Monday, September 30, 2013
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Unusual October Holidays
These are real but little known holidays that you can use in your business or organization for fun and profit.
1 Agricultural Fair Day
2 World Farm Animals Day
4 National Denim Day
5 World Smile Day
5 Long Walk Day
8 Loveable Lawyers Day
9 Leif Erickson Day
10 National Angel Food Cake Day
12 National Egg Day
13 U S Navy Day
15 National Grouch Day
15 World Poetry Day
16 Dictionary Day
18 Long Distance Day
19 National Evaluate Your Life Day
20 Shampoo Day
21 National Reptile day
23 National Mole Day
24 National Bologna Day
26 National Mule Day
27 National Make a Difference Day
28 Bring Jack-O-Lantern to Work Day
29 Oatmeal Day
31 National Magic Day
1 Agricultural Fair Day
2 World Farm Animals Day
4 National Denim Day
5 World Smile Day
5 Long Walk Day
8 Loveable Lawyers Day
9 Leif Erickson Day
10 National Angel Food Cake Day
12 National Egg Day
13 U S Navy Day
15 National Grouch Day
15 World Poetry Day
16 Dictionary Day
18 Long Distance Day
19 National Evaluate Your Life Day
20 Shampoo Day
21 National Reptile day
23 National Mole Day
24 National Bologna Day
26 National Mule Day
27 National Make a Difference Day
28 Bring Jack-O-Lantern to Work Day
29 Oatmeal Day
31 National Magic Day
If the U S Government Shuts Down
A look at how services would or would not be affected if Congress fails to
reach an agreement averting a government shutdown at midnight Monday.
AIR TRAVEL
Federal air traffic controllers would remain on the job and airport screeners would keep funneling passengers through security checkpoints. Federal inspectors would continue enforcing safety rules.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
The State Department would continue processing foreign applications for visas and U.S. applications for passports, since fees are collected to finance those services. Embassies and consulates overseas would continue to provide services to American citizens.
BENEFIT PAYMENTS
Social Security and Medicare benefits would keep coming, but there could be delays in processing new disability applications. Unemployment benefits would still go out.
FEDERAL COURTS
Federal courts would continue operating normally for about 10 business days after the start of a shutdown, roughly until the middle of October. If the shutdown continues, the judiciary would have to begin furloughs of employees whose work is not considered essential. But cases would continue to be heard.
MAIL
Deliveries would continue as usual because the U.S. Postal Service receives no tax dollars for day-to-day operations. It relies on income from stamps and other postal fees to keep running.
RECREATION
All national parks would be closed, as would the Smithsonian museums, including the National Zoo in Washington. Visitors using overnight campgrounds or other park facilities would be given 48 hours to make alternate arrangements and leave the park. Among the visitor centers that would be closed: the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in New York, Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Alcatraz Island near San Francisco and the Washington Monument.
HEALTH
New patients would not be accepted into clinical research at the National Institutes of Health, but current patients would continue to receive care. Medical research at the NIH would be disrupted and some studies would be delayed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would be severely limited in spotting or investigating disease outbreaks, from flu to that mysterious MERS virus from the Middle East.
FOOD SAFETY
The Food and Drug Administration would handle high-risk recalls suspend most routine safety inspections. Federal meat inspections would be expected to proceed as usual.
HEAD START
A small number of Head Start programs, about 20 out of 1,600 nationally, would feel the impact right away. The federal Administration for Children and Families says grants expiring about Oct. 1 would not be renewed. Over time more programs would be affected. Several of the Head Start programs that would immediately feel the pinch are in Florida. It's unclear if they would continue serving children.
FOOD ASSISTANCE
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, known as WIC, could shut down. The program provides supplemental food, health care referrals and nutrition education for pregnant women, mothers and their children.
School lunches and breakfasts would continue to be served, and food stamps, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, would continue to be distributed. But several smaller feeding programs would not have the money to operate.
TAXES
Americans would still have to pay their taxes and file federal tax returns, but the Internal Revenue Service says it would suspend all audits. Got questions? Sorry, the IRS says taxpayer services, including toll-free help lines, would be shut as well.
LOANS
Many low-to-moderate incomes borrowers and first-time homebuyers seeking government-backed mortgages could face delays during the shutdown. The Federal Housing Administration, which guarantees about 30 percent of home mortgages, wouldn't underwrite or approve any new loans during the shutdown. Action on government-backed loans to small businesses would be suspended.
SCIENCE
NASA will continue to keep workers at Mission Control in Houston and elsewhere to support the International Space station, where two Americans and four others are deployed. The National Weather Service would keep forecasting weather and issuing warnings and the National Hurricane Center would continue to track storms. The scientific work of the U.S. Geological Survey would be halted.
HOMELAND SECURITY
The majority of the Department of Homeland Security's employees are expected to stay on the job, including uniformed agents and officers at the country's borders and ports of entry, members of the Coast Guard, Transportation Security Administration officers, Secret Service personnel and other law enforcement agents and officers. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services employees would continue to process green card applications.
MILITARY
The military's 1.4 million active duty personnel would stay on duty, but their paychecks would be delayed. About half of the Defense Department's civilian employees would be furloughed.
PRISONS
All 116 federal prisons would remain open, and criminal litigation would proceed.
VETERANS SERVICES
Most services offered through the Department of Veterans Affairs will continue because lawmakers approve money one year in advance for the VA's health programs. Veterans would still be able to visit hospitals for inpatient care, get mental health counseling at vet centers or get prescriptions filled at VA health clinics. Operators would still staff the crisis hotline and claims workers would still process payments to cover disability and pension benefits. But those veterans appealing the denial of disability benefits to the Board of Veterans Appeals will have to wait longer for a decision because the board would not issue any decisions during a shutdown.
WORK SAFETY
Federal occupational safety and health inspectors would stop workplace inspections except in cases of imminent danger.
AIR TRAVEL
Federal air traffic controllers would remain on the job and airport screeners would keep funneling passengers through security checkpoints. Federal inspectors would continue enforcing safety rules.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
The State Department would continue processing foreign applications for visas and U.S. applications for passports, since fees are collected to finance those services. Embassies and consulates overseas would continue to provide services to American citizens.
BENEFIT PAYMENTS
Social Security and Medicare benefits would keep coming, but there could be delays in processing new disability applications. Unemployment benefits would still go out.
FEDERAL COURTS
Federal courts would continue operating normally for about 10 business days after the start of a shutdown, roughly until the middle of October. If the shutdown continues, the judiciary would have to begin furloughs of employees whose work is not considered essential. But cases would continue to be heard.
Deliveries would continue as usual because the U.S. Postal Service receives no tax dollars for day-to-day operations. It relies on income from stamps and other postal fees to keep running.
RECREATION
All national parks would be closed, as would the Smithsonian museums, including the National Zoo in Washington. Visitors using overnight campgrounds or other park facilities would be given 48 hours to make alternate arrangements and leave the park. Among the visitor centers that would be closed: the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in New York, Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Alcatraz Island near San Francisco and the Washington Monument.
HEALTH
New patients would not be accepted into clinical research at the National Institutes of Health, but current patients would continue to receive care. Medical research at the NIH would be disrupted and some studies would be delayed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would be severely limited in spotting or investigating disease outbreaks, from flu to that mysterious MERS virus from the Middle East.
FOOD SAFETY
The Food and Drug Administration would handle high-risk recalls suspend most routine safety inspections. Federal meat inspections would be expected to proceed as usual.
HEAD START
A small number of Head Start programs, about 20 out of 1,600 nationally, would feel the impact right away. The federal Administration for Children and Families says grants expiring about Oct. 1 would not be renewed. Over time more programs would be affected. Several of the Head Start programs that would immediately feel the pinch are in Florida. It's unclear if they would continue serving children.
FOOD ASSISTANCE
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, known as WIC, could shut down. The program provides supplemental food, health care referrals and nutrition education for pregnant women, mothers and their children.
School lunches and breakfasts would continue to be served, and food stamps, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, would continue to be distributed. But several smaller feeding programs would not have the money to operate.
TAXES
Americans would still have to pay their taxes and file federal tax returns, but the Internal Revenue Service says it would suspend all audits. Got questions? Sorry, the IRS says taxpayer services, including toll-free help lines, would be shut as well.
LOANS
Many low-to-moderate incomes borrowers and first-time homebuyers seeking government-backed mortgages could face delays during the shutdown. The Federal Housing Administration, which guarantees about 30 percent of home mortgages, wouldn't underwrite or approve any new loans during the shutdown. Action on government-backed loans to small businesses would be suspended.
SCIENCE
NASA will continue to keep workers at Mission Control in Houston and elsewhere to support the International Space station, where two Americans and four others are deployed. The National Weather Service would keep forecasting weather and issuing warnings and the National Hurricane Center would continue to track storms. The scientific work of the U.S. Geological Survey would be halted.
HOMELAND SECURITY
The majority of the Department of Homeland Security's employees are expected to stay on the job, including uniformed agents and officers at the country's borders and ports of entry, members of the Coast Guard, Transportation Security Administration officers, Secret Service personnel and other law enforcement agents and officers. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services employees would continue to process green card applications.
MILITARY
The military's 1.4 million active duty personnel would stay on duty, but their paychecks would be delayed. About half of the Defense Department's civilian employees would be furloughed.
PRISONS
All 116 federal prisons would remain open, and criminal litigation would proceed.
VETERANS SERVICES
Most services offered through the Department of Veterans Affairs will continue because lawmakers approve money one year in advance for the VA's health programs. Veterans would still be able to visit hospitals for inpatient care, get mental health counseling at vet centers or get prescriptions filled at VA health clinics. Operators would still staff the crisis hotline and claims workers would still process payments to cover disability and pension benefits. But those veterans appealing the denial of disability benefits to the Board of Veterans Appeals will have to wait longer for a decision because the board would not issue any decisions during a shutdown.
WORK SAFETY
Federal occupational safety and health inspectors would stop workplace inspections except in cases of imminent danger.
By Jeff Langan
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
The Colorado Springs Business Expo
Next Thursday Oct 3rd is the Colo Springs Business
Alliance, Business Expo from 10AM to 5PM at the Freedom Financial Expo Center on
Nevada Ave between Austin Bluffs and Fillmore. The cost is only $10 but you may get a free ticket at the Business Alliance website or a member.
Even if you don't want to buy anything you should attend and see what other businesses are offering (maybe even your competitors). I'm sure there will be a lot of give-aways to take with you and business card drawings. I'll have a booth there so stop by and let's talk Marketing Ideas, Business Relationships and Customer Satisfaction. I will have all my books there if you need one for yourself or a gift.
The EXPO is only once a year so don't miss it!
Barry Thomsen
Speaker, Author, Business Advisor
719-268-9081
idealetter@aol.com
Even if you don't want to buy anything you should attend and see what other businesses are offering (maybe even your competitors). I'm sure there will be a lot of give-aways to take with you and business card drawings. I'll have a booth there so stop by and let's talk Marketing Ideas, Business Relationships and Customer Satisfaction. I will have all my books there if you need one for yourself or a gift.
The EXPO is only once a year so don't miss it!
Barry Thomsen
Speaker, Author, Business Advisor
719-268-9081
idealetter@aol.com
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
New Product or Service?
When you have a new idea that has developed into a product that you think will
change the world, ask these questions before you jump in with both
feet.
.Is it an original idea?
.Is there a broad need for it?
.Will buyers understand it?
.Who will buy this product?
.What is the target market?
.How will you reach this market?
.Is the price affordable?
.Does the value match the price?
.Can you afford the marketing cost?
.Will you have an inventory?
.Can you sell it online?
.What if demand gets big?
.Will you offer a guarantee?
.Who will manufacture it?
.What if competitors come in?
.What are your sales goals?
.What are your profit goals?
.What if it doesn't sell?
When you know the answers to these questions you may be ready to patent & test your new product. Once you have made the commitment put 100% of your effort behind it. Good Luck !
.Is it an original idea?
.Is there a broad need for it?
.Will buyers understand it?
.Who will buy this product?
.What is the target market?
.How will you reach this market?
.Is the price affordable?
.Does the value match the price?
.Can you afford the marketing cost?
.Will you have an inventory?
.Can you sell it online?
.What if demand gets big?
.Will you offer a guarantee?
.Who will manufacture it?
.What if competitors come in?
.What are your sales goals?
.What are your profit goals?
.What if it doesn't sell?
When you know the answers to these questions you may be ready to patent & test your new product. Once you have made the commitment put 100% of your effort behind it. Good Luck !
Monday, September 23, 2013
Six Customer First Impressions
1. Website
Most successful organizations have a well thought out and designed website. Today’s customers use the internet to find out information about an organization. What products and services they have to offer, hours of operation, locations, customer testimonies, service guarantees and to get a general feel for the business. It is critical to take a good look at your website and try to wear a customer’s hat when doing so. Things to think about:- Is the look of the website current or outdated?
- Is the content accurate, clear and error proof?
- How easy is it to find the needed information? The last thing you want to do is frustrate a customer by making it difficult to navigate the site.
- Are there pictures or video that engage the customer and tell a story?
2. Telephone
For some organizations, a customer calling in to ask questions or make an appointment, may be the first point of contact. There are not many things more frustrating than calling a busy and interacting with a rude, incompetent or apathetic employee. Things to think about:
- How is the phone answered?
- Does a live person answer the phone?
- What are the wait and hold times?
- What does the hold background music/information sound like?
- Is the person answering the phone friendly, knowledgeable and able to answer questions?
- How many times does a customer need to be transferred before getting information or a question answered?
- How quickly are calls returned?
3. Business Lobby
When someone comes to your business, some first impressions may be the cleanliness of the parking lot, entryway and lobby. Things that we may not necessarily notice will be very obvious to a new guest. Things to think about:- Is the parking lot free from debris or blowing trash?
- Is the entryway free from debris or blown leaves, etc?
- Is the glass on the doors and windows clean?
- What does the building smell like? I personally have sensitivity to smell and I make impressions based on smells, either good or bad.
- What does the furniture and carpet look like in the waiting room? Is it clean and fresh or stained and worn?
- Is the public restroom clean and fully stocked?
4. Receptionist
The receptionist is often the first representation of a business. How well they are trained, or untrained, communicates a lot about a business. Things to think about:- Is the receptionist friendly?
- Do they have a pleasant speaking voice?
- Are they knowledgeable about the organization?
- Can the receptionist answer questions about the business or products?
- Is the receptionist equipped to do service recovery if a customer is not happy?
- Does the receptionist do personal things while on duty, for example do they eat at their desk, read or polish their nails?
5. Business Culture
When someone visits your business, are the workers happy and helpful? If employees are not engaging they can leave a negative impression on customers. Ask yourself:- Do employees vent or voice frustrations in front of customers?
- Do they ignore customers thinking that it is “not their job” or do they stop what they are doing to help the customer?
- Are there underlying internal issues that are seeping out to the customers?
6. Marketing Materials
I know marketing materials can be expensive but they really do communicate a lot about an organization. These materials should always be professionally done and represent the organization by having current, clean, error free information that is clear and informative. The goal would be for these materials to answer the questions that someone might have about the organization. When creating marketing materials, think about answering questions that answer the questions – who, what, where, when and how.By Patricia Lotich
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Speakers Don't Need Powerpoint
Did you ever go to a keynote speech or general session and the speaker has this big screen behind them with an outline of their speech on it? Do you really watch the speaker or just look at the screen to see what's coming next and half tune-out the speaker? I feel that a power point outline is distracting and takes away the attention that the person speaking should be getting. If you are just watching the screen why have the speaker at all, just use a video and save the speaker fee. Of course as a speaker, I don't believe this and think the power point has to go during speeches.
Some speakers (especially new ones) use the powerpoint outline as a crutch and notes for their speech. Why not have a lectern off to the side with the outline on it and walk over occaisionally to see what's next. A screen with a logo or slogan is fine because it doesn't change and grab the audience attention away from the speaker. If the audience sees an outline and reads something coming they are not interested in they may get up and leave, take a washroom break or just start texting. The speaker will always be more interesting than words on a screen and may have new information the screen can't offer.
If you are teaching a class and need people to remember certain points, a powerpoint list may be helpful because the speaker just explains it. Another option is a handout but with an audience of over 100 people, limits that option. If a speaker has confidence in his/her information and stories to keep attention, powerponit is not necessary. Another reason is that sometimes it does not work correctly and the audience has to sit there while it's being fixed. They start getting bored and the entire presentation suffers. Powerpoint is great for some situations but not for a speech.
Barry is available to speak at your meeting (no powerpoint needed) anywhere safe in the world. For topics, bio, videos check www.idealetter.com
Some speakers (especially new ones) use the powerpoint outline as a crutch and notes for their speech. Why not have a lectern off to the side with the outline on it and walk over occaisionally to see what's next. A screen with a logo or slogan is fine because it doesn't change and grab the audience attention away from the speaker. If the audience sees an outline and reads something coming they are not interested in they may get up and leave, take a washroom break or just start texting. The speaker will always be more interesting than words on a screen and may have new information the screen can't offer.
If you are teaching a class and need people to remember certain points, a powerpoint list may be helpful because the speaker just explains it. Another option is a handout but with an audience of over 100 people, limits that option. If a speaker has confidence in his/her information and stories to keep attention, powerponit is not necessary. Another reason is that sometimes it does not work correctly and the audience has to sit there while it's being fixed. They start getting bored and the entire presentation suffers. Powerpoint is great for some situations but not for a speech.
Barry is available to speak at your meeting (no powerpoint needed) anywhere safe in the world. For topics, bio, videos check www.idealetter.com
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Starting a Business or Franchise?
Do you know someone who wants to start a business or franchise? I will work
with them and help with selecting a business entity (LLC, C Corp, Sub S, etc),
find their target market and how to reach them and many other start-up ideas. We can also discus using an existing business to open a second business. I
have started and operated about 20 businesses (several at the same time) and
love to assist new owners on how to be successful by saving time and money.
How to write a short but effective business plan and mission statement is easy and will take little time. We will go over what you will need to apply for a business loan or investment capital. If you need to hire employees we can set up a plan to find the best ones. Also how to use cheap marketing ideas and social media to promote your new business.
I only charge by the hour with no long term contracts like business
coaches. I have written the popular book, The Smart Guide to Starting Your Own Business, you can find it on Amazon. We will work together on your goals not mine and if you have already
started we will begin from there. More ideas, contact info and how to get started at www.idealetter.com. What are you waiting
for?
Barry is available to speak or train at your meeting, convention or trade show.
Barry is available to speak or train at your meeting, convention or trade show.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Dirty Restaurant Bathroom
I have been hearing more lately that people are checking the bathroom of a restaurant that they go to for the first time. These can be fast food or sit down restaurants where they don't go often or never before. They will enter the establishment and before getting in line or just after seated go to the bathroom and check it out. If it is dirty, smelly and things laying around that shouldn't be they just leave and go somewhere else to eat. They feel that if the bathroom is dirty, the kitchen will be dirty and the food will be... you know. Why take the risk when are many other places to go.
This is a good way to let the restaurant know that patrons will not put up with conditions like this if they intend to eat there. Some people with smart phones are taking pictures of the dirty conditions and putting them on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and other social media. People can find out before they even go there what the owner's preference is, dirt or clean. This is a great way we should all help each other avoid eating where you could get sick or get less than you are paying for. On the other hand if a bathroom is spotless it should be posted also to praise the owner. So restaurant owners SHAPE UP because we are watching you!
Barry Thomsen speaker on marketing and customer satisfaction, www.idealetter.com
This is a good way to let the restaurant know that patrons will not put up with conditions like this if they intend to eat there. Some people with smart phones are taking pictures of the dirty conditions and putting them on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and other social media. People can find out before they even go there what the owner's preference is, dirt or clean. This is a great way we should all help each other avoid eating where you could get sick or get less than you are paying for. On the other hand if a bathroom is spotless it should be posted also to praise the owner. So restaurant owners SHAPE UP because we are watching you!
Barry Thomsen speaker on marketing and customer satisfaction, www.idealetter.com
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
How to Write a Business Plan
People often ask me what's the first step in starting a new business. It all begins with a professional business plan. Developing a business plan is critical to securing startup capital and in guiding the company once it is established.
The business plan explains what the company will be, who will operate it (and what their experience level is), the competitive landscape in the local area, and its unique selling points that hopefully will bring success.
Additionally, the plan should provide an estimate of startup costs. Naturally, this can be a challenge for a company that has not yet opened its doors. However, making cost estimates as realistic as possible and providing some type of sales estimate will help convince lenders
that the company is viable and will have a strong chance of success.
What should a business plan include? Here is a checklist:
1. Executive Summary: A one or two-page concise explanation of your business, including its business goals, operations, marketing efforts and revenue model. (This may indeed be the only portion of the business plan that a loan officer will bother to read. Make sure it is succinct.)
2. Business Description: What does the company do? How will it make a profit?
3. Local Market and Competitive Landscape: An important section of the plan. Assess the competition as objectively as possible and then describe how you plan to differentiate your business.
4. Product or Service: Explain how your product or service works.
5. Sales, Marketing and Promotion: Outline how you will inform the marketplace about your company and build brand awareness. Describe the mix of website development, advertising, public relations (traditional and social media), trade show attendance, sampling and sales promotion you will do.
6. Management: Describe who will run your business and their experience level(s). Include short, one-paragraph bios of partners and key team members.
7. Financial Data: Provide a break-even analysis, cash flow projection, sample balance sheet and profit-and-loss statements.
8. Investment: How much money are you putting into the business? (Tip: If you are unwilling to put much of your own money into it, investors will be wary about sinking their money in, as well.) It is important to provide an estimate of sales, revenues and what type of return investors can expect.
9. Appendices: The business plan include supporting documents, such as any research you have conducted, charts and graphs, logos and other images, references, etc.
A well-written business plan can mean the difference between success and failure -- not only when it comes to securing capital, but also as it relates to actually running your company. The business plan provides a roadmap that explains how the company will get from point A to point B.
By Rohit Arora
The business plan explains what the company will be, who will operate it (and what their experience level is), the competitive landscape in the local area, and its unique selling points that hopefully will bring success.
Additionally, the plan should provide an estimate of startup costs. Naturally, this can be a challenge for a company that has not yet opened its doors. However, making cost estimates as realistic as possible and providing some type of sales estimate will help convince lenders
that the company is viable and will have a strong chance of success.What should a business plan include? Here is a checklist:
1. Executive Summary: A one or two-page concise explanation of your business, including its business goals, operations, marketing efforts and revenue model. (This may indeed be the only portion of the business plan that a loan officer will bother to read. Make sure it is succinct.)
2. Business Description: What does the company do? How will it make a profit?
3. Local Market and Competitive Landscape: An important section of the plan. Assess the competition as objectively as possible and then describe how you plan to differentiate your business.
4. Product or Service: Explain how your product or service works.
5. Sales, Marketing and Promotion: Outline how you will inform the marketplace about your company and build brand awareness. Describe the mix of website development, advertising, public relations (traditional and social media), trade show attendance, sampling and sales promotion you will do.
6. Management: Describe who will run your business and their experience level(s). Include short, one-paragraph bios of partners and key team members.
7. Financial Data: Provide a break-even analysis, cash flow projection, sample balance sheet and profit-and-loss statements.
8. Investment: How much money are you putting into the business? (Tip: If you are unwilling to put much of your own money into it, investors will be wary about sinking their money in, as well.) It is important to provide an estimate of sales, revenues and what type of return investors can expect.
9. Appendices: The business plan include supporting documents, such as any research you have conducted, charts and graphs, logos and other images, references, etc.
A well-written business plan can mean the difference between success and failure -- not only when it comes to securing capital, but also as it relates to actually running your company. The business plan provides a roadmap that explains how the company will get from point A to point B.
By Rohit Arora
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Effective Direct Mail
Direct mail can be a cost effective and lucrative way of reaching your target market and encouraging them to buy or become a client. Here are some ideas to get the most from your direct mail camapign.
*Target the correct audience
*Find new target market lists
*Use only high quality materials
*Make an irrestistible offer
*Be persistent, mail often
*Create some urgency
*Make it easy to respond
*Offer easy ways to pay
*Have a deadline for your offer
*Make sure all employees know the offer
*Handle all response professionally
Barry is a marketing and business advisor www.idealetter.com
*Target the correct audience
*Find new target market lists
*Use only high quality materials
*Make an irrestistible offer
*Be persistent, mail often
*Create some urgency
*Make it easy to respond
*Offer easy ways to pay
*Have a deadline for your offer
*Make sure all employees know the offer
*Handle all response professionally
Barry is a marketing and business advisor www.idealetter.com
Group Advertising & Promotion
If you have a retail business you already know that advertising is very expensive and does not always return the results that you were hoping to get. A strip mall will have several other businesses looking for advertising results also and may be spending as much trying to get them. Why not partner with one or more other retailers and run ads that promote all the businesses in the strip mall or general area. The landlord may even contribute to the cost and you will never know unless you ask.
Another way to promote several businesses is to print a brochure with different businesses on it and distribute at banks, networking meetings, churches and any place that you can leave them. The cost will be much less for each store/office and will draw people to that business area. People who did not plan to stop at your retail establishment may now come in just because they are there to shop another business. Group advertising and promotion can benefit several businesses at the same time and be a lower cost for each one participating.
Barry is a speaker, international business author and advisor that helps organizations grow and solve problems. www.idealetter.com
Another way to promote several businesses is to print a brochure with different businesses on it and distribute at banks, networking meetings, churches and any place that you can leave them. The cost will be much less for each store/office and will draw people to that business area. People who did not plan to stop at your retail establishment may now come in just because they are there to shop another business. Group advertising and promotion can benefit several businesses at the same time and be a lower cost for each one participating.
Barry is a speaker, international business author and advisor that helps organizations grow and solve problems. www.idealetter.com
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Promote By Speaking
It is always smart to use every possible way to market your business or organization. One way that is sometimes forgotten is by speaking to local audiences and offering your industry expertise. There are many weekly and monthly meetings that need a speaker for most meetings and why not you? You don't want to get in front of the group and give a commercial but offer valuable information that they can use. You will look like the expert (everyone likes to buy from an expert) and can hand out literature at the end. Search the internet for possible meetings and send them an email offering to speak at their meeting for no fee.
Some of the groups that need speakers are Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, Kiwanis groups, Chamber and Business Allinace, networking groups, libraries, city offices and the list goes on. Most groups will be about 20-30 people and you will get 20-30 minutes for a prepared speech and maybe questions at the end. After a while you will get good at 2-3 topics (I have done over 100 local meetings) may even get invited to speak at an event and get paid. If you are nervous about speaking in front of a group go to a Toastmasters meeting (toastmaster.org) and you will learn quickly. It starts to become fun and you will also promote your business and build your confidence.
Barry is a business, marketing and customer experience speaker who has experience at over 150 meetings, expos, conventions and trade show. www.idealetter.com
Some of the groups that need speakers are Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, Kiwanis groups, Chamber and Business Allinace, networking groups, libraries, city offices and the list goes on. Most groups will be about 20-30 people and you will get 20-30 minutes for a prepared speech and maybe questions at the end. After a while you will get good at 2-3 topics (I have done over 100 local meetings) may even get invited to speak at an event and get paid. If you are nervous about speaking in front of a group go to a Toastmasters meeting (toastmaster.org) and you will learn quickly. It starts to become fun and you will also promote your business and build your confidence.
Barry is a business, marketing and customer experience speaker who has experience at over 150 meetings, expos, conventions and trade show. www.idealetter.com
Friday, September 13, 2013
The Aurora Colorado Rotary Newsletter Excerpt
The Customer Experience
Barry Thomsen, marketing speaker talked about the
"Customer Experience" and why it is important to all company owners and managers
to create loyalty and help grow the business.
He gave examples of
experiences he has had which wasn't good. Excuses were made and he wasn't made
to feel comfortable.
It is important to rethink
the question: "Why should anyone buy from you?"
He listed 4 key points to
enhance the"Customer Experience":
-
Watch who is meeting your customers (their first contact) .
-
Cross train employees, Have a back up person there.
-
Treat every customer differently (not like a number)
-
Please and thank You are still the magic words.
People expect
more.
People don't want their
money back -- They want a quality product or service
I was their luncheon speaker sept 11, 2013
Barry is available to speak at your meeting, convention or trade show, more info at www.idealetter.com
Barry is available to speak at your meeting, convention or trade show, more info at www.idealetter.com
10 Reasons Customers Will Pay More
Customers always want to pay as little as possible, right? Not so fast.
Customers often willingly pay more for a product even when they can get a
functionally similar (or even identical) product elsewhere for less. Here's
why:
1. Your product is easier to buy.
Customers hate futzing around with complicated purchasing and payment options. Customers are usually willing to pay a bit more if you can streamline the process of buying from you, rather than elsewhere.
2. Your product arrives more quickly.
Customers, like everyone else, want immediate gratification, especially when they're spending money. If you can gratify your customer's desires sooner than the competition, they'll usually pay a premium.
3. Your product has a "must have" feature.
Customers sometimes fixated on a particular feature even if it's not that must use to them. I once saw a company pay a $100k extra for a publishing software that could snake text around the shape of a hand--a feature they'd needed exactly once in the past.
4. Your product burnishes the buyer's reputation.
Consumers buy fancy-branded luxury goods because it makes them look and feel wealthy. The same dynamic operates in the business world, which explains why companies are still buying high-priced, IT-intensive ERP systems.
5. Your product has a lower cost of ownership.
It's not all about price... it's about the time and money you spend after you purchase. For example, an iPad costs more than a Windows netbook but requires less maintenance, thereby making it cheaper in the long run.
6. Your customer service is more friendly.
Companies underestimate the anger (and even hatred) that business buyers feel when they experience horrible customer service. By contrast, customers will pay more when they know their problems are handled quickly and cheerfully.
7. The price difference isn't worth the hassle.
Customers will keep purchasing something that's higher priced if the difference between your price and the competitors price isn't large enough to get onto their financial radar. People don't worry about the cost of salt when they've got big fish to fry.
8. The customer likes you personally.
Customers are human and humans prefer doing business with their friends. That's one good reason that developing rapport is so crucial in customer relationships; it provides a buffer that keeps the competition at pay.
9. The customer wants something else from you.
A customer will generally pay more for your product if he or she is angling for a job in your company, or wants access to your business contacts, or is looking for, well, something more than "strictly" business relationship.
10. The customer is rapidly expanding.
Customers who are growing so fast that they're struggling to take advantage of all the opportunities usually don't have the mental bandwidth to worry about what everything cost.
By Geoffrey James
1. Your product is easier to buy.
Customers hate futzing around with complicated purchasing and payment options. Customers are usually willing to pay a bit more if you can streamline the process of buying from you, rather than elsewhere.
2. Your product arrives more quickly.
Customers, like everyone else, want immediate gratification, especially when they're spending money. If you can gratify your customer's desires sooner than the competition, they'll usually pay a premium.
3. Your product has a "must have" feature.
Customers sometimes fixated on a particular feature even if it's not that must use to them. I once saw a company pay a $100k extra for a publishing software that could snake text around the shape of a hand--a feature they'd needed exactly once in the past.
4. Your product burnishes the buyer's reputation.
Consumers buy fancy-branded luxury goods because it makes them look and feel wealthy. The same dynamic operates in the business world, which explains why companies are still buying high-priced, IT-intensive ERP systems.
5. Your product has a lower cost of ownership.
It's not all about price... it's about the time and money you spend after you purchase. For example, an iPad costs more than a Windows netbook but requires less maintenance, thereby making it cheaper in the long run.
6. Your customer service is more friendly.
Companies underestimate the anger (and even hatred) that business buyers feel when they experience horrible customer service. By contrast, customers will pay more when they know their problems are handled quickly and cheerfully.
7. The price difference isn't worth the hassle.
Customers will keep purchasing something that's higher priced if the difference between your price and the competitors price isn't large enough to get onto their financial radar. People don't worry about the cost of salt when they've got big fish to fry.
8. The customer likes you personally.
Customers are human and humans prefer doing business with their friends. That's one good reason that developing rapport is so crucial in customer relationships; it provides a buffer that keeps the competition at pay.
9. The customer wants something else from you.
A customer will generally pay more for your product if he or she is angling for a job in your company, or wants access to your business contacts, or is looking for, well, something more than "strictly" business relationship.
10. The customer is rapidly expanding.
Customers who are growing so fast that they're struggling to take advantage of all the opportunities usually don't have the mental bandwidth to worry about what everything cost.
By Geoffrey James
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Don't Forget Social Media
Part of doing business today is being present on the internet, I think we all know that already. But there are many ways to have that presence, it's not only your website anymore. You need to be where people are looking so they will remember you and consider you an expert in your field or industry. You can do that by using the popular social media sites and posting items that will benefit your visitors, the public and friends. Tell people something that will help them in their business or every day life and do it a couple times a week or more often. The most popular free social media sites today (no one knows what's coming) are:
*Facebook.. for personal or business, be friends or set up a fan page
*Linkedin.. mostly business connections (no limit) and ideas
*Google+.. getting more popular and you can add groups/people
*Blog.. Where you can have people visit for posts, ideas and stories (free Google & Wordpress)
*Twitter.. Short posts can direct readers to other media
Almost anyone can set these up and start using them in 5-10 minutes. Don't overlook this easy method of reaching customers, prospects and people who never knew your business existed.
Barry is a marketing & customer experience speaker and business advisor. www.idealetter.com
*Facebook.. for personal or business, be friends or set up a fan page
*Linkedin.. mostly business connections (no limit) and ideas
*Google+.. getting more popular and you can add groups/people
*Blog.. Where you can have people visit for posts, ideas and stories (free Google & Wordpress)
*Twitter.. Short posts can direct readers to other media
Almost anyone can set these up and start using them in 5-10 minutes. Don't overlook this easy method of reaching customers, prospects and people who never knew your business existed.
Barry is a marketing & customer experience speaker and business advisor. www.idealetter.com
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Improve Your Customer Experience
In today's competitive business world customer loyalty and referrals play a big part in growing your company. To get that loyalty you must provide the best "customer experience" you can ALL THE TIME. Buyers, whether consumer or B2B, want to feel comfortable, appreciated and treated like they were someone special (because they are). When you provide these feelings they will be more loyal and return to your store, office or website over and over. But a one time great "customer experience" is not enough, you must provide it every time.
It all starts with your front line people, the ones that have first contact and make that first impression. Are they business friendly, helpful, attentive and really want to provide service to every customer? This applies in an office, retail store and Yes online. If the first impression in not good, what happens next may not matter, regardless of any low price.
You should always cross train employees so there will always be someone who can provide the highest level of help and service when the main person is not there. You as an owner or manager should also be able to step in if no one else is available. No one wants to hear, "Jennifer is out to lunch and no one else can help you now", they are there for your best service, right now. If someone is off or leaves the company a replacement should ready to jump in immediately. Cross train in advance so there never a lapse in your "customer experience."
Always say Thank You after a transaction so the customer or client knows that you really appreciate their business. Even if they have been a customer for many years a Thank You is necessary EVERY time. They may not always remember that you said it but they will remember when you don't say it. You never want them to think you take your business and loyalty for granted. Two simply words that do make a difference. More Customer experience ideas to come in future posts but start with these today.
Barry is a business, marketing and customer satisfaction speaker available for your event anywhere safe in the world. www.idealetter.com
It all starts with your front line people, the ones that have first contact and make that first impression. Are they business friendly, helpful, attentive and really want to provide service to every customer? This applies in an office, retail store and Yes online. If the first impression in not good, what happens next may not matter, regardless of any low price.
You should always cross train employees so there will always be someone who can provide the highest level of help and service when the main person is not there. You as an owner or manager should also be able to step in if no one else is available. No one wants to hear, "Jennifer is out to lunch and no one else can help you now", they are there for your best service, right now. If someone is off or leaves the company a replacement should ready to jump in immediately. Cross train in advance so there never a lapse in your "customer experience."
Always say Thank You after a transaction so the customer or client knows that you really appreciate their business. Even if they have been a customer for many years a Thank You is necessary EVERY time. They may not always remember that you said it but they will remember when you don't say it. You never want them to think you take your business and loyalty for granted. Two simply words that do make a difference. More Customer experience ideas to come in future posts but start with these today.
Barry is a business, marketing and customer satisfaction speaker available for your event anywhere safe in the world. www.idealetter.com
Monday, September 9, 2013
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Email Marketing Basics
Want to know one of the best ways to keep in touch with customers? The answer
is as easy as 1, 2, E…Email marketing, that is!
Email marketing is one of the most effective ways to keep in touch with customers. It’s cost effective and, if done properly, can help build brand awareness and loyalty. At a typical cost of only a few cents per message, email marketing is quite a bargain in terms of price and time when compared to direct mail. In addition, response rates on email marketing are strong, ranging from five to 35 percent, depending on the industry and format. Response rates for traditional mail average much lower, barely cracking the three percent mark.
Still not convinced email marketing is for you? Keep reading. Another benefit of email marketing is the demographic information that customers provide when signing up for your email newsletter. Discovering exactly who your customers are—how old they are, what their interests are, what region of the country they reside in—can help you tailor your products and services to best suit their needs.
If you're ready to ready to create your email newsletter, ask yourself the following questions before you begin:
Today's business emphasis is on eCommerce. Rapid business transactions and unparalleled access to information has changed consumer behavior as well as expectations. If selling your product online isn’t salient to you, there are benefits to establishing a Web presence for your business. A business website can be as simple as a virtual marketing brochure that you can update on demand with little or no cost. Just having your company’s information available to current and prospective customers can greatly impact your marketing efforts by offering customers everything from pre-sale information to post-sale support and service. E-marketing has lessened the disadvantage that small businesses have faced for years when competing with larger businesses.
Source: sba.gov
Email marketing is one of the most effective ways to keep in touch with customers. It’s cost effective and, if done properly, can help build brand awareness and loyalty. At a typical cost of only a few cents per message, email marketing is quite a bargain in terms of price and time when compared to direct mail. In addition, response rates on email marketing are strong, ranging from five to 35 percent, depending on the industry and format. Response rates for traditional mail average much lower, barely cracking the three percent mark.
Still not convinced email marketing is for you? Keep reading. Another benefit of email marketing is the demographic information that customers provide when signing up for your email newsletter. Discovering exactly who your customers are—how old they are, what their interests are, what region of the country they reside in—can help you tailor your products and services to best suit their needs.
If you're ready to ready to create your email newsletter, ask yourself the following questions before you begin:
-
Should I use HTML or Plain Text?
Response rates for HTML newsletters are generally far higher than plain text, and graphics and colors tend to make the publications look far more professional. The downside is that HTML email is slower to download, and some email providers may screen out HTML email. -
What incentive, if any, am I providing consumers?
To get customers to sign up for your newsletter, advertise the benefits of receiving your newsletter, such as helpful tips, informative content or early notification of special offers or campaigns. -
Am I going the extra mile?
Many studies suggest that email newsletters are read far more carefully when they offer information that is useful to the customers' lives rather than merely selling products and services. Helpful tips, engaging content and humor are often expected to accompany email newsletters. -
Did I ask too many questions?
Each demographic question you ask may reduce the number of customers signing up; therefore, it's best to limit the amount of information you solicit or give customers the option of skipping the questionnaire.
Why You Should Establish a Web Presence
Today's business emphasis is on eCommerce. Rapid business transactions and unparalleled access to information has changed consumer behavior as well as expectations. If selling your product online isn’t salient to you, there are benefits to establishing a Web presence for your business. A business website can be as simple as a virtual marketing brochure that you can update on demand with little or no cost. Just having your company’s information available to current and prospective customers can greatly impact your marketing efforts by offering customers everything from pre-sale information to post-sale support and service. E-marketing has lessened the disadvantage that small businesses have faced for years when competing with larger businesses.
Source: sba.gov
Cash Crunch Remedies
No matter the size of the business, it all comes down to how well you manage
what you have. Cash management is one of those things that you have to get
right. Here are my top tips for managing and improving your cash position when
cash is tight.
By Loftis Consulting
- Only pay what you can afford – With overdraft fees running over $35 a pop, it makes no sense to pay avoidable bank fees, especially during a cash crunch. If you cannot afford the expense and it is a necessity to keeping your business running, work with the vendor to delay payment rather than further irritating the vendor with a bounced check.
- Lower expenses – Look at all your expenses and eliminate or cut down items that will not impact your customer or staff goodwill. Start with large expenses and work your way down to the smaller items.
- Renegotiate everything – Review your existing contracts to make sure you’re not being overcharged. If contracts are at or near renewal, be open to new bidders. Examples include telephone, leases, equipment rentals and so on.
- Extend payment terms – Reach out to lenders and renegotiate payment terms including interest rates for those of you with excellent credit and monthly payments. Do not be afraid to ask for a no payment period or reduced payment amount for a specific time period, say six months, with interest and principle tacked on to the end of the loan. This is a really inexpensive way to fund a project that would increase the revenue to your business.
- Increase sales – Get rid of slow moving inventory by selling it to customers at a discount via a sale. Cash is king and old product sitting on a shelf is not doing anything to help the business and its cash position.
- Do not invest in new products – When cash is tight, it makes no sense to invest in something that is unproven. Reinvest cash in items that are proven to generate lots of cash to get the business out of the danger zone.
- Increase customer retention – It is cheaper to keep a customer than to acquire a new customer. Former customers are already familiar with your brand. Always have some part of your marketing budget set aside for customer retention such as birthday discounts and customer appreciation events.
- Cash collections – Poor billing and collection practices can quickly make your business cash poor. Make sure your billing is timely and accurate. Make sure to pursue past due bills. Some customers will not pay until they receive a collection call. In other words, the squeaky wheel gets the oil.
By Loftis Consulting
Why Use Google Plus?
Creating relationships with industry influencers (who may have big followings on Google Plus) might not seem that important to your business, until you realize that those relationships could extend your reach and help you become visible. Let’s say you run a flower shop in Topeka, Kansas, and you’ve nurtured relationships with national brands and/or influencers who live in another area. Who do you think those people will recommend when one of their thousands of followers need flowers while visiting Kansas? No, not your competition down the street…you! They know you, they trust you, and your name comes to mind first because they have held conversations with you.
Also, remember, that no one loves Google more than Google. And, let’s be honest, you want Google to love your business and the content you produce too. If that’s not reason enough, I don’t know what it.
Another reason you should consider Google Plus is because it is growing tremendously. According to GlobalWebIndex, 25 percent of worldwide internet users are now active on Google Plus. This means that your customers will eventually be using it too.
Here are some key Google Plus terms you will need to know:
Profile – This is the landing page that shows your profile picture, information you’ve provided, and the content you’ve posted to Google Plus.
Page – Similar to a profile, a Google Plus Page is created by a business or a brand.
+1 button – Functioning like a Facebook “Like” button, the +1 button allows users to indicate they appreciated your content.
Share – This button, which looks like an arrow, allows others to share your content on their Google Plus Streams.
Comment – This one’s easy…people can comment on your content!
Hashtags – Although they were originally created and supported by Twitter, hashtags are now utilized on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Vine, and Tumblr. A hashtag is a group of words or phrases (with no spaces), preceded by a # sign (i.e. #ONECON or #CCPin). It is used to tie various social media posts together and relate them to a topic. Topics are sometimes connected to an event, TV show, sporting event, or any happening or trend of your choosing.
Tag – When mentioning an individual or business in your Google Plus content, make sure to tag them. When you do, they get a notification that you have mentioned them. This feature operates like it does on Facebook, so before typing the person or businesses name, include the “@” symbol. This will produce a drop-down box that will change based on the letters you type. Find the person you are trying to tag and click on their name.
Circles – These are the categories you create to organize your followers and the people you follow. These categories can be anything you’d like them to be, but the most common examples include “Family,” “Friends,” “Work,” “Local Businesses” etc. When posting content, you can choose to expose your content to the public, your Circles, or Extended Circles.
Extended circles – These are tricky because just like Facebook’s algorithm, we’re not quite sure how Google decides who to show your extended content to. Essentially, by sharing your content with your Extended Circles, your “friends of friends” MAY see your content.
Local – This one is huge for you and your business because 97 percent of consumers search for local businesses online. This means that your business information needs to be readily available to all search engines. A Local Google Plus Page allows your customers to find your hours, address, phone number, all in one place. This information is displayed within a Google Search, so you want to make sure your information is accurate and up to date.
Hangout – A Hangout is a video chat with up to 10 people at one time.
Hangout on Air (HOA) – This is a Google Hangout that is “broadcasted” (on air), and can be watched both live on your Google Plus Page or after the Hangout. The finished product can be found on both your Google Plus Page as well as your YouTube page, which makes Hangout’s on Air a perfect content marketing platform for customer promotions via social media, email, and website.
Communities – Google Plus Communities are created by brands or individuals to create conversations and share information around one specific topic or service.
Google Plus Bar (or Sand Bar) – The Google Plus Bar is the gray bar that lives at the top of any Google property with your image and a drop down arrow. This function allows you to share content from other Google properties to your Google Plus Page quickly.
By Kristen Curtiss
“There are so many options…do I really need to use another network?”
Is SEO (search engine optimization) important to you? Then your answer is yes! Increase your visibility and reach by offering great content on Google Plus that people will like and want to share. This will help increase your SEO value.Also, remember, that no one loves Google more than Google. And, let’s be honest, you want Google to love your business and the content you produce too. If that’s not reason enough, I don’t know what it.
Another reason you should consider Google Plus is because it is growing tremendously. According to GlobalWebIndex, 25 percent of worldwide internet users are now active on Google Plus. This means that your customers will eventually be using it too.
Understanding the lingo
Now is the time to get familiar with the “lingo” before your most important influencers, and let’s be honest they’re your customers, join.Here are some key Google Plus terms you will need to know:
Google plus glossary
NOTE: These terms are similar to other social networks.Profile – This is the landing page that shows your profile picture, information you’ve provided, and the content you’ve posted to Google Plus.
Page – Similar to a profile, a Google Plus Page is created by a business or a brand.
+1 button – Functioning like a Facebook “Like” button, the +1 button allows users to indicate they appreciated your content.
Share – This button, which looks like an arrow, allows others to share your content on their Google Plus Streams.
Comment – This one’s easy…people can comment on your content!
Hashtags – Although they were originally created and supported by Twitter, hashtags are now utilized on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Vine, and Tumblr. A hashtag is a group of words or phrases (with no spaces), preceded by a # sign (i.e. #ONECON or #CCPin). It is used to tie various social media posts together and relate them to a topic. Topics are sometimes connected to an event, TV show, sporting event, or any happening or trend of your choosing.
Tag – When mentioning an individual or business in your Google Plus content, make sure to tag them. When you do, they get a notification that you have mentioned them. This feature operates like it does on Facebook, so before typing the person or businesses name, include the “@” symbol. This will produce a drop-down box that will change based on the letters you type. Find the person you are trying to tag and click on their name.
Google Plus specific terms
Google Plus Streams – This is your view when you log into Google Plus. It shows the stream of content posted from others in your circles.Circles – These are the categories you create to organize your followers and the people you follow. These categories can be anything you’d like them to be, but the most common examples include “Family,” “Friends,” “Work,” “Local Businesses” etc. When posting content, you can choose to expose your content to the public, your Circles, or Extended Circles.
Extended circles – These are tricky because just like Facebook’s algorithm, we’re not quite sure how Google decides who to show your extended content to. Essentially, by sharing your content with your Extended Circles, your “friends of friends” MAY see your content.
Local – This one is huge for you and your business because 97 percent of consumers search for local businesses online. This means that your business information needs to be readily available to all search engines. A Local Google Plus Page allows your customers to find your hours, address, phone number, all in one place. This information is displayed within a Google Search, so you want to make sure your information is accurate and up to date.
Hangout – A Hangout is a video chat with up to 10 people at one time.
Hangout on Air (HOA) – This is a Google Hangout that is “broadcasted” (on air), and can be watched both live on your Google Plus Page or after the Hangout. The finished product can be found on both your Google Plus Page as well as your YouTube page, which makes Hangout’s on Air a perfect content marketing platform for customer promotions via social media, email, and website.
Communities – Google Plus Communities are created by brands or individuals to create conversations and share information around one specific topic or service.
Google Plus Bar (or Sand Bar) – The Google Plus Bar is the gray bar that lives at the top of any Google property with your image and a drop down arrow. This function allows you to share content from other Google properties to your Google Plus Page quickly.
By Kristen Curtiss
Loyalty is More Important Than Profit
If you are a small or medium size business you should know how important customer/client loyalty can be to your business. When problems happen (and they will) it's how you solve that problem and how quickly that will determine what level of loyalty you will get from that customer. It is better to lose the profit on one order to save the loyalty for the next 10 orders. Plus that customer will tell friends and relatives how their problem worked out. You will get much more in the long run from the loss of profit to solve a problem. Put loyalty before profit to build your business and it's reputation.
Most big companies don't always believe this and you see it when something doesn't go right during or after a purchase. They use massive advertising to draw you in and treat you poorly when you get there. Then they have to use more advertising and better deals to get you back. What a waste of money and dumb way to run a business. If they provided better service and solved problems quicker they could sell their products and service for much less and make more profit. The one business that does come close to saving loyalty is Nordstrom (yes, I'm a customer) that let's floor sales associates solve problems immediately. Their employee motto is, "Use your best judgement at all times."
When you put loyalty before profits your business will grow fatser and the profits will be there anyway and for a longer period. When the economy gets tough it's those loyal customers and clients that will get you through it and keep your business alive. They will feel that you will take of them when any situation out of the ordinary occurs. Any when problems happen, solve them with a smile and welcome the opportunity to build loyalty and trust.
Barry is a business and customer satisfaction speaker and international author of 6 published books. www.idealetter.ccom
Most big companies don't always believe this and you see it when something doesn't go right during or after a purchase. They use massive advertising to draw you in and treat you poorly when you get there. Then they have to use more advertising and better deals to get you back. What a waste of money and dumb way to run a business. If they provided better service and solved problems quicker they could sell their products and service for much less and make more profit. The one business that does come close to saving loyalty is Nordstrom (yes, I'm a customer) that let's floor sales associates solve problems immediately. Their employee motto is, "Use your best judgement at all times."
When you put loyalty before profits your business will grow fatser and the profits will be there anyway and for a longer period. When the economy gets tough it's those loyal customers and clients that will get you through it and keep your business alive. They will feel that you will take of them when any situation out of the ordinary occurs. Any when problems happen, solve them with a smile and welcome the opportunity to build loyalty and trust.
Barry is a business and customer satisfaction speaker and international author of 6 published books. www.idealetter.ccom
Friday, September 6, 2013
Listen First and Talk Second
Voltaire said, "When you listen, you have power. When you talk, you give it
away." How can we increase our power or influence by making sure we listen more
than we talk? Here are some ideas on encouraging the other person to talk so you
will listen.
Begin by asking the person’s name. Not only will this make you a listener first, but it will also set up a pattern for listening more and talking less. When people give you their names, often you will get added information, such as where they are from or what they do. Make sure you get the name. Ask the person to repeat the name if you are unclear about it, or make some comment about the name that allows you to repeat it in order to keep it firmly in mind.
Follow any short comment you make after getting the name by asking an open question. Usually these questions begin with "What," "How," or "Why." If you are uncertain about what question to ask, you can connect the question to why both of you are at the same gathering. You could say, "What programs have you found most useful at the conference?" or "How do you like the convention/hotel/town/movie/performance?" Make a short comment when he or she finishes answering the question to avoid sounding like you are conducting an interrogation.
Another way to encourage the other person to talk is to make an assertion and then pause. This will encourage the person to comment on your statement. You might say, "The meeting gave me new ideas about our program." Often, he or she will then add a comment to yours.
You can encourage the other person to talk by your nonverbal reaction. Nod your head, smile, keep an open posture, and look as though you anticipate that the other person will add more information. When you make a comment such as "Oh," or "I see," say the words with an upward inflection to sound encouraging and positive, rather than a downward inflection which would imply finality.
Keep your own spoken contributions short when possible. Avoid telling a five-minute story or giving a three-minute opinion. Talk in 30-second—not three-minute— segments. When it seems natural, end your comment by asking a question. Thus the other person will stay engaged and continue to provide you with information.
By Stephen Boyd
Begin by asking the person’s name. Not only will this make you a listener first, but it will also set up a pattern for listening more and talking less. When people give you their names, often you will get added information, such as where they are from or what they do. Make sure you get the name. Ask the person to repeat the name if you are unclear about it, or make some comment about the name that allows you to repeat it in order to keep it firmly in mind.
Follow any short comment you make after getting the name by asking an open question. Usually these questions begin with "What," "How," or "Why." If you are uncertain about what question to ask, you can connect the question to why both of you are at the same gathering. You could say, "What programs have you found most useful at the conference?" or "How do you like the convention/hotel/town/movie/performance?" Make a short comment when he or she finishes answering the question to avoid sounding like you are conducting an interrogation.
Another way to encourage the other person to talk is to make an assertion and then pause. This will encourage the person to comment on your statement. You might say, "The meeting gave me new ideas about our program." Often, he or she will then add a comment to yours.
You can encourage the other person to talk by your nonverbal reaction. Nod your head, smile, keep an open posture, and look as though you anticipate that the other person will add more information. When you make a comment such as "Oh," or "I see," say the words with an upward inflection to sound encouraging and positive, rather than a downward inflection which would imply finality.
Keep your own spoken contributions short when possible. Avoid telling a five-minute story or giving a three-minute opinion. Talk in 30-second—not three-minute— segments. When it seems natural, end your comment by asking a question. Thus the other person will stay engaged and continue to provide you with information.
By Stephen Boyd
Stage Fright Tips
As I sat in the Mercantile Library on the 11th floor of a building in
downtown Cincinnati, I watched window washers hanging from the side of an office
building. They were washing windows at about the 24th floor of a neighboring
structure. I began to get a little queasy just thinking about standing on a
plank that high above the ground, actually moving my body enough to wash windows
rather than hanging on for dear life. As you might have guessed, I have a
terrible fear of heights. These guys make a living dangling on the side of a
high-rise building each day.
Fear is such a personal matter. These “high wire” performers who think nothing about swaying back and forth at such an elevation might not for any amount of money stand in front of an audience to deliver a speech. I certainly do get “butterflies in the stomach” when I speak, but I crave the challenge of holding an audience’s attention and sharing information that will be helpful to them. I don’t know what a window washer might say to me that would ease my fear of washing windows on a skyscraper, but here are some suggestions for the speaker to conquer his or her fears of speaking.
By Stephen Boyd
Fear is such a personal matter. These “high wire” performers who think nothing about swaying back and forth at such an elevation might not for any amount of money stand in front of an audience to deliver a speech. I certainly do get “butterflies in the stomach” when I speak, but I crave the challenge of holding an audience’s attention and sharing information that will be helpful to them. I don’t know what a window washer might say to me that would ease my fear of washing windows on a skyscraper, but here are some suggestions for the speaker to conquer his or her fears of speaking.
- Be prepared. There is no substitute for preparation. Practice your speech, revise, and then practice again.
- Pick out friendly faces to speak to. These pleasant expressions will inspire you and help you relax.
- Think positive things about your content. One of my favorite thoughts is, “This information will be helpful to this audience.” Repeat this statement to yourself several times before you speak.
- Have a great opening line that you know will grab the attention of your audience.
- Pause before you begin to speak as you make eye contact with those friendly faces.
- Include a personal experience early in your speech. You are most comfortable relating a story.
By Stephen Boyd
Make Changes in Your Business
Making changes to improve your product, service and business relationship with clients and customers is not only good for business but it's expected. Even if you are at the peak of your industry now there is always another business(s) that is trying to knock you off by using change. That is why the computer and smart phone companies are always changing something and never accept status quo. Most business and consumer buyers want the latest, smartest, fastest, smallest and anything else that's new. If you don't provide it in your industry someone else will and you will be scrambling to catch up.
Change doesn't always mean big innovations but just making a product or service better in some way for the person using it. If you bainstorm or survey your clients and customers you will have some idea of what they would like to see in the future. You need some assurance that your target market will want what you change and you will find that out by asking them. One comment I use in my speeches is: "You don't have to re-invent the light bulb, you just need to make it brighter, last longer or use less electric and people will buy it." Look at you current business now and you will see several small changes you can make, then test those changes to see if your market accepts them.
Barry is a business advisor and speaker that helps businesses grow and be more competitive. www.idealetter.com Barry is available to speak at your convention or trade show.
Change doesn't always mean big innovations but just making a product or service better in some way for the person using it. If you bainstorm or survey your clients and customers you will have some idea of what they would like to see in the future. You need some assurance that your target market will want what you change and you will find that out by asking them. One comment I use in my speeches is: "You don't have to re-invent the light bulb, you just need to make it brighter, last longer or use less electric and people will buy it." Look at you current business now and you will see several small changes you can make, then test those changes to see if your market accepts them.
Barry is a business advisor and speaker that helps businesses grow and be more competitive. www.idealetter.com Barry is available to speak at your convention or trade show.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Building and Keeping Business Relationships
There's that old saying, "People buy from people they like" which can go a long way in getting business in today's marketplace. To succeed in business today you must Engage, Interact, Share and Communicate. Building and keeping business relationship take some work but will create the loyalty you need to succeed. Here are some ideas to get you started in the right direction.
*Always be honest
*Do what you say you will do
*Communicate clearly
*Be likable & smile a lot
*Don't oversell yourself or your products
*Always keep your promises
*Respect the time of others
*Under promise and over deliver
*Listen more than you speak
*Keep relationships close
*Use the Golden Rule or better
*Provide outstanding service (even if you don't feel like it)
*Protect your reputation
*Offer ideas without cost
*Be available when needed
*Acknowledge the success of others
*Stay in touch by email, text, phone etc
*Loyalty & trust is worth more than profit
Barry is a business speaker and international business author. www.idealetter.com
*Always be honest
*Do what you say you will do
*Communicate clearly
*Be likable & smile a lot
*Don't oversell yourself or your products
*Always keep your promises
*Respect the time of others
*Under promise and over deliver
*Listen more than you speak
*Keep relationships close
*Use the Golden Rule or better
*Provide outstanding service (even if you don't feel like it)
*Protect your reputation
*Offer ideas without cost
*Be available when needed
*Acknowledge the success of others
*Stay in touch by email, text, phone etc
*Loyalty & trust is worth more than profit
Barry is a business speaker and international business author. www.idealetter.com
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
You Can Still Do It!
“No matter how old you are now. You are never 2 young or 2 old for success
or going after what you want. Here’s a short list of people who accomplished
& (against the odds) great things at different ages…
1) Helen Keller At the age of 19 months Helen became deaf & blind. But that didn’t stop her.She was the first deafblind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree
2) Mozart was already competent on keyboard & violin, he composed from the age of 5
3) Shirley Temple was 6 when she became a movie star on “Bright Eyes”
4) Anne Frank was 12 when she wrote the diary of Anne Frank
5) Magnus Carlsen became a chess Grandmaster at the age of 13 years
6) Nadia Comăneci At age 14, gymnast of Romania scored seven perfect 10.0 and won three gold medals at the Olympics
7) Tenzin Gyatso was formally recognized as the 14th Dalai Lama November 1950, at the age of 15
8) Pele soccer superstar was 17 years old when he won the world cup in 1958 with Brazil
9) Elvis was a Superstar by age 19
10) John Lennon was 20 years & Paul Mcartney 18 when the Beatles had their first concert in1961
11) Jesse Owens was 22 when he won 4 gold medals in Berlin 1936
12) Beethoven was a Piano virtuoso by age 23
13) Issac Newton at 24 wrote Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica.
14) Roger Bannister was 25 When he broke the 4 minute mile record
15) Albert Einstein was 26 when he wrote the theory of relativity
16) Lance E Armstrong was 27 when he won the tour de France
17) Michelangelo created the two of the greatest sculptures “David” and “Pieta” by age 28
18) Alexander the Great by age 29, had created one of the largest empires of the ancient world
19) J.K.Rowling was 30 years old when she finished the first manuscript for Harry Potter
20) Amelia Earhart was 31 years old when she became the first woman 2 fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean
21) Oprah was 32 when she started her talk show, which has become the highest-rated program of its kind
22) Edmund Hillary was 33 when he became the first man to reach Mount Everest (highest Mountain in the world
23) Martin Luther King jr was 34 When he did the speech “I have a dream”
24) Marie Curie was 35 years old when she got nominated 4 Nobel Prize in Physics 1903
25) The Wright brothers, Orville (was 32 ) & Wilbur (was 36) when they invented & built the world's first successful airplane & making the first controlled, powered & sustained heavier-than-air human flight
26) Vincent Van Gogh was 37 when he died & virtually unknown yet his paintings today are worth millions
27) Neil Armstrong was 38 when he became the first man to set foot on the moon
28) Mark Twain was 40 when he wrote The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and 49 years old for Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
29) Christopher Columbus was 41 when he discovered the Americas
30) Rosa Parks was 42 when she refused 2 obey bus driver’s order 2 give up her seat 2 make room for a white passenger.
31) John F. Kennedy was 43years when he became President of the United States
32) Henry Ford Was 45 when the Ford T came out
33) Suzanne Collins was 46 when she wrote “ The Hunger Games”
34) Charles Darwin was 50 years old when his book On the Origin of Species came out
35) Leonardo Da Vinci was 51 years old when he painted the Mona Lisa
36) Abraham Lincoln was 52 when he became president
37) Ray Kroc Was 53 when he bought the McDonalds Franchise and took it to unprecedented levels
38) Dr. Seuss was 54 when he wrote “the cat in the hat”
40) Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger III was 57 years old when he successfully ditched US Airways Flight 1549, in the Hudson River in, 2009. All of the 155 passengers aboard the aircraft survived.
41) Colonel Harland Sanders was 61 when he started the KFC Franchise
42) J R R Tolkien was 62 when the lord of the ring books came out
43) Ronald Reagan was 69 when he became President of the United States
44) Jack Lalane at age 70 handcuffed, shackled, towed 70 rowboats
45) Nelson Mandela was 76 When he Became Presid”
― Pablo
1) Helen Keller At the age of 19 months Helen became deaf & blind. But that didn’t stop her.She was the first deafblind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree
2) Mozart was already competent on keyboard & violin, he composed from the age of 5
3) Shirley Temple was 6 when she became a movie star on “Bright Eyes”
4) Anne Frank was 12 when she wrote the diary of Anne Frank
5) Magnus Carlsen became a chess Grandmaster at the age of 13 years
6) Nadia Comăneci At age 14, gymnast of Romania scored seven perfect 10.0 and won three gold medals at the Olympics
7) Tenzin Gyatso was formally recognized as the 14th Dalai Lama November 1950, at the age of 15
8) Pele soccer superstar was 17 years old when he won the world cup in 1958 with Brazil
9) Elvis was a Superstar by age 19
10) John Lennon was 20 years & Paul Mcartney 18 when the Beatles had their first concert in1961
11) Jesse Owens was 22 when he won 4 gold medals in Berlin 1936
12) Beethoven was a Piano virtuoso by age 23
13) Issac Newton at 24 wrote Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica.
14) Roger Bannister was 25 When he broke the 4 minute mile record
15) Albert Einstein was 26 when he wrote the theory of relativity
16) Lance E Armstrong was 27 when he won the tour de France
17) Michelangelo created the two of the greatest sculptures “David” and “Pieta” by age 28
18) Alexander the Great by age 29, had created one of the largest empires of the ancient world
19) J.K.Rowling was 30 years old when she finished the first manuscript for Harry Potter
20) Amelia Earhart was 31 years old when she became the first woman 2 fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean
21) Oprah was 32 when she started her talk show, which has become the highest-rated program of its kind
22) Edmund Hillary was 33 when he became the first man to reach Mount Everest (highest Mountain in the world
23) Martin Luther King jr was 34 When he did the speech “I have a dream”
24) Marie Curie was 35 years old when she got nominated 4 Nobel Prize in Physics 1903
25) The Wright brothers, Orville (was 32 ) & Wilbur (was 36) when they invented & built the world's first successful airplane & making the first controlled, powered & sustained heavier-than-air human flight
26) Vincent Van Gogh was 37 when he died & virtually unknown yet his paintings today are worth millions
27) Neil Armstrong was 38 when he became the first man to set foot on the moon
28) Mark Twain was 40 when he wrote The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and 49 years old for Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
29) Christopher Columbus was 41 when he discovered the Americas
30) Rosa Parks was 42 when she refused 2 obey bus driver’s order 2 give up her seat 2 make room for a white passenger.
31) John F. Kennedy was 43years when he became President of the United States
32) Henry Ford Was 45 when the Ford T came out
33) Suzanne Collins was 46 when she wrote “ The Hunger Games”
34) Charles Darwin was 50 years old when his book On the Origin of Species came out
35) Leonardo Da Vinci was 51 years old when he painted the Mona Lisa
36) Abraham Lincoln was 52 when he became president
37) Ray Kroc Was 53 when he bought the McDonalds Franchise and took it to unprecedented levels
38) Dr. Seuss was 54 when he wrote “the cat in the hat”
40) Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger III was 57 years old when he successfully ditched US Airways Flight 1549, in the Hudson River in, 2009. All of the 155 passengers aboard the aircraft survived.
41) Colonel Harland Sanders was 61 when he started the KFC Franchise
42) J R R Tolkien was 62 when the lord of the ring books came out
43) Ronald Reagan was 69 when he became President of the United States
44) Jack Lalane at age 70 handcuffed, shackled, towed 70 rowboats
45) Nelson Mandela was 76 When he Became Presid”
― Pablo
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Trade Shows and Expos are a Must Attend
Regardless of what industry you are in you can never have enough information on what's new and what's coming. Shows and expos gives you a chance to prepare and be ready for customer and client demand. You will also get a chance to meet those nasty competitors you run into in your market every day. But at a trade show or expo you are all on level ground and equal and there to learn. This is a place where you can actually meet and discus your industry without fighting over a customer.
You will meet suppliers and leaders in your industry face to face and see who is behind many of the innovations now and coming in the near future. Many of these managers and executives that you can't get on the phone or to answer your emails are here they are in person and want to meet you now. A trade show/expo is also a great way to meet and greet possible new employees if you are thinking of expanding and adding experienced staff.
There will be new products, services and sources that you never knew existed that could bring your business to the next level. Visit as many booths as you can and leave your business card and ask them to email or mail information to you after the show. If there is an opening keynote try to attend it because it will get you excited about why you are there and ready to visit the show with a positive attitude. Also attend as many general sessions and seminars as possible to gain new information.
Plan to attend (find the time and money) a minimum of one trade show or expo in your industry every year but more if possible. There may be smaller regional ones that are within driving distance from you so don't miss those. Remember, If you don't go and your competitors do attend, will they be a step ahead of you in the market. Why let that happen, BE THERE!
Barry is a keynote/seminar speaker at trade shows and expos, a long time entrepreneur who has started about 20 businesses, several at the same time and business advisor for new and existing owners and managers. More info at www.idealetter.com
You will meet suppliers and leaders in your industry face to face and see who is behind many of the innovations now and coming in the near future. Many of these managers and executives that you can't get on the phone or to answer your emails are here they are in person and want to meet you now. A trade show/expo is also a great way to meet and greet possible new employees if you are thinking of expanding and adding experienced staff.
There will be new products, services and sources that you never knew existed that could bring your business to the next level. Visit as many booths as you can and leave your business card and ask them to email or mail information to you after the show. If there is an opening keynote try to attend it because it will get you excited about why you are there and ready to visit the show with a positive attitude. Also attend as many general sessions and seminars as possible to gain new information.
Plan to attend (find the time and money) a minimum of one trade show or expo in your industry every year but more if possible. There may be smaller regional ones that are within driving distance from you so don't miss those. Remember, If you don't go and your competitors do attend, will they be a step ahead of you in the market. Why let that happen, BE THERE!
Barry is a keynote/seminar speaker at trade shows and expos, a long time entrepreneur who has started about 20 businesses, several at the same time and business advisor for new and existing owners and managers. More info at www.idealetter.com
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