============================================================
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, August 11, 2008
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
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3. Journey to WOW – Ignite the Power Within
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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
===========================================================
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, July 28, 2008
1% Forecasting - Attract - Online Communities
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – July 14, 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
“Pain is temporary, Failure lasts forever.”
-- Lance Armstrong
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. 1% Per Month - Linda Fayerweather
2. Sales Forecasting - Rebecca Booth
3. Attract What You Desire - Pat Altvater
4. Part 2: Adventures in On-Line Communities – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. 1% Per Month
============================================================
Building a lean culture in a small business can be as entertaining as playing Whac-a-Mole®. Impact on the business may be fast and dramatic but just like the arcade game, eventually new problems show up and old solutions get forgotten. The internal challenge for change is to create a culture that strives to apply improvement – even if change is small and incremental. In society, we view culture as the systems that give lasting definition to a group, tribe or family. If your business tribe is embracing change, you have begun a never-ending journey that can best be sustained by small improvements. Targeting 1% change a month means those moles won’t have a chance to rear their furry heads in your business.
Copyright 2008 Linda Fayerweather
Planning IS Change
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Sales Forecasting
============================================================
There are no tried and true methods for predicting how much you will sell of a new product. Development costs are easy to measure, but the gap between known costs and unknown revenue makes deciding how much to invest in a new or improved product/service is difficult. Here is a step-by-step system for minimizing your risks, thanks to Doug Hall, Business Week Small Business (Feb/Mar 08):
1. Share your idea with 50 potential customers – this can easily be done via email at a trade show or simply by calling them.
2. Ask them on a scale of 0-10 how likely would they purchase this product/service?
3. And on a scale of 0-10, how new and different do they believe the concept is.
4. Next, calculate the simple average for each question and add the two numbers.
5. Multiply the answer by .007. This result is an estimate of what percentage of your prospects will become buyers.
6. To calculate potential sales, multiply this percentage by the number of prospects to whom your company will make at least three sales contacts, and then multiply by the amount an average customer would purchase in a year.
Happy calculating!
Copyright 2008 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
419-855-3399
www.rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.com
===========================================================
3. Attract What You Desire ============================================================
In the Fourth Principle, Wayne Dyer says we can attract anything we want when we know and accept that it already exists in the consciousness of our mind (through our visualizations). This principle reminds us that there is intelligence in the universe that is creative and responsive to suggestions from us. We are part of this through our thoughts which are creative; what we think about, we become.
To manifest what you want:
• Use visualization on a daily basis. Picture what you want without knowing HOW it will happen. Then remain in faith and trust.
• Stay consistent with your visualization; don’t keep changing your mind. Picture yourself experiencing what you want to manifest as if it was already happening.
• Stay alert for clues and act accordingly.
• Act as if what you want is already in your life. If you want health, act in a new healthy way. If you want wealth, start thinking abundantly and acting that way also by giving thanks for everything that has manifested in your life.
If you find your conditioned way of thinking, which might be pessimistic or negative, crops up, eradicate those thoughts immediately and return to your new beliefs. When you follow these suggestions, you’ll notice a shift in your life and you’ll begin attracting everything you desire.
Pat Altvater
Chief Wizard of WOW!
www.thesecretofpermanentweightloss.com
www.permanentweightlossebook.com
www.transformationsinstitute.com
Author, Journey to WOW – Ignite the Power Within
===========================================================
4. Adventures in On-Line Communities – Part 2
===========================================================
I recently took on the on-line business community for a second time. Notifications, announcements and invitations ensued. It wasn’t overwhelming this time; though it felt a bit transactional for a referral marketer like me. Part of increasing your “ranking” in an on-line network has to do with increasing the number of people you are “connected” to. Many of the requests to connect made no sense and the information we’d shared on our profiles didn’t indicate that we had anything in common.
And then…I received a notification and message from a leader in the community, the Chairman of Ecademy Morocco. If anyone is trustworthy it should be him! Right? Right! So I replied and visited his profile. I found that many of our beliefs and practices are in alignment:
1. He is a professional coach. Me too!
2. He is a speaker and a trainer in his industry. Likewise!
3. He offers networking workshops. So do I!
4. His business requires extensive travel! Mine too!
5. He is a leader in his industry. So am I!
There was one comment in his message that sealed the deal. He generously wrote - “I am sure there are plenty of things you can do…that I can’t…that I can…learn from you”! As we learn more about each other and our businesses, he will come to know that my day everyday is committed to helping people create referrals for life through developing RECIPROCAL RELATIONSHIPS. That’s exactly what he’d just described!!! Connecting made sense for both of us. So we did!
Lesson Learned: When it comes to establishing on line (and offline) relationships, you’re in control. It’s a matter of identifying criteria for connecting that makes sense for you!
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. 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 can be contacted at paula@referralinstitute-va.com
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Visit a past customer this week – or just invite them to lunch.
Monday Morning Motivators – July 14, 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
“Pain is temporary, Failure lasts forever.”
-- Lance Armstrong
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. 1% Per Month - Linda Fayerweather
2. Sales Forecasting - Rebecca Booth
3. Attract What You Desire - Pat Altvater
4. Part 2: Adventures in On-Line Communities – Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. 1% Per Month
============================================================
Building a lean culture in a small business can be as entertaining as playing Whac-a-Mole®. Impact on the business may be fast and dramatic but just like the arcade game, eventually new problems show up and old solutions get forgotten. The internal challenge for change is to create a culture that strives to apply improvement – even if change is small and incremental. In society, we view culture as the systems that give lasting definition to a group, tribe or family. If your business tribe is embracing change, you have begun a never-ending journey that can best be sustained by small improvements. Targeting 1% change a month means those moles won’t have a chance to rear their furry heads in your business.
Copyright 2008 Linda Fayerweather
Planning IS Change
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Sales Forecasting
============================================================
There are no tried and true methods for predicting how much you will sell of a new product. Development costs are easy to measure, but the gap between known costs and unknown revenue makes deciding how much to invest in a new or improved product/service is difficult. Here is a step-by-step system for minimizing your risks, thanks to Doug Hall, Business Week Small Business (Feb/Mar 08):
1. Share your idea with 50 potential customers – this can easily be done via email at a trade show or simply by calling them.
2. Ask them on a scale of 0-10 how likely would they purchase this product/service?
3. And on a scale of 0-10, how new and different do they believe the concept is.
4. Next, calculate the simple average for each question and add the two numbers.
5. Multiply the answer by .007. This result is an estimate of what percentage of your prospects will become buyers.
6. To calculate potential sales, multiply this percentage by the number of prospects to whom your company will make at least three sales contacts, and then multiply by the amount an average customer would purchase in a year.
Happy calculating!
Copyright 2008 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
419-855-3399
www.rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.com
===========================================================
3. Attract What You Desire ============================================================
In the Fourth Principle, Wayne Dyer says we can attract anything we want when we know and accept that it already exists in the consciousness of our mind (through our visualizations). This principle reminds us that there is intelligence in the universe that is creative and responsive to suggestions from us. We are part of this through our thoughts which are creative; what we think about, we become.
To manifest what you want:
• Use visualization on a daily basis. Picture what you want without knowing HOW it will happen. Then remain in faith and trust.
• Stay consistent with your visualization; don’t keep changing your mind. Picture yourself experiencing what you want to manifest as if it was already happening.
• Stay alert for clues and act accordingly.
• Act as if what you want is already in your life. If you want health, act in a new healthy way. If you want wealth, start thinking abundantly and acting that way also by giving thanks for everything that has manifested in your life.
If you find your conditioned way of thinking, which might be pessimistic or negative, crops up, eradicate those thoughts immediately and return to your new beliefs. When you follow these suggestions, you’ll notice a shift in your life and you’ll begin attracting everything you desire.
Pat Altvater
Chief Wizard of WOW!
www.thesecretofpermanentweightloss.com
www.permanentweightlossebook.com
www.transformationsinstitute.com
Author, Journey to WOW – Ignite the Power Within
===========================================================
4. Adventures in On-Line Communities – Part 2
===========================================================
I recently took on the on-line business community for a second time. Notifications, announcements and invitations ensued. It wasn’t overwhelming this time; though it felt a bit transactional for a referral marketer like me. Part of increasing your “ranking” in an on-line network has to do with increasing the number of people you are “connected” to. Many of the requests to connect made no sense and the information we’d shared on our profiles didn’t indicate that we had anything in common.
And then…I received a notification and message from a leader in the community, the Chairman of Ecademy Morocco. If anyone is trustworthy it should be him! Right? Right! So I replied and visited his profile. I found that many of our beliefs and practices are in alignment:
1. He is a professional coach. Me too!
2. He is a speaker and a trainer in his industry. Likewise!
3. He offers networking workshops. So do I!
4. His business requires extensive travel! Mine too!
5. He is a leader in his industry. So am I!
There was one comment in his message that sealed the deal. He generously wrote - “I am sure there are plenty of things you can do…that I can’t…that I can…learn from you”! As we learn more about each other and our businesses, he will come to know that my day everyday is committed to helping people create referrals for life through developing RECIPROCAL RELATIONSHIPS. That’s exactly what he’d just described!!! Connecting made sense for both of us. So we did!
Lesson Learned: When it comes to establishing on line (and offline) relationships, you’re in control. It’s a matter of identifying criteria for connecting that makes sense for you!
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. 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 can be contacted at paula@referralinstitute-va.com
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Visit a past customer this week – or just invite them to lunch.
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