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Monday Morning Motivators – August 14, 2006
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Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java
gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”
--Kenneth Graham
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Table of Contents
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1. Lean: Lakes and Rocks – Linda Fayerweather
2. Writing Copy that People Actually Want to Read – Part 2 – Rebecca Booth
3. Helping Others – John Meyer
4. To Do This Week
5. Fine Print
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1. Lean: Lakes and Rocks
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Toyota uses the metaphor the Lake and the Rocks to refer to problems. The lake is the work in process, or inventory, or maybe partially completed tax returns and the rocks are the problems that slow the process. Anyone that has boated knows how rocks can slow your boating pleasure. Lowering the level of the water will allow you to better see the rocks. Translating this to your business means the less unfinished work (water in the lake) the more visible the causes of problems become. Of course, you will also discover more and deeper rocks. Don’t despair, a business that wants to be lean, IS will always working in the lean process as the boater will be ever watching for rocks and snags.
Copyright 2006 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
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2. Writing Copy that People Actually Want to Read – Part 2
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Last time we talked, you were ready to stick needles in your eye instead of writing that ad copy you had to do today. Here are more ideas to write copy that people actually want to read:
Step 4: Remove the clichés. What you might think is fresh and carries meaning, clichés are really dead as doornails – and what is a doornail anyway? Keep them in your first draft, because we don’t want to slow down your creative writing. But edit them out before you go to press. Substitute the cliché for something fresh.
Step 5: Use concrete examples rather than concepts. Instead of telling me about your customer service, reliability or effectiveness, show me. Use a client testimonial to get your point across or write a story about a customer who had a problem that you so handily solved!
Step 6: Use strong verbs. Substitute “state of being” verbs – is, am, were, was, are, be being, been – with true action verbs. For instance instead of saying “XYZ sports drink is a drink that will give you energy” use “Reawaken your body with XYZ!”
Copyright 2006 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
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3. Helping Others
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The easiest way to get what you want is to help others get what they want. The more effort you put forth finding out how to help others get what they want, the more receptive they will be to help you get what you want. From simple kindnesses to making great referrals to others, all plant the image of you as a giver. If you are not willing to help others, how can you expect them to help you?
Copyright 2006 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
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4. To Do This Week
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Prepare now for the end – the end of the year, that is.
Monday, August 21, 2006
Monday, August 14, 2006
Lean Metrics: Measurement Missteps
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – August 14, 2006
============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java
gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
"The future belongs to those who believe in their dreams."
-- Eleanor Roosevelt
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Lean Metrics: Measurement Missteps – Linda Fayerweather
2. Writing Copy that People Actually Want to Read – Part 1 – Rebecca Booth
3. Ask to Have Information Published About You – John Meyer
4. To Do This Week
5. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Lean Metrics: Measurement Missteps
============================================================
Last week we talked about the importance of collecting data. Now, let’s explore some of the major pitfalls that happen when data is gathered.
--Measuring everything. Focus on a few critical measures that will guide your improvement efforts. Too much data will overwhelm you and your employees.
--Misinterpreting data. Help your staff understand why and how data is collected and how the data will be used. When all involved in the process understand why the data is collected, the quality of the collection will be enhanced.
--Collecting unused data. Stop collecting data you don’t need. Your time is valuable, your staff’s time is valuable and your customer’s time is valuable so just stop collecting data you won’t use.
--Pointing fingers. When data reveals a process that needs fixing, spending time doing public humiliation or harmful fault finding only slows improvement. Deal with individual corrections privately.
Collecting data wisely is essential to customer satisfaction.
Copyright 2006 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Writing Copy that People Actually Want to Read – Part 1
============================================================
Uh-oh, you’ve got an ad that you have to write this week and you’d rather stick needles in your eyes than write it. Well, search no longer. Over the next two weeks I’ll share six key steps to writing better copy – copy that people actually want to read!
Step 1: Tell a story. Notice the picture I painted with sticking needles in your eye. It tells a visual story that engrosses your reader and draws them into it.
Step 2: Use short words. One and two syllable words are much better than three or four syllable words. Not only are they easier to read and comprehend, they make reading a breeze!
Step 3: Write short sentences and paragraphs. Have you ever read a James Michener novel? Or Tom Clancy? I just can’t! I don’t like books that have paragraphs that are as long as my leg! I gravitate to books with tons of dialogue versus lots and lots of description. It makes reading go more quickly and easily!
Copyright 2006 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Ask to Have Information Published About You
===========================================================
Network members may be able to get information about you and your business printed in publications they subscribe to and in which they have some input or influence. For example, a referral source that belongs to an association publishing a newsletter might help you get an article published or persuade the editor to run a story about you.
Copyright 2006 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
============================================================
4. To Do This Week
============================================================
Review your business’s print image.
Monday Morning Motivators – August 14, 2006
============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java
gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
"The future belongs to those who believe in their dreams."
-- Eleanor Roosevelt
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Lean Metrics: Measurement Missteps – Linda Fayerweather
2. Writing Copy that People Actually Want to Read – Part 1 – Rebecca Booth
3. Ask to Have Information Published About You – John Meyer
4. To Do This Week
5. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Lean Metrics: Measurement Missteps
============================================================
Last week we talked about the importance of collecting data. Now, let’s explore some of the major pitfalls that happen when data is gathered.
--Measuring everything. Focus on a few critical measures that will guide your improvement efforts. Too much data will overwhelm you and your employees.
--Misinterpreting data. Help your staff understand why and how data is collected and how the data will be used. When all involved in the process understand why the data is collected, the quality of the collection will be enhanced.
--Collecting unused data. Stop collecting data you don’t need. Your time is valuable, your staff’s time is valuable and your customer’s time is valuable so just stop collecting data you won’t use.
--Pointing fingers. When data reveals a process that needs fixing, spending time doing public humiliation or harmful fault finding only slows improvement. Deal with individual corrections privately.
Collecting data wisely is essential to customer satisfaction.
Copyright 2006 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Writing Copy that People Actually Want to Read – Part 1
============================================================
Uh-oh, you’ve got an ad that you have to write this week and you’d rather stick needles in your eyes than write it. Well, search no longer. Over the next two weeks I’ll share six key steps to writing better copy – copy that people actually want to read!
Step 1: Tell a story. Notice the picture I painted with sticking needles in your eye. It tells a visual story that engrosses your reader and draws them into it.
Step 2: Use short words. One and two syllable words are much better than three or four syllable words. Not only are they easier to read and comprehend, they make reading a breeze!
Step 3: Write short sentences and paragraphs. Have you ever read a James Michener novel? Or Tom Clancy? I just can’t! I don’t like books that have paragraphs that are as long as my leg! I gravitate to books with tons of dialogue versus lots and lots of description. It makes reading go more quickly and easily!
Copyright 2006 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Ask to Have Information Published About You
===========================================================
Network members may be able to get information about you and your business printed in publications they subscribe to and in which they have some input or influence. For example, a referral source that belongs to an association publishing a newsletter might help you get an article published or persuade the editor to run a story about you.
Copyright 2006 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
============================================================
4. To Do This Week
============================================================
Review your business’s print image.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Lean Metrics: What to Measure
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – August 7, 2006
============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java
gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
"If you are on the road to nowhere, find another road."
-- Ashanti proverb
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Lean Metrics: What to Measure – Linda Fayerweather
2. Don’t Tell Me, Empower Me! – Rebecca Booth
3. Have People Follow up on Referrals They Give You – John Meyer
4. To Do This Week
5. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Lean Metrics: What to Measure
============================================================
After talking about Lean Metrics for 8 weeks, some readers may still be saying “How do I decide what to measure?” Since lean companies know that all processes should add value to the customer, measurements should reflect that goal. Select metrics that are balanced among the three measurement categories (financial, behavioral, core-process). A very small company may find that three to six will be plenty as each metric needs a champion to own it. Too many will confuse employees and too few may not provide you with enough detail. When deciding which metrics to use, consider the following points:
- What are we measuring?
- What will be the frequency of measurement?
- How long will data be collected?
- Who will measure it?
- How will it be measured?
- What action will be taken after the data is interpreted?
- Who will be responsible for follow-up action?
Keeping lean does require looking backwards to move forwards.
Copyright 2006 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Don’t Tell Me, Empower Me!
============================================================
A few weeks ago we talked about presenting the problem first, then the solution. Here is more on that topic. Have you ever received an email from Travelocity or another travel agent? They usually have tons of information on fabulous trips and deals to exotic places. But the problem with these types of emails is they’re selling solution, solution, solution. Nine times out of 10 there isn’t an immediate need so the email gets deleted. And the next one that comes in gets deleted before it’s even opened. Instead of pushing solutions, why not give me information that I can use? Solve problems that I have when I travel, like tips on how to beat jetlag, how to upgrade a ticket without losing your shirt, or how to deal with an oversized luggage bag.
When you empower me with the problem and the solution, two things happen:
1) Your “pitch” is legitimized because I can use the information and even pass it on to someone else and
2) You look like an expert in your field to me.
So, who am I going to call when it’s time to book that next cruise? Why you of course!
Copyright 2006 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Have People Follow up on Referrals They have Given You
===========================================================
Ask people to contact prospects they referred to you to see how things went after your first meeting, answer their questions or concerns and reassure them that you can be trusted. They can also give you valuable feedback about yourself and your products or services, information that you might not have been able to get on your own.
Copyright 2006 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
============================================================
4. To Do This Week
============================================================
Develop and record your emergency computer plan.
1. Password journal.
2. Critical data backup.
Monday Morning Motivators – August 7, 2006
============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java
gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
"If you are on the road to nowhere, find another road."
-- Ashanti proverb
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Lean Metrics: What to Measure – Linda Fayerweather
2. Don’t Tell Me, Empower Me! – Rebecca Booth
3. Have People Follow up on Referrals They Give You – John Meyer
4. To Do This Week
5. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Lean Metrics: What to Measure
============================================================
After talking about Lean Metrics for 8 weeks, some readers may still be saying “How do I decide what to measure?” Since lean companies know that all processes should add value to the customer, measurements should reflect that goal. Select metrics that are balanced among the three measurement categories (financial, behavioral, core-process). A very small company may find that three to six will be plenty as each metric needs a champion to own it. Too many will confuse employees and too few may not provide you with enough detail. When deciding which metrics to use, consider the following points:
- What are we measuring?
- What will be the frequency of measurement?
- How long will data be collected?
- Who will measure it?
- How will it be measured?
- What action will be taken after the data is interpreted?
- Who will be responsible for follow-up action?
Keeping lean does require looking backwards to move forwards.
Copyright 2006 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Don’t Tell Me, Empower Me!
============================================================
A few weeks ago we talked about presenting the problem first, then the solution. Here is more on that topic. Have you ever received an email from Travelocity or another travel agent? They usually have tons of information on fabulous trips and deals to exotic places. But the problem with these types of emails is they’re selling solution, solution, solution. Nine times out of 10 there isn’t an immediate need so the email gets deleted. And the next one that comes in gets deleted before it’s even opened. Instead of pushing solutions, why not give me information that I can use? Solve problems that I have when I travel, like tips on how to beat jetlag, how to upgrade a ticket without losing your shirt, or how to deal with an oversized luggage bag.
When you empower me with the problem and the solution, two things happen:
1) Your “pitch” is legitimized because I can use the information and even pass it on to someone else and
2) You look like an expert in your field to me.
So, who am I going to call when it’s time to book that next cruise? Why you of course!
Copyright 2006 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Have People Follow up on Referrals They have Given You
===========================================================
Ask people to contact prospects they referred to you to see how things went after your first meeting, answer their questions or concerns and reassure them that you can be trusted. They can also give you valuable feedback about yourself and your products or services, information that you might not have been able to get on your own.
Copyright 2006 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
============================================================
4. To Do This Week
============================================================
Develop and record your emergency computer plan.
1. Password journal.
2. Critical data backup.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Lean Metrics: Equipment Effectiveness
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – July 31, 2006
============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java
gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
"Live out of your imagination, not your history."
-- Stephen Covey
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Lean Metrics: Equipment Effectiveness – Linda Fayerweather
2. Being Specific About Your Target Market – Rebecca Booth
3. Ask People to Arrange a Meeting on Your Behalf – John Meyer
4. To Do This Week
5. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Lean Metrics: Equipment Effectiveness
============================================================
Equipment effectiveness causes many small business owners and managers to yawn and not pay attention because “we are just a service business, we don’t make anything with equipment.” In the last month, here are the pieces of equipment that small business owners have complained to me about:
1. Credit Card machine is jamming;
2. Computer is overheating due to heat and has to be turned off regularly;
3. Copy machine is out of toner and the store had to order our cartridge;
4. Flood water soaked our phone lines; and
5. We ran out of ______________(you fill in the blank - paper, ink, stamps, toilet tissue)
Overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) is a metric that measures the availability, performance efficiency and quality of your equipment’s output. All businesses have equipment and Steven Covey’s 7th habit is “Sharpen the Saw” reminding us that well maintained equipment is essential. Look around this week and see what your business can do to make your equipment more effective. And if you run into a good excuse this week, let me know at www.mondaymorningmotivators.blogspot.com
Copyright 2006 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Being Specific About Your Target Market
============================================================
When you need to hire someone, you place a classified ad outlining the specific position for which you’re hiring. The same holds true for any online dating service ad you may place. You specify the kind of person you want to meet in the personal, sometimes down to the body type and hair color! So why is “everyone” your target market?
By being specific you’re painting a picture in someone’s head as to what your ideal client looks like. Here’s an example: Jeans West is a jeans manufacturer competing against Levis, Gap, etc. Their ad campaign focuses on the price of time. One woman says, “These jeans cost me 2 hours.” Another says, “These jeans cost me 45 minutes.” Who’s their target market? Hard-to-fit professional women who have overbooked lives.
Is that too small of a niche? Certainly not! What Jeans West has done is stamped their niche very clearly in the minds of their customers. They’ve also stamped a clear picture into the minds of those not needing jeans today. Chances are the next time those people are shopping for a new pair of jeans they’ll remember Jeans West because their specialty is the right fit!
Copyright 2006 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Ask People to Arrange a Meeting on Your Behalf
===========================================================
When one of your sources tells you about a person you should meet, someone you consider a key contact, they can help you immensely by coordinating a meeting. Ideally, she will not only call the contact and set a specific date, time, and location for the meeting, but she will also attend the meeting with you.
Copyright 2006 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
============================================================
4. To Do This Week
============================================================
Develop and record your emergency financial plan –
think: What if the power is off for 7 days?
Monday Morning Motivators – July 31, 2006
============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java
gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
"Live out of your imagination, not your history."
-- Stephen Covey
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Lean Metrics: Equipment Effectiveness – Linda Fayerweather
2. Being Specific About Your Target Market – Rebecca Booth
3. Ask People to Arrange a Meeting on Your Behalf – John Meyer
4. To Do This Week
5. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Lean Metrics: Equipment Effectiveness
============================================================
Equipment effectiveness causes many small business owners and managers to yawn and not pay attention because “we are just a service business, we don’t make anything with equipment.” In the last month, here are the pieces of equipment that small business owners have complained to me about:
1. Credit Card machine is jamming;
2. Computer is overheating due to heat and has to be turned off regularly;
3. Copy machine is out of toner and the store had to order our cartridge;
4. Flood water soaked our phone lines; and
5. We ran out of ______________(you fill in the blank - paper, ink, stamps, toilet tissue)
Overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) is a metric that measures the availability, performance efficiency and quality of your equipment’s output. All businesses have equipment and Steven Covey’s 7th habit is “Sharpen the Saw” reminding us that well maintained equipment is essential. Look around this week and see what your business can do to make your equipment more effective. And if you run into a good excuse this week, let me know at www.mondaymorningmotivators.blogspot.com
Copyright 2006 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Being Specific About Your Target Market
============================================================
When you need to hire someone, you place a classified ad outlining the specific position for which you’re hiring. The same holds true for any online dating service ad you may place. You specify the kind of person you want to meet in the personal, sometimes down to the body type and hair color! So why is “everyone” your target market?
By being specific you’re painting a picture in someone’s head as to what your ideal client looks like. Here’s an example: Jeans West is a jeans manufacturer competing against Levis, Gap, etc. Their ad campaign focuses on the price of time. One woman says, “These jeans cost me 2 hours.” Another says, “These jeans cost me 45 minutes.” Who’s their target market? Hard-to-fit professional women who have overbooked lives.
Is that too small of a niche? Certainly not! What Jeans West has done is stamped their niche very clearly in the minds of their customers. They’ve also stamped a clear picture into the minds of those not needing jeans today. Chances are the next time those people are shopping for a new pair of jeans they’ll remember Jeans West because their specialty is the right fit!
Copyright 2006 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Ask People to Arrange a Meeting on Your Behalf
===========================================================
When one of your sources tells you about a person you should meet, someone you consider a key contact, they can help you immensely by coordinating a meeting. Ideally, she will not only call the contact and set a specific date, time, and location for the meeting, but she will also attend the meeting with you.
Copyright 2006 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
============================================================
4. To Do This Week
============================================================
Develop and record your emergency financial plan –
think: What if the power is off for 7 days?
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