============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – October 22, 2007
============================================================
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
“That which does not destroy us makes us stronger.”
— Nietzsche
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Growing a Profitable Business Requires Focus – Linda Fayerweather
2. Marketing Mishaps – Part 1- Rebecca Booth
3. Get Full with Fiber! – Pat Altvater
4. Purposeful Conversations – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Growing a Profitable Business Requires Focus
============================================================
Most businesses want to grow and often they use a fuzzy approach. If you've ever used a telescope, you learn very quickly that even a slight move of the scope will put you light years away from where you want to
view. Compound that by focusing in on the wrong celestial body and you will spend a lifetime never viewing what you targeted at the start.
That same careful focus can be used in a business to focus on your most profitable products, services and customers. The better you can spotlight what brings your firm profit, the better you will be able to convert it to marketing and sales sense. A narrow focus will pique the interest of future customers. Check out 10 tips for growing a well focused business. .
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Marketing Mishaps – Part 1
============================================================
One of my clients, Julie Higby, The Paper Coach, has shared two marketing mishaps with me. Over the past 3 years, Julie has bought and sold three homes. She’s worked exclusively with one Realtor in her town, netting him over $20,000 in commissions. While she has been happy with his service, she is miffed by the way he handles his follow up and his impersonal approach to marketing. As an “A List” client of this Realtor, he ought to send a simple thank you note, or even try to find out more about his loyal customer’s business. He has ignored her attempts to get him to investigate her follow-up system that she represents (SendOutCards.com)and opts to use impersonal form letters and traditional yearly calendars to request more referrals.
So, what can you learn from this marketing mishap? Two things:
1) Never under estimate the power of a thank you.
2) Take the time to find out what your customers do.
Is there a way you can give business back to them? Try your best and you may find yourself with a customer for life.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Get Full with Fiber!
===========================================================
Studies peg foods rich in fiber to a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer . . . and to losing weight without feeling hungry, gotta love that!
Fiber makes you full, because it swells in your stomach when it absorbs liquid. Fiber can be either:
• Soluble fiber — found in beans, fruits, and more -- aids in satiety (helping you feel full).
• Insoluble fiber — found in wheat bran, whole grains, nuts, vegetables, and other foods helps keep your digestive system regular.
Most Americans don’t get enough fiber. The basic recommendation is 25 grams, but more is encouraged. Try adding more fiber rich foods to your diet. However, adjust to increased fiber slowly, don’t just bump up one day. Also, drink plenty of water and stay active.
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. Purposeful Conversations
===========================================================
A question that we frequently ask our referral marketing clients: “Should you have business or personal conversations at industry functions and networking events.” The number one answer is “business”; though it really doesn’t matter . . . as long as it’s purposeful.
Many successful networkers follow Referral Institute’s VCP model. Your first goal should be to create VISIBILITY, which means they at least know who you are and what you do. The next step is to establish CREDIBILITY, some level of confidence in you and your product/service. Ultimately, you want to move the relationship into PROFITABILITY. After all, at some point a transaction must take place to grow your business!
Remember . . . business or personal as long as it’s purposeful.
Paula Frazier
Executive Director
BNI – Southwestern Virginia
http://bniswva.com
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Identify which customers are your “20% generate 80% of your revenue”.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Monday, October 15, 2007
Repeat the Example
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – October 15, 2007
============================================================
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
“At college age, you can tell who is best at taking tests and going to school, but you can't tell who the best people are.”
--Barnaby C. Keeney
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Repeat the Example – Linda Fayerweather
2. Measures Your Selling Style - Rebecca Booth
3. Shake Your Salt Habit – Pat Altvater
4. Becoming a Master Networker – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Repeat the Example
============================================================ Last week I mentioned “not all people will follow your good example” and this is a problem that has perplexed me for a long time. Yesterday the book How Full is Your Bucket? literally jumped off my shelf and said “read me”. It is about Positive Strategies for Work and Life by Tom Rath and Donald Clifton. In the third chapter it discusses the magic ratio of positive to negative interactions as researched by John Gottman. The magic ratio is 5:1! FIVE positive reactions/interactions will counteract/repair ONE negative reaction. The research goes on to explain that this magic ratio holds true in mental health, physical health, family relations and business relations. No wonder people will easily follow the bad example because 5 good example are necessary causes impact. Curious about your positive impact in your own world, take the bucket quiz.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Free Test Online Measures Your Selling Style!
============================================================
Building rapport has just gotten easier! For a limited time, HRDQ is offering an online assessment of your “selling style” for free. The test is based upon a series of 20 questions that determine if you’re a Direct, Spirited, Systematic or Considerate sales person. Once you know your style, you can learn how to use it to build better rapport with clients and prospects, regardless of their own personal communication style. To take the test, visit: http://www.hrdqonline.com.
What’s better yet: they also have tests on learning your style for communication, learning, and time. They are available for a nominal fee.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Shake Your Salt Habit
===========================================================
Everywhere we turn, there’s conflicting evidence about what’s good or not good for us. However, when you look at all the evidence, the balance is still for the low-sodium diet. There's evidence that links salt to high blood pressure and also osteoporosis and kidney stones. The recommended daily allowance is 2300 milligrams of sodium (about 1 teaspoon of salt). Here are some tips for staying within that limit:
• Take the salt shaker off the table.
• Don't add salt to dishes as you're cooking. Instead, try herbs and sodium-free spices.
• Use fresh or frozen foods instead of canned foods.
• When you eat out, ask that your meal be prepared without sodium sources, such as salt, soy sauce, and monosodium glutamate.
It takes a while to get accustomed to new tastes so give yourself at least 3 weeks to get used to the taste of food without the salt.
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. Becoming a Master Networker
===========================================================
Networking is more than just shaking hands and passing out business cards. Based on a survey conducted of more than 2,000 people throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, it’s about building your “social capital.” The following traits were ranked in order of their perceived importance to networking. Adopt these 10 traits, and people will be knocking down your door trying to do business with you:
1. Follow up on referrals.
2. Have a positive attitude.
3. Be enthusiastic and motivational.
4. Be trustworthy.
5. Be a great listener.
6. Net-WORK…always!
7. Thank people appropriately.
8. Truly enjoy helping others.
9. Be sincere.
10. Work your networks! Proactively make connections.
Copyright 2007 Paula Frazier & Ivan Misner – Read More about Ivan and Masters of Sales.
Monday Morning Motivators – October 15, 2007
============================================================
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
“At college age, you can tell who is best at taking tests and going to school, but you can't tell who the best people are.”
--Barnaby C. Keeney
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Repeat the Example – Linda Fayerweather
2. Measures Your Selling Style - Rebecca Booth
3. Shake Your Salt Habit – Pat Altvater
4. Becoming a Master Networker – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Repeat the Example
============================================================ Last week I mentioned “not all people will follow your good example” and this is a problem that has perplexed me for a long time. Yesterday the book How Full is Your Bucket? literally jumped off my shelf and said “read me”. It is about Positive Strategies for Work and Life by Tom Rath and Donald Clifton. In the third chapter it discusses the magic ratio of positive to negative interactions as researched by John Gottman. The magic ratio is 5:1! FIVE positive reactions/interactions will counteract/repair ONE negative reaction. The research goes on to explain that this magic ratio holds true in mental health, physical health, family relations and business relations. No wonder people will easily follow the bad example because 5 good example are necessary causes impact. Curious about your positive impact in your own world, take the bucket quiz.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Free Test Online Measures Your Selling Style!
============================================================
Building rapport has just gotten easier! For a limited time, HRDQ is offering an online assessment of your “selling style” for free. The test is based upon a series of 20 questions that determine if you’re a Direct, Spirited, Systematic or Considerate sales person. Once you know your style, you can learn how to use it to build better rapport with clients and prospects, regardless of their own personal communication style. To take the test, visit: http://www.hrdqonline.com.
What’s better yet: they also have tests on learning your style for communication, learning, and time. They are available for a nominal fee.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Shake Your Salt Habit
===========================================================
Everywhere we turn, there’s conflicting evidence about what’s good or not good for us. However, when you look at all the evidence, the balance is still for the low-sodium diet. There's evidence that links salt to high blood pressure and also osteoporosis and kidney stones. The recommended daily allowance is 2300 milligrams of sodium (about 1 teaspoon of salt). Here are some tips for staying within that limit:
• Take the salt shaker off the table.
• Don't add salt to dishes as you're cooking. Instead, try herbs and sodium-free spices.
• Use fresh or frozen foods instead of canned foods.
• When you eat out, ask that your meal be prepared without sodium sources, such as salt, soy sauce, and monosodium glutamate.
It takes a while to get accustomed to new tastes so give yourself at least 3 weeks to get used to the taste of food without the salt.
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. Becoming a Master Networker
===========================================================
Networking is more than just shaking hands and passing out business cards. Based on a survey conducted of more than 2,000 people throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, it’s about building your “social capital.” The following traits were ranked in order of their perceived importance to networking. Adopt these 10 traits, and people will be knocking down your door trying to do business with you:
1. Follow up on referrals.
2. Have a positive attitude.
3. Be enthusiastic and motivational.
4. Be trustworthy.
5. Be a great listener.
6. Net-WORK…always!
7. Thank people appropriately.
8. Truly enjoy helping others.
9. Be sincere.
10. Work your networks! Proactively make connections.
Copyright 2007 Paula Frazier & Ivan Misner – Read More about Ivan and Masters of Sales.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Lead by Example
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – October 8, 2007
============================================================
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 greatest homage we can pay truth is to use it.”
--Ralph Waldo Emerson
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Lead by Example – Linda Fayerweather
2. The Power is in Your Hands Rule Four - Rebecca Booth
3. Ah. . . a Good Night’s Sleep! – Pat Altvater
4. The Usual Suspects – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Lead by Example
============================================================
Whether you are the business owner, head of a
department or a sole proprietor, we are all leaders to
someone else. I recently observed the CEO of a local
company walking to his car and he did two things in
route:
1) He picked up some litter and
2) He helped a customer with his shopping cart.
Even if I had not known who this person was, I would
have smiled and enjoyed watching this engaged
individual. The customer likely did not know who he
was but several employees that were nearby did and
will remember. Simple acts of respect to the
world around us are hard to ignore and often cause others
to respond similarly. Not all people will follow our
good examples, but the more we try, the harder it will
be to ignore our leadership.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. In Sales: The Power is in Your Hands – Rule 4 or 4
============================================================
Never be afraid to say no. Sometimes you’ll come across the prospect or client who is being unreasonable or demanding things that don’t make sense for your company. While you’re goal is to have a successful relationship with this person, you don’t have to give away your product and the kitchen sink! Yet you don’t want to be perceived as being uncooperative. The way to handle a situation such as this to be fully be aware of your worth, the company’s worth and the worth of your company’s offerings. Don’t be afraid to say no to those clients who are asking too much from you. You’ll not only retain your equal footing, who knows they might recognize their errors and acquiesce to you!
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Ah…a Good Night’s Sleep!
===========================================================
Are you getting the recommended 7 – 9 hours of sleep per night? Not sleeping enough and not sleeping sound is not OK! Chronic sleep deprivation can weaken your immune system, making you prone to illnesses such as high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and depression. Lack of z’s can also cause decreased performance and alertness by as much as 32%! Obesity researchers have found that the further one is away from the recommended number of hours of sleep, the higher the risk of obesity.
So if you suffer from chronic sleep deprivation:
• Get checked for sleep apnea,
• Control your stress, and
• Practice relaxation exercises.
The evidence is overwhelming; getting sensible amounts of good quality sleep is essential to achieving optimal health.
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. Don’t Just Chat It Up With the Usual Suspects
===========================================================
My husband and I work together, but we’re rarely in the same place at the same time to net-WORK together. We recently had the opportunity to attend a local chamber event. As referral marketing specialists, we love the chamber as it provides us an opportunity to “practice what we teach”.
Instead of chatting it up with the usuals, Neal purposefully approached someone new . . . someone NOT already in his network! After they introduced themselves and talked a while Neal said, “I’ve enjoyed meeting you and learning more about your business. My goal tonight is to meet 10 new people. Is there someone here that you know that you’d be willing to introduce me to?”
For the next hour, I watched him get “danced” around the room. Eventually, he made his way over to me with the business cards he’d collected and a well deserved plateful of food. When it comes to building your networks, remember to honor your established relationships, but don’t forget the value of the “new”.
Copyright 2007 Paula Frazier
Executive Director
BNI – Southwestern Virginia
http://bniswva.com
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Thank 3 customers with a simple card this week.
Monday Morning Motivators – October 8, 2007
============================================================
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 greatest homage we can pay truth is to use it.”
--Ralph Waldo Emerson
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Lead by Example – Linda Fayerweather
2. The Power is in Your Hands Rule Four - Rebecca Booth
3. Ah. . . a Good Night’s Sleep! – Pat Altvater
4. The Usual Suspects – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Lead by Example
============================================================
Whether you are the business owner, head of a
department or a sole proprietor, we are all leaders to
someone else. I recently observed the CEO of a local
company walking to his car and he did two things in
route:
1) He picked up some litter and
2) He helped a customer with his shopping cart.
Even if I had not known who this person was, I would
have smiled and enjoyed watching this engaged
individual. The customer likely did not know who he
was but several employees that were nearby did and
will remember. Simple acts of respect to the
world around us are hard to ignore and often cause others
to respond similarly. Not all people will follow our
good examples, but the more we try, the harder it will
be to ignore our leadership.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. In Sales: The Power is in Your Hands – Rule 4 or 4
============================================================
Never be afraid to say no. Sometimes you’ll come across the prospect or client who is being unreasonable or demanding things that don’t make sense for your company. While you’re goal is to have a successful relationship with this person, you don’t have to give away your product and the kitchen sink! Yet you don’t want to be perceived as being uncooperative. The way to handle a situation such as this to be fully be aware of your worth, the company’s worth and the worth of your company’s offerings. Don’t be afraid to say no to those clients who are asking too much from you. You’ll not only retain your equal footing, who knows they might recognize their errors and acquiesce to you!
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Ah…a Good Night’s Sleep!
===========================================================
Are you getting the recommended 7 – 9 hours of sleep per night? Not sleeping enough and not sleeping sound is not OK! Chronic sleep deprivation can weaken your immune system, making you prone to illnesses such as high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and depression. Lack of z’s can also cause decreased performance and alertness by as much as 32%! Obesity researchers have found that the further one is away from the recommended number of hours of sleep, the higher the risk of obesity.
So if you suffer from chronic sleep deprivation:
• Get checked for sleep apnea,
• Control your stress, and
• Practice relaxation exercises.
The evidence is overwhelming; getting sensible amounts of good quality sleep is essential to achieving optimal health.
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. Don’t Just Chat It Up With the Usual Suspects
===========================================================
My husband and I work together, but we’re rarely in the same place at the same time to net-WORK together. We recently had the opportunity to attend a local chamber event. As referral marketing specialists, we love the chamber as it provides us an opportunity to “practice what we teach”.
Instead of chatting it up with the usuals, Neal purposefully approached someone new . . . someone NOT already in his network! After they introduced themselves and talked a while Neal said, “I’ve enjoyed meeting you and learning more about your business. My goal tonight is to meet 10 new people. Is there someone here that you know that you’d be willing to introduce me to?”
For the next hour, I watched him get “danced” around the room. Eventually, he made his way over to me with the business cards he’d collected and a well deserved plateful of food. When it comes to building your networks, remember to honor your established relationships, but don’t forget the value of the “new”.
Copyright 2007 Paula Frazier
Executive Director
BNI – Southwestern Virginia
http://bniswva.com
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Thank 3 customers with a simple card this week.
Monday, October 01, 2007
The Last Quarter - Sales - Dancing - Networking
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – October 1, 2007
============================================================
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
“Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.”
--P. J. O'Rourke
This week, help me welcome Paula Frazier from Southwestern Virginia as our new networking coach for MMM! Welcome, Paula, and we look forward to having you keep us on track. LLF
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. The Last Quarter? – Linda Fayerweather
2. The Power is in Your Hands Rule Three - Rebecca Booth
3. Maybe You Should Dance All Night – Pat Altvater
4. So You’re There to Network – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. The Last Quarter?
============================================================
October first marks the beginning of the fourth quarter for most businesses. Are you thinking “where has the year gone?”; take heart, you are not alone. If we set realistic goals in January, chances are we have met some, exceeded others and yes, there may be some we haven’t achieved and likely won’t by December 31. Facing the plan now will often invigorate us to action. When we don’t do this comparison, human nature often resorts to ruminating on what we know we haven’t completed instead of celebrating our successes. Before you surrender to the holiday hoopla, really look at where you have been this fiscal year and plan what can happen in this last quarter so 2007 will be the year of your dreams. Just do it! I promise it won’t hurt.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
Changing Lanes LLC
============================================================
2. In Sales: The Power is in Your Hands – Rule 3 or 4
============================================================
Insist on a “quid pro quo” for every customer request. When was the last time you had a prospect or client ask you to do an RFP based upon 35 pages of detailed questions? A lot of work, right? And you’re gambling for the business. Well, the good news is you should feel confident to ask the client in return for “quid pro quo” (meaning that anything the client asks you to do gives you the right to ask them to do something comparable in return). This strategy helps you to not be taken advantage of, but it also gives you the opportunity to strengthen your competitive position. The next time you are asked for the detailed RFP, ask the prospect/client for the opportunity to present your findings to the decision makers personally. Chances are the client will tell you that your competitors haven’t asked to do this, to which you can answer, ”Well, I guess they don’t care as much about getting your business!”
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
Marketing Solutioneers
===========================================================
3. Maybe You Should Dance All Night
===========================================================
According to a recent study by the Center of Aging, Health and Humanities, dancing offers many health benefits, such as building muscle strength, improving coordination, and boosting the immune system. Dance to your favorite music for 10 - 30 minutes. Dancing, even just bopping around in a small area, is great exercise. Move all your body parts any way that feels good. If you have kids, ask them to join in; hey, that beats having them on the sidelines laughing!
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
Transformations Institute
===========================================================
4. So You’re There to Network!
===========================================================
The definition of networking, according to Dr. Ivan Misner, is “helping other people as a way of growing their business.” Too often, we walk into business meetings, boardrooms, networking events and then go on autopilot. We trust ourselves to know our businesses so well that we simply go through the motions. We intend to net-WORK, but we end up net-sitting, net-eating and net-SELLING.
Simply put . . . our networking behavior does not always support our networking intentions. We actually start “selling” to people we’ve just met. We don’t realize we’re trying to “close” perfect strangers. A trained networker would be able to “see” invisible armor going up all around the room.
True networkers are committed to establishing long term business relationships that become strong enough to put their reputations and credibility on the line for one another. They are compelled to refer one another!
Copyright 2007 Paula Frazier
Executive Director
BNI – Southwestern Virginia
http://BNIswva
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Review your 2007 Plan.
Monday Morning Motivators – October 1, 2007
============================================================
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
“Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.”
--P. J. O'Rourke
This week, help me welcome Paula Frazier from Southwestern Virginia as our new networking coach for MMM! Welcome, Paula, and we look forward to having you keep us on track. LLF
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. The Last Quarter? – Linda Fayerweather
2. The Power is in Your Hands Rule Three - Rebecca Booth
3. Maybe You Should Dance All Night – Pat Altvater
4. So You’re There to Network – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. The Last Quarter?
============================================================
October first marks the beginning of the fourth quarter for most businesses. Are you thinking “where has the year gone?”; take heart, you are not alone. If we set realistic goals in January, chances are we have met some, exceeded others and yes, there may be some we haven’t achieved and likely won’t by December 31. Facing the plan now will often invigorate us to action. When we don’t do this comparison, human nature often resorts to ruminating on what we know we haven’t completed instead of celebrating our successes. Before you surrender to the holiday hoopla, really look at where you have been this fiscal year and plan what can happen in this last quarter so 2007 will be the year of your dreams. Just do it! I promise it won’t hurt.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
Changing Lanes LLC
============================================================
2. In Sales: The Power is in Your Hands – Rule 3 or 4
============================================================
Insist on a “quid pro quo” for every customer request. When was the last time you had a prospect or client ask you to do an RFP based upon 35 pages of detailed questions? A lot of work, right? And you’re gambling for the business. Well, the good news is you should feel confident to ask the client in return for “quid pro quo” (meaning that anything the client asks you to do gives you the right to ask them to do something comparable in return). This strategy helps you to not be taken advantage of, but it also gives you the opportunity to strengthen your competitive position. The next time you are asked for the detailed RFP, ask the prospect/client for the opportunity to present your findings to the decision makers personally. Chances are the client will tell you that your competitors haven’t asked to do this, to which you can answer, ”Well, I guess they don’t care as much about getting your business!”
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
Marketing Solutioneers
===========================================================
3. Maybe You Should Dance All Night
===========================================================
According to a recent study by the Center of Aging, Health and Humanities, dancing offers many health benefits, such as building muscle strength, improving coordination, and boosting the immune system. Dance to your favorite music for 10 - 30 minutes. Dancing, even just bopping around in a small area, is great exercise. Move all your body parts any way that feels good. If you have kids, ask them to join in; hey, that beats having them on the sidelines laughing!
Copyright 2007 Patricia Altvater
Transformations Institute
Author, Journey to Health 12-Month Total Transformation Program
Transformations Institute
===========================================================
4. So You’re There to Network!
===========================================================
The definition of networking, according to Dr. Ivan Misner, is “helping other people as a way of growing their business.” Too often, we walk into business meetings, boardrooms, networking events and then go on autopilot. We trust ourselves to know our businesses so well that we simply go through the motions. We intend to net-WORK, but we end up net-sitting, net-eating and net-SELLING.
Simply put . . . our networking behavior does not always support our networking intentions. We actually start “selling” to people we’ve just met. We don’t realize we’re trying to “close” perfect strangers. A trained networker would be able to “see” invisible armor going up all around the room.
True networkers are committed to establishing long term business relationships that become strong enough to put their reputations and credibility on the line for one another. They are compelled to refer one another!
Copyright 2007 Paula Frazier
Executive Director
BNI – Southwestern Virginia
http://BNIswva
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Review your 2007 Plan.
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