your life so much more agreeable!
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Posted by spiritus on April 13th, 2009 filed in Law of Attraction, Spiritus |
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Spiritus Helping Hand Fund award for April
I am delighted to announce that the Helping Hand fund for April is awarded to the worldwide organisation “Room to Read”.
“Room to Read” believes that “World change starts with educated children” and to further this aim has, to date, opened more than 7000 libraries throughout the developing world.
“Room to Read” was chosen to receive the Helping Hand Fund award by Kay Ross of Kay Ross Marketing.. Kay was born in Glasgow, Scotland; brought up in Adelaide, Australia and now lives and works in Hong Kong where she has a marketing consultancy, runs a healing practice - and is a stand-up comedian!
Kay only joined Spiritus in the second week of March, but she referred more new members than anyone else, so won the right the choose who received the Helping Hand Fund in April.
Thank you for bringing “Room to Read” to our attention, Kay!
I’m really pleased to be able to help them in what they do.
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Posted by spiritus on April 4th, 2009 filed in Law of Attraction, Spiritus |
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Find out more about Spiritus - the Spiritual Marketing Directory
We are continuing our calls during June:
The dates and times are:
Thursday June 4th - 8pm Hong Kong, 10pm Brisbane (Australia), 1pm UK, 8am Eastern Time (US)
Thursday June 4th - 9pm UK, 4pm Eastern Time (US), 1 pm Pacific Time (US)
Tuesday June 9th - 8pm Hong Kong, 10pm Brisbane (Australia), 1pm UK, 8am Eastern Time (US)
Tuesday June 9th - 9pm UK, 4pm Eastern Time (US), 1 pm Pacific Time (US)
Thursday June 18th - 8pm Hong Kong, 10pm Brisbane (Australia), 1pm UK, 8am Eastern Time (US)
Thursday June 18th - 9pm UK, 4pm Eastern Time (US), 1 pm Pacific Time (US)
Tuesday June 23rd - 8pm Hong Kong, 10pm Brisbane (Australia), 1pm UK, 8am Eastern Time (US)
Tuesday June 23rd - 9pm UK, 4pm Eastern Time (US), 1 pm Pacific Time (US)
Telephone number for all calls: (1) 712 421 8894 Access code 774748 (spells Spirit!)
The purpose of these calls is to introduce all the features of Spiritus - the Spiritual Marketing Directory and answer any questions about the Directory.
We will look at the public face of the Directory, how to create a profile in the Directory, the members’ Forums, the Helping Hand fund, and the business training offered as part of membership.
Everyone is welcome, whether a member or not.
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Posted by spiritus on March 22nd, 2009 filed in Business, Spiritual Marketing, Spiritus |
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Ivan Cameron - the life and death of a little boy
Ivan Cameron, the 6-year old son of David Cameron, leader of the Conservative Party and likely to be our next Prime Minister, died this week.
It would be hard to overstate the effect that the life and death of this little boy will have on the whole nation here in the UK.
Prior to his birth, his parents David and Samantha had followed a predictable and straightforward path through life, both from homes filled with the material advantages that are aspired to by many, but attained by few.
When it was realised that Ivan suffered from a condition that would not only make his life short, but would also make it painful, distressing (both for him and for those caring for him) and solitary because of his inability to communicate, his parents made some decisions about how to care for him.
Those decisions, as David has said, profoundly changed both their attitudes to the whole process of how we care for those unable to look after themselves, and how we support those carers.
His experience of our Health system, the people who work in it and the people who use it, have already had an impact on his politics, and will, I am sure, affect where his priorities lie if he becomes responsible for making the choices of where the country’s resources are focussed in the coming years.
And seeing exactly how David has cared for his son gives voters a unique glimpse into his values and how he translates them into his actual life.
There are many problems with our National Health Service; there are differing ideas about how this vital service should adapt to today’s conditions.
But the life and death of little Ivan Cameron will certainly impact the thinking of one of our two main political parties.
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Posted by spiritus on March 2nd, 2009 filed in Spiritual Marketing, Spiritus |
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Find out about Spiritus - the Spiritual Marketing Directory!
During March, we will be running a series of interactive teleconference calls to introduce Spiritus to anyone who wants to know more, and answer any questions.
The dates and times are:
Thursday, March 5th - 8pm UK, 3pm ET, 12 noon PT
Tuesday March 10th - 9pm ET, 6pm PT, 10am Australia (1am UK)
Wednesday March 18th - 9pm ET, 6pm PT, 10am Australia (1am UK)
Thursday March 19th - 8pm UK, 4pm ET, 1pm PT
Thursday March 26th - 9pm ET, 6pm PT, 10am Australia (1am UK)
Telephone number for all calls: (1) 712 421 8894 Access code 774748 (spells Spirit!)
Remember - the business who refers the most new members to Spiritus in a month chooses which charity/non-profit organisation receives the Helping Hand Fund that month (which is equal to 10% of the revenue of Spiritus for that month).
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Posted by spiritus on March 2nd, 2009 filed in Business, Spiritual Marketing, Spiritus |
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Spiritus Business Information Call - why blog?
Diane Corriette talks about “7 reasons you are leaving money on the table if you are not blogging”.
Diane is Membership Manager of Blog Success, a successful blogger herself, and also runs her own business Inspirational Guidance.
Most Spiritus Business Information calls are only for members of Spiritus, but this one is being made freely available as an example this additional benefit of listing a business in Spiritus -the Spiritual Marketing Directory.
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Posted by spiritus on February 16th, 2009 filed in Business, Spiritus |
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