Trade Shows and Expos are great ways to reach a targeted audience and meet prospect's managers and executives face to face. Many times you will get to talk to people you can't even get on the phone or by email. This is why you need to have your absolute best staff in the booth when they arrive. You may only have one to three minutes to present your offer and try to set up future meetings. If one of your lower staff doesn't have the correct answers the prospect may just walk on and you have lost the opportunity.
It is best to use a person in your booth who knows all about your industry, products (old and new). Even if you have to hire someone you know to just work the show for you. The knowledge and confidence they will bring to your booth will be well worth any cost and returns in future orders. If you are spending the high cost of having a booth in a trade show, don't skimp on the staff who are there to present your brand and secure new customers and clients.
Barry is a speaker, author and business consultant. www.idealetter.com
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Thursday, February 12, 2015
FEAR Plus or Minus
In business, fear comes into play many times and it needs to be dealt with sooner rather than later. But all fear is not bad and may make you rethink a decision or an investment. Negative fear will also hold you back from getting closer to the goals you have set for yourself and business. It can stop you from reaching outside of your comfort zones where the real opportunities are waiting. Fear can make you procrastinate about a decision that you already know has a good chance of working. But what if it fails? Yes that can happen and has happened to all of us on our road to success. Once a solid decision is made, move forward aggressivelly and don't worry about failure because it may never happen.
Positive fear can make you do more research, analysis and study before you make a big decision. It can calculate the possibility of success with what you want to do and whether you should do it now. It will never be a 100% sure win answer but positive fear will give you the confidence to move forward. Once you have made that decision don't look back and give all your effort to that decision succeeding. Fear gives you the chance to make the correct decisions and then moves aside so you can accomplish the task at hand. Don't be afraid of either fear, just use it to your advantage in business and in life.
Barry is an expert speaker on The Customer Experience, Building and Keeping Business Relationships and Marketing on a Tight Budget. More at www.idealetter.com
Positive fear can make you do more research, analysis and study before you make a big decision. It can calculate the possibility of success with what you want to do and whether you should do it now. It will never be a 100% sure win answer but positive fear will give you the confidence to move forward. Once you have made that decision don't look back and give all your effort to that decision succeeding. Fear gives you the chance to make the correct decisions and then moves aside so you can accomplish the task at hand. Don't be afraid of either fear, just use it to your advantage in business and in life.
Barry is an expert speaker on The Customer Experience, Building and Keeping Business Relationships and Marketing on a Tight Budget. More at www.idealetter.com
Sunday, February 8, 2015
Business Speaker & Trainer
I am always interested in speaking and training engagements anywhere safe in the world. My topics are The Customer Experience, Building Business Relationships, Marketing and Sales Ideas, Social Media & Networking for Profit, Making Better Presentations and others. I will add value to your event or meeting with usuable content, relevant stories and some humor.
I will offer to do 2 presentations at no additional fees if time permitting. I may also be available to travel on short notice or if another speaker or presenter cancels. For a limited time my speaking fee includes airfare to the city of the event or meeting (100% in North America, 50% international). For more information, more topics, short video stories, photos, bio and reasonable fee can be found at www.idealetter.com. Please contact me to schedule your event or meeting and lock in the date now.
I will offer to do 2 presentations at no additional fees if time permitting. I may also be available to travel on short notice or if another speaker or presenter cancels. For a limited time my speaking fee includes airfare to the city of the event or meeting (100% in North America, 50% international). For more information, more topics, short video stories, photos, bio and reasonable fee can be found at www.idealetter.com. Please contact me to schedule your event or meeting and lock in the date now.
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Little Known February Holidays
These are real but little known holidays in February that you can use in your business for fun and profit,
1 Serpent Day
3 National Men's Grooming Day
6 Pay a Compliment Day
7 Charles Dickens Day
8 Kite flying Day
8 Boy Scout Day
9 Toothache Day
10 Umbrella Day
11 White T-Shirt Day
11 National Inventor's Day
12 Darwin Day
13 Use a Different Day
14 Ferris Wheel Day
15 National Gum Drop Day
16 Do a Grouch a Favor Day
17 Champion Crab Races Day
18 National Battery Day
19 National Chocolate Mint Day
20 Harry Potter Day
21 National Sticky Bun Day
22 Be Humble Day
24 National Tortilla Chips Day
26 National Pistachio Day
27 Intl Polar Bear Day
28 Public Sleeping Day
Have a great February !
1 Serpent Day
3 National Men's Grooming Day
6 Pay a Compliment Day
7 Charles Dickens Day
8 Kite flying Day
8 Boy Scout Day
9 Toothache Day
10 Umbrella Day
11 White T-Shirt Day
11 National Inventor's Day
12 Darwin Day
13 Use a Different Day
14 Ferris Wheel Day
15 National Gum Drop Day
16 Do a Grouch a Favor Day
17 Champion Crab Races Day
18 National Battery Day
19 National Chocolate Mint Day
20 Harry Potter Day
21 National Sticky Bun Day
22 Be Humble Day
24 National Tortilla Chips Day
26 National Pistachio Day
27 Intl Polar Bear Day
28 Public Sleeping Day
Have a great February !
Friday, January 30, 2015
Gift Cards Buy & Sell
We all know how popular gift cards are especially during the holiday season. They allow the receiver the chance to select what they want as a gift without having to exchange something they don't really like or does not fit. Gift cards also help the retailers and businesses by giving them a short term loan at no interest and possibly attracting a new customer who would not come on their own. Many are not always redeemed in full which is an extra benefit for the issuer. But sometimes people get a card they don't want, can't use or move from the area where the business is located. Now there is a way to cash in or exchange those unwanted cards safely and without taking too much of a loss. Here are a few sites (there are others) that are popular for gift cards exchanges, buying and selling.
* cardpool.com
* cardhub.com
* giftcardgranny.com
* giftcards.com
* junkcard.com
These are websites where you can sell your cards for less than face value and receive cash or others cards that you want. Each site may have different rules so check before you do a transaction. It is also a great place to buy gift cards for places you really like at possibly less than face value. You may be able to find cards available for regional businesses near you that are more discounted because they are not widely sought. Buying from a reputable site will assure the card is valid and should have some guarantee if it's not. It's just another way to save money and not lose money without making the gift giver feel bad.
Barry is a speaker at conventions, conferences, trade shows and company meetings. www.idealetter.com
* cardpool.com
* cardhub.com
* giftcardgranny.com
* giftcards.com
* junkcard.com
These are websites where you can sell your cards for less than face value and receive cash or others cards that you want. Each site may have different rules so check before you do a transaction. It is also a great place to buy gift cards for places you really like at possibly less than face value. You may be able to find cards available for regional businesses near you that are more discounted because they are not widely sought. Buying from a reputable site will assure the card is valid and should have some guarantee if it's not. It's just another way to save money and not lose money without making the gift giver feel bad.
Barry is a speaker at conventions, conferences, trade shows and company meetings. www.idealetter.com
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Sales... is Like a Doctor
I doesn't matter whether you own a business or work for a big corporation, we are all in a sales related position. We must promote our business, company, department or group to have an ongoing profitable existence. If it is not showing a profit or completing a task needed it will not excel and take all the people involved with it. Even if you are just getting a paycheck that money has to come from somewhere and you are involved, either directly or indirectly. So the more you know and practice sales techiniques the better you can help and improve your company or business.
Think about how a doctor works, every situation is different, just like business. He/She doesn't start prescribing medicine or activities as soon as you meet in their office. They ask questions and they stop talking so you can answer and tell them why you are there. They may take routine tests, blood samples and examine areas of your body that will give them a better knowledge of how to suggest treatment that will work best for your current situation. A doctor is trained to find out what the problem is and then determine how to make it better or solve it.
Every potential customer or client is unique and needs to be handled with individual care and empathy. Just like the doctor, you need to find out what is ailing them, their business pain and problem they need solved before any solution can be offered. Do the exploratory surgery needed to see what the core of the problem is so you can begin to offer the best ways to make it better or ease some of the pain. If you don't find the underlying cause of the problem you may be prescribing apples when they need oranges to solve it. That's why the best sales and customer service people listen much more than they talk. Listen for the business need or pain then you can begin to solve it. The professionals learn and practice this every day.
Barry is a speaker on the Customer Experience and Marketing. www.idealetter.com
Think about how a doctor works, every situation is different, just like business. He/She doesn't start prescribing medicine or activities as soon as you meet in their office. They ask questions and they stop talking so you can answer and tell them why you are there. They may take routine tests, blood samples and examine areas of your body that will give them a better knowledge of how to suggest treatment that will work best for your current situation. A doctor is trained to find out what the problem is and then determine how to make it better or solve it.
Every potential customer or client is unique and needs to be handled with individual care and empathy. Just like the doctor, you need to find out what is ailing them, their business pain and problem they need solved before any solution can be offered. Do the exploratory surgery needed to see what the core of the problem is so you can begin to offer the best ways to make it better or ease some of the pain. If you don't find the underlying cause of the problem you may be prescribing apples when they need oranges to solve it. That's why the best sales and customer service people listen much more than they talk. Listen for the business need or pain then you can begin to solve it. The professionals learn and practice this every day.
Barry is a speaker on the Customer Experience and Marketing. www.idealetter.com
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Pawn Stars - Did You Know?
1. "Pawn Stars" is the no. 2
most-watched reality show in North America. ("Jersey Shore" holds the top spot.)
2. The guys can't actually work the
counter anymore because of privacy laws. Since they've become celebrities,
people are constantly taking pictures of them, compromising the privacy of
whoever's at the pawn counter. "Now I'll meet a guy in the hallway," said
Corey.
3. PBS did a documentary on Rick and the shop in
2001. "I've always been a media whore," Rick said, laughing. When business
spiked after the special aired, Rick started to shop the idea of a TV show
around. HBO expressed interest early on and even developed a pilot, but their
focus was on the more depressing side of the pawn business, which wasn't the
angle Rick wanted to pursue.
4. Corey and Chumlee have personal assistants
now. "I do a lot of desert racing. My assistant empties out the septic tank of
the trailer when I go! It's a little weird asking somebody to do that for you,"
said Corey with a laugh.
5. Chumlee's done a lot of dumb things on
camera, but his dumbest move of all time (according to Corey) happened before
the show's inception. After someone came in to pawn a stand-up bass, Chumlee
leaned it against a shelf and walked away. The bass fell and shattered into
pieces. Chumlee put the pieces into a box, and put the pawn number on the box.
When the man came to pick it up, he opened the box and saw his bass in pieces.
"He started freaking out," Corey recalled. "He pawned it for $700, and it wound
up costing us $20,000 because it turned out to be rare." Chumlee, for his part,
can't explain his actions. "I don't know what I was thinking," he said.
6. Rick has always been a serial entrepreneur.
At one point, he even bought a Quizno's franchise that Corey and Chumlee ran
together.
7. Corey's brother Adam used to work at the
shop, too -- but you're probably not going to see him on the show anytime soon.
"Most likely not. He's a plumber now," Corey said. Is Adam envious of Corey's
newfound fame? "I think there has to be some type of jealousy," Corey mused.
8. The most dangerous thing Chumlee has ever
tested? One of the blunderbusses. "A flame shot out, and I did get burned up my
arm," Chumlee recalled.
9. "Pawn Stars" was originally set to be called
"Pawning History," until someone at the production company threw out its current
name.
10. "Pawn Stars" has become an international
phenomenon, airing in dozens of countries around the world, from Singapore to
Serbia. Fun fact: In Germany, the show is called "Die Drei vom Pfandhaus" ("The
Three of the Pawnshop").
11. Chumlee has pretty awesome taste in TV
shows: He doesn't miss "Boardwalk Empire," "Sons of Anarchy" or "Breaking Bad." Rick, on the other hand, would rather be
reading. "Television is so mind-numbing to me," he said.
12. Jon Bon Jovi once requested to meet the
guys. "We went to his meet n' greet to meet his kids because they wanted a
picture with us," said Chumlee. "He gave us front row tickets. That was pretty
cool. When does Bon Jovi personally invite you to his show?"
13. Since the show debuted, Rick gets shooed
away from a lot of garage sales and swap meets because people are worried about
his shrewd negotiating skills. "Last year I stopped by a yard sale and asked a
lady about a painting," he said. "She recognized who I was and took it away and
said, 'It's not for sale!' [Laughs.]
From Huffpost-TV
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Pop Up Stores
You may have heard this term which was started to encourage new businesses and would-be retail stores to see if they can survive, grow and attract business before they jump in with both feet. Many cities are even sponsoring this new idea which they hope will pay off for both the city and the business to increase sales tax, traffic to shrinking store areas and promote small business. This is a great idea and long needed in the retail industry that has been losing to online sales. If this can work for you it's well worth giving it a try because the risk in minimal and the rewards are great. This can be done any time of the year not just the holiday season.
In my city, Colorado Springs, this past holiday season the city had a program for pop up stores in the downtown district to fill in vacant retail space and give shoppers a chance to visit new and upcoming businesses. It also made the area look full and more appealing during the holiday season. Their program allowed new retail stores to test the market by committing to 10-12 weeks in a retail space but no long term contract. They would occupy it the beginning of November and make a decision to stay or leave in early January. The advantage for the new or growing business was that they paid only one third of the normal rent per month, the city group paid one third and the building owner absorbed the other third.
This is a win-win-win situation where everyone comes out ahead. The previously empty space generated rent when there was none, the city collected sales tax for any sales there and the business owner got to see if their store could make money and survive with all the retail expenses. If the owner didn't feel it would last during other times of the year, they could walk away with no additional cost. Some of these programs can vary from 2 months, 3 months up to 6 months. And the building owner may even extend it or gradually raise rent as sales grow. Check with your city hall or talk to owners of vacant retail space to see if it can work for you. The risk is low to see if your ideas and products will work in a retail store.
Barry is a marketing, customer experience and business relationship speaker and consultant who has owned many businesses. www.idealetter.com
In my city, Colorado Springs, this past holiday season the city had a program for pop up stores in the downtown district to fill in vacant retail space and give shoppers a chance to visit new and upcoming businesses. It also made the area look full and more appealing during the holiday season. Their program allowed new retail stores to test the market by committing to 10-12 weeks in a retail space but no long term contract. They would occupy it the beginning of November and make a decision to stay or leave in early January. The advantage for the new or growing business was that they paid only one third of the normal rent per month, the city group paid one third and the building owner absorbed the other third.
This is a win-win-win situation where everyone comes out ahead. The previously empty space generated rent when there was none, the city collected sales tax for any sales there and the business owner got to see if their store could make money and survive with all the retail expenses. If the owner didn't feel it would last during other times of the year, they could walk away with no additional cost. Some of these programs can vary from 2 months, 3 months up to 6 months. And the building owner may even extend it or gradually raise rent as sales grow. Check with your city hall or talk to owners of vacant retail space to see if it can work for you. The risk is low to see if your ideas and products will work in a retail store.
Barry is a marketing, customer experience and business relationship speaker and consultant who has owned many businesses. www.idealetter.com
Monday, January 5, 2015
Business Plan in 30 Minutes
If you are starting a new business or applying for a loan or adding an investor you will want to write a business plan in advance. A business plan is simply the answers to 9 or 10 questions to be sure you are ready to go ahead. The answers will guide you on your way to success and entice anyone else to be a lender or investor with comfort. This is what your business is all about and why it should be successful. I am not going to list the questions here again but you can find them in an earlier post in this blog or in Chapter 1 of my book "The Smart Guide to Starting Your Own Business", available everywhere.
If you can't answer all the questions honestly and easily, the plan is not complete and you should wait to move ahead. Without the full answers your chance for success will be diminished greatly. Even if you are stuck on one question you may be able to get or develop the answer quickly and move on. But if you are sure of the parts in the business plan and know what you are going to do and why, the plan should take 30 minutes or less to write down. A business plan is the foundation of any enterprise but it can be changed, modified or improved at any time. So get that business plan down on paper and see if you are missing anything the go and make $millions!
Barry is a speaker on marketing & customer service and consultant to new and existing businesses. www.idealetter.com
If you can't answer all the questions honestly and easily, the plan is not complete and you should wait to move ahead. Without the full answers your chance for success will be diminished greatly. Even if you are stuck on one question you may be able to get or develop the answer quickly and move on. But if you are sure of the parts in the business plan and know what you are going to do and why, the plan should take 30 minutes or less to write down. A business plan is the foundation of any enterprise but it can be changed, modified or improved at any time. So get that business plan down on paper and see if you are missing anything the go and make $millions!
Barry is a speaker on marketing & customer service and consultant to new and existing businesses. www.idealetter.com
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Smile It's Free !
One of the best marketing tools (and cheapest) that you have is right in front of your face... your smile. It should be used on a regular basis to make customers & clients relax and enjoy doing business with you. Even when things don't go as expected, a smile can make it easier to resolve. Your sincere smile can show a customer that you really care and want to serve them well. It's an international gesture that everyone in any language knows.
Everyone in your business should practice and use their smile all the time. For some it's just natural and others have to work at it but using a smile can make a big difference. When everyone is smiling a little more loyalty will be created with customers who will feel better giving you repeat business. The power of a smile can help close many sales and make employees feel better doing their job.
Barry is a business and convention speaker. www.idealetter.com
Everyone in your business should practice and use their smile all the time. For some it's just natural and others have to work at it but using a smile can make a big difference. When everyone is smiling a little more loyalty will be created with customers who will feel better giving you repeat business. The power of a smile can help close many sales and make employees feel better doing their job.
Barry is a business and convention speaker. www.idealetter.com
Should You Expand?
If you decide that you need to expand your business to stay ahead of competition or to take advantage of a rapidly growing industry, consider these questions first.
*Can you actually profit from expansion and how long will it take?
*What will you do with additional profits?
*Is the industry growth just a fad or will it continue as a trend?
*What are the long term projections?
*How long will it take to start profiting from your expansion?
*How quickly can you meet the increased demand?
*Will bigger companies react to your expansion?
*Will you need more office, warehouse or production space?
*Will you need more trained employees?
*Will you have fast distribution ability?
*Do you have to purchase or lease more equipment?
*Do you have the financial ability to finance the expansion?
*Will you have to borrow to expand?
*Will additional interest paid eat up profits?
*Can you afford new employee pay & benefits until profits increase?
*Will new demand be constant or just seasonal?
*If seasonal can you use temporary employees?
*Is it really worth it?
Barry is a speaker/trainer on business, marketing and networking. www.idealetter.com
*Can you actually profit from expansion and how long will it take?
*What will you do with additional profits?
*Is the industry growth just a fad or will it continue as a trend?
*What are the long term projections?
*How long will it take to start profiting from your expansion?
*How quickly can you meet the increased demand?
*Will bigger companies react to your expansion?
*Will you need more office, warehouse or production space?
*Will you need more trained employees?
*Will you have fast distribution ability?
*Do you have to purchase or lease more equipment?
*Do you have the financial ability to finance the expansion?
*Will you have to borrow to expand?
*Will additional interest paid eat up profits?
*Can you afford new employee pay & benefits until profits increase?
*Will new demand be constant or just seasonal?
*If seasonal can you use temporary employees?
*Is it really worth it?
Barry is a speaker/trainer on business, marketing and networking. www.idealetter.com
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Unusual January Holidays
Here are some real but unusual holidays that you can use in you business for fun and profit.
1 Get a Life Day
2 Happy Mew Years (cats)
3 Festival of Sleep
4 National Trivia Day
5 National Bean Day
5 Bird Day
8 National Bubble Bath Day
8 Postal Day
10 Volunteer Fireman Day
13 Blame Someone Else Day
14 National Dress Up Pets Day
15 National Hat Day
17 Pig Day
18 Winnie the Pooh Day
18 Jazz Day
19 National Popcorn Day
20 Basketball Day
21 National Hug Day
23 National Pie day
25 Opposite Day
27 National Toilet Day
28 National Kazoo Day
29 National Puzzle Day
30 National Croissant Day
Use these for a fun promotion, sale or dress-up and let the media know!
Barry is a marketing & business relationship speaker. www.idealetter.com
1 Get a Life Day
2 Happy Mew Years (cats)
3 Festival of Sleep
4 National Trivia Day
5 National Bean Day
5 Bird Day
8 National Bubble Bath Day
8 Postal Day
10 Volunteer Fireman Day
13 Blame Someone Else Day
14 National Dress Up Pets Day
15 National Hat Day
17 Pig Day
18 Winnie the Pooh Day
18 Jazz Day
19 National Popcorn Day
20 Basketball Day
21 National Hug Day
23 National Pie day
25 Opposite Day
27 National Toilet Day
28 National Kazoo Day
29 National Puzzle Day
30 National Croissant Day
Use these for a fun promotion, sale or dress-up and let the media know!
Barry is a marketing & business relationship speaker. www.idealetter.com
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Meet Your Customers
If you do your business using email, by phone, mail or text you may not have met many of your customers personally. Some will say that's the old-fashioned way but the business world is now leaning toward more relationship marketing. There is nothing better for both sides of a transaction than shaking hands, looking each other in the eye and with a smile saying, "Thank You for your business". And yes, women can and should shake hands and extend their hand to a man or other women first. It's a bond between seller and buyer that you can't get any other way than in person. That connection will last longer and build more loyalty than a simple Thank You on the phone, email or text.
But you might say that you can't meet all your customers because they are all over the region, country or world. This is when you make an effort to attend trade shows, conferences, conventions and meetings where they might be. One or two trips a year can pay for itself many times over in developing that business relationship that you can't get any other way. The conventions and trade shows can be for their industry, not yours but you know many of them will be there. You don't need a booth, possibly just a hospitality suite where you can get to know them personally. It's also a great time to find out what they would like to see you change or add in your business. So meet as many customers as possible and start creating that long term relationship loyalty.
Barry is a speaker and trainer at conventions, conferences, trade shows and company meetings. Topics, ideas and bio at www.idealetter.com
But you might say that you can't meet all your customers because they are all over the region, country or world. This is when you make an effort to attend trade shows, conferences, conventions and meetings where they might be. One or two trips a year can pay for itself many times over in developing that business relationship that you can't get any other way. The conventions and trade shows can be for their industry, not yours but you know many of them will be there. You don't need a booth, possibly just a hospitality suite where you can get to know them personally. It's also a great time to find out what they would like to see you change or add in your business. So meet as many customers as possible and start creating that long term relationship loyalty.
Barry is a speaker and trainer at conventions, conferences, trade shows and company meetings. Topics, ideas and bio at www.idealetter.com
Monday, December 22, 2014
The New Year and Goals
As we approach the new year we can always look back and see if we accomplished the goals we set last year. If you did, great and you will be ahead of most other business people. But did you set those goals too low or easy to attain? If you didn't reach your goals for the year but got close that's just as good. Your business goals should be just a little out of reach so it is not too easy but still possible. Stand near a wall and raise you arm so you touch the wall with your longest finger. Now with your arm still up move about 4-5 inches away from the wall. You are no longer touching the wall but if you stretch and make an effort you may still be able to touch the wall.
That is where your realistic goals should be, just out of reach but still possible. If your sales always increase every year because inflation or other factors at least 10% then your goal should not be to increase 12%, that's too easy. Shoot for a goal of 15-16% increase that will make you you put some effort and new ideas into your business to reach it. Also if you set a goal at 50% sales increase (when you usually get 10%) the chances of reaching it will be slim and you will lose interest in trying to make it happen. Realistic goals that are just out of easy reach will motivate you to try new things, offer a better customer experience and make your marketing pay off.
Barry is a meeting speaker on The Customer Experience, Building Business Relationships and Using social media/networking to generate profit. www.idealetter.com
That is where your realistic goals should be, just out of reach but still possible. If your sales always increase every year because inflation or other factors at least 10% then your goal should not be to increase 12%, that's too easy. Shoot for a goal of 15-16% increase that will make you you put some effort and new ideas into your business to reach it. Also if you set a goal at 50% sales increase (when you usually get 10%) the chances of reaching it will be slim and you will lose interest in trying to make it happen. Realistic goals that are just out of easy reach will motivate you to try new things, offer a better customer experience and make your marketing pay off.
Barry is a meeting speaker on The Customer Experience, Building Business Relationships and Using social media/networking to generate profit. www.idealetter.com
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Licensing or a Franchise
Licensing
Much like the state government granting individuals a license to give them permission to drive, businesses sometimes grant other organizations licenses to give them permission to use their intellectual property. A license is a contract through which one party grants another permission to use its patents, trademarks, copyrights, designs or trade secrets. The organization receiving the license, or licensee, compensates the licensor by paying a flat fee, royalties or a combination of the two. The agreement does not transfer ownership of the intellectual property. By licensing to third parties, small business owners can expand their businesses' reach and grow sales without having to invest in new locations or distribution networks, and risking failure.
Franchising
Franchising grows a business in a similar way but the franchising party or franchisor gives the franchisee permission to not only use its intellectual property but also its operating system. In addition to their trademarks, franchisees often use frachisors' distribution systems and marketing campaigns to sell the franchisors' products or services. In return, the franchisee usually pays the franchisor an upfront fee, royalties, and sometimes even a monthly or annual fee. Like licensing, franchising can help a small business grow rapidly and, although it requires more set-up and investment than a pure licensing deal, franchising remains considerably more affordable than opening new locations.
By Oscar Guzman
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Why a Blog?
There are places where you can have a free blog to post information (Google & Wordpress are two of them) so that people can feel that you are an expert in your chosen field. It's a place where you can share ideas, tips and yes key secrets in your industry or vocation. Short 2 to 3 paragraph articles are best for busy people to read and absorb.If you know more that most people in an industry why not share it and assemble a group of people who check your blog often. You can find new customers and clients who will build a trust in you over time.
You should post to your blog once or twice a week so that when people check it they will find something new and informative. If people learn something or get reminded of an idea they will visit your blog often and not others that may be competitors. You can also also send your blog posts easily to Twitter, Facebook and Google Plus. You will need to copy and paste the link to Linkedin and anywhere else you want to share it. Visitors can also go back and see your previous posts and you will get to see how many hits you get. I am over 71,000 hits and I hope you keep reading!
Barry is a speaker and trainer on social media basics, customer satisfaction and building business relationships. To have Barry speak at your next meeting or conference go to www.idealetter.com
You should post to your blog once or twice a week so that when people check it they will find something new and informative. If people learn something or get reminded of an idea they will visit your blog often and not others that may be competitors. You can also also send your blog posts easily to Twitter, Facebook and Google Plus. You will need to copy and paste the link to Linkedin and anywhere else you want to share it. Visitors can also go back and see your previous posts and you will get to see how many hits you get. I am over 71,000 hits and I hope you keep reading!
Barry is a speaker and trainer on social media basics, customer satisfaction and building business relationships. To have Barry speak at your next meeting or conference go to www.idealetter.com
Monday, December 15, 2014
Social Media Presence
Most of us use social media in different forms to share our business ideas and promote our products and services. This is the new future and the first step in relationship marketing and it does make a difference. You may not see results after every post but it will build as people get used to seeing your helpful posts and advice. I always felt that jumping right into a sales pitch would turn many potential clients and customers off and they would just ignore you. It's like someine asking you for your credit card number to pay for something when no trust has been established yet.
I like to add more friends and connections but may be hestitant to accept those that don't have have a picture and some information about themselves in their profile. How can you build any trust at all in someone you know nothing about. I will see and listen to what they have to say if I know where it is coming from and a little about who is sending it. I try to put information in my profile that will make people be more comfortable when they see my posts.
The social media I like to use is Facebook (and groups), Linkedin, Twitter and my blog which you are reading now. I feel to create interest and trust you need to put something in the first 3 every day and post to your blog several times a month. Your friends, connections and blog readers will get to know you and what they can expect. Don't go on a rant on social media even if you feel strongly about something, state your case and let others decide their own feelings. By posting often and giving useful information you can build the trust it takes to consider you as someone people may consider spending money with in the future.
Barry is a speaker at conventions, conferences, trade shows and company meetings. More info at www.idealetter.com
I like to add more friends and connections but may be hestitant to accept those that don't have have a picture and some information about themselves in their profile. How can you build any trust at all in someone you know nothing about. I will see and listen to what they have to say if I know where it is coming from and a little about who is sending it. I try to put information in my profile that will make people be more comfortable when they see my posts.
The social media I like to use is Facebook (and groups), Linkedin, Twitter and my blog which you are reading now. I feel to create interest and trust you need to put something in the first 3 every day and post to your blog several times a month. Your friends, connections and blog readers will get to know you and what they can expect. Don't go on a rant on social media even if you feel strongly about something, state your case and let others decide their own feelings. By posting often and giving useful information you can build the trust it takes to consider you as someone people may consider spending money with in the future.
Barry is a speaker at conventions, conferences, trade shows and company meetings. More info at www.idealetter.com
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Reduce Customer Acquisition Cost
Customer Acquisition Cost, a fancy term that only asks you what it costs to get a new customer or client. You may not know the exact number (you should) but you know that in many companies it is not cheap. So if you can reduce that cost and keep getting new business it would be a big advantage. The big companies spend millions on advertising that blasts their offers and brand names in our faces constantly but as a smaller business we can't afford to to that. So how can you increase your customer base and still stay within your marketing budget? We all need need new customers to grow and prosper.
Why not use the method that does not cost money and should already be part of your Customer Experience. One way is to encourage more referral business from those already pleased, happy and excited about your business. But to get those referrals you must be providing outstanding products and service all the time. Offering a low price does not build loyalty over a long time, just loyalty for that one order. If you give your current clientele the best they can get anywhere and do it all the time you will build that loyalty that breeds referrals. Referral business is more valuable than any advertising you can buy. And don't forget to ask for those referrals after every transaction so people will know you really want them.
Barry is a professional speaker on The Customer Experience and Building Business Relationships. More info at www.idealetter.com
Why not use the method that does not cost money and should already be part of your Customer Experience. One way is to encourage more referral business from those already pleased, happy and excited about your business. But to get those referrals you must be providing outstanding products and service all the time. Offering a low price does not build loyalty over a long time, just loyalty for that one order. If you give your current clientele the best they can get anywhere and do it all the time you will build that loyalty that breeds referrals. Referral business is more valuable than any advertising you can buy. And don't forget to ask for those referrals after every transaction so people will know you really want them.
Barry is a professional speaker on The Customer Experience and Building Business Relationships. More info at www.idealetter.com
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Do You Still Say Thank You?
These are 2 little words that should end ever transaction you make in your business, Thank You. It seems so obvious but are you really saying it EVERY TIME? I ask the people I speak to at conferences and conventions if they still say it every time they make a transaction, regarless of how well they know the customer or client. I usually get a hesitated yes, of course but see a vague look on their face as they think about it. We all know about saying Thank You but may forget it when we are busy or pre-occupied with something else, instead of the customer at hand.
Your customers and clients may not always remember when you say Thank You because it's just part of the transaction but don't say it and they may wonder why. Are you now taking their business and money paid for granted? Should they consider checking out some of your competitors for a better offer? Have they become such a regular customer that they don't need to hear it anymore? I think not, it's important Every Time. These are the people who are supporting your business, employees, growth, your family and paying your mortgage. Don't forget to thank them for it, every time.
Barry is a professional speaker on topics like The Customer Experience and Building Business Realationships. More info at www.idealetter.com
Your customers and clients may not always remember when you say Thank You because it's just part of the transaction but don't say it and they may wonder why. Are you now taking their business and money paid for granted? Should they consider checking out some of your competitors for a better offer? Have they become such a regular customer that they don't need to hear it anymore? I think not, it's important Every Time. These are the people who are supporting your business, employees, growth, your family and paying your mortgage. Don't forget to thank them for it, every time.
Barry is a professional speaker on topics like The Customer Experience and Building Business Realationships. More info at www.idealetter.com
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