============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – August 18, 2008
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“The work of the individual still remains the spark that moves mankind ahead even more than teamwork.”
--Igor Sikorsky
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Solving Problems - Linda Fayerweather
2. Never Underestimate the Personal Touch - Rebecca Booth
3. Eliminate Judgmental Thoughts Today! - Pat Altvater
4. One IS the Loneliest Number! - Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Solving Problems
============================================================
A big “Oops” starts off your Monday Morning. Before you try to “solve” the problem, take a deep breath and realize that 80% of the time companies are fixing the same problem over and over again because the true cause does not get identified. If your problem is a repeat, returning issue, you need to find the root cause. Here are six steps to discovering and solving a problem for good.
1. Describe the problem.
2. Implement temporary containment.
3. Analyze the problem and generate potential solution(s).
4. Determine root cause and select solution(s).
5. Implement solution(s).
6. Verify effectiveness of solution(s).
These six steps are a disciplined approach to problem solving and discovering the root cause. You will also find that when you take a step by step approach (and yes, these need to be done in order) you are less likely to jump to conclusions and will encourage teams to use their skills and ideas. In the end, you will find the root cause and once the this cause is identified, the solution will stop the same ole’ problem from resurfacing.
Copyright 2008 Linda Fayerweather
Storm the Barn with New Ideas
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Never Underestimate the Personal Touch
============================================================
When’s the last time you really connected with someone? I’m not talking about a generic birthday card with your signature and company logo pre-printed on the card. I’m talking about a personal phone call or greeting card that asks the person about something important in their life. I just got off the phone with a previous client whom I hadn’t spoken with in a year. I started out the conversation with movie going – because she and her husband are movie buffs. We shared comments on what was worth the “full price” ticket and what wasn’t. Then we got down to business. This approach was a win/win for the both of us: as it started out the conversation on an “up” momentum (she was a little uncertain about calling as they had started doing things in-house versus outsourcing to me) and I got the “skinny” on the new Batman movie!
Connecting personally is so easy. A simple phone call, greeting card or even “I was thinking about you” email does the trick. Your focus should always be about them and their interests – kids, grandkids, pets or hobbies. Business will follow much more easily – and with much more success – if you start out this way.
Copyright 2008 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
419-855-3399
www.rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.com
===========================================================
3. Eliminate Judgmental Thoughts Today!
============================================================
Have you heard the saying that “Every blade of grass has an angel bending over it whispering, grow, grow!” However, I’ve found that most of my clients hear a persistent whisper that is a bit less encouraging. In psychology it’s called “The critic”. It’s that fault-finding voice within, with a knack for reminding us of our weaknesses. If you close your eyes you might hear it now. “You’re not smart enough. You’re not special enough. What makes you think you can do that! Didn’t those shorts fit looser last summer???”
Experts say that a full 70 – 80% of our thoughts are negative. The unfortunate reality is that we are constantly judging ourselves and others. Listen to yourself during one day and see how many judgmental thoughts you have. Do you look in the mirror in the morning and criticize your appearance? Do you reprimand yourself if you make a mistake, realize that you’ve said the wrong thing, or heaven forbid, eaten a cookie or two??
Keep in mind, too, that our criticisms of others always reflect how we feel about ourselves. Those judgments mask our own fears that we don’t measure up and typically what we judge in others is what we don’t like about ourselves and haven’t had the courage to admit!
So it’s time to give it up, don’t you agree? Just STOP!!! The minute you hear yourself think a judgmental thought say “Cancel that” and instantly substitute a new and powerful thought about you. Keep doing this and eventually those judgmental comments will subside and you’ll free up your brain to think other more creative and empowering thoughts!
Copyright 2008 Pat Altvater
www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com
www.thesecretofpermanentweightloss.com
www.permanentweightlossebook.com
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. One IS the Loneliest Number!
===========================================================
Even if you are a natural networker and were born and blessed with the networking gene you’re gonna have to get out of your cave to apply your referral marketing techniques and to build your referral network. But far too many of us are cave dwellers – and we don’t even know it!
We wake up each morning in our cave called a house. We jump into a cave on four wheels and drive to work. We enter another cave commonly known as an office. We may even venture out into a few other caves – the bank cave, the local coffee shop cave, the restaurant cave and sometimes even the chamber cave. It FEELS like we’re getting out but we’re truly hanging out in the same old caves with a big bunch of other cave dwellers.
When you’re a cave dweller 1+1+1 can still equal 1 – YOU all by yourself – ALONE! Believe it or not, you can experience different results even if you’re not comfortable venturing out into new caves. There are three words that BNI Executive Director, Neal Frazier, loves to share – GO WITH PURPOSE:
1. Have a goal to meet one new person in smaller venues and 5-10 new people in larger venues.
2. Invest about 15 minutes with each person to learn a bit about them and a bit about their business. Be sure to share a bit about yourself.
3. Actively listen. Be fully present and participate in the conversation.
4. As appropriate- follow up to schedule a meeting with the people that could be prospective referral partners (or clients)and follow up to schedule a face to face introduction when you’ve identified needs that one of your referral partners can potentially give them help them.
5. Send a thank you card to everyone you strategically introduce yourself to. You never know who they know. It increases the likelihood that they’ll remember you.
As the song goes, “One is the loneliest number that you’ll ever know” when you’re counting on building your business by relationship, by referral.
What are you going to do to move your referral marketing efforts into the 21st century and to get out of your cave before your business becomes extinct?!?
Copyright 2008 Paula Frazier is a referral marketing trainer, coach, consultant and keynote speaker. She is an Executive Director for BNI and part of a select team of Master Trainers for Referral Institute. Paula’s business networking articles have been published internationally. She is also acknowledged in the New York Times best seller, Truth or Delusion – Busting Networkings Biggest Myths. Check out #33, Delusion with a twist! To learn more about the science of referrals contact Paula at paula@referralinstitute-va.com or paula@bniswva.com.
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Review the waste you are throwing out – can you do a bigger part of recycling.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
"We Tried That Before"
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – August 18, 2008
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
"Risk comes from not knowing what you're doing."
-- Warren Buffet
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. “We Tried That” - Linda Fayerweather
2. - Rebecca Booth
3. Gratitude and Generosity - Pat Altvater
4. Can I Borrow Your Car? - Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. “We Tried That Before”
============================================================
Last week when I mentioned brainstorming, I suggested that the phrase “We Tried That Before” not be allowed and the more I think about it, Leaders need to always be ready to squelch that phrase. It is a very vague phrase that needs examining to really drive home the point.
1. Who was “we”? Were “we” given the resources and empowered to succeed? The very fact that someone thought it was a good idea then, may merit a relook.
2. How hard did someone try? How long did they try? Watch a child try something new and you will observe them trying many times and doing different things to make it work, especially if the child saw an adult do it. Ah, there is part of the problem – we often don’t know if it can really work, so giving up early is easier then sweating!
3. What really was “That”? Often the idea sounds familiar but may not be exactly the same. Believe it or not, a small change in something you did before could have wildly different results when redone.
4. “Before” when? What was tried before may not have been viable but is now! Wind power has been around for centuries and for the last 40 years, people have been saying “it is not cost effective”. That is changing.
When all else fells to stop the naysayers from expounding “We Tried That Before”, tell them to bring a solution that will work. They may end up with a new appreciation for something tried and true.
Copyright 2008 Linda Fayerweather
Storm the Barn with New Ideas
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Don't Stop Marketing
============================================================
Wringing your hands and moaning about the impending doom discussed by the media pundits is one way to deal with recessionary times but your business doesn't have to slide during slow times. Some of the most successful businesses have been launched during economic downturns. Looking for the silver lining is a start in the right direction for any business.
In Summary:
1. Have a Marketing Plan
2. Work the Marketing Plan
3. Have a Sales Plan, too.
Do NOT stop marketing, just do it smarter and more personal. You will come out of the recession with happy customers and maybe some new ones.
Copyright 2008 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
419-855-3399
www.rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.com
===========================================================
3. Gratitude and Generosity
============================================================
The Ninth Principle of Manifesting Your Destiny by Wayne Dyer is Reacting to Your Manifestations with Gratitude and Generosity. I love to discuss gratitude because I believe it is our perfect expression! According to Dyer, “The nature of gratitude helps dispel the idea that we do not have enough, that we will never have enough, and that we ourselves are not enough.”
To practice an attitude of gratitude and generosity:
1. Be thankful and avoid complaining as much as possible. When you hear yourself complaining about a situation or person, stop yourself and instead become a love finder (instead of a fault finder).
2. Become a person willing to tell others how much you appreciate them. Practice this with your family and strangers. Say something appreciative to the waitress or store clerks who wait on you. Just be sincere!
3. Begin and end each day with an expression of gratitude. At both of these times, beginning and end of the day, take in a deep breath and be grateful for your life and everyone in it.
4. Practice generosity every day. Generosity includes offering kindness, care, love and nurturing where it is needed as well as freely giving what is needed.
This week practice gratitude and generosity!
Pat Altvater
Author, Journey to WOW – Ignite the Power Within
www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com
www.transformationsinstitute.com
Pat Altvater
Author, Journey to WOW – Ignite the Power Within
www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. Can I Borrow Your Car?
===========================================================
When you accept a referral, one of your primary responsibilities is to make your referral source look GREAT!
Active referral partners demonstrate that they care about you and your success by lending their credibility to you. Ultimately they put their reputation on the line and entrust you with the needs of someone else they’re in relationship with. Your actions can reflect well on your referral sources, and enhance their relationship with the prospects they place in your care, or they can reflect poorly on your referral sources and literally damage their associations.
Let’s look at it this way - At one time or another nearly everyone has the need to borrow a car. You ask a friend a favor, “Can I borrow your car?” You can generally count on a positive response when they trust you and want to help you. The same is true when you ask to “borrow” relationships in your referral marketing efforts.
You would NEVER grab the keys and go! You forgot you already started the car? Start it again. Don’t you love the sound that it makes? There’s no time to waste securing your coffee in the cup holder. Whoops – it just spilled all over the passenger seat. Just back it up, throw it in gear and DRIVE IT LIKE A RENTAL until it’s time to take it back! Your friend will completely understand if you bring it back late with an empty tank of gas. Right? Wrong! Do you honestly think you’ve got the slightest chance of ever borrowing their car again? No way!!!
Don’t laugh. People are guilty of referral high-jacking ALL the time. They snatch the keys to your most valuable relationships and assume that they’re now the new owner – no negotiations, no instructions, no payment plan. They just take them!
Borrowing referral relationships can be a lot like borrowing your best friend’s car. After all, the referral source “owns” the keys to their relationship. They’re acutely aware of how the prospect prefers to be handled and interacted with. Within reason, a referral partner must be comfortable with the route you’re taking. If there’s a breakdown, you should call them immediately. They’ll be in a position to advise and support you. You can think of them as the AAA of the referral process. If you need help, one call can sometimes take care of it all!
At minimum, a responsible borrower should return the car (the relationship) exactly like they found it. No better, no worse.
If you want to increase your chances of borrowing their car again, or any other mode of transportation parked in their garage, you should consider returning each one BETTER than you found it! They’ll actually ENCOURAGE you to borrow their car as often as you’d like. Over time you will earn trust, confidence and the keys to bigger, better and more valuable cars.
What can you do to “soup up” your relationships with your referral partners and have them encouraging you to take their best clients, colleagues and friends out for a spin?
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Take time to teach someone something this week.
Monday Morning Motivators – August 18, 2008
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
"Risk comes from not knowing what you're doing."
-- Warren Buffet
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. “We Tried That” - Linda Fayerweather
2. - Rebecca Booth
3. Gratitude and Generosity - Pat Altvater
4. Can I Borrow Your Car? - Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. “We Tried That Before”
============================================================
Last week when I mentioned brainstorming, I suggested that the phrase “We Tried That Before” not be allowed and the more I think about it, Leaders need to always be ready to squelch that phrase. It is a very vague phrase that needs examining to really drive home the point.
1. Who was “we”? Were “we” given the resources and empowered to succeed? The very fact that someone thought it was a good idea then, may merit a relook.
2. How hard did someone try? How long did they try? Watch a child try something new and you will observe them trying many times and doing different things to make it work, especially if the child saw an adult do it. Ah, there is part of the problem – we often don’t know if it can really work, so giving up early is easier then sweating!
3. What really was “That”? Often the idea sounds familiar but may not be exactly the same. Believe it or not, a small change in something you did before could have wildly different results when redone.
4. “Before” when? What was tried before may not have been viable but is now! Wind power has been around for centuries and for the last 40 years, people have been saying “it is not cost effective”. That is changing.
When all else fells to stop the naysayers from expounding “We Tried That Before”, tell them to bring a solution that will work. They may end up with a new appreciation for something tried and true.
Copyright 2008 Linda Fayerweather
Storm the Barn with New Ideas
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Don't Stop Marketing
============================================================
Wringing your hands and moaning about the impending doom discussed by the media pundits is one way to deal with recessionary times but your business doesn't have to slide during slow times. Some of the most successful businesses have been launched during economic downturns. Looking for the silver lining is a start in the right direction for any business.
In Summary:
1. Have a Marketing Plan
2. Work the Marketing Plan
3. Have a Sales Plan, too.
Do NOT stop marketing, just do it smarter and more personal. You will come out of the recession with happy customers and maybe some new ones.
Copyright 2008 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
419-855-3399
www.rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.com
===========================================================
3. Gratitude and Generosity
============================================================
The Ninth Principle of Manifesting Your Destiny by Wayne Dyer is Reacting to Your Manifestations with Gratitude and Generosity. I love to discuss gratitude because I believe it is our perfect expression! According to Dyer, “The nature of gratitude helps dispel the idea that we do not have enough, that we will never have enough, and that we ourselves are not enough.”
To practice an attitude of gratitude and generosity:
1. Be thankful and avoid complaining as much as possible. When you hear yourself complaining about a situation or person, stop yourself and instead become a love finder (instead of a fault finder).
2. Become a person willing to tell others how much you appreciate them. Practice this with your family and strangers. Say something appreciative to the waitress or store clerks who wait on you. Just be sincere!
3. Begin and end each day with an expression of gratitude. At both of these times, beginning and end of the day, take in a deep breath and be grateful for your life and everyone in it.
4. Practice generosity every day. Generosity includes offering kindness, care, love and nurturing where it is needed as well as freely giving what is needed.
This week practice gratitude and generosity!
Pat Altvater
Author, Journey to WOW – Ignite the Power Within
www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com
www.transformationsinstitute.com
Pat Altvater
Author, Journey to WOW – Ignite the Power Within
www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. Can I Borrow Your Car?
===========================================================
When you accept a referral, one of your primary responsibilities is to make your referral source look GREAT!
Active referral partners demonstrate that they care about you and your success by lending their credibility to you. Ultimately they put their reputation on the line and entrust you with the needs of someone else they’re in relationship with. Your actions can reflect well on your referral sources, and enhance their relationship with the prospects they place in your care, or they can reflect poorly on your referral sources and literally damage their associations.
Let’s look at it this way - At one time or another nearly everyone has the need to borrow a car. You ask a friend a favor, “Can I borrow your car?” You can generally count on a positive response when they trust you and want to help you. The same is true when you ask to “borrow” relationships in your referral marketing efforts.
You would NEVER grab the keys and go! You forgot you already started the car? Start it again. Don’t you love the sound that it makes? There’s no time to waste securing your coffee in the cup holder. Whoops – it just spilled all over the passenger seat. Just back it up, throw it in gear and DRIVE IT LIKE A RENTAL until it’s time to take it back! Your friend will completely understand if you bring it back late with an empty tank of gas. Right? Wrong! Do you honestly think you’ve got the slightest chance of ever borrowing their car again? No way!!!
Don’t laugh. People are guilty of referral high-jacking ALL the time. They snatch the keys to your most valuable relationships and assume that they’re now the new owner – no negotiations, no instructions, no payment plan. They just take them!
Borrowing referral relationships can be a lot like borrowing your best friend’s car. After all, the referral source “owns” the keys to their relationship. They’re acutely aware of how the prospect prefers to be handled and interacted with. Within reason, a referral partner must be comfortable with the route you’re taking. If there’s a breakdown, you should call them immediately. They’ll be in a position to advise and support you. You can think of them as the AAA of the referral process. If you need help, one call can sometimes take care of it all!
At minimum, a responsible borrower should return the car (the relationship) exactly like they found it. No better, no worse.
If you want to increase your chances of borrowing their car again, or any other mode of transportation parked in their garage, you should consider returning each one BETTER than you found it! They’ll actually ENCOURAGE you to borrow their car as often as you’d like. Over time you will earn trust, confidence and the keys to bigger, better and more valuable cars.
What can you do to “soup up” your relationships with your referral partners and have them encouraging you to take their best clients, colleagues and friends out for a spin?
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Take time to teach someone something this week.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
“YOU ARE THE AVERAGE OF THE 5 PEOPLE YOU SPEND MOST OF YOUR TIME WITH”
We are absolutely honored to have one of Paula’s networking articlespublished up this morning! Way to go Paula! Please take a few minutes “YOU ARE THE AVERAGE OF THE 5 PEOPLE YOU SPEND MOST OF YOUR TIME WITH”
Monday, August 11, 2008
Brainstroming - Budgets - Outcomes - Call to Action
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – August 11, 2008
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
"When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it."
--Henry Ford
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Guidelines of Brainstorming - Linda Fayerweather
2. Do Not Cut Your Marketing Budget! - Rebecca Booth
3. Detach from the Outcome - Pat Altvater
4. CALL TO ACTION - Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Guidelines of Brainstorming
============================================================
August is a time when many businesses start thinking about making the next year great so planning and retreats are often done to form a strategic plan. Starting with some brainstorming of current problems is a great way to get others involved before the leaders set the plan. Just like the Pirate Code, brainstorming doesn’t have rules, it has guidelines and when they are used, the results are often superior to a free-for-all.
-Start with STT – silent think time – timed and quiet;
-Freewheel – everyone should feel free to contribute, don’t hold back;
-NO CRITICISM – this includes “we tried that”, eye-rolling and snickering;
-Hitchhike – build on other’s ideas;
-The more ideas the better – that is obvious;
-Post ideas – post-it notes on a window work wonderfully;
-Get a facilitator from outside the group – this person paid or volunteer will help make sure every voice is heard.
Getting team input at the beginning will mean a better plan and the staff will readily adopt the plan itself.
Copyright 2008 Linda Fayerweather
Storm the Barn with New Ideas
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Do Not Cut Your Marketing Budget! Part 2
============================================================
Last week I introduced the idea of marketing smarter during a downturn in the economy. This week, let’s explore a few more good ideas to marketing smarter:
• Make sure your website is working. At least 50% of your customers are going online to find you, so passing on a web presence shuts out more than half of your clients.
• Assess where your clients are coming from and then reinvest in that methodology. If you’ve been in newspaper and it’s not pulling – that’s ok, it takes at least a full year before print will work. Don’t disrupt your game plan. If it’s been 2-3 years and you’re getting nothing – pull out NOW. (But don’t give up those dollars. Use them to do something more effective.)
• Rethink your Yellow Pages advertising. Omni Hotels made the decision not to place any phone books in their hotel rooms across the country now. They feel that their guests have that sort of information at their fingertips now thanks to nternet access on their phones or laptops. At the heart of this decision was the fact that they wanted to help save trees. A teeny tiny boldfaced name of your business in the Business Section or the Yellow Pages is good enough for 90% of all businesses. If you’re in a 24/7 type business you have my permission to buy an ad. If you’re not, don’t waste your money.
In summary: Do NOT cut your marketing/advertising budget. Instead market smarter.
My best to all of you. If you have a question about marketing, just flip me an email and I’ll try my best to answer your question! Rebecca@rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.comC
opyright 2008 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
419-855-3399
www.rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.com
===========================================================
3. Detach from the Outcome
============================================================
Patiently Detach From the Outcome is the Eighth Principle in Manifest Your Destiny by Wayne Dyer. Patience, I’ve heard it’s a virtue, have you? It’s one that’s eluded me for most of my life, until I finally got it. My motto used to be “I want what I want and I want it now”, does that sound familiar? According to Wayne Dyer that is one of the main reasons people don’t manifest their desires.
It’s when you shift away from impatience and into inner knowing, that you begin to attract those things you want into your life. Dyer says “Those who are certain of the outcome can afford to wait, and without anxiety.”
So, the secret to being patient is in having trust in the certainty of the outcome. This knowing then puts you at ease so you can release having to know the how or the when something will manifest. Impatience is the failure to trust.
To practice this principle:
1. Banish doubt and enter the realm of certainty. When you hear yourself doubting your ability to manifest your desire, stop that thought and remember that anything you ask for is yours automatically, just by asking.
2. Let go of expectations. Remain completely detached from the inclination to measure and calculate what is and is not showing up for you. Just believe everything is working as it is supposed to.
3. Release all judgments. Leave behind all judgments and become totally accepting of all that arrives.
This week practice patience!
Pat Altvater
Author, Journey to WOW – Ignite the Power Within
www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. CALL TO ACTION
===========================================================
Hello Monday Morning Readers!
I’d like to start this Monday morning with a heart-felt thank you to Linda Fayerweather. She very generously introduced me to YOU and then offered me the opportunity to become published on a regular basis. It’s proven to be quite therapeutic to go about my week and then compose an article to share my networking experiences. As in life, there are both tears and cheers and there’s always a lesson to be learned…and shared.
I’ve also developed a deep respect and admiration for my co-contributors – Rebecca Booth and Pat Alvitar (and Linda too). They always get me thinking and inspire me to take specific action. You’ve all made a difference in my life and in my business.
NOW IT’S YOUR TURN READERS…I’d love to get to know you!
This week is a call to action…your opportunity to contribute:
1. Share your referral marketing questions.
2. Share your networking bloopers and blunders.
3. Share your referral stories…the good, the bad and the ugly.
4. Share your successes and failures. 20/20 hindsight is phenomenal!
5. Ask advice on specific networking/referral marketing scenarios.
Stop now and email your contributions to paula@referralinstitute-va.com. I look forward to developing weekly Monday Morning Motivators that include YOU and to addressing your specific needs!!!
Copyright 2008 Paula Frazier is a referral marketing trainer, coach, consultant and keynote speaker. She is an Executive Director for BNI and part of a select team of Master Trainers for Referral Institute. Paula’s business networking articles have been published nationally. She is also acknowledged in the New York Times best seller, Truth or Delusion – Busting Networkings
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Group your meetings to save time & gas.
Monday Morning Motivators – August 11, 2008
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
"When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it."
--Henry Ford
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Guidelines of Brainstorming - Linda Fayerweather
2. Do Not Cut Your Marketing Budget! - Rebecca Booth
3. Detach from the Outcome - Pat Altvater
4. CALL TO ACTION - Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Guidelines of Brainstorming
============================================================
August is a time when many businesses start thinking about making the next year great so planning and retreats are often done to form a strategic plan. Starting with some brainstorming of current problems is a great way to get others involved before the leaders set the plan. Just like the Pirate Code, brainstorming doesn’t have rules, it has guidelines and when they are used, the results are often superior to a free-for-all.
-Start with STT – silent think time – timed and quiet;
-Freewheel – everyone should feel free to contribute, don’t hold back;
-NO CRITICISM – this includes “we tried that”, eye-rolling and snickering;
-Hitchhike – build on other’s ideas;
-The more ideas the better – that is obvious;
-Post ideas – post-it notes on a window work wonderfully;
-Get a facilitator from outside the group – this person paid or volunteer will help make sure every voice is heard.
Getting team input at the beginning will mean a better plan and the staff will readily adopt the plan itself.
Copyright 2008 Linda Fayerweather
Storm the Barn with New Ideas
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Do Not Cut Your Marketing Budget! Part 2
============================================================
Last week I introduced the idea of marketing smarter during a downturn in the economy. This week, let’s explore a few more good ideas to marketing smarter:
• Make sure your website is working. At least 50% of your customers are going online to find you, so passing on a web presence shuts out more than half of your clients.
• Assess where your clients are coming from and then reinvest in that methodology. If you’ve been in newspaper and it’s not pulling – that’s ok, it takes at least a full year before print will work. Don’t disrupt your game plan. If it’s been 2-3 years and you’re getting nothing – pull out NOW. (But don’t give up those dollars. Use them to do something more effective.)
• Rethink your Yellow Pages advertising. Omni Hotels made the decision not to place any phone books in their hotel rooms across the country now. They feel that their guests have that sort of information at their fingertips now thanks to nternet access on their phones or laptops. At the heart of this decision was the fact that they wanted to help save trees. A teeny tiny boldfaced name of your business in the Business Section or the Yellow Pages is good enough for 90% of all businesses. If you’re in a 24/7 type business you have my permission to buy an ad. If you’re not, don’t waste your money.
In summary: Do NOT cut your marketing/advertising budget. Instead market smarter.
My best to all of you. If you have a question about marketing, just flip me an email and I’ll try my best to answer your question! Rebecca@rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.comC
opyright 2008 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
419-855-3399
www.rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.com
===========================================================
3. Detach from the Outcome
============================================================
Patiently Detach From the Outcome is the Eighth Principle in Manifest Your Destiny by Wayne Dyer. Patience, I’ve heard it’s a virtue, have you? It’s one that’s eluded me for most of my life, until I finally got it. My motto used to be “I want what I want and I want it now”, does that sound familiar? According to Wayne Dyer that is one of the main reasons people don’t manifest their desires.
It’s when you shift away from impatience and into inner knowing, that you begin to attract those things you want into your life. Dyer says “Those who are certain of the outcome can afford to wait, and without anxiety.”
So, the secret to being patient is in having trust in the certainty of the outcome. This knowing then puts you at ease so you can release having to know the how or the when something will manifest. Impatience is the failure to trust.
To practice this principle:
1. Banish doubt and enter the realm of certainty. When you hear yourself doubting your ability to manifest your desire, stop that thought and remember that anything you ask for is yours automatically, just by asking.
2. Let go of expectations. Remain completely detached from the inclination to measure and calculate what is and is not showing up for you. Just believe everything is working as it is supposed to.
3. Release all judgments. Leave behind all judgments and become totally accepting of all that arrives.
This week practice patience!
Pat Altvater
Author, Journey to WOW – Ignite the Power Within
www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. CALL TO ACTION
===========================================================
Hello Monday Morning Readers!
I’d like to start this Monday morning with a heart-felt thank you to Linda Fayerweather. She very generously introduced me to YOU and then offered me the opportunity to become published on a regular basis. It’s proven to be quite therapeutic to go about my week and then compose an article to share my networking experiences. As in life, there are both tears and cheers and there’s always a lesson to be learned…and shared.
I’ve also developed a deep respect and admiration for my co-contributors – Rebecca Booth and Pat Alvitar (and Linda too). They always get me thinking and inspire me to take specific action. You’ve all made a difference in my life and in my business.
NOW IT’S YOUR TURN READERS…I’d love to get to know you!
This week is a call to action…your opportunity to contribute:
1. Share your referral marketing questions.
2. Share your networking bloopers and blunders.
3. Share your referral stories…the good, the bad and the ugly.
4. Share your successes and failures. 20/20 hindsight is phenomenal!
5. Ask advice on specific networking/referral marketing scenarios.
Stop now and email your contributions to paula@referralinstitute-va.com. I look forward to developing weekly Monday Morning Motivators that include YOU and to addressing your specific needs!!!
Copyright 2008 Paula Frazier is a referral marketing trainer, coach, consultant and keynote speaker. She is an Executive Director for BNI and part of a select team of Master Trainers for Referral Institute. Paula’s business networking articles have been published nationally. She is also acknowledged in the New York Times best seller, Truth or Delusion – Busting Networkings
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Group your meetings to save time & gas.
Brainstorming - Budget Cuts - Detach - Call to Action
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – August 11, 2008
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
"When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it."
--Henry Ford
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Guidelines of Brainstorming - Linda Fayerweather
2. Do Not Cut Your Marketing Budget! - Rebecca Booth
3. Detach from the Outcome - Pat Altvater
4. CALL TO ACTION - Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Guidelines of Brainstorming
============================================================
August is a time when many businesses start thinking about making the next year great so planning and retreats are often done to form a strategic plan. Starting with some brainstorming of current problems is a great way to get others involved before the leaders set the plan. Just like the Pirate Code, brainstorming doesn’t have rules, it has guidelines and when they are used, the results are often superior to a free-for-all.
-Start with STT – silent think time – timed and quiet;
-Freewheel – everyone should feel free to contribute, don’t hold back;
-NO CRITICISM – this includes “we tried that”, eye-rolling and snickering;
-Hitchhiker – build on other’s ideas;
-The more ideas the better – that is obvious;
-Post ideas – post-it notes on a window work wonderfully;
-Get a facilitator from outside the group – this person paid or volunteer will help make sure every voice is heard.
Getting team input at the beginning will mean a better plan and the staff will readily adopt the plan itself.
Copyright 2008 Linda Fayerweather
Storm the Barn with New Ideas
Changing Lanes LLC
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
============================================================
2. Do Not Cut Your Marketing Budget! Part 2
============================================================
Last week I introduced the idea of marketing smarter during a downturn in the economy. This week, let’s explore a few more good ideas to marketing smarter:
• Make sure your website is working. At least 50% of your customers are going online to find you, so passing on a web presence shuts out more than half of your clients.
• Assess where your clients are coming from and then reinvest in that methodology. If you’ve been in newspaper and it’s not pulling – that’s ok, it takes at least a full year before print will work. Don’t disrupt your game plan. If it’s been 2-3 years and you’re getting nothing – pull out NOW. (But don’t give up those dollars. Use them to do something more effective.)
• Rethink your Yellow Pages advertising. Omni Hotels made the decision not to place any phone books in their hotel rooms across the country now. They feel that their guests have that sort of information at their fingertips now thanks to nternet access on their phones or laptops. At the heart of this decision was the fact that they wanted to help save trees. A teeny tiny boldfaced name of your business in the Business Section or the Yellow Pages is good enough for 90% of all businesses. If you’re in a 24/7 type business you have my permission to buy an ad. If you’re not, don’t waste your money.
In summary: Do NOT cut your marketing/advertising budget. Instead market smarter. My best to all of you. If you have a question about marketing, just flip me an email and I’ll try my best to answer your question! Rebecca@rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.com
Copyright 2008 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
419-855-3399
http://www.rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.com/
===========================================================
3. Detach from the Outcome
============================================================
Patiently Detach From the Outcome is the Eighth Principle in Manifest Your Destiny by Wayne Dyer. Patience, I’ve heard it’s a virtue, have you? It’s one that’s eluded me for most of my life, until I finally got it. My motto used to be “I want what I want and I want it now”, does that sound familiar? According to Wayne Dyer that is one of the main reasons people don’t manifest their desires.
It’s when you shift away from impatience and into inner knowing, that you begin to attract those things you want into your life. Dyer says “Those who are certain of the outcome can afford to wait, and without anxiety.”
So, the secret to being patient is in having trust in the certainty of the outcome. This knowing then puts you at ease so you can release having to know the how or the when something will manifest. Impatience is the failure to trust.
To practice this principle:
1. Banish doubt and enter the realm of certainty. When you hear yourself doubting your ability to manifest your desire, stop that thought and remember that anything you ask for is yours automatically, just by asking.
2. Let go of expectations. Remain completely detached from the inclination to measure and calculate what is and is not showing up for you. Just believe everything is working as it is supposed to.
3. Release all judgments. Leave behind all judgments and become totally accepting of all that arrives.
This week practice patience!
Pat Altvater
Author, Journey to WOW – Ignite the Power Within
http://www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com/
http://www.transformationsinstitute.com/
===========================================================
4. CALL TO ACTION
===========================================================
Hello Monday Morning Readers!
I’d like to start this Monday morning with a heart-felt thank you to Linda Fayerweather. She very generously introduced me to YOU and then offered me the opportunity to become published on a regular basis. It’s proven to be quite therapeutic to go about my week and then compose an article to share my networking experiences. As in life, there are both tears and cheers and there’s always a lesson to be learned…and shared.
I’ve also developed a deep respect and admiration for my co-contributors – Rebecca Booth and Pat Alvitar (and Linda too). They always get me thinking and inspire me to take specific action. You’ve all made a difference in my life and in my business.
NOW IT’S YOUR TURN READERS…I’d love to get to know you!
This week is a call to action…your opportunity to contribute:
1. Share your referral marketing questions.
2. Share your networking bloopers and blunders.
3. Share your referral stories…the good, the bad and the ugly.
4. Share your successes and failures. 20/20 hindsight is phenomenal!
5. Ask advice on specific networking/referral marketing scenarios.
Stop now and email your contributions to paula@referralinstitute-va.com. I look forward to developing weekly Monday Morning Motivators that include YOU and to addressing your specific needs!!!
Copyright 2008 Paula Frazier is a referral marketing trainer, coach, consultant and keynote speaker. She is an Executive Director for BNI and part of a select team of Master Trainers for Referral Institute. Paula’s business networking articles have been published nationally. She is also acknowledged in the New York Times best seller, Truth or Delusion – Busting Networkings
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Group your meetings to save time & gas.
Monday Morning Motivators – August 11, 2008
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
"When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it."
--Henry Ford
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Guidelines of Brainstorming - Linda Fayerweather
2. Do Not Cut Your Marketing Budget! - Rebecca Booth
3. Detach from the Outcome - Pat Altvater
4. CALL TO ACTION - Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Guidelines of Brainstorming
============================================================
August is a time when many businesses start thinking about making the next year great so planning and retreats are often done to form a strategic plan. Starting with some brainstorming of current problems is a great way to get others involved before the leaders set the plan. Just like the Pirate Code, brainstorming doesn’t have rules, it has guidelines and when they are used, the results are often superior to a free-for-all.
-Start with STT – silent think time – timed and quiet;
-Freewheel – everyone should feel free to contribute, don’t hold back;
-NO CRITICISM – this includes “we tried that”, eye-rolling and snickering;
-Hitchhiker – build on other’s ideas;
-The more ideas the better – that is obvious;
-Post ideas – post-it notes on a window work wonderfully;
-Get a facilitator from outside the group – this person paid or volunteer will help make sure every voice is heard.
Getting team input at the beginning will mean a better plan and the staff will readily adopt the plan itself.
Copyright 2008 Linda Fayerweather
Storm the Barn with New Ideas
Changing Lanes LLC
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
============================================================
2. Do Not Cut Your Marketing Budget! Part 2
============================================================
Last week I introduced the idea of marketing smarter during a downturn in the economy. This week, let’s explore a few more good ideas to marketing smarter:
• Make sure your website is working. At least 50% of your customers are going online to find you, so passing on a web presence shuts out more than half of your clients.
• Assess where your clients are coming from and then reinvest in that methodology. If you’ve been in newspaper and it’s not pulling – that’s ok, it takes at least a full year before print will work. Don’t disrupt your game plan. If it’s been 2-3 years and you’re getting nothing – pull out NOW. (But don’t give up those dollars. Use them to do something more effective.)
• Rethink your Yellow Pages advertising. Omni Hotels made the decision not to place any phone books in their hotel rooms across the country now. They feel that their guests have that sort of information at their fingertips now thanks to nternet access on their phones or laptops. At the heart of this decision was the fact that they wanted to help save trees. A teeny tiny boldfaced name of your business in the Business Section or the Yellow Pages is good enough for 90% of all businesses. If you’re in a 24/7 type business you have my permission to buy an ad. If you’re not, don’t waste your money.
In summary: Do NOT cut your marketing/advertising budget. Instead market smarter. My best to all of you. If you have a question about marketing, just flip me an email and I’ll try my best to answer your question! Rebecca@rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.com
Copyright 2008 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
419-855-3399
http://www.rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.com/
===========================================================
3. Detach from the Outcome
============================================================
Patiently Detach From the Outcome is the Eighth Principle in Manifest Your Destiny by Wayne Dyer. Patience, I’ve heard it’s a virtue, have you? It’s one that’s eluded me for most of my life, until I finally got it. My motto used to be “I want what I want and I want it now”, does that sound familiar? According to Wayne Dyer that is one of the main reasons people don’t manifest their desires.
It’s when you shift away from impatience and into inner knowing, that you begin to attract those things you want into your life. Dyer says “Those who are certain of the outcome can afford to wait, and without anxiety.”
So, the secret to being patient is in having trust in the certainty of the outcome. This knowing then puts you at ease so you can release having to know the how or the when something will manifest. Impatience is the failure to trust.
To practice this principle:
1. Banish doubt and enter the realm of certainty. When you hear yourself doubting your ability to manifest your desire, stop that thought and remember that anything you ask for is yours automatically, just by asking.
2. Let go of expectations. Remain completely detached from the inclination to measure and calculate what is and is not showing up for you. Just believe everything is working as it is supposed to.
3. Release all judgments. Leave behind all judgments and become totally accepting of all that arrives.
This week practice patience!
Pat Altvater
Author, Journey to WOW – Ignite the Power Within
http://www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com/
http://www.transformationsinstitute.com/
===========================================================
4. CALL TO ACTION
===========================================================
Hello Monday Morning Readers!
I’d like to start this Monday morning with a heart-felt thank you to Linda Fayerweather. She very generously introduced me to YOU and then offered me the opportunity to become published on a regular basis. It’s proven to be quite therapeutic to go about my week and then compose an article to share my networking experiences. As in life, there are both tears and cheers and there’s always a lesson to be learned…and shared.
I’ve also developed a deep respect and admiration for my co-contributors – Rebecca Booth and Pat Alvitar (and Linda too). They always get me thinking and inspire me to take specific action. You’ve all made a difference in my life and in my business.
NOW IT’S YOUR TURN READERS…I’d love to get to know you!
This week is a call to action…your opportunity to contribute:
1. Share your referral marketing questions.
2. Share your networking bloopers and blunders.
3. Share your referral stories…the good, the bad and the ugly.
4. Share your successes and failures. 20/20 hindsight is phenomenal!
5. Ask advice on specific networking/referral marketing scenarios.
Stop now and email your contributions to paula@referralinstitute-va.com. I look forward to developing weekly Monday Morning Motivators that include YOU and to addressing your specific needs!!!
Copyright 2008 Paula Frazier is a referral marketing trainer, coach, consultant and keynote speaker. She is an Executive Director for BNI and part of a select team of Master Trainers for Referral Institute. Paula’s business networking articles have been published nationally. She is also acknowledged in the New York Times best seller, Truth or Delusion – Busting Networkings
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Group your meetings to save time & gas.
Monday, August 04, 2008
Service - Don't Cut - Ignite the Power Within - Online Communities
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – August 4, 2008
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“Fortunes gravitate to those whose minds have been prepared to attract them, just as surely as water gravitates to the ocean.”
--Napoleon Hill
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Is Your Customer Service Working For You? - Linda Fayerweather
2. Do Not Cut Your Marketing Budget! - Rebecca Booth
3. Journey to WOW – Ignite the Power Within - Pat Altvater
4. Online Communities Part 2: Writing Recommendations - Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Is Your Customer Service Working For You?
============================================================
Customer service is a critical component of business and when handled correctly, it keeps your customers coming back and talking about your great business, even if your product or service is viewed as a commodity.
I overheard a young man yesterday saying “I would have bought another ____ car if the service wasn’t so horrible.” Imagine how you would feel if you were the salesperson that had sold a great car that your customer loved but you couldn’t get a repeat sale because of the service center! It happens all the time.
I personally had a laughable experience with game software I purchased after tiring of playing the free version with commercials. Once purchased, the game would no longer operate. Customer service has NO phone number – only email – and each time you respond to their “try this” email, you get a new service rep. By the time I called my credit card company and had the charge reversed, I had emailed Dearden, Turner, Sara, Duke and Kate. Each time, I would put all the names in the salutation, hoping someone would say “Hey, maybe we should pick up the phone”. The last correspondence asked for my User ID, birthdate, phone number, address and when I purchased the game. Since I had attached the sales receipt each time which included all but my date of birth, I emailed back and asked sarcastically if they wanted my social security number and mother’s maiden name, too?
The point here is very simple:
1. Times are tough meaning new customers may be hard to find
2. Customers kept are golden
3. Customer service means being available
4. Customer service is friendly
5. The company that values existing customers will thrive!
Oh yes, the game software is sold by a very large publicly traded company that Microsoft is trying to buy!
Copyright 2008 Linda Fayerweather
Bottled Up Barriers Need Breaking
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Do Not Cut Your Marketing Budget! Part 1
============================================================
Do Not Cut Your Advertising/Marketing Budget – REPEAT – No Budget Cuts to Marketing! For those of you who believe it, there has been a downturn in the economy. Most business owners, when faced with such a downturn, look to axe expenses. One of the first places they start is with the Advertising/Marketing budget. This is a crucial mistake. Why? Because business will keep going with or without you. And all of the good things you’ve put into place – advertising, direct mail, sales calls, etc. - will lose momentum because you’ve pulled out of the game. Instead of reducing your budget, spend your money more wisely. Here are some suggestions on marketing smarter:
• Move prospecting dollars to courting more business from your current customer list. It costs 7 times as much money to secure a new client. Instead focus on re-contacting past clients who already know you, they’ve simply forgotten about you because you haven’t marketed to them!
• Need a constant stream of new clients? Get off your duff and network. It eats up more time than money, but it’s viable to every business.
• Focus on your current client list. (I can’t say this enough.) Divide yor list into ABC clients. A’s buy the most from you; B’s are a great buy, but they might only buy quarterly – bring them up to bi-monthly or monthly purchases. Same with C’s. However you qualify your client list, focus on moving those who don’t buy as frequently or as much into an A or B level.
In summary: Do NOT cut your marketing/advertising budget. Instead market smarter. I’ll share more ideas with you next week!
Copyright 2008 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
419-855-3399
www.rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.com
===========================================================
3. Journey to WOW – Ignite the Power Within
============================================================
Have you heard about limiting core beliefs and understand how they can hold you back from achieving your goals but have been at a loss to uncover yours? You are not alone! In my coaching practice, I’ve met many people who know they sabotage themselves but don’t know what to do about it.
My new book, Journey to WOW- Ignite the Power Within, simplifies the process of identifying limiting beliefs by reviewing the behaviors of people with perfectionism, instant gratification and scarcity mindsets. You’ll recognize your self-destructive behaviors and be able to easily release those using the Transformations Breakthrough Process™.
Journey to WOW- Ignite the Power Within also introduces an easy to use 5-step Law of Attraction model, which effectively meshes the Law of Attraction and goal setting. There are many written exercises, strategies, and tools to help you gain clarity and attract the outcomes that you desire into your life.
My thanks go to Rebecca Booth, marketing goddess, for designing a beautiful cover, laying out the book, and creating charming, pointed illustrations that enhance understanding.
To find out more about the book and read the first chapter, go to www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com. I'm celebrating the launch of this book by offering $500 of bonus items, such as eBooks, reports, gift certificates, etc., and holding a drawing with valuable prizes for anyone who purchases a copy of my book between now and 8:08pm on 08/08/08. Visit the website for details about my virtual book launch party!
Pat Altvater
Author, Journey to WOW - Ignite the Power Within
Certified Law of Attraction Practitioner
www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com
www.permanentweightlossebook.com
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. Online Communities Part 2: Writing Recommendations
===========================================================
Dear Readers – In an effort to help you explore and engage on-line communities to increase your networks, I’m submitting an article from my good friend and colleague, Hazel Walker. Enjoy!
Another valuable way to support your network is to write recommendations for each other. Good recommendations are very valuable, you can put a Linkedin badge on your website and people can read what others have to say about you. Well written recommendations are as good as testimonials on your website.
Here are a few tips for writing Recommendations:
Make sure that you write a recommendation that tells what your results were for having done business with that person. "They are nice and have a great attitude" will not build credibility. Instead, let people know, "We saved money and got the best results ever, we realized an 80% increase in profit, while realizing 12% increase in sales." Now that is a recommendation that sells.
Don't ask someone to write you a recommendation if you have never done business with them, or you have never seen any of their work. I am often asked to write recommendations for people whose product or service I have never used. I may know them, but I have no real clue about how well they do what they do. It is impossible to write an effective recommendation.
Be kind, if someone writes you a great recommendation either write one for them or thank them for the recommendation.
Linkedin is a great place to share connections and information. Unfortunately there are a lot of people on the site who collect names for the sake of collecting. Try to stick with people you know or people who have common networks. For instance, I have connections to people in BNI, people from the Referral Institute, and people from the National Speakers Association. I have some common ground with them, and there are opportunities for us to connect in other ways.
While Linkedin has its place in the networking world, it tends to build visibility and some lower levels of credibility, to date, I have not closed a deal because of being on Linkedin, but I have gotten some great material for future articles.
I look forward to seeing more of you on Linkedin!
Copyright 2008 Hazel M Walker, owns three award winning franchise's. She is a 10 year owner of two BNI Franchises where she teaches members how to leverage their time and network to build each other’s businesses. As a member of the National Speakers Association she travels the world speaking to businesses and women's organizations on the topics of networking to create a life you love.
hazel@referralinstitue-in.com .
Paula Frazier is a referral marketing trainer, coach, consultant and keynote speaker. She is an Executive Director for BNI and part of a select team of Master Trainers for Referral Institute. Paula’s business networking articles have been published nationally. She is also acknowledged in the New York Times best seller, Truth or Delusion – Busting Networkings Biggest Myths. Check out #33, Delusion with a twist!
paula@referralinstitute-va.com.
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Check to make sure your back-up system is working by trying to restore a file.
Monday Morning Motivators – August 4, 2008
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“Fortunes gravitate to those whose minds have been prepared to attract them, just as surely as water gravitates to the ocean.”
--Napoleon Hill
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Is Your Customer Service Working For You? - Linda Fayerweather
2. Do Not Cut Your Marketing Budget! - Rebecca Booth
3. Journey to WOW – Ignite the Power Within - Pat Altvater
4. Online Communities Part 2: Writing Recommendations - Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Is Your Customer Service Working For You?
============================================================
Customer service is a critical component of business and when handled correctly, it keeps your customers coming back and talking about your great business, even if your product or service is viewed as a commodity.
I overheard a young man yesterday saying “I would have bought another ____ car if the service wasn’t so horrible.” Imagine how you would feel if you were the salesperson that had sold a great car that your customer loved but you couldn’t get a repeat sale because of the service center! It happens all the time.
I personally had a laughable experience with game software I purchased after tiring of playing the free version with commercials. Once purchased, the game would no longer operate. Customer service has NO phone number – only email – and each time you respond to their “try this” email, you get a new service rep. By the time I called my credit card company and had the charge reversed, I had emailed Dearden, Turner, Sara, Duke and Kate. Each time, I would put all the names in the salutation, hoping someone would say “Hey, maybe we should pick up the phone”. The last correspondence asked for my User ID, birthdate, phone number, address and when I purchased the game. Since I had attached the sales receipt each time which included all but my date of birth, I emailed back and asked sarcastically if they wanted my social security number and mother’s maiden name, too?
The point here is very simple:
1. Times are tough meaning new customers may be hard to find
2. Customers kept are golden
3. Customer service means being available
4. Customer service is friendly
5. The company that values existing customers will thrive!
Oh yes, the game software is sold by a very large publicly traded company that Microsoft is trying to buy!
Copyright 2008 Linda Fayerweather
Bottled Up Barriers Need Breaking
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Do Not Cut Your Marketing Budget! Part 1
============================================================
Do Not Cut Your Advertising/Marketing Budget – REPEAT – No Budget Cuts to Marketing! For those of you who believe it, there has been a downturn in the economy. Most business owners, when faced with such a downturn, look to axe expenses. One of the first places they start is with the Advertising/Marketing budget. This is a crucial mistake. Why? Because business will keep going with or without you. And all of the good things you’ve put into place – advertising, direct mail, sales calls, etc. - will lose momentum because you’ve pulled out of the game. Instead of reducing your budget, spend your money more wisely. Here are some suggestions on marketing smarter:
• Move prospecting dollars to courting more business from your current customer list. It costs 7 times as much money to secure a new client. Instead focus on re-contacting past clients who already know you, they’ve simply forgotten about you because you haven’t marketed to them!
• Need a constant stream of new clients? Get off your duff and network. It eats up more time than money, but it’s viable to every business.
• Focus on your current client list. (I can’t say this enough.) Divide yor list into ABC clients. A’s buy the most from you; B’s are a great buy, but they might only buy quarterly – bring them up to bi-monthly or monthly purchases. Same with C’s. However you qualify your client list, focus on moving those who don’t buy as frequently or as much into an A or B level.
In summary: Do NOT cut your marketing/advertising budget. Instead market smarter. I’ll share more ideas with you next week!
Copyright 2008 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
419-855-3399
www.rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.com
===========================================================
3. Journey to WOW – Ignite the Power Within
============================================================
Have you heard about limiting core beliefs and understand how they can hold you back from achieving your goals but have been at a loss to uncover yours? You are not alone! In my coaching practice, I’ve met many people who know they sabotage themselves but don’t know what to do about it.
My new book, Journey to WOW- Ignite the Power Within, simplifies the process of identifying limiting beliefs by reviewing the behaviors of people with perfectionism, instant gratification and scarcity mindsets. You’ll recognize your self-destructive behaviors and be able to easily release those using the Transformations Breakthrough Process™.
Journey to WOW- Ignite the Power Within also introduces an easy to use 5-step Law of Attraction model, which effectively meshes the Law of Attraction and goal setting. There are many written exercises, strategies, and tools to help you gain clarity and attract the outcomes that you desire into your life.
My thanks go to Rebecca Booth, marketing goddess, for designing a beautiful cover, laying out the book, and creating charming, pointed illustrations that enhance understanding.
To find out more about the book and read the first chapter, go to www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com. I'm celebrating the launch of this book by offering $500 of bonus items, such as eBooks, reports, gift certificates, etc., and holding a drawing with valuable prizes for anyone who purchases a copy of my book between now and 8:08pm on 08/08/08. Visit the website for details about my virtual book launch party!
Pat Altvater
Author, Journey to WOW - Ignite the Power Within
Certified Law of Attraction Practitioner
www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com
www.permanentweightlossebook.com
www.transformationsinstitute.com
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4. Online Communities Part 2: Writing Recommendations
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Dear Readers – In an effort to help you explore and engage on-line communities to increase your networks, I’m submitting an article from my good friend and colleague, Hazel Walker. Enjoy!
Another valuable way to support your network is to write recommendations for each other. Good recommendations are very valuable, you can put a Linkedin badge on your website and people can read what others have to say about you. Well written recommendations are as good as testimonials on your website.
Here are a few tips for writing Recommendations:
Make sure that you write a recommendation that tells what your results were for having done business with that person. "They are nice and have a great attitude" will not build credibility. Instead, let people know, "We saved money and got the best results ever, we realized an 80% increase in profit, while realizing 12% increase in sales." Now that is a recommendation that sells.
Don't ask someone to write you a recommendation if you have never done business with them, or you have never seen any of their work. I am often asked to write recommendations for people whose product or service I have never used. I may know them, but I have no real clue about how well they do what they do. It is impossible to write an effective recommendation.
Be kind, if someone writes you a great recommendation either write one for them or thank them for the recommendation.
Linkedin is a great place to share connections and information. Unfortunately there are a lot of people on the site who collect names for the sake of collecting. Try to stick with people you know or people who have common networks. For instance, I have connections to people in BNI, people from the Referral Institute, and people from the National Speakers Association. I have some common ground with them, and there are opportunities for us to connect in other ways.
While Linkedin has its place in the networking world, it tends to build visibility and some lower levels of credibility, to date, I have not closed a deal because of being on Linkedin, but I have gotten some great material for future articles.
I look forward to seeing more of you on Linkedin!
Copyright 2008 Hazel M Walker, owns three award winning franchise's. She is a 10 year owner of two BNI Franchises where she teaches members how to leverage their time and network to build each other’s businesses. As a member of the National Speakers Association she travels the world speaking to businesses and women's organizations on the topics of networking to create a life you love.
hazel@referralinstitue-in.com .
Paula Frazier is a referral marketing trainer, coach, consultant and keynote speaker. She is an Executive Director for BNI and part of a select team of Master Trainers for Referral Institute. Paula’s business networking articles have been published nationally. She is also acknowledged in the New York Times best seller, Truth or Delusion – Busting Networkings Biggest Myths. Check out #33, Delusion with a twist!
paula@referralinstitute-va.com.
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5. To Do This Week
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Check to make sure your back-up system is working by trying to restore a file.
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