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Monday Morning Motivators – April 1, 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
“To GET you must ASK.”
--John Gray
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Table of Contents
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1. Kaizen! – Linda Fayerweather
2. Blooming Real Estate in a Buyers’ Market - Rebecca Booth
3. Community-Service Clubs - John Meyer
4. To Do this Week
5. Fine Print
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1. Kaizen!
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“Holy Kaizen, Batman” said Robin to the Cap Crusader who was practicing his Spanish. Yes, Batman was learning a new language as part of his Kaizen.
Kaizen is the Japanese word for “change for the better” and the English equivalent is “continuous improvement”. Lean companies will sometimes have a Kaizen Event or Kaizen Day where everyone will focus on a pressing problem needing solutions or learning a new standard work process. To embrace Kaizen, one must operate with three key principles in mind:
-Process and Results – not results only;
-Systemic Thinking – the big picture, not the narrow view;
-Non-judgmental – judging and blaming are wasteful – muda*.
Continuous improvement is challenging to achieve but a key element to creating your own personal paradise. As your business creates its own lean oasis, individuals often realize that they are responsible for their own satisfaction and stumble out of their “bat cave” to emulate Kaizen in their own lives.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
*Muda = Waste
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2. Blooming Real Estate in a Buyers’ Market
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‘Tis the season to sell that house! Follow these tips to attract more buyers:
• Get the House on the Net – Over 80% of homebuyers will check out home listing sites online before they buy. Have at least six good pictures of your home and a video tour online. Research shows that listings with six photos get almost 300% more viewers than those with single shots.
• Dress Up the House – Hire a designer to “stage” your home for showing. They will help you clear the clutter and dress the house up so that it looks more spacious and inviting.
• Price It Right to Begin With – Gone are the days of massive profits in real estate. If you want to sell your house fast, price it right the first time. Too many houses are on the market place today; don’t be surprised if you have to slash your price by 10% to get it to sell.
• Forget the “As Is” Listing – fix up that fixer-upper yourself before you sell it. Maybe replace that faux wood paneling with a nice coat of taupe paint.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
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3. Community-Service Clubs
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When joining a Service organization such as Kiwanis or Rotary, make sure you have realistic expectations about the possibility of receiving business. These types of organization are to give back to the community, not for you to promote your business. You will be able to get business, but that is not the reason for their existence. Service clubs meet regularly so they provide an opportunity to develop relationships. Talking openly about you or your business at a Service Club meeting will usually cost you some money, which is the opposite of Strong-Contact Networks or Casual-Contact Networks. Membership of Service Clubs is historically made up of CEO's, Management from large companies and local dignitaries, not a bad group of people to have lunch with every week!
Copyright 2007 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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Multiple Choice Personal Kaizen – Pick One
A. Extend your exercise time
B. Shine your shoes
C. Change your diet
D. Participate in a community service project
E. Listen to advice
F. Learn a foreign language
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Monday, March 26, 2007
Unexpected Positive Action
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Monday Morning Motivators – March 26, 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
"It takes less time to do a thing right, than it does to explain why you did it wrong.”
--Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
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Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Unexpected Positive Action – Linda Fayerweather
2. Chasing Value Not Sales - Rebecca Booth
3. Casual Contact Networks - John Meyer
4. Fine Print
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1. Unexpected Positive Action
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Most of us have experienced the “Customer Service Scowl” and know exactly how it feels when we as customers are not appreciated. On the other side of the counter, empowering employees to deal with “Customers Scowling” is even trickier. On a recent trip to the discount store, I unknowingly selected the checkout line with a scowling customer ahead of me. She needed three price checks, two credit cards and one cell phone to complete her transaction. I knew it wasn’t the clerk’s problem as she efficiently did her part. When my turn arrived I chuckled and said “She was kind of high maintenance”. The clerk, still flustered, nodded and said “Sorry for your wait”. We exchanged some pleasantries and when she handed me my sales receipt, she pointed to the bottom and said “I gave you a 10% discount for your patience.” I thanked her and expressed surprise. Now, that 10% was only $2.50 yet that young clerk had been empowered to please customers. The unexpected positive action on her part made me feel valued reaffirming that actions DO speak louder than words.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
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2. Chasing Value Not Sales
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There are 4 basic groups of customers:
1) Easy to get, easy to retain
2) Easy to get, hard to retain
3) Expensive to get, easy to retain
4) Expensive to get, hard to retain.
Which type of customers is your sales team focusing on? Typically it's #1. But did you know that the "Easy to get, easy to retain" customers generally account for only 20% of profits and 33% of sales? Not that good huh? The "Expensive to get, easy to retain" customers deliver more: 40% of profits and only 15% of sales. Get your team to turn their heads to greater profits.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
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3. Casual Contact Networks
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A perfect example of a Casual Contact Network is a Chamber of Commerce. These types of groups are general business groups that have no restrictions on the number of people represented in any profession. They usually meet monthly and have general business mixers. Chambers offer great benefits to their members and also act as a voice to the government for the business community. Those two reasons alone are why some people to join their local Chamber. Others join strictly to network. If you join for the networking opportunities, you have to realize that most chambers give you a chance to meet hundreds of people in a large environment, which takes more time to develop business, but it can happen. Above all else, don't expect to get any business if you don't become active. At Casual Contact Networks, you will usually find corporate sales reps, business owners and community leaders. This is a good way forum for them to stay visible and stay in contact with other business professionals.
Copyright 2007 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
Monday Morning Motivators – March 26, 2007
============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
"It takes less time to do a thing right, than it does to explain why you did it wrong.”
--Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Unexpected Positive Action – Linda Fayerweather
2. Chasing Value Not Sales - Rebecca Booth
3. Casual Contact Networks - John Meyer
4. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Unexpected Positive Action
============================================================
Most of us have experienced the “Customer Service Scowl” and know exactly how it feels when we as customers are not appreciated. On the other side of the counter, empowering employees to deal with “Customers Scowling” is even trickier. On a recent trip to the discount store, I unknowingly selected the checkout line with a scowling customer ahead of me. She needed three price checks, two credit cards and one cell phone to complete her transaction. I knew it wasn’t the clerk’s problem as she efficiently did her part. When my turn arrived I chuckled and said “She was kind of high maintenance”. The clerk, still flustered, nodded and said “Sorry for your wait”. We exchanged some pleasantries and when she handed me my sales receipt, she pointed to the bottom and said “I gave you a 10% discount for your patience.” I thanked her and expressed surprise. Now, that 10% was only $2.50 yet that young clerk had been empowered to please customers. The unexpected positive action on her part made me feel valued reaffirming that actions DO speak louder than words.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Chasing Value Not Sales
============================================================
There are 4 basic groups of customers:
1) Easy to get, easy to retain
2) Easy to get, hard to retain
3) Expensive to get, easy to retain
4) Expensive to get, hard to retain.
Which type of customers is your sales team focusing on? Typically it's #1. But did you know that the "Easy to get, easy to retain" customers generally account for only 20% of profits and 33% of sales? Not that good huh? The "Expensive to get, easy to retain" customers deliver more: 40% of profits and only 15% of sales. Get your team to turn their heads to greater profits.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Casual Contact Networks
===========================================================
A perfect example of a Casual Contact Network is a Chamber of Commerce. These types of groups are general business groups that have no restrictions on the number of people represented in any profession. They usually meet monthly and have general business mixers. Chambers offer great benefits to their members and also act as a voice to the government for the business community. Those two reasons alone are why some people to join their local Chamber. Others join strictly to network. If you join for the networking opportunities, you have to realize that most chambers give you a chance to meet hundreds of people in a large environment, which takes more time to develop business, but it can happen. Above all else, don't expect to get any business if you don't become active. At Casual Contact Networks, you will usually find corporate sales reps, business owners and community leaders. This is a good way forum for them to stay visible and stay in contact with other business professionals.
Copyright 2007 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
Monday, March 19, 2007
What Do You Do for your Customers
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Monday Morning Motivators – March 19, 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
"It is best to do things systematically, since we are only human, and disorder is our worst enemy."
--Hesiod (~700 BC)
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Table of Contents
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1. Are Customers Pulling You? – Linda Fayerweather
2. What Gen Yers Are Interested In - Rebecca Booth
3. Know What You Are Joining - John Meyer
4. Fine Print
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1. What You Do for Your Customers
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“Do or don’t do. There is no try.” said Yoda to the young Luke Skywalker and this is aptly appropriate to small businesses. When checking out my own competition’s website recently, the list of services they were providing was long and extensive. They are also, like me, a one person show. The pangs of “oh, no” hit me and then I realized, as businesses looking for raving fans will tell you; you can’t do everything and “trying to do” may lead to strained customer service. When deciding what you will provide your customers, the more you attempt to do the more likely you will be just trying. Being lean means following Yoda’s advice – “Do or don’t do”.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
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2. What Gen Yers Are Interested In
============================================================
Joining the Baby Boomer and the X Generation are the Gen Yer. These are kids born between 1982-1996. New research shows that members of Generation Y have a greater say in household purchases. Here are what children aged 13-21 are influencing purchases of:
Clothing/Apparel - 81%
Groceries - 77%
Movie Videos/DVD - 76%
Music CDs - 71%
Video Games/systems - 69%
Computer - 68%
Books/Magazines - 67%
Cellphones - 66%
Computer Software - 66%
Vacation - 59%
DVD Player - 58%
Sports Equipment - 55%
TV - 55%
Stereo Equipment - 54%
Vehicles - 52%
VCR - 49%
Furniture - 48%
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Know What You Are Joining
===========================================================
When joining any kind of organization, make sure you know what you are joining and why you are joining it. Over the next few weeks we are going to be looking at various organizations you can join and what you can expect out of each one. Keep in mind that there are time restraints that go along with each type of organization. If you are not willing to put forth the effort, don't expect much in return! There are six different types of organizations you can join to help you become a more effective networker. They are Strong Contact Networks, Casual Contact Networks, Community-Service Clubs, Professional Associations, Women's Business Organizations, and finally Social/Business Organizations. Next week we will discuss Casual Contact Networks.
Copyright 2007 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
Monday Morning Motivators – March 19, 2007
============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
"It is best to do things systematically, since we are only human, and disorder is our worst enemy."
--Hesiod (~700 BC)
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Are Customers Pulling You? – Linda Fayerweather
2. What Gen Yers Are Interested In - Rebecca Booth
3. Know What You Are Joining - John Meyer
4. Fine Print
============================================================
1. What You Do for Your Customers
============================================================
“Do or don’t do. There is no try.” said Yoda to the young Luke Skywalker and this is aptly appropriate to small businesses. When checking out my own competition’s website recently, the list of services they were providing was long and extensive. They are also, like me, a one person show. The pangs of “oh, no” hit me and then I realized, as businesses looking for raving fans will tell you; you can’t do everything and “trying to do” may lead to strained customer service. When deciding what you will provide your customers, the more you attempt to do the more likely you will be just trying. Being lean means following Yoda’s advice – “Do or don’t do”.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. What Gen Yers Are Interested In
============================================================
Joining the Baby Boomer and the X Generation are the Gen Yer. These are kids born between 1982-1996. New research shows that members of Generation Y have a greater say in household purchases. Here are what children aged 13-21 are influencing purchases of:
Clothing/Apparel - 81%
Groceries - 77%
Movie Videos/DVD - 76%
Music CDs - 71%
Video Games/systems - 69%
Computer - 68%
Books/Magazines - 67%
Cellphones - 66%
Computer Software - 66%
Vacation - 59%
DVD Player - 58%
Sports Equipment - 55%
TV - 55%
Stereo Equipment - 54%
Vehicles - 52%
VCR - 49%
Furniture - 48%
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Know What You Are Joining
===========================================================
When joining any kind of organization, make sure you know what you are joining and why you are joining it. Over the next few weeks we are going to be looking at various organizations you can join and what you can expect out of each one. Keep in mind that there are time restraints that go along with each type of organization. If you are not willing to put forth the effort, don't expect much in return! There are six different types of organizations you can join to help you become a more effective networker. They are Strong Contact Networks, Casual Contact Networks, Community-Service Clubs, Professional Associations, Women's Business Organizations, and finally Social/Business Organizations. Next week we will discuss Casual Contact Networks.
Copyright 2007 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
Monday, March 12, 2007
Revisit our Vision
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Monday Morning Motivators – March 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
“Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.”
---Jonathan Swift
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Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Revisit Your Vision – Linda Fayerweather
2. When Drafting Ad Copy - Rebecca Booth
3. Your Network Should Be Your Sales Force
- John Meyer
4. Fine Print
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1. Revisit Your Vision
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Last week, I suggested you realign your 2007 goals. This week, I’d like you to revisit your business’ vision. A good vision will be a picture of your business in 3 to 5 years; will discuss your target customer; define your product or service; state your market and have a benchmark to know when you have arrived.
Why revisit? What happens if your customers want a different product OR your customers are finding new friends OR maybe you have so many customers but they are not happy with your service. Unless your customers are “Raving Fans” of your business, a good vision review is in order. Restate what YOU want, then spend some time discovering what your customer wants. Realize that not all customer needs may be satisfied by your business and sometimes by dropping a service, you may actually be able to focus on delivering a great vision to your customers. Revisiting will help you satisfy customers on the way to your dream.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. When Drafting Ad Copy
============================================================
Here are points to keep in mind when writing ad copy:
• Give your reader a REASON to read your ad. Answer the “what’s in this for me” that they’re only interested in.
• Use exciting and engaging headlines. If you don’t capture them with the headline, say goodbye to the reader. A headline as simple as “Got Milk” can be powerful.
• Don’t try to be too clever. Remember the “Whassup” campaign that Budweiser ran in the early 2000s? While everyone loved the commercials and they were mimicking the phrase with their friends, Bud’s beer barrel sales fell to an all-time low.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Your Network Should Be Your Sales Force
===========================================================
One of the most important statements that you should understand about networking is that your fellow networkers are part of your sales force, without being on your payroll! They should be out looking for business for you, because you are doing the same for them. You are all part of a "Team" that is committed to see to it that each person on that team wins. Your sales force can help you achieve goals that you could not reach alone. Remember, there is no I in Team and you have to help others to succeed for them to help you succeed. Teamwork will always divide the effort and multiply the effect. Keep your team well educated and well trained and they will help you will be a force in your business.
Copyright 2007 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
Monday Morning Motivators – March 12, 2007
============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.”
---Jonathan Swift
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Revisit Your Vision – Linda Fayerweather
2. When Drafting Ad Copy - Rebecca Booth
3. Your Network Should Be Your Sales Force
- John Meyer
4. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Revisit Your Vision
============================================================
Last week, I suggested you realign your 2007 goals. This week, I’d like you to revisit your business’ vision. A good vision will be a picture of your business in 3 to 5 years; will discuss your target customer; define your product or service; state your market and have a benchmark to know when you have arrived.
Why revisit? What happens if your customers want a different product OR your customers are finding new friends OR maybe you have so many customers but they are not happy with your service. Unless your customers are “Raving Fans” of your business, a good vision review is in order. Restate what YOU want, then spend some time discovering what your customer wants. Realize that not all customer needs may be satisfied by your business and sometimes by dropping a service, you may actually be able to focus on delivering a great vision to your customers. Revisiting will help you satisfy customers on the way to your dream.
Copyright 2007 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. When Drafting Ad Copy
============================================================
Here are points to keep in mind when writing ad copy:
• Give your reader a REASON to read your ad. Answer the “what’s in this for me” that they’re only interested in.
• Use exciting and engaging headlines. If you don’t capture them with the headline, say goodbye to the reader. A headline as simple as “Got Milk” can be powerful.
• Don’t try to be too clever. Remember the “Whassup” campaign that Budweiser ran in the early 2000s? While everyone loved the commercials and they were mimicking the phrase with their friends, Bud’s beer barrel sales fell to an all-time low.
Copyright 2007 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Your Network Should Be Your Sales Force
===========================================================
One of the most important statements that you should understand about networking is that your fellow networkers are part of your sales force, without being on your payroll! They should be out looking for business for you, because you are doing the same for them. You are all part of a "Team" that is committed to see to it that each person on that team wins. Your sales force can help you achieve goals that you could not reach alone. Remember, there is no I in Team and you have to help others to succeed for them to help you succeed. Teamwork will always divide the effort and multiply the effect. Keep your team well educated and well trained and they will help you will be a force in your business.
Copyright 2007 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
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