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Monday Morning Motivators – May 28, 2007
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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
“I not only use all the brains that I have, but all that I can borrow.”
--Woodrow Wilson
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Table of Contents
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1. Rerun: Get off Your “But” – Linda Fayerweather
2. Seize the Moment! - Rebecca Booth
3. The Pen is Mightier than the Ad - John Meyer
4. To Do this Week
5. Fine Print
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1. Get off Your “But”
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When working with employees, peers and customers, the word "but" typically will cancel whatever comes before it. For example, if a loved-one says "I love you, but. . . " you will likely forget the beginning and not want to hear the rest. The word “but” tends to awaken our defenses very quickly. Try replacing "BUT" with "AND". "You are a valued customer AND you need to pay your bill on time". “Your service is great AND we really need to control our costs.” "I'd like to give you a raise AND I am going to work with you to improve your productivity". This simple substitution will give you more power, believability, and most important space to work with the other person.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
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2. Seize the Moment!
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Do you have a list of old prospects that have fallen through the cracks? There’s no better time than today to reheat their interest in your product or service. Here’s how:
1) Establish a clear reason for following up. Don’t just call and ask, “Are you ready to get started yet?” That’s annoying to the end user and will harm you more than help. Instead offer something valuable when you reconnect. For instance, let’s say there’s a new networking group in town, invite them to a meeting.
2) Stay in front of them on a monthly basis from then on. Newsletters, e-zines and postcard mailings are great tools. Remember: give something away that benefits your prospect. (Don’t forget to keep in touch with your customers at the same time!)
3) Give away free samples. This is an excellent way to keep your prospects updated on your company.
4) Share testimonials from satisfied customers with your prospects. Your successes sell!
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
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3. The Pen is Mightier than the Ad
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Your success in business is often based on how you appear in print. An article is far more influential than an ad taken out by the same company. Also, the cost of getting an article written about you is likely to be far less than that of a single-page ad in the same publication.
Copyright 2007 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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Send three customers a thank you note!
Monday, May 28, 2007
Monday, May 21, 2007
To Plan or Not to Plan
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Monday Morning Motivators – May 21, 2007
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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
“The golden age was never the present age.”
--English Proverb
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. To Plan or Not to Plan – Linda Fayerweather
2. Effective Use of Promotional Marketing - Rebecca Booth
3. You Never Get a Second First Impression - John Meyer
4. To Do this Week
5. Fine Print
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1. To Plan or Not to Plan
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Many entrepreneurs and small business owners loathe planning. Some feel it takes them too far from the creative work and spontaneity they truly enjoy. They try to succeed by managing "on the run” or as a farmer I know said, “I like to run my business by the seat of the tractor”. While this may work for some, you'll increase your chances of success by learning to strategize your growth. Developing a plan with sensible goals that are time sensitive and achievable will help you avoid being a grim small business statistic.
Start simple:
1) List the top 3 goals you want your business to achieve by December 2007.
2) List the 3 critical actions that must be done by May 31 to get on this path.
3) Write down the 3 things customers love about your business which should resemble your mission.
This is the start to have a road map towards success. Put your plan in play and aim for the goals.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
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2. Effective Use of Promotional Marketing
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Tis the season for giving – golf promotional materials that is! Here are a few tips to keep in mind to make the most out of your incentive marketing:
1) Add your company URL. Drop the “www” and opt for a larger font when listing your web address. (marketingsolutioneers.com vs. www.marketingsolutioneers.com)
2) You don’t have to give EVERYBODY something. Instead opt for fewer giveaways that have a higher perceived value. Higher value premiums are less likely to be tossed out than no-value, low-cost premiums.
3) Do more than sample your product. Ask yourself how people are going to remind themselves of your product after they’re done eating.
4) Use incentives to recruit. Hand out mugs/tumblers with “I work at the best place!” to your current employees. When interviewees visit they see graphically – and immediately – the kind of place they could work for!
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
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3. You Never Get a Second First Impression
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We are constantly bombarded with information and images through our daily activities. Right or wrong, we make snap decisions based on what we see or hear. So remember, the survival of your business is relative to how you position yourself and what you project.
Copyright 2007 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
===========================================================
4. To Do This Week
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Review your identity security both personal and business
Monday Morning Motivators – May 21, 2007
============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“The golden age was never the present age.”
--English Proverb
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. To Plan or Not to Plan – Linda Fayerweather
2. Effective Use of Promotional Marketing - Rebecca Booth
3. You Never Get a Second First Impression - John Meyer
4. To Do this Week
5. Fine Print
============================================================
1. To Plan or Not to Plan
============================================================
Many entrepreneurs and small business owners loathe planning. Some feel it takes them too far from the creative work and spontaneity they truly enjoy. They try to succeed by managing "on the run” or as a farmer I know said, “I like to run my business by the seat of the tractor”. While this may work for some, you'll increase your chances of success by learning to strategize your growth. Developing a plan with sensible goals that are time sensitive and achievable will help you avoid being a grim small business statistic.
Start simple:
1) List the top 3 goals you want your business to achieve by December 2007.
2) List the 3 critical actions that must be done by May 31 to get on this path.
3) Write down the 3 things customers love about your business which should resemble your mission.
This is the start to have a road map towards success. Put your plan in play and aim for the goals.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Effective Use of Promotional Marketing
============================================================
Tis the season for giving – golf promotional materials that is! Here are a few tips to keep in mind to make the most out of your incentive marketing:
1) Add your company URL. Drop the “www” and opt for a larger font when listing your web address. (marketingsolutioneers.com vs. www.marketingsolutioneers.com)
2) You don’t have to give EVERYBODY something. Instead opt for fewer giveaways that have a higher perceived value. Higher value premiums are less likely to be tossed out than no-value, low-cost premiums.
3) Do more than sample your product. Ask yourself how people are going to remind themselves of your product after they’re done eating.
4) Use incentives to recruit. Hand out mugs/tumblers with “I work at the best place!” to your current employees. When interviewees visit they see graphically – and immediately – the kind of place they could work for!
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. You Never Get a Second First Impression
===========================================================
We are constantly bombarded with information and images through our daily activities. Right or wrong, we make snap decisions based on what we see or hear. So remember, the survival of your business is relative to how you position yourself and what you project.
Copyright 2007 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
===========================================================
4. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Review your identity security both personal and business
Monday, May 14, 2007
The Power of Competition
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Monday Morning Motivators – May 14, 2007
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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
Tell me and I will forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I’ll understand.
--Ancient Proverb
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Table of Contents
============================================================
1. The Power of Competition – Linda Fayerweather
2. 4 Ways to Combat the Postage Hike – Part 2 - Rebecca Booth
3. Image is Everything! - John Meyer
4. To Do this Week
5. Fine Print
============================================================
1. The Power of Competition
============================================================
Competition changes everything and it always will. A recent study by BusinessWeek explored industries with competition and those with limited competitors. You wouldn’t be surprised to learn that industries with healthy competition were more inventive and cost conscious. What really surprised the researchers was the top companies all increased business and those that lacked vision disappeared. Remembering that lean businesses practice Kaizen (continuous improvement) staying in touch with what your customers want, who they are while keeping your business eye on your vision will let your competition take care of itself.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. 4 Ways to Combat the Postage Hike – Part 2
============================================================
Today’s the day the $.39 stamp becomes history! Here are our other two suggestions for combating the new increase:
• 7-16 Touches – Just because postage went up doesn’t mean you can skate by with fewer mailings. Remember it takes 7-16 drips to get on anyone’s radar list. Since we never know when someone is going to have the need to buy, it becomes imperative that you continue your drips. Instead of just relying on the mail, intersperse personal phone calls, lunches, one-on-ones and impromptu visits as part of your multiple touches.
• Look at Your List as a “Living List” – If you run into someone you’ve been courting and hear that they’ve just signed on with a competitor, clear them off your list immediately. Insert another prospect or save the $.41 all together!
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Image is Everything!
===========================================================
People want to be referred as much as you want referrals. A reassuring, professional image makes people feel more secure when buying something they can't see or hold in their hands, like a service. Even though our mothers taught us to not judge a book by its cover, taking extra time and always having a professional image will cement relationships sooner.
Copyright 2007 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
===========================================================
4. To Do This Week
===========================================================
When Stressed – take a Walk!
Monday Morning Motivators – May 14, 2007
============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
Tell me and I will forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I’ll understand.
--Ancient Proverb
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. The Power of Competition – Linda Fayerweather
2. 4 Ways to Combat the Postage Hike – Part 2 - Rebecca Booth
3. Image is Everything! - John Meyer
4. To Do this Week
5. Fine Print
============================================================
1. The Power of Competition
============================================================
Competition changes everything and it always will. A recent study by BusinessWeek explored industries with competition and those with limited competitors. You wouldn’t be surprised to learn that industries with healthy competition were more inventive and cost conscious. What really surprised the researchers was the top companies all increased business and those that lacked vision disappeared. Remembering that lean businesses practice Kaizen (continuous improvement) staying in touch with what your customers want, who they are while keeping your business eye on your vision will let your competition take care of itself.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. 4 Ways to Combat the Postage Hike – Part 2
============================================================
Today’s the day the $.39 stamp becomes history! Here are our other two suggestions for combating the new increase:
• 7-16 Touches – Just because postage went up doesn’t mean you can skate by with fewer mailings. Remember it takes 7-16 drips to get on anyone’s radar list. Since we never know when someone is going to have the need to buy, it becomes imperative that you continue your drips. Instead of just relying on the mail, intersperse personal phone calls, lunches, one-on-ones and impromptu visits as part of your multiple touches.
• Look at Your List as a “Living List” – If you run into someone you’ve been courting and hear that they’ve just signed on with a competitor, clear them off your list immediately. Insert another prospect or save the $.41 all together!
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Image is Everything!
===========================================================
People want to be referred as much as you want referrals. A reassuring, professional image makes people feel more secure when buying something they can't see or hold in their hands, like a service. Even though our mothers taught us to not judge a book by its cover, taking extra time and always having a professional image will cement relationships sooner.
Copyright 2007 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
===========================================================
4. To Do This Week
===========================================================
When Stressed – take a Walk!
Monday, May 07, 2007
Be a Light House - Postal Rates - Testimonials
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Monday Morning Motivators – May 7, 2007
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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
“Progress is impossible without the ability to admit mistakes.”
--Imai
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Be a Lighthouse – Linda Fayerweather
2. 4 Ways to Combat the Postage Hike – Part 1 - Rebecca Booth
3. Powerful Testimonials - John Meyer
4. To Do this Week
5. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Be a Lighthouse
============================================================
Often small business owners get caught in the routine shoals of their business. Michael Gerber, author of the E-myth Revisited coined the phrase “working on your business not in your business” describing this phenomenon. A typical small business with less than 10 employees may have employees with several responsibilities like bookkeeping/reception or manager/human resources and frequently the owner ends up doing anything and everything that falls through the cracks. This is like being a weathervane, always responding to the elements after or when they are happening.
As a Lean proponent, I like to believe that each time a “storm” happens it is an opportunity to develop a standardized way of doing that task. Once this is written and tested it can easily be delegated to others quickly. The more of these types of tasks that are identified, standardized and delegated, the more we business owners can be like a lighthouse looking for opportunities and threats and less serving as weathervane.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. 4 Ways to Combat the Postage Hike – Part 1
============================================================
Postage rates increase from $.39 to $.41 on May 14, so plan now to get any of your mailings out before that hike takes place. But what’s going to happen to the rest of your direct mail plans for 2007? Hopefully they won’t wither up and die. Here are a few quick tips you can use ensure your marketing plan stays on track:
• Clean Your List – Many mail houses will clean a list for you for less than $100. One of the best ways to clean a list is to send out your pieces first class at least once a year. The post office will return all undeliverable addresses back to you.
• Segment Your List – Divide your list into ABCD clients (A being the best; B being the second best; C being good, but not great; D are the types of clients you don’t want.) Do the same with prospects and leads. If you’re having to scale back on your direct mail effort, the best thing you can do is to zero in on the B List of prospects and B List of Clients. You have the strongest relationship with you’re A list of clients. So you don’t have to court them as much with mailings. Instead, you can pick up the phone and call.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Powerful Testimonials
===========================================================
If you are building your business through referrals, then you need to educate your customers how to give powerful testimonials about you and your services. Most business professionals ask their clients to refer their family, friends, etc., to them. The one glaring mistake that most people forget though is to explain to their clients that the only thing they have to do is talk about their experience with you. Teach them how to do a testimonial instead of just saying "if you know anyone ...." Testimonials are very powerful sales techniques. Ask people who have used your products or services to talk to others about their experience.
Copyright 2007 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
===========================================================
4. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Five Week Kaizen of your office.
Week Five – Self-Discipline – If you can keep yourself on track, get an accountability partner to help.
Monday Morning Motivators – May 7, 2007
============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“Progress is impossible without the ability to admit mistakes.”
--Imai
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Be a Lighthouse – Linda Fayerweather
2. 4 Ways to Combat the Postage Hike – Part 1 - Rebecca Booth
3. Powerful Testimonials - John Meyer
4. To Do this Week
5. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Be a Lighthouse
============================================================
Often small business owners get caught in the routine shoals of their business. Michael Gerber, author of the E-myth Revisited coined the phrase “working on your business not in your business” describing this phenomenon. A typical small business with less than 10 employees may have employees with several responsibilities like bookkeeping/reception or manager/human resources and frequently the owner ends up doing anything and everything that falls through the cracks. This is like being a weathervane, always responding to the elements after or when they are happening.
As a Lean proponent, I like to believe that each time a “storm” happens it is an opportunity to develop a standardized way of doing that task. Once this is written and tested it can easily be delegated to others quickly. The more of these types of tasks that are identified, standardized and delegated, the more we business owners can be like a lighthouse looking for opportunities and threats and less serving as weathervane.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. 4 Ways to Combat the Postage Hike – Part 1
============================================================
Postage rates increase from $.39 to $.41 on May 14, so plan now to get any of your mailings out before that hike takes place. But what’s going to happen to the rest of your direct mail plans for 2007? Hopefully they won’t wither up and die. Here are a few quick tips you can use ensure your marketing plan stays on track:
• Clean Your List – Many mail houses will clean a list for you for less than $100. One of the best ways to clean a list is to send out your pieces first class at least once a year. The post office will return all undeliverable addresses back to you.
• Segment Your List – Divide your list into ABCD clients (A being the best; B being the second best; C being good, but not great; D are the types of clients you don’t want.) Do the same with prospects and leads. If you’re having to scale back on your direct mail effort, the best thing you can do is to zero in on the B List of prospects and B List of Clients. You have the strongest relationship with you’re A list of clients. So you don’t have to court them as much with mailings. Instead, you can pick up the phone and call.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Powerful Testimonials
===========================================================
If you are building your business through referrals, then you need to educate your customers how to give powerful testimonials about you and your services. Most business professionals ask their clients to refer their family, friends, etc., to them. The one glaring mistake that most people forget though is to explain to their clients that the only thing they have to do is talk about their experience with you. Teach them how to do a testimonial instead of just saying "if you know anyone ...." Testimonials are very powerful sales techniques. Ask people who have used your products or services to talk to others about their experience.
Copyright 2007 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
===========================================================
4. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Five Week Kaizen of your office.
Week Five – Self-Discipline – If you can keep yourself on track, get an accountability partner to help.
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