Put your website address on all business cards, stationery, product literature, invoices and all print advertising. If you web address is short or easy to remember, there's no limit to where you can use it. Use it on promotional give-aways, signs, t-shirts, magnets, vehicle lettering and uniforms. If you are a Chamber of Commerce or BBB member, make sure it's listed in their directory and on their website.
Think of other places where your customers and prospects look or things they read and make sure that you're there. If you sell locally, consider a billboard on a busy street with your site in big letters with and offer or gift for visiting. You can also trade links with other companies that are after the same target market but are not competitors. Do so by adding a link on each other's site. The more people who visit your site the fuel you will have for growth in your business.
More in chapter 8 of my latest book "90 Days to Success as a Small Business Owner" available at Amazon.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
How to Keep Customers/Clients
I know you are going to say that you know all these things but do you practice them every day? It never hurts to review what you can & should be doing to keep the people who support your business coming back. Print this list out and hang it in your office or break room.
*Use customer/client's name, often
*Give more than you promise
*Hire friendly staff and watch them
*Always say Thank You, every time
*Ask & listen to customer input/comments
*Change with the times and technology
*Know the long-term value of your customer
*Exceed what competitors are doing
*Visit competitor's website often
*Show your patrons benefits not features
*Keep your website fresh and informative
*Reward customer/client loyalty
*Treat employees well and fairly
*Watch your industry for new ideas
*Stay in contact with customers
*Handle problems/complaints promptly
*Provide customer education and help
*Cross train your staff
*Offer VIP treatment (everyone loves it)
*Get testimonials whenever you can
*Know your customer's changing needs
*Use your staff's ideas (and reward them)
*Use your smile all the time (it's free)
I have several speeches that explain and show how these points and others all fit together and how you can use them easily in business and life. I include stories and humor to drive a point home. Go to www.idealetter.com for my speaking information.
*Use customer/client's name, often
*Give more than you promise
*Hire friendly staff and watch them
*Always say Thank You, every time
*Ask & listen to customer input/comments
*Change with the times and technology
*Know the long-term value of your customer
*Exceed what competitors are doing
*Visit competitor's website often
*Show your patrons benefits not features
*Keep your website fresh and informative
*Reward customer/client loyalty
*Treat employees well and fairly
*Watch your industry for new ideas
*Stay in contact with customers
*Handle problems/complaints promptly
*Provide customer education and help
*Cross train your staff
*Offer VIP treatment (everyone loves it)
*Get testimonials whenever you can
*Know your customer's changing needs
*Use your staff's ideas (and reward them)
*Use your smile all the time (it's free)
I have several speeches that explain and show how these points and others all fit together and how you can use them easily in business and life. I include stories and humor to drive a point home. Go to www.idealetter.com for my speaking information.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Mistakes Lose Customers
I know that you're going to say that everyone makes mistakes. Well, you are right but it's how you handle and eliminate them that really makes a difference. I'm not saying that honest little mistakes are going to lose customers & clients, it's the big mistakes that should never happen. And having a policy in effect to catch them before they occur is the best way.
These mistakes happen when someone is not paying attention or following general company procedure. Problems on orders can really inconvenience a customer or those that occur more than once. Most customer/clients won't put up with repeated problems and will look for another source for their needs. Watch for little things that can turn into big things and stop them in advance so there will always be a smile on your patrons face during and after every transaction.
More in chapter 14 of my book "Save Your Business" available at Amazon.
These mistakes happen when someone is not paying attention or following general company procedure. Problems on orders can really inconvenience a customer or those that occur more than once. Most customer/clients won't put up with repeated problems and will look for another source for their needs. Watch for little things that can turn into big things and stop them in advance so there will always be a smile on your patrons face during and after every transaction.
More in chapter 14 of my book "Save Your Business" available at Amazon.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Trying to Sell Everyone
We have all heard the saying, "You can't please all the people all the time" and of course it's true. Once you satisfy one person's or group's wants and needs, another will reject you. That's why there is always room in each broad market for differnt companies, different products, services and at different price levels. There is no 'one sure thing' that will always work for everyone, every time. Variety and choices has become a way of life in the business and consumer world and will probably stay with us for a long time.
Select a market that you want to sell to and do every thing possible to serve that market and tune out the rest. If you keep jumping from one market to the next and back again your business will look unstable and some buyers will shy away. Knowing and providing what your target market wants and needs is like a science project with many variables. Stay in contact with your market and ask buyers what they like and don't like, then try to make those changes. Being a 'household name' in your target market will keep your company stable in tough economic times and growing in good times.
Select a market that you want to sell to and do every thing possible to serve that market and tune out the rest. If you keep jumping from one market to the next and back again your business will look unstable and some buyers will shy away. Knowing and providing what your target market wants and needs is like a science project with many variables. Stay in contact with your market and ask buyers what they like and don't like, then try to make those changes. Being a 'household name' in your target market will keep your company stable in tough economic times and growing in good times.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Keep Learning to be an Expert
Being an expert if your field or industry takes more that just learning everything there is to know today, then sitting back and relaxing. The word expert means you have to learn and know what's new tomorrow, next week and next year. As soon as someone asks you about an innovation in your industry and you have have to answer "I don't know" or "I will look into that", you are not the expert anymore. This can happen quickly as the world is always changing.
We never outgrow or "outexperience" (is that a word?) our need for knowledge because there is always something or someone coming along with what we don't know YET. Read or scan all you can find in your field and search the internet for new ideas at least weekly and be the first to know what here or coming soon. Keeping the Expert status will make you more valuable in business, speaking and life. People will come to you for answers and you you will love giving them. It's never time to stop learning.
We never outgrow or "outexperience" (is that a word?) our need for knowledge because there is always something or someone coming along with what we don't know YET. Read or scan all you can find in your field and search the internet for new ideas at least weekly and be the first to know what here or coming soon. Keeping the Expert status will make you more valuable in business, speaking and life. People will come to you for answers and you you will love giving them. It's never time to stop learning.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Wal-Mart Facts
1. Americans spend $36,000,000 at
Wal-Mart Every hour of every day.
2. This works out to $20,928 profit
every minute!
3. Wal-Mart will sell more from
January 1 to St. Patrick's Day (March 17th) than Target sells all
year.
4. Wal-Mart is bigger than Home Depot
+ Kroger + Target + Sears + Costco + K-Mart combined.
5. Wal-Mart employs 1.6 million
people, is the world's largest private employer, and most speak
English.
6.. Wal-Mart is the largest company in
the history of the world.
7. Wal-Mart now sells more food than
Kroger and Safeway combined, and keep in mind they did this in only
fifteen years.
8. During this same period, 31 big
supermarket chains sought bankruptcy.
9. Wal-Mart now sells more food than
any other store in the world.
10. Wal-Mart has approx 3,900 stores
in the USA, of which 1,906 are Super Centers; this is 1,000 more than
it had five years ago.
11. This year 7.2 billion different
purchasing experiences will occur at Wal-Mart stores. (Earth's
population is approximately 6.5 Billion.)
12. 90% of all Americans live within
fifteen miles of a Wal-Mart.
Wal-Mart Every hour of every day.
2. This works out to $20,928 profit
every minute!
3. Wal-Mart will sell more from
January 1 to St. Patrick's Day (March 17th) than Target sells all
year.
4. Wal-Mart is bigger than Home Depot
+ Kroger + Target + Sears + Costco + K-Mart combined.
5. Wal-Mart employs 1.6 million
people, is the world's largest private employer, and most speak
English.
6.. Wal-Mart is the largest company in
the history of the world.
7. Wal-Mart now sells more food than
Kroger and Safeway combined, and keep in mind they did this in only
fifteen years.
8. During this same period, 31 big
supermarket chains sought bankruptcy.
9. Wal-Mart now sells more food than
any other store in the world.
10. Wal-Mart has approx 3,900 stores
in the USA, of which 1,906 are Super Centers; this is 1,000 more than
it had five years ago.
11. This year 7.2 billion different
purchasing experiences will occur at Wal-Mart stores. (Earth's
population is approximately 6.5 Billion.)
12. 90% of all Americans live within
fifteen miles of a Wal-Mart.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Find a Better (Newer) Way
How well do you know your customers/clients and what they want? How well do you know your market and what's missing? How many times have you seen something new and said, "Why didn't I think of that?" It happens every day in some market somewhere. Just think back 20 years and you'll see all the things that have changedthe world and how we do things. I wasn't really that long ago that most people did not have a personal computer but could you live or do your job without it today? As of 20 years ago there was no widely used internet as we know it today, hard to believe isn't it?
Why not take a serious look at your industry or market and see what needs to be improved, updated or reinvented. Sometimes even small changes can make a big difference if they make a product or service easier, faster or less expensive. We all have ideas on how to make things better but many of us don't follow through on them. It doesn't have to be the beginning of the year to start testing changes, anytime is the right time. Don't toss your ideas in a drawer for the future or bury them in the back of your mind, work on them to see if they can make the world and your market a better place. Only you can turn your ideas into reality.
More ideas for your business in my book, "The Jelly Bean Principle"
Why not take a serious look at your industry or market and see what needs to be improved, updated or reinvented. Sometimes even small changes can make a big difference if they make a product or service easier, faster or less expensive. We all have ideas on how to make things better but many of us don't follow through on them. It doesn't have to be the beginning of the year to start testing changes, anytime is the right time. Don't toss your ideas in a drawer for the future or bury them in the back of your mind, work on them to see if they can make the world and your market a better place. Only you can turn your ideas into reality.
More ideas for your business in my book, "The Jelly Bean Principle"
Friday, January 13, 2012
Where's Your Dream ?
Are you living your dream job or own business instead of just waiting until the time is right? The time is always right to follow your dream and is not based on market conditions or the economy. It is based on YOU and can be successful as soon as you're ready to get started. When you believe in yourself, your ideas and are willing to change when it's necessary there can only be success in your future. That's not saying the road will be simple and smooth because there will be always be problems and setbacks that need to be dealt with.
Never be afraid of setbacks and failures on your way to success because those are what make you stronger and more street smart. Just because the main road to Denver is closed for construction doesn't mean that you can't get there, you just need to find a different way. And there are always different ways that are sometimes even better that the original one. Without the problem you had to solve you might not have found it.
So don't look around and listen to other people who say it's a bad time to start a business or change jobs. It's what you feel inside and your commitment that will lead you to success. People who say it can't be done just means that they can't do it, but you can. Read this post again and decide that it's time to tune out all the negatives and take that first step to the success that you have been dreaming about, do it NOW!
Never be afraid of setbacks and failures on your way to success because those are what make you stronger and more street smart. Just because the main road to Denver is closed for construction doesn't mean that you can't get there, you just need to find a different way. And there are always different ways that are sometimes even better that the original one. Without the problem you had to solve you might not have found it.
So don't look around and listen to other people who say it's a bad time to start a business or change jobs. It's what you feel inside and your commitment that will lead you to success. People who say it can't be done just means that they can't do it, but you can. Read this post again and decide that it's time to tune out all the negatives and take that first step to the success that you have been dreaming about, do it NOW!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Support New Business Owners
After many years in small business I never fail to learn something new from other business owners that I meet. Since the world is changing it making business change along with it and no one person can keep up alone. You must exchange ideas and share new marketing methods or you will be left behind. Some of the old ways of doing business still work but new ideas need to be introduced and tested. Never turn your nose up at at a new idea until you see if it will work or not for your business.
One way to find new ideas is to mentor, train or help new entrepreneurs get their businesses going. Whether you charge a reasonable fee (which is OK) or speak to groups you will be surprised at the outcome. Not only will you assist them in getting a new business but you will also learn things from them that your never imagined. I love to help new businesses and both of us always benefit from the experience. Give back some of what you learned over the years and you will learn even more.
One way to find new ideas is to mentor, train or help new entrepreneurs get their businesses going. Whether you charge a reasonable fee (which is OK) or speak to groups you will be surprised at the outcome. Not only will you assist them in getting a new business but you will also learn things from them that your never imagined. I love to help new businesses and both of us always benefit from the experience. Give back some of what you learned over the years and you will learn even more.
Monday, January 9, 2012
True Story About Soup
I enjoy a bowl of soup sometimes at lunch so I have tried most of Campbell's and Progressive selections. When Campbell came out with a new Wonton Soup I noticed that there were only two big wontons in it and the rest broth. I wasn't pleased so I sent a letter to their East Coast headquarters saying that it was not that good and was mostly broth. I suggested that they use more and smaller wontons and add some rice to make it better.
Two months later I received a letter back with $3.00 worth of free coupons and a reply saying they are not allowed to consider any ideas or suggestions from consumers (Their Customers). It said that their marketing firm doesn't even want to read suggestions sent in by anyone and their staff decides what you get when you buy Campbells soup. Typical big company attitude and small business can easily do better.
Two months later I received a letter back with $3.00 worth of free coupons and a reply saying they are not allowed to consider any ideas or suggestions from consumers (Their Customers). It said that their marketing firm doesn't even want to read suggestions sent in by anyone and their staff decides what you get when you buy Campbells soup. Typical big company attitude and small business can easily do better.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Writing & Publishing Your First Book
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 book seminar on Saturday morning February 18, 2012 (overflow date March 10th) called WRITE-PUBLISH-PROMOTE at my office from 9AM to 11AM (Colorado Cards, 5585 Erindale Dr #203, Colo Spgs, CO 80918). I have 6 published business books and 1 more in process.
You'll learn how to come up with a catchy title, layout chapter outlines, plan for the correct number of pages and words, write the first draft, edit, add stories, search for a publisher and agent, submission guidelines and how to use and accept rejection. Find out the difference between a mainstream publisher, print on demand, self-publishing, e-books and which one is best for you. Then promoting your book after it's published using many different ways is just as important. Over 350 people have attended in the past and some are already published.
Attendance is limited to the first 15 adults at $25.00 per person. Cash or check at the seminar or credit card when you reserve a seat. Nothing else will be sold at the seminar. The space is limited and past seminars have been selling out so please call 719-268-1322 or email: idealetter@aol.com to reserve a seat.
Barry Thomsen
Speaker, Author, Entrepreneur
719-268-1322
idealetter@aol.com
Twitter: BTauthor
be a Facebook friend
Posted by Barry Thomsen at 2:43 PM
You'll learn how to come up with a catchy title, layout chapter outlines, plan for the correct number of pages and words, write the first draft, edit, add stories, search for a publisher and agent, submission guidelines and how to use and accept rejection. Find out the difference between a mainstream publisher, print on demand, self-publishing, e-books and which one is best for you. Then promoting your book after it's published using many different ways is just as important. Over 350 people have attended in the past and some are already published.
Attendance is limited to the first 15 adults at $25.00 per person. Cash or check at the seminar or credit card when you reserve a seat. Nothing else will be sold at the seminar. The space is limited and past seminars have been selling out so please call 719-268-1322 or email: idealetter@aol.com to reserve a seat.
Barry Thomsen
Speaker, Author, Entrepreneur
719-268-1322
idealetter@aol.com
Twitter: BTauthor
be a Facebook friend
Posted by Barry Thomsen at 2:43 PM
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Promote Your Brand
Your brand can be your logo, product name, company print style or your own name. This is what you want people to remember you by and tell all their friends and associates. It's the first thing that should come into their mind when anyone needs something in your industry. You don't want someone to say they know a great dentist, florist or furnace guy but can't think of their name. You want your brand on the tip of their tongue at all times when the need for your product or service. You also want them to think of you when someone else asks them.
Brands can be very strong and the big companies spend millions of dollars to promote theirs. How many people have never heard of Tide detergent or Burger King? You can do the same with a smaller budget and some creativity. It's an important part of your marketing plan and a way to stay ahead of competitors. Use and promote your brand whenever you can to increase awareness in your target market.
Brands can be very strong and the big companies spend millions of dollars to promote theirs. How many people have never heard of Tide detergent or Burger King? You can do the same with a smaller budget and some creativity. It's an important part of your marketing plan and a way to stay ahead of competitors. Use and promote your brand whenever you can to increase awareness in your target market.
Friday, January 6, 2012
How Much to Pay?
A small business can offer an employee many things that the larger companies don't bother with. A key employee should know that they are important by more than just their salary or paycheck. You may want to pay them more than they can get elsewhere but can the company really afford it? Combine a good pay level with enhanced job security to make them comfortable in good and slow times. Your best employees will always be getting offers to change companies.
It's better to pay a good fair wage than to lay off and rehire people in the ups and downs on most business cycles. paying people faily and offering some job security is the key to keeping them content and productive. There are many internet sites where you can find salary levels for specific jobs based on location. If you pay just slightly above average it should be enough to keep employees happy. And of course happy and content employees are the ones who will help you grow your business.
It's better to pay a good fair wage than to lay off and rehire people in the ups and downs on most business cycles. paying people faily and offering some job security is the key to keeping them content and productive. There are many internet sites where you can find salary levels for specific jobs based on location. If you pay just slightly above average it should be enough to keep employees happy. And of course happy and content employees are the ones who will help you grow your business.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
The Jelly Bean Principle
That's the name of the book I wrote and many people ask what it means. Think of it this way, All the businesses just like yours are jelly beans in a jar. A customer comes along and selects one jelly bean from the jar to purchase from. Why should they pick you? You need to make your business more desirable, helpful, value oriented and loaded with great customer service so that they will pick you.
Most businesses are not unique and have little to offer so they just compete on price. But price alone is a dead end street that seldom leads to growth and success. The bigger companies will never let you beat them on price so trying is usually a waste of time. But providing more value and great service is the best way to get picked from the Jelly Bean jar. The one that stands out from the rest gets selected.
Most businesses are not unique and have little to offer so they just compete on price. But price alone is a dead end street that seldom leads to growth and success. The bigger companies will never let you beat them on price so trying is usually a waste of time. But providing more value and great service is the best way to get picked from the Jelly Bean jar. The one that stands out from the rest gets selected.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
B to B Sales Strategy
When selling to a business customer you will need to look for some advantage in the process and it may be different for each one. A customer's weakness may be that they need a quick delivery so make it the main issue in your presentation. There may also be a secondary point that is also important to them. Your objective is to win the sale so watch and listen for other clues that will give you a strong advantage.
Be careful and watch for the bluff if potential customers say they are getting other quoutes. Is the quote what they really want or is it just a stall? What is their real need and want? You want to make the prospect believe that you have the best product, best delivery and the best service so they will act now. Play your cards smart like a winner from the start and you'll come out on top.
More on face-to-face selling in chapter 10 of my book "90 Days to Success as a Small Business Owner"
Be careful and watch for the bluff if potential customers say they are getting other quoutes. Is the quote what they really want or is it just a stall? What is their real need and want? You want to make the prospect believe that you have the best product, best delivery and the best service so they will act now. Play your cards smart like a winner from the start and you'll come out on top.
More on face-to-face selling in chapter 10 of my book "90 Days to Success as a Small Business Owner"
Monday, January 2, 2012
Checklist Before You Open a Retail Business
Nothing will happen without marketing and promotion for your new business. All your planning and advance work is useless without customers. Here are some things to do before your Grand Opening.
*Take out print & online yellow page listings but don't overspend on them
*Have your website up and ready for visitors
*Send direct mail to potential customers & clients
*Distribute coupons and special offers
*Send press releases about your new business to the media
*Create and hang "Opening Soon" banners & signs
*Distribute flyers and brochures about your business
*Get set-up with 2 or more social media sites
*Hand out lots of business cards
*Join a networking or leads group
*Attend several Chamber of Commerce meetings
*Place ads in trade journals or association newsletters
*Offer to speak at local organizations
*Consider Welcome Wagon service if it will work for your business
*Get listed in web search engines
*Advertise in church bulletins
These are just some of the pre-opening marketing ideas you can consider. It doesn't matter what you do first but do something to promote your business.
*Take out print & online yellow page listings but don't overspend on them
*Have your website up and ready for visitors
*Send direct mail to potential customers & clients
*Distribute coupons and special offers
*Send press releases about your new business to the media
*Create and hang "Opening Soon" banners & signs
*Distribute flyers and brochures about your business
*Get set-up with 2 or more social media sites
*Hand out lots of business cards
*Join a networking or leads group
*Attend several Chamber of Commerce meetings
*Place ads in trade journals or association newsletters
*Offer to speak at local organizations
*Consider Welcome Wagon service if it will work for your business
*Get listed in web search engines
*Advertise in church bulletins
These are just some of the pre-opening marketing ideas you can consider. It doesn't matter what you do first but do something to promote your business.
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