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Monday Morning Motivators – August 28, 2006
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Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java
gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
"Begin somewhere; you cannot build a reputation on what you intend to do."
-- Liz Smith
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Table of Contents
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1. Customer Surprises & Process Improvement – Linda Fayerweather
2. The "Es" of Writing Content-Driven Copy – Rebecca Booth
3. Give Something to People You Meet – John Meyer
4. Fine Print
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1. Customer Surprises & Process Improvement
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You’ve started a new offering, you did the promotion and you know it will be a success and then . . . it is! In fact, it is so successful you are swamped with orders, the team is going crazy and everything seems to be falling apart. Take a deep breath and realize:
1) You are a very lucky business and
2) Review your process plan to see what can be done NOW and in the FUTURE.
Build the NOW plan quickly with input from all points in the process. Staying in touch with your customers will be critical if delivery delays are likely. Letting them know before they contact you may be the best solution.
The FUTURE plan will include the salient things you have learned to better plan your next product/service launch. When things settle down, help your staff understand what worked and what didn’t without finger-pointing. The next time you do a launch, you will have new tools to surprise the customer instead of the customer surprising you.
Copyright 2006 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
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2. The "Es" of Writing Content-Driven Copy
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Whether you're penning a website or writing a newsletter or corporate brochure, follow these four E-zee steps to improve your content:
1) Excite - Your information should be new as well as interesting.
2) Educate - What can the reader take with him when he's done reading?
3) Encourage - Spur your reader into action. Get them to choose between one of two products, get them to call for a white paper or to go online to download the full article.
4) Endear - Make sure the information you're sharing endears your readers to you and your business. Give them a REASON to keep your newsletter/bookmark your Web page.
Copyright 2006 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
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3. Give Something to People You Meet
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Make a decision that any time you come into contact with someone, you will give him or her something - a card, flowers, compliment, etc. This will help them remember you and will separate you from probably 95% of the other people they meet. A simple contact will cement a budding relationship.
Copyright 2006 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
Monday, August 28, 2006
Monday, August 21, 2006
Lean: Lakes and Rocks
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Monday Morning Motivators – August 14, 2006
============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java
gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”
--Kenneth Graham
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Lean: Lakes and Rocks – Linda Fayerweather
2. Writing Copy that People Actually Want to Read – Part 2 – Rebecca Booth
3. Helping Others – John Meyer
4. To Do This Week
5. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Lean: Lakes and Rocks
============================================================
Toyota uses the metaphor the Lake and the Rocks to refer to problems. The lake is the work in process, or inventory, or maybe partially completed tax returns and the rocks are the problems that slow the process. Anyone that has boated knows how rocks can slow your boating pleasure. Lowering the level of the water will allow you to better see the rocks. Translating this to your business means the less unfinished work (water in the lake) the more visible the causes of problems become. Of course, you will also discover more and deeper rocks. Don’t despair, a business that wants to be lean, IS will always working in the lean process as the boater will be ever watching for rocks and snags.
Copyright 2006 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
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2. Writing Copy that People Actually Want to Read – Part 2
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Last time we talked, you were ready to stick needles in your eye instead of writing that ad copy you had to do today. Here are more ideas to write copy that people actually want to read:
Step 4: Remove the clichés. What you might think is fresh and carries meaning, clichés are really dead as doornails – and what is a doornail anyway? Keep them in your first draft, because we don’t want to slow down your creative writing. But edit them out before you go to press. Substitute the cliché for something fresh.
Step 5: Use concrete examples rather than concepts. Instead of telling me about your customer service, reliability or effectiveness, show me. Use a client testimonial to get your point across or write a story about a customer who had a problem that you so handily solved!
Step 6: Use strong verbs. Substitute “state of being” verbs – is, am, were, was, are, be being, been – with true action verbs. For instance instead of saying “XYZ sports drink is a drink that will give you energy” use “Reawaken your body with XYZ!”
Copyright 2006 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
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3. Helping Others
===========================================================
The easiest way to get what you want is to help others get what they want. The more effort you put forth finding out how to help others get what they want, the more receptive they will be to help you get what you want. From simple kindnesses to making great referrals to others, all plant the image of you as a giver. If you are not willing to help others, how can you expect them to help you?
Copyright 2006 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
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4. To Do This Week
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Prepare now for the end – the end of the year, that is.
Monday Morning Motivators – August 14, 2006
============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java
gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”
--Kenneth Graham
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Lean: Lakes and Rocks – Linda Fayerweather
2. Writing Copy that People Actually Want to Read – Part 2 – Rebecca Booth
3. Helping Others – John Meyer
4. To Do This Week
5. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Lean: Lakes and Rocks
============================================================
Toyota uses the metaphor the Lake and the Rocks to refer to problems. The lake is the work in process, or inventory, or maybe partially completed tax returns and the rocks are the problems that slow the process. Anyone that has boated knows how rocks can slow your boating pleasure. Lowering the level of the water will allow you to better see the rocks. Translating this to your business means the less unfinished work (water in the lake) the more visible the causes of problems become. Of course, you will also discover more and deeper rocks. Don’t despair, a business that wants to be lean, IS will always working in the lean process as the boater will be ever watching for rocks and snags.
Copyright 2006 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Writing Copy that People Actually Want to Read – Part 2
============================================================
Last time we talked, you were ready to stick needles in your eye instead of writing that ad copy you had to do today. Here are more ideas to write copy that people actually want to read:
Step 4: Remove the clichés. What you might think is fresh and carries meaning, clichés are really dead as doornails – and what is a doornail anyway? Keep them in your first draft, because we don’t want to slow down your creative writing. But edit them out before you go to press. Substitute the cliché for something fresh.
Step 5: Use concrete examples rather than concepts. Instead of telling me about your customer service, reliability or effectiveness, show me. Use a client testimonial to get your point across or write a story about a customer who had a problem that you so handily solved!
Step 6: Use strong verbs. Substitute “state of being” verbs – is, am, were, was, are, be being, been – with true action verbs. For instance instead of saying “XYZ sports drink is a drink that will give you energy” use “Reawaken your body with XYZ!”
Copyright 2006 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Helping Others
===========================================================
The easiest way to get what you want is to help others get what they want. The more effort you put forth finding out how to help others get what they want, the more receptive they will be to help you get what you want. From simple kindnesses to making great referrals to others, all plant the image of you as a giver. If you are not willing to help others, how can you expect them to help you?
Copyright 2006 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
============================================================
4. To Do This Week
============================================================
Prepare now for the end – the end of the year, that is.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Lean Metrics: Measurement Missteps
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – August 14, 2006
============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java
gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
"The future belongs to those who believe in their dreams."
-- Eleanor Roosevelt
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Lean Metrics: Measurement Missteps – Linda Fayerweather
2. Writing Copy that People Actually Want to Read – Part 1 – Rebecca Booth
3. Ask to Have Information Published About You – John Meyer
4. To Do This Week
5. Fine Print
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1. Lean Metrics: Measurement Missteps
============================================================
Last week we talked about the importance of collecting data. Now, let’s explore some of the major pitfalls that happen when data is gathered.
--Measuring everything. Focus on a few critical measures that will guide your improvement efforts. Too much data will overwhelm you and your employees.
--Misinterpreting data. Help your staff understand why and how data is collected and how the data will be used. When all involved in the process understand why the data is collected, the quality of the collection will be enhanced.
--Collecting unused data. Stop collecting data you don’t need. Your time is valuable, your staff’s time is valuable and your customer’s time is valuable so just stop collecting data you won’t use.
--Pointing fingers. When data reveals a process that needs fixing, spending time doing public humiliation or harmful fault finding only slows improvement. Deal with individual corrections privately.
Collecting data wisely is essential to customer satisfaction.
Copyright 2006 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Writing Copy that People Actually Want to Read – Part 1
============================================================
Uh-oh, you’ve got an ad that you have to write this week and you’d rather stick needles in your eyes than write it. Well, search no longer. Over the next two weeks I’ll share six key steps to writing better copy – copy that people actually want to read!
Step 1: Tell a story. Notice the picture I painted with sticking needles in your eye. It tells a visual story that engrosses your reader and draws them into it.
Step 2: Use short words. One and two syllable words are much better than three or four syllable words. Not only are they easier to read and comprehend, they make reading a breeze!
Step 3: Write short sentences and paragraphs. Have you ever read a James Michener novel? Or Tom Clancy? I just can’t! I don’t like books that have paragraphs that are as long as my leg! I gravitate to books with tons of dialogue versus lots and lots of description. It makes reading go more quickly and easily!
Copyright 2006 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Ask to Have Information Published About You
===========================================================
Network members may be able to get information about you and your business printed in publications they subscribe to and in which they have some input or influence. For example, a referral source that belongs to an association publishing a newsletter might help you get an article published or persuade the editor to run a story about you.
Copyright 2006 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
============================================================
4. To Do This Week
============================================================
Review your business’s print image.
Monday Morning Motivators – August 14, 2006
============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java
gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
"The future belongs to those who believe in their dreams."
-- Eleanor Roosevelt
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Lean Metrics: Measurement Missteps – Linda Fayerweather
2. Writing Copy that People Actually Want to Read – Part 1 – Rebecca Booth
3. Ask to Have Information Published About You – John Meyer
4. To Do This Week
5. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Lean Metrics: Measurement Missteps
============================================================
Last week we talked about the importance of collecting data. Now, let’s explore some of the major pitfalls that happen when data is gathered.
--Measuring everything. Focus on a few critical measures that will guide your improvement efforts. Too much data will overwhelm you and your employees.
--Misinterpreting data. Help your staff understand why and how data is collected and how the data will be used. When all involved in the process understand why the data is collected, the quality of the collection will be enhanced.
--Collecting unused data. Stop collecting data you don’t need. Your time is valuable, your staff’s time is valuable and your customer’s time is valuable so just stop collecting data you won’t use.
--Pointing fingers. When data reveals a process that needs fixing, spending time doing public humiliation or harmful fault finding only slows improvement. Deal with individual corrections privately.
Collecting data wisely is essential to customer satisfaction.
Copyright 2006 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Writing Copy that People Actually Want to Read – Part 1
============================================================
Uh-oh, you’ve got an ad that you have to write this week and you’d rather stick needles in your eyes than write it. Well, search no longer. Over the next two weeks I’ll share six key steps to writing better copy – copy that people actually want to read!
Step 1: Tell a story. Notice the picture I painted with sticking needles in your eye. It tells a visual story that engrosses your reader and draws them into it.
Step 2: Use short words. One and two syllable words are much better than three or four syllable words. Not only are they easier to read and comprehend, they make reading a breeze!
Step 3: Write short sentences and paragraphs. Have you ever read a James Michener novel? Or Tom Clancy? I just can’t! I don’t like books that have paragraphs that are as long as my leg! I gravitate to books with tons of dialogue versus lots and lots of description. It makes reading go more quickly and easily!
Copyright 2006 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Ask to Have Information Published About You
===========================================================
Network members may be able to get information about you and your business printed in publications they subscribe to and in which they have some input or influence. For example, a referral source that belongs to an association publishing a newsletter might help you get an article published or persuade the editor to run a story about you.
Copyright 2006 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
============================================================
4. To Do This Week
============================================================
Review your business’s print image.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Lean Metrics: What to Measure
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Monday Morning Motivators – August 7, 2006
============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java
gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
"If you are on the road to nowhere, find another road."
-- Ashanti proverb
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Lean Metrics: What to Measure – Linda Fayerweather
2. Don’t Tell Me, Empower Me! – Rebecca Booth
3. Have People Follow up on Referrals They Give You – John Meyer
4. To Do This Week
5. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Lean Metrics: What to Measure
============================================================
After talking about Lean Metrics for 8 weeks, some readers may still be saying “How do I decide what to measure?” Since lean companies know that all processes should add value to the customer, measurements should reflect that goal. Select metrics that are balanced among the three measurement categories (financial, behavioral, core-process). A very small company may find that three to six will be plenty as each metric needs a champion to own it. Too many will confuse employees and too few may not provide you with enough detail. When deciding which metrics to use, consider the following points:
- What are we measuring?
- What will be the frequency of measurement?
- How long will data be collected?
- Who will measure it?
- How will it be measured?
- What action will be taken after the data is interpreted?
- Who will be responsible for follow-up action?
Keeping lean does require looking backwards to move forwards.
Copyright 2006 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Don’t Tell Me, Empower Me!
============================================================
A few weeks ago we talked about presenting the problem first, then the solution. Here is more on that topic. Have you ever received an email from Travelocity or another travel agent? They usually have tons of information on fabulous trips and deals to exotic places. But the problem with these types of emails is they’re selling solution, solution, solution. Nine times out of 10 there isn’t an immediate need so the email gets deleted. And the next one that comes in gets deleted before it’s even opened. Instead of pushing solutions, why not give me information that I can use? Solve problems that I have when I travel, like tips on how to beat jetlag, how to upgrade a ticket without losing your shirt, or how to deal with an oversized luggage bag.
When you empower me with the problem and the solution, two things happen:
1) Your “pitch” is legitimized because I can use the information and even pass it on to someone else and
2) You look like an expert in your field to me.
So, who am I going to call when it’s time to book that next cruise? Why you of course!
Copyright 2006 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Have People Follow up on Referrals They have Given You
===========================================================
Ask people to contact prospects they referred to you to see how things went after your first meeting, answer their questions or concerns and reassure them that you can be trusted. They can also give you valuable feedback about yourself and your products or services, information that you might not have been able to get on your own.
Copyright 2006 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
============================================================
4. To Do This Week
============================================================
Develop and record your emergency computer plan.
1. Password journal.
2. Critical data backup.
Monday Morning Motivators – August 7, 2006
============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java
gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
"If you are on the road to nowhere, find another road."
-- Ashanti proverb
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Lean Metrics: What to Measure – Linda Fayerweather
2. Don’t Tell Me, Empower Me! – Rebecca Booth
3. Have People Follow up on Referrals They Give You – John Meyer
4. To Do This Week
5. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Lean Metrics: What to Measure
============================================================
After talking about Lean Metrics for 8 weeks, some readers may still be saying “How do I decide what to measure?” Since lean companies know that all processes should add value to the customer, measurements should reflect that goal. Select metrics that are balanced among the three measurement categories (financial, behavioral, core-process). A very small company may find that three to six will be plenty as each metric needs a champion to own it. Too many will confuse employees and too few may not provide you with enough detail. When deciding which metrics to use, consider the following points:
- What are we measuring?
- What will be the frequency of measurement?
- How long will data be collected?
- Who will measure it?
- How will it be measured?
- What action will be taken after the data is interpreted?
- Who will be responsible for follow-up action?
Keeping lean does require looking backwards to move forwards.
Copyright 2006 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Don’t Tell Me, Empower Me!
============================================================
A few weeks ago we talked about presenting the problem first, then the solution. Here is more on that topic. Have you ever received an email from Travelocity or another travel agent? They usually have tons of information on fabulous trips and deals to exotic places. But the problem with these types of emails is they’re selling solution, solution, solution. Nine times out of 10 there isn’t an immediate need so the email gets deleted. And the next one that comes in gets deleted before it’s even opened. Instead of pushing solutions, why not give me information that I can use? Solve problems that I have when I travel, like tips on how to beat jetlag, how to upgrade a ticket without losing your shirt, or how to deal with an oversized luggage bag.
When you empower me with the problem and the solution, two things happen:
1) Your “pitch” is legitimized because I can use the information and even pass it on to someone else and
2) You look like an expert in your field to me.
So, who am I going to call when it’s time to book that next cruise? Why you of course!
Copyright 2006 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Have People Follow up on Referrals They have Given You
===========================================================
Ask people to contact prospects they referred to you to see how things went after your first meeting, answer their questions or concerns and reassure them that you can be trusted. They can also give you valuable feedback about yourself and your products or services, information that you might not have been able to get on your own.
Copyright 2006 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
============================================================
4. To Do This Week
============================================================
Develop and record your emergency computer plan.
1. Password journal.
2. Critical data backup.
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