This winter, I decided I wanted to learn how to speak Spanish. I subscribed to the language app called Duolingo, and every day, I get a new lesson that builds on the last. They started with the basics like "how to say hello." Then I learned how to introduce myself to someone and tell them where I was from. Now I'm learning how to order coffee, ask for directions, or buy clothes from the store. The only way to master a language is to focus on the fundamentals first, then build on that.

Today, in honor of my 200th episode, I thought it would be fitting to review the "fundamentals" of marketing and sales. These are my top 10 principles and lessons that I've taught since the start of this podcast. I know I've shared a lot of "shiny" strategies and ideas on this show over the years. But if we had to go back to the fundamentals, what are the elements we  need to "master" that truly drive results?

Here is a quick list of marketing fundamentals I discuss in this episode:

1. Every product has an ideal customer. Figure out what yours is.
2. Tell people where and how to start working with you.
3. Start building an email list, and learn how to write a great weekly email (so you can eventually pitch offers)
4. The goal of social media is to attract your ideal customer and get them onto your email list. Create posts that cause this to happen.
5. Keep your eye on the ultimate target: the Lifetime Customer Value $$.
6. Your customers want to buy more things from you. So make more products so you can pitch them.
7. Focus more time and money on helping your customers experience success with your product. This has a huge ROI, and solves the retention problem.
8. You are selling a transformation. Your product is just a catalyst for this greater transformation.
9. Yes lives in the land of no. You must not be afraid of getting "no's" when you pitch your offer. It is just part of the gig.
10. Learn different ways to build an offer. There are lots of ways to pitch and package your products to get people to want them. Learn this skill. Study it.

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Some of the resources mentioned in this episode:

Join my free email list! I have a great "email onboarding sequence" that will guide you through the marketing jungle over the course of several months. Each week, you'll get a new email with suggestions and tips to make your marketing better.

Episode 37 How to Research Your Ideal Customer

Building a Storybrand by Donald Miller -- GET THIS BOOK!

Episode 18 Top Tips for Writing Better Emails

ConvertKit -- I recommend this email service provider over Mailchimp by far. This is my affiliate link, so if you sign up with this link, I will get a small commission.

Zapier.com -- this is a tool that automates workflows between different software apps

Episode 50: Three Ways to Increase Revenue

Sign up for my CSA Academy -- try out your first month for only $1 -- and get access to my CSA member resource library to use for your own CSA (as long as you're a paying member). Use coupon code TRIAL to get your first month for $1. (After that, it's $19/month)

CSA Tips and Tricks Success Guide -- grab my Canva template for this beautiful onboarding resource for your new CSA members. It teaches the most important skills they need to know to be successful as a new CSA member. Easy to skim in 10 minutes. Covers the "secrets" of my CSA masters. It's ready to use as-is -- but you can go in and customize it for how your CSA is set up.