Write A Book Seminar

Seminar Thursday June 17, 2010
It's been said that everyone has at least one book inside them waiting to be written, what's yours about? I will present a seminar on Thursday June 17,2010 called WRITE-PUBLISH-PROMOTE at my office from 6:30 to 8PM (Colorado Cards, 5585 Erindale Dr #203, Colo Spgs, CO). I have 4 published business books and 2 more on the way. You'll learn how to come up with a catchy title, layout chapter outlines, plan for the correct number of pages, write the first draft, edit, search for a publisher and accept rejection. Find out the difference between a mainstream publisher, print on demand, self-publishing, e-books and how to get an agent. Then promoting your book after it's published using many different ways is just as important. Attendance is limited to the first 12 adults at $20.00 per person. Nothing else will sold at the seminar. The space is limited so call 719-268-1322 or email: idealetter@aol.com to reserve a seat. The overflow date is Sat June 19,2010 9:30-11AM if too many want to attend.

Underpromise & Overperform

Find out the minimum requirements that your customer needs when making a purchase or placing an order. Then decide how you can offer more at little or no cost to you. Even a little more than expected can result in a happy, content and return customer. If they need a faster delivery than normal and you provide it without charging a rush fee you will get positive feedback and likely referrals. In today's economy that extra value can go a long way in creating customer loyalty. Always look for ways to oveperform cheerfully and your business will grow and profit from it. More ideas in my book "The Jelly Bean Principle"

What is Networking?

We have heard this term "Networking" over and over but do we really know why it's important? The objective of good networking is to get people to like you and respect you, that's it. When your have those two things acomplished everything else is easy. And good networking means talking 40% of the time and listening 60% of the time. More business and relationships are comsumated with you mouth closed than open. It took me many years to learn this myself but once I did the results proved that it was the best way. Show a definite interest in what the other person is saying and look them in the eye, smile and nod your head occaisionally. Good networking pays off when you least expect it and many times when you most need it. Just remember that both sides of a conversation expect to get something out of it. More business ideas at idealetter.com.

Customers and Loyalty

When it comes to loyalty and repeat business any small business owner knows they go hand-in-hand. But many times it goes even further than repeat business and sends you referrals who become new customers. This was Starbucks concept when they started and how they grew so big. The did very little advertising and relied on word of mouth publicity. Their marketing was great friendly service, a welcome environment and premium products regardless of price. People will pay a little more if they feel they are getting more. It's your job to provide that "extra value" and make sure that they know it. In the cutthroat price discount wars a small business really can't win, they may only be able to barely survive. Why not abandon price cutting and spend your time and money on making your product, service and shopping experience better, a lot better. Loyal customers who send referrals are the most powerful marketing that you just can't buy. "Service them and they will come"

Newsletters and Ideas

There are a lot of newsletters out there for business and most are informative. Some are free and some are at a low cost. Select the one that gives you the most usuable ideas for your business even if it's not free. Ideas that work to improve your business are difficult to find at any cost. So the nominal cost is not the issue if makes or saves your money. When you find a newsletter that helps you read it regularly so you don't miss any great ideas. You can always offer to write a short article for the newsletter to share your expertise and get some free publicity.

Email the Media

Let the media (radio-TV-Newspaper) know that youare an expertin your industry and willing to share it. Find a list of them on the web and email the editors and reportersw about every 3 months. Your email should consist of 2 short paragraphs describing yourself and what area you feel you are an expert in. Offer to be interviewed about your expertise any time a newsworthy subject or news comes into their newsroom. Include your cell number and be available 24/7 because if they can't reach you on the first call they may not try again. Your name and business will get mentioned in the broadcast or story that they use. It will not only make you look like an expert but give you free publicity. More ideas in my book "The Jelly Bean Principle"

Your Target Market

Once you've established who your best customer group is, stay in contact with them. Prospects and customers will not always respond to the first thing they see and have to be reminded. Make an offer or present a new product in your advertising and direct mail that encourages action and sales. Change your offer each time you present it so it's fresh and new. Also look for ways to expand your target market and add new potential buyers. The larger your target market the faster your business will grow.

Having a Bad Day?

We all know that every day of our life is not going to fun and exciting. When those bad days arrive we need to get through them with a minimum of damage. It's best to keep customer contact to a minimum to avoid creating any ill will that will be harmful to your business. Try communicating by email or fax to get your work done and keep messages short and to the point. The day will pass and tomorrow will be better and more productive; and tomorrow is less than 24 hours away. This also goes for employees having a bad day, don't let them damage your customer relations. Either send them home or assign them a job off the front lines. Everyone will have a day that's much less than perfect occaisionally but don't let it affect your business in a negative way.

Convenient Customer Hours

Let me get up on my soapbox and say that if you don't have business hours that satisfy your customers it's time to get out of the business. I said customer NOT you. I see too many business owners that open late and close early just because they feel like it. Then they wonder why business is slow or they don't get the repeat customers that they expect. A competitor who has more convenient hours is taking all their customers. Well good for the competitor because thats how a business should be operated to achieve maximum growth & profits. Before you even start a new business decide if you can and will offer the hours that your customers & clients want and need. And that also goes for answering customer's emails for an internet business. If that's not you then find another venture that requires less hours. Customers expect you to be available when THEY need you and will reward you with repeat sales and referrals. Look at the business hours you are now offering and make adjustments quickly, you'll be surprised at the positive results. There are 104 more business ideas in my book "The Jelly Bean Principle"

Ask For Timely Payment

When billing business customers, make sure that your payment terms are specified and easy to see. The most common are 10, 15, 20 or 30 days from the date of the invoice. If you are providing a quality product or service, don't be afraid to fax or call with a reminder to pay when past your terms. By requesting on time payment you are showing that you value what you have sold and expect the customer to value it also. We always contact them by email, fax or phone about 5 days after the due date and every few days thereafter until paid. Don't be bashful about asking to be paid on time, your customer may even respect you more because of it. More free articles that you can reprint at www.idealetter.com

Why Shop at a Small Store?

The consumer has many choices when it comes to spending their money. Why should they consider a small store over a large corporate chain or discount store? Here are some ideas that build loyalty in small stores or businesses.

. Better all-around customer service
. Well informed sales staff
. Owners on premises & available
. Every sale is very important
. People you can get to know
. Unique products not available elsewhere
. Faster check-out or payment
. Comfortable store layout
. Easy returns & exchanges
. Special orders are welcome
. They know your name and use it
. No corporate bureaucracy
. Quick decisions can be made
. Consistent quality & prices

If your small store is missing any of these, get to work on improving your image today. You can & will survive any economic slowdown with loyal repeat customers who will also send referrals. But to get that loyalty you must give them the feeling that their business is valued and appreciated.

Reward Employees

If you want your customers to experience the most friendly & helpful service, try thinking "Inside the Box". Happy & content employees will provide this service that sets you apart from competitors. Many of them will go beyond what is required and provide that lasting impression on your customers. Reward superstar employees with some type of recognition or bonus. When you do this the results will be:

.It shows that you've noticed
.It makes them feel that their extra effort is appreciated
.It inspires other employees to do the same
.It makes the person feel important
.It's contagious with other employees and yourself

Make your business the best it can be and remembered by the people who pay you, your customers. It's a win-win situation. More ideas in my book "The Jelly Bean Principle"

Customer Service Don'ts

What has happened to customer service in the retail business? Big companies don't care, they just advertise low prices to draw customers for one-time purchases. But small business needs loyalty to keep customers coming back and save those advertising dollars. Common sense tells you to treat the customer like royalty because they are. Following are some ways to create that loyalty and most are FREE!

. Don't forget to say Thank You..every time
. Don't argue with a customer..you can lose 2 ways
. Don't ever try to fool a customer
. Don't set your business hours to suit you instead of the needs of your customers
. Don't chew gum or eat when talking to a customer... common courtesy
. Don't be too busy to talk to a customer
. Don't answer all phone calls with voice mail
. Don't forget to reward regular customers
. Don't make customers wait to pay you
. Don't ignore the long term value of a customer

Don't Forget The Trade Show

It's always important to attend at least one trade show in your industry once a year. You will find the latest innovations and ideas that you can turn into profits and be on the cutting edge of your field. You can also visit current suppliers and see what competitors are doing. Most trade shows will have free or low cost seminars/workshops and you should go to as many as possible. You can never have too much information when promoting your business or brand. Maybe today is the time to register for one or more shows in 2010. If any trade shows are in your current city you should visit all of those. If you are looking for more shows in your industry try these websites:
www.eventseye.com
www.allconferences.com
www.directory.tradeshowweek.com
www.eventsinamerica.com
These sites have most of the trade shows in North Americas and the world. More information on speaking at trade shows at www.idealetter.com