============================================================
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 14, 2007
Monday, May 07, 2007
Be a Light House - Postal Rates - Testimonials
============================================================
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.
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.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Capture the Flag
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – April 30, 2007
============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
"Just because a graph looks good doesn't mean it's true."
--Seth Godin
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Are You Playing Capture the Flag? – Linda Fayerweather
2. Edit for Success - Rebecca Booth
3. 10 Commandments of Working A Mixer - John Meyer
4. To Do this Week
5. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Are You Playing Capture the Flag?
============================================================
Toyota "captured" the position of number one US auto maker last week and their comment to the media was "We hardly noticed as we practice Kaizen or continuous improvement". Toyota is the founder of Lean and that comment speaks loudly about many businesses that are constantly comparing themselves to their competition and when they capture market share they celebrate much like many of us did when we played the summer game "Capture the Flag".
Competitive business practices mean you must run the same race as your competitor.
Lean business practices look to excelling at what you do and how you dazzle your customers.
When you find yourself being competitive, relax and look for new ways to excel. Yes, in the Olympics the winner takes the gold, but in the game of business, focusing on excellence and not market share saves time and often creates customers for life.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Edit for Success
============================================================
Once you get your copy written, take a look at it from an editor’s point of view. Here are a few simple tips on editing your copy:
• Edit for Brevity – cut out excess words. Instead of saying “during the course of” just use “during”
• Edit for Clarity – used specific words versus vague adjectives. Instead of saying “We received several requests” say “We received 17 requests.”
• Edit for Tone & Style – make sure your words sound as if they are coming from you and now an institution. Opt for “I’ll keep you informed” instead of “Further notification will be forthcoming.”
• Edit for Variety – Don’t start each sentence with the same word or in the same format. Mix it up!
• Edit for Content – make sure your purpose is immediately clear. People won’t read on if they don’t catch your drift to begin with.
• Edit for Strength – reread what you wrote to make sure that each paragraph covers only one topic. Including too many topics makes your reader work to hard.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. 10 Commandments of Working a Mixer
===========================================================
From "The World's Best Known Marketing Secret" by Ivan R. Misner, Ph.D.
1. Have your networking tools with you at all times.
2. Set a goal for the number of people you'll meet.
3. Act like a host, not a guest.
4. Listen, and ask the five "W" questions: who, what, where, when, and why.
5. Give a lead or referral whenever possible.
6. Describe your product or service in sixty seconds.
7. Exchange business cards with the people you meet.
8. Spend ten minutes or less with each person you meet.
9. Write comments on the backs of the business cards you collect.
10. Follow up with the people you meet.
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 Four – Standardization – implement systems that control.
Monday Morning Motivators – April 30, 2007
============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
"Just because a graph looks good doesn't mean it's true."
--Seth Godin
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Are You Playing Capture the Flag? – Linda Fayerweather
2. Edit for Success - Rebecca Booth
3. 10 Commandments of Working A Mixer - John Meyer
4. To Do this Week
5. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Are You Playing Capture the Flag?
============================================================
Toyota "captured" the position of number one US auto maker last week and their comment to the media was "We hardly noticed as we practice Kaizen or continuous improvement". Toyota is the founder of Lean and that comment speaks loudly about many businesses that are constantly comparing themselves to their competition and when they capture market share they celebrate much like many of us did when we played the summer game "Capture the Flag".
Competitive business practices mean you must run the same race as your competitor.
Lean business practices look to excelling at what you do and how you dazzle your customers.
When you find yourself being competitive, relax and look for new ways to excel. Yes, in the Olympics the winner takes the gold, but in the game of business, focusing on excellence and not market share saves time and often creates customers for life.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Edit for Success
============================================================
Once you get your copy written, take a look at it from an editor’s point of view. Here are a few simple tips on editing your copy:
• Edit for Brevity – cut out excess words. Instead of saying “during the course of” just use “during”
• Edit for Clarity – used specific words versus vague adjectives. Instead of saying “We received several requests” say “We received 17 requests.”
• Edit for Tone & Style – make sure your words sound as if they are coming from you and now an institution. Opt for “I’ll keep you informed” instead of “Further notification will be forthcoming.”
• Edit for Variety – Don’t start each sentence with the same word or in the same format. Mix it up!
• Edit for Content – make sure your purpose is immediately clear. People won’t read on if they don’t catch your drift to begin with.
• Edit for Strength – reread what you wrote to make sure that each paragraph covers only one topic. Including too many topics makes your reader work to hard.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. 10 Commandments of Working a Mixer
===========================================================
From "The World's Best Known Marketing Secret" by Ivan R. Misner, Ph.D.
1. Have your networking tools with you at all times.
2. Set a goal for the number of people you'll meet.
3. Act like a host, not a guest.
4. Listen, and ask the five "W" questions: who, what, where, when, and why.
5. Give a lead or referral whenever possible.
6. Describe your product or service in sixty seconds.
7. Exchange business cards with the people you meet.
8. Spend ten minutes or less with each person you meet.
9. Write comments on the backs of the business cards you collect.
10. Follow up with the people you meet.
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 Four – Standardization – implement systems that control.
Monday, April 23, 2007
3 Hearts
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – April 23, 2007
============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
"The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do."
--Thomas Jefferson
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Listen with Your 3 Hearts – Linda Fayerweather
2. Meet Your Two New Best Friends: If and Then - Rebecca Booth
3. Women's Business Organizations - John Meyer
4. To Do this Week
5. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Listen with Your 3 Hearts
============================================================
Any business desiring long term viability will need to maintain profitability. Meeting customer needs while keeping staff, contractors, vendors or other stakeholders happy will always be a balancing act. Listening to each constituency with your 3 hearts will help. And what are those hearts?
~Heart – that sentimental place we believe kindness, empathy and love exist.
~Mind – the rational heart, the logic driven brain that weighs the options;
~Gut – your instinct or intuition.
Each plays a part in making decisions and when we feel conflicted, it is often because we have not listened to all three. Before making weighty decisions, listen with your 3 hearts. An action made after this introspection will often be the best solution, keep customers returning, and save future resources which should enhance profitability.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Meet Your Two New Best Friends: If and Then
============================================================
The words “if” and “then” are very persuasive words in the fields of marketing and sales. Whether you’re trying to sell a refrigerator or a simple idea, the message that works is: “If you take this action, then you’ll get this reward.” What these two little words do is to explain the benefit of your product or service immediately to your buyer. Remember, buyers only care about one thing “what’s in this for me.” If you want to sell more of your stuff, then you’ll make sure to position the benefit very quickly in all of your marketing materials!
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Women's Business Organizations
===========================================================
Women's Organizations are becoming very popular and powerful throughout the country. There are National Organizations such as National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and National Association of Insurance Women (NAIW), and also local associations such as Women Entrepreneurial Network (http://www.WEN-USA.com), in Ohio, and Company of Women (http://www.companyofwomen.ca) in Cananda. These types of organizations are structured, well-organized groups that meet usually monthly to network and provide professional support. Many of the women's organizations are no longer just for women and men are able to join. Some of these groups are Strong-Contact Networks; some are Casual-Contact Networks; some are Professional Associations. The benefits of membership and whom you will meet depend on the type of group you join.
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 Three – Sweep and Shine – clean everything and make it sparkle.
Monday Morning Motivators – April 23, 2007
============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
"The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do."
--Thomas Jefferson
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Listen with Your 3 Hearts – Linda Fayerweather
2. Meet Your Two New Best Friends: If and Then - Rebecca Booth
3. Women's Business Organizations - John Meyer
4. To Do this Week
5. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Listen with Your 3 Hearts
============================================================
Any business desiring long term viability will need to maintain profitability. Meeting customer needs while keeping staff, contractors, vendors or other stakeholders happy will always be a balancing act. Listening to each constituency with your 3 hearts will help. And what are those hearts?
~Heart – that sentimental place we believe kindness, empathy and love exist.
~Mind – the rational heart, the logic driven brain that weighs the options;
~Gut – your instinct or intuition.
Each plays a part in making decisions and when we feel conflicted, it is often because we have not listened to all three. Before making weighty decisions, listen with your 3 hearts. An action made after this introspection will often be the best solution, keep customers returning, and save future resources which should enhance profitability.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Meet Your Two New Best Friends: If and Then
============================================================
The words “if” and “then” are very persuasive words in the fields of marketing and sales. Whether you’re trying to sell a refrigerator or a simple idea, the message that works is: “If you take this action, then you’ll get this reward.” What these two little words do is to explain the benefit of your product or service immediately to your buyer. Remember, buyers only care about one thing “what’s in this for me.” If you want to sell more of your stuff, then you’ll make sure to position the benefit very quickly in all of your marketing materials!
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Women's Business Organizations
===========================================================
Women's Organizations are becoming very popular and powerful throughout the country. There are National Organizations such as National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and National Association of Insurance Women (NAIW), and also local associations such as Women Entrepreneurial Network (http://www.WEN-USA.com), in Ohio, and Company of Women (http://www.companyofwomen.ca) in Cananda. These types of organizations are structured, well-organized groups that meet usually monthly to network and provide professional support. Many of the women's organizations are no longer just for women and men are able to join. Some of these groups are Strong-Contact Networks; some are Casual-Contact Networks; some are Professional Associations. The benefits of membership and whom you will meet depend on the type of group you join.
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 Three – Sweep and Shine – clean everything and make it sparkle.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)