============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – February 12, 2007
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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
“What you permit, you promote”
-Liz Jazwick
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Deserved Tolerations – Linda Fayerweather
2. To Blog or Not to Blog That is the Question - Rebecca Booth
3. How Well Do You Know Your Contacts
- John Meyer
4. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Deserved Tolerations
============================================================
In the workplace, we deserve what we tolerate. If our employees don’t wear their safety glasses (management tolerates non-compliance) then when an accident happens, we will deserve to be scrutinized by our leadership and government. Tolerations come in all shapes and sizes, drain energy and are usually something that needs to be done, fixed, removed or changed. Typically, the energy to correct is less than the time and energy spent tolerating. Translating these energy drainers to the workplace often means the business is in danger of losing customers, causing stress or breaking laws. Zap tolerations when you find them because by permitting errors we are promoting those very errors.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
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2. To Blog or Not to Blog That is the Question
============================================================
Blogging has been around for over 10 years, but it’s never been as popular as it is today. So-called experts think that every businessperson needs a blog. But I don’t agree. While blogs do allow you to provide fresh information on a regular basis, I just don’t see people flocking to every-day musings of a small business owner. And others agree. Last month, USA Today stated that blog use has peaked and that over 50% of online blogs will go away this year. Those left will be written by professional writers. BusinessWeek’s SmallBiz states, “…You can’t just slap up a blog and expect people to get excited….” Right now there are over 106,875,000 websites online and 60 million blogs. You have to market your website and blog as aggressively as you market your business.
To finalize my two cents about blogging and the small business owner:
1. Update your website on a weekly or monthly basis and
2. Market your business on a daily basis.
Time spent doing these two things will work better for you in the long run than investing your precious time and energy in keeping a blog up to date every day.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
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3. How Well Do You Know Your Contacts
===========================================================
Think for a moment about your closed contact networking group, organizations that you belong to that only allow one person per profession and they meet weekly to exchange referrals. Can you write down on a piece of paper, without any information in front of you, each members’ full name (first and last), company name, and what profession they are in? If you cannot, how can you expect to refer them business? If you want people to pass you business, they have to know you and vice versa!
Copyright 2007 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
Monday, February 12, 2007
Monday, February 05, 2007
Customer's Eyes
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – February 5, 2007
============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
"The secret of success is the consistency to pursue."
-Harry F. Banks
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Customers Eyes – Linda Fayerweather
2. Two Quick Survey Tips - Rebecca Booth
3. Do Business with People Who do Business with You - John Meyer
4. To Do this Week
============================================================
1. Customers Eyes
============================================================
Customers view 99% of office activity as non-value added, especially when we ask customers to do the same form at each visit. In this day and age of identity theft and computer databases, we will do our customers a great service if we collect the data the first time and then verify it with them at subsequent visits eliminating duplicating the private information on a piece of paper that will likely end up in the trash. The interaction of asking the customer to review their data with you is friendlier and builds a relationship. The waste eliminated is the customer’s time and wasted paper in your office. Being lean always goes back to eliminating waste and satisfying customers.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Two Quick Survey Tips
============================================================
Asking your clients to take a survey your work is a wonderful way to improve your business. Here are two tips to keep in mind when writing your next survey:
• Limit the number of fill-in questions. You’ll increase your response if these are left to a minimum – two at the most. Remember you are asking this person to do you a favor by responding, so keep the survey short, simple and to the point.
• When surveying about a product or service, ask the respondent what they liked most about the product or service. This will help you discover the true advantages of what you sell.
• Above and Beyond – Give your clients better service, more information or even a higher-quality product that they expected and you’ll find yourself serving them time and again.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Do Business with People Who do Business with You
===========================================================
Pull out your checkbook or your last charge card statement. Who did you give business to last month? Did they give you any business? If not, invite them out to lunch and let them know how to give you referrals. Tell them you like to do business with people who do business with you. If they are not willing to give you any business because they already have a source for their referrals, maybe it's time for you to find someone else to give your business to.
Copyright 2007 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
Monday Morning Motivators – February 5, 2007
============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
"The secret of success is the consistency to pursue."
-Harry F. Banks
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Customers Eyes – Linda Fayerweather
2. Two Quick Survey Tips - Rebecca Booth
3. Do Business with People Who do Business with You - John Meyer
4. To Do this Week
============================================================
1. Customers Eyes
============================================================
Customers view 99% of office activity as non-value added, especially when we ask customers to do the same form at each visit. In this day and age of identity theft and computer databases, we will do our customers a great service if we collect the data the first time and then verify it with them at subsequent visits eliminating duplicating the private information on a piece of paper that will likely end up in the trash. The interaction of asking the customer to review their data with you is friendlier and builds a relationship. The waste eliminated is the customer’s time and wasted paper in your office. Being lean always goes back to eliminating waste and satisfying customers.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Two Quick Survey Tips
============================================================
Asking your clients to take a survey your work is a wonderful way to improve your business. Here are two tips to keep in mind when writing your next survey:
• Limit the number of fill-in questions. You’ll increase your response if these are left to a minimum – two at the most. Remember you are asking this person to do you a favor by responding, so keep the survey short, simple and to the point.
• When surveying about a product or service, ask the respondent what they liked most about the product or service. This will help you discover the true advantages of what you sell.
• Above and Beyond – Give your clients better service, more information or even a higher-quality product that they expected and you’ll find yourself serving them time and again.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Do Business with People Who do Business with You
===========================================================
Pull out your checkbook or your last charge card statement. Who did you give business to last month? Did they give you any business? If not, invite them out to lunch and let them know how to give you referrals. Tell them you like to do business with people who do business with you. If they are not willing to give you any business because they already have a source for their referrals, maybe it's time for you to find someone else to give your business to.
Copyright 2007 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
Monday, January 29, 2007
Lean PowerPoint
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – January 29, 2007
============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“Don't find fault, find a remedy.”
-Henry Ford
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Lean PowerPoint – Linda Fayerweather
2. Creating Customer Loyalty - Rebecca Booth
3. Take Inventory of Your Contacts - John Meyer
4. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Lean PowerPoint
============================================================
Most businesses at some point are asked to do a presentation in front of investors, bankers or maybe potential partners. When you are ready to make that pitch and are possibly preparing a PowerPoint presentation, take a tip from Guy Kawaski formally of Apple. 10 slides – 20 minutes – 30pt font. By condensing your presentation to a very lean talk you will end up with time to answer questions and discuss your needs with the experts. By being efficient with others’ time and succinctly explaining your request even if you leave early, you will be remembered.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Creating Customer Loyalty
============================================================
Frequent buyer cards, previews to moonlight madness sales, and senior discount programs are only a few marketing programs targeted to create customer loyalty. But did you know that customer loyalty actually begins with the people you hire? If your employees aren’t putting your customers’ needs front and center, you won’t foster loyalty. Here are a few tidbits on strengthening your relationships with your clients:
• Hire Smart – Set firm rules about the way you want your customers treated and what your idea salesperson “looks like on paper.” A pushy closer is very different than a sales person who’s personable and thoughtful.
• Train EVERYone – continuous training is critical in keeping your employees focused on your client.
• Follow Up – What are you doing to stay in touch with the client after the sale? Odds are: you’re not. Keeping in touch with a client after a big sale makes a huge impression – it shows that you do indeed care about them and their business.
• Save the Day - Solving a problem quickly can actually make clients more loyal to your company than they were before. People are used to getting caught in voicemail hell when seeking restitution so pick up the phone and negotiate a satisfactory resolution before you lose a client.
• Above and Beyond – Give your clients better service, more information or even a higher-quality product that they expected and you’ll find yourself serving them time and again.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Take Inventory of Your Contacts
===========================================================
Prepare your inventory of contacts by simply asking yourself "Whom do I know?" or "Who knows me?" Once you have your list compiled, analyze it and determine who you actively network with, who you passively network with, and who you have lost contact with entirely. This will help you understand your contacts and what type of expectations you should have of your relationship with them.
Copyright 2007 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
Monday Morning Motivators – January 29, 2007
============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“Don't find fault, find a remedy.”
-Henry Ford
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Lean PowerPoint – Linda Fayerweather
2. Creating Customer Loyalty - Rebecca Booth
3. Take Inventory of Your Contacts - John Meyer
4. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Lean PowerPoint
============================================================
Most businesses at some point are asked to do a presentation in front of investors, bankers or maybe potential partners. When you are ready to make that pitch and are possibly preparing a PowerPoint presentation, take a tip from Guy Kawaski formally of Apple. 10 slides – 20 minutes – 30pt font. By condensing your presentation to a very lean talk you will end up with time to answer questions and discuss your needs with the experts. By being efficient with others’ time and succinctly explaining your request even if you leave early, you will be remembered.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Creating Customer Loyalty
============================================================
Frequent buyer cards, previews to moonlight madness sales, and senior discount programs are only a few marketing programs targeted to create customer loyalty. But did you know that customer loyalty actually begins with the people you hire? If your employees aren’t putting your customers’ needs front and center, you won’t foster loyalty. Here are a few tidbits on strengthening your relationships with your clients:
• Hire Smart – Set firm rules about the way you want your customers treated and what your idea salesperson “looks like on paper.” A pushy closer is very different than a sales person who’s personable and thoughtful.
• Train EVERYone – continuous training is critical in keeping your employees focused on your client.
• Follow Up – What are you doing to stay in touch with the client after the sale? Odds are: you’re not. Keeping in touch with a client after a big sale makes a huge impression – it shows that you do indeed care about them and their business.
• Save the Day - Solving a problem quickly can actually make clients more loyal to your company than they were before. People are used to getting caught in voicemail hell when seeking restitution so pick up the phone and negotiate a satisfactory resolution before you lose a client.
• Above and Beyond – Give your clients better service, more information or even a higher-quality product that they expected and you’ll find yourself serving them time and again.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Take Inventory of Your Contacts
===========================================================
Prepare your inventory of contacts by simply asking yourself "Whom do I know?" or "Who knows me?" Once you have your list compiled, analyze it and determine who you actively network with, who you passively network with, and who you have lost contact with entirely. This will help you understand your contacts and what type of expectations you should have of your relationship with them.
Copyright 2007 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
Monday, January 22, 2007
Monday Morning Motivators - Dream Time
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – January 22, 2007
============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing ever happened.”
-Winston Churchill
============================================================
Table of Contents
===========================================================
1. Time to Dream – Linda Fayerweather
2. Key Metrics - Rebecca Booth
3. Strong Contacts VS Casual Contacts - John Meyer
4. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Time to Dream
============================================================
Exploring the world of Lean teaches that the profit of a company will be increased by eliminating waste in time, materials, process and culture. So what does this have to do with Dreaming? If a company has strived to truly reduce waste, instead of downsizing, find time for employees to improve and innovate. Since the early 1970’s 3M has allowed employees to spend 15% of their time dreaming, Google advocates employees spend 20% of their time “messin’ around”, and many Universities acknowledge that professors with experience outside the Ivory Walls enhance themselves, their students and the University’s reputation. Looking for innovation often requires the owner and managers to plant the seed with ideas and then really listening when they are delivered. 3M wasn’t looking for a Postit®, they were looking for a removable adhesive. Dreaming made the difference.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Key Metrics
============================================================
Need funding from the bank? Looking for investors? You’re going to need to use
key metrics to bolster your pitch. Metrics include the number of customers you’ll have, installations, locations, seasonal fluctuations and ROI. Be realistic. Warm up to your local librarian to find out what numbers are “industry standard.” Investors will pull away if your pitch is to close 50 percent of the Fortune 500 companies as your customers in the first year. Ain’t gonna happen. As Dr. Phil says, “Get real!”
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Strong Contacts VS Casual Contacts
===========================================================
Classify your contacts as "strong contacts" or "casual contacts". Strong contacts are usually personal friends, close family members, business partners, preferred clients, and your networking groups. Casual contacts are friends you see every once and a while, former business associates, suppliers, and some customers. Strong contacts will go out of their way to help you, they usually don't change very much and give you the same type of referrals. Casual contacts don't actively give you business, but they have different contact spheres then you so their leads usually vary in type. Make sure you have both "strong" and "casual" contacts in your networking arsenal.
Copyright 2007 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
Monday Morning Motivators – January 22, 2007
============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing ever happened.”
-Winston Churchill
============================================================
Table of Contents
===========================================================
1. Time to Dream – Linda Fayerweather
2. Key Metrics - Rebecca Booth
3. Strong Contacts VS Casual Contacts - John Meyer
4. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Time to Dream
============================================================
Exploring the world of Lean teaches that the profit of a company will be increased by eliminating waste in time, materials, process and culture. So what does this have to do with Dreaming? If a company has strived to truly reduce waste, instead of downsizing, find time for employees to improve and innovate. Since the early 1970’s 3M has allowed employees to spend 15% of their time dreaming, Google advocates employees spend 20% of their time “messin’ around”, and many Universities acknowledge that professors with experience outside the Ivory Walls enhance themselves, their students and the University’s reputation. Looking for innovation often requires the owner and managers to plant the seed with ideas and then really listening when they are delivered. 3M wasn’t looking for a Postit®, they were looking for a removable adhesive. Dreaming made the difference.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Key Metrics
============================================================
Need funding from the bank? Looking for investors? You’re going to need to use
key metrics to bolster your pitch. Metrics include the number of customers you’ll have, installations, locations, seasonal fluctuations and ROI. Be realistic. Warm up to your local librarian to find out what numbers are “industry standard.” Investors will pull away if your pitch is to close 50 percent of the Fortune 500 companies as your customers in the first year. Ain’t gonna happen. As Dr. Phil says, “Get real!”
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Strong Contacts VS Casual Contacts
===========================================================
Classify your contacts as "strong contacts" or "casual contacts". Strong contacts are usually personal friends, close family members, business partners, preferred clients, and your networking groups. Casual contacts are friends you see every once and a while, former business associates, suppliers, and some customers. Strong contacts will go out of their way to help you, they usually don't change very much and give you the same type of referrals. Casual contacts don't actively give you business, but they have different contact spheres then you so their leads usually vary in type. Make sure you have both "strong" and "casual" contacts in your networking arsenal.
Copyright 2007 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
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