These simple marketing rules were written with home-based business owners in mind. Whether you’re marketing a product, a service or a business opportunity they all hold true and these rules can help you enjoy greater results and more cash flow. Here goes:

1. A confused mind always says, "no." This means if there is ANYthing about your product, service or business opportunity that your prospective customer doesn't get - they'll say "no." It could be a feature or a benefit - but it also could be just one single word or a phrase. Strive for clarity. Say things so your message resonates with them in a way that’s clear and understandable. To get results - marketing should never be about you - it should be about what's clear and compelling to your ideal customers. If they don't "get" a word, a term or a feature - you're outta there. Marketing communications or a sales pitches most of the time should be communicated at an 8th grade level or less. And don't use jargon unless you're 100% sure your meaning will be understood.

2. People have to need it, want it and be willing to pay for it to be your customer. Often I see home-based business owners with a great product or service, however they offer it to the wrong people. Maybe they're intimidated when they think about approaching the right people. Maybe they believe they can convince the wrong people to buy what they have. Nope. Sorry. I learned from a very savvy business woman and bestselling author that, "If you think everyone is your customer - no one will be your customer." Be more picky about who you do business with. Don't go after the people who love it but never have any money - go after the customers who need it, want it and are willing to pay for it.

3. Stop spending your time and energy trying to impress others. Instead, spend your time and energy being impressed with others. What does this mean? Well, if you ever go to networking meetings and events there's a very good chance you try hard to impress people with who you are and what you do. You dress your best, figure out you're elevator speech. These aren’t bad things - but it barely scratches the surface. Instead, when you take a genuine interest in others and ask questions - they will be impressed with you! So turn it around and stop worrying if you're having a bad hair day or you have lipstick on your teeth.

4. People buy based on emotion and they back it up with logic. You may have never thought about this before but politics is all about marketing. The candidate who leads with his resume and why he or she is the most experienced and qualified person for the job usually goes down on election day. In contrast the candidate who has an emotionally compelling message that goes straight to the heart and then backs it up with his or her qualifications is more likely to captivate voters. You may have never thought about it but chances are you have an emotionally compelling story that will catapult customers to your side when you back it up with features and benefits they like. Use your story.

These four simple marketing rules are just a start. If you truly take them to heart they will help you to get greater results with prospective customers and more happy "yes" answers from customers. Working with a marketing mentor can help you discover customized ways to leverage these four simple marketing rules so they work amazingly well in your business and you enjoy more success.