Approach Obstacles as Opportunities
When you make a decision to do something for your business that tests your boundaries, it's not uncommon to feel challenged and sometimes even want to change your mind. Talking with business owners of the the years I've observed that most have learned to say NO to distractions, obstacles and themselves. When challenges and obstacles are recognized as change agents, it becomes easier to keep on the path of our new direction. And sometimes when barriers and obstacles continue to show up, we might be tempted to say "oh, that is a sign from the Universe that we shouldn't be following this new path." Remember that doubt is not truth and fear often is the mast that obstacles wear. Make your dream happen by saying NO to them. Actually, that is a great example of a very useful way to the use the statement "Just Say No."
Now, go out and have a great week and adjust to be the fearless opportunity seeker.
Copyright 2010 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
419-897-0528
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
Are You Using Follow-up to Justify Your Failure?
Most everyone will agree that the key to success is follow up. Listen in to a conversation between the seasoned entrepreneur or salesperson and novice and you'll hear the famous quote; "The money's in the follow up". They're pretty accurate, they say it takes 5-7 touches before a sale is made, but that's only half the story and most don't know how they can do it in half the time.
It's all about how you follow up, not if. (If you're not employing some type of follow up system then delete this email, turn off your computer, and go pick up the help wanted ads from your local paper. Really. The follow up process is your chance to shine. Follow up is how you set yourself apart - your differentiator - that will not only get you the sale but set the stage for a long term customer or client. However, if you're using an antiquated or ineffective method of follow up you are simply enabling excuses for your lack of production. Think back to the last time you said "I've sent 4 emails to Mr. Prospect about the proposal and they've never responded back!" You'll never achieve your goals like that.
So let's start at the beginning. The follow up starts the moment that two people who just met part ways. (Now, you and haven't met... yet. So let's change that. Go here and fill out the form so I know we need to get together.) As you're walking away you take notes of what made that connection a potentially profitable one. You plan your follow up.
1) You can call them in a couple of days and say nice to have met you and let's get together. Very effective for getting an appointment but it doesn't make you stand out.
2) You can send an email and invite them to connect on Facebook, LinkedIn, and/or Twitter. Boring! And your prospect will assume he's going to be seeing pictures of your cat, your family reunion, or worse of all, your Farmville score.
3) You can send a card in the mail, with a custom message in your handwriting, in a real envelop with a real First-class stamp on it for about a $1. You can even customize it with your - or your prospect's - picture on it for a few cents more. On a scale of 1-10 this has an impact factor of about 150!
Are you tired of losing business to your competitors while hiding behind follow up? Work smarter, not harder, and become more memorable to your prospects, clients and customers. Start using the easiest, most fun and effective tool I've found for managing follow up. Go here and test drive the system and send 2 cards to anyone you want - prospect or customer - free. It's on me.
Todd Pillars is an Appreciation Marketer with SendOutCards. Contact him today at 419-855-2273 or tpillars@gmail.com to SUPERCharge your Referrals! Surf on over to http://www.sendoutcards.com/tpillars to send someone an Awesome Day!
