Onward with Being a Fearless Opportunity Seeker
Last week we talked about obstacles and seeing them as opportunities. Now, let's explore getting our brains to look for opportunities. When we try to do any task that is either part of our regular jobs or something we see will lead to change, some of us will find anything to do other than the job at hand. Relax, and take a nap! Seriously, when people have something big to do or hard to do, if they do something else for even 15 minutes they will likely return refreshed and often with new insights. According to Richard Wiseman author of :59 Seconds getting ready is part of the process. Here are his four techniques to help you think and behave more flexibly.
Priming. Work hard on something and then take time to do something completely different, go to a museum, watch a child's sporting event, do a Sudoku puzzle, just immerse yourself in something.
Perspective. Imagine how your friend, a child, your partner, your accountant might approach this problem. Now, think about doing the exact opposite of what you think you should do - what does that look like?
Play. Take a break for 15 minutes, watch some funny videos, put mustaches on all the faces on the front page of the newspaper.
Perceive. Shake things up, drive a different way to work, count the birds outside your kitchen window or wash the dishes by hand. Doing something out of the ordinary requires you to operate on manual, not automatic.
Use these ideas when you are stuck or frustrated and force your mind to pay attention to just that. You may be surprised when you come back to the task.
Copyright 2010 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
419-897-0528
www.ChangingLanes.biz
8 Trends in Consumer Behavior
While we can't predict the future, we can use metrics to predict customer loyalty. The following are trends in branding and marketing for 2010:
1) Value is EVERYTHING - with pocketbooks shrinking, people aren't shopping sales any more. They need a "reason to buy" instead of a bevy of items at a low, low cost!
2) Brands = Value - Why J Crew versus The Cap? J Crew is synonymous with careful chic (smart & stylish). The Gap some think of as expensive denim & khaki. What does your brand stand for?
3) Brand Value is Built on Brand Differentiation - While your brand may be readily recognized, it won't pay the bills. Instead you need to differentiate yourself with your competitors to seal the deal when it comes to sales and profitability. Brand awareness is obsolete.
4) Your Brand Can't Stand on Its Own - Just because you tout your brand values doesn't mean the consumer believes you. The consumer decides what's authentic and what's not when it comes to brand differentiation. Sorry Charlie, but "Because I Said So" is soooooo over.
5) Expectations are Blooming - Consumer expectations are high now, which means they are adopting and devouring the latest innovations on the market. There is a hunger for more iPhone, iPad, cool stuff than ever before.
6) Don't Rely on Your Old Tricks - When's the last time you really believed a bank ad that says, "We're all in this together." Sounds pretty hollow right? Make sure the values you're expounding are current. Celebrity scandals, fat cat bankers have made the consumer hypercritical of how their emotions are being played in an ad. Be authentic with your message and with your pairing of celebrities with your product.
7) Conversation & Community are Critical - If consumers trust the community, they'll extend that trust to the brand: case in point: ebay thrives based on consumer feedback.
8) People are Talking to Each Other Before They Talk to You. - Social Networking and exchange of information outside of your store will increase. Start making Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter work for you. Listen, engage and profit from these trends in marketing and branding for 2010.
Copyright 2010 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
http://www.rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.com/
Imagine That!
419.855.3399
Monday, June 14, 2010
Monday, June 07, 2010
Obstacles and Follow-up
Approach Obstacles as Opportunities
When you make a decision to do something for your business that tests your boundaries, it's not uncommon to feel challenged and sometimes even want to change your mind. Talking with business owners of the the years I've observed that most have learned to say NO to distractions, obstacles and themselves. When challenges and obstacles are recognized as change agents, it becomes easier to keep on the path of our new direction. And sometimes when barriers and obstacles continue to show up, we might be tempted to say "oh, that is a sign from the Universe that we shouldn't be following this new path." Remember that doubt is not truth and fear often is the mast that obstacles wear. Make your dream happen by saying NO to them. Actually, that is a great example of a very useful way to the use the statement "Just Say No."
Now, go out and have a great week and adjust to be the fearless opportunity seeker.
Copyright 2010 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
419-897-0528
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
Are You Using Follow-up to Justify Your Failure?
Most everyone will agree that the key to success is follow up. Listen in to a conversation between the seasoned entrepreneur or salesperson and novice and you'll hear the famous quote; "The money's in the follow up". They're pretty accurate, they say it takes 5-7 touches before a sale is made, but that's only half the story and most don't know how they can do it in half the time.
It's all about how you follow up, not if. (If you're not employing some type of follow up system then delete this email, turn off your computer, and go pick up the help wanted ads from your local paper. Really. The follow up process is your chance to shine. Follow up is how you set yourself apart - your differentiator - that will not only get you the sale but set the stage for a long term customer or client. However, if you're using an antiquated or ineffective method of follow up you are simply enabling excuses for your lack of production. Think back to the last time you said "I've sent 4 emails to Mr. Prospect about the proposal and they've never responded back!" You'll never achieve your goals like that.
So let's start at the beginning. The follow up starts the moment that two people who just met part ways. (Now, you and haven't met... yet. So let's change that. Go here and fill out the form so I know we need to get together.) As you're walking away you take notes of what made that connection a potentially profitable one. You plan your follow up.
1) You can call them in a couple of days and say nice to have met you and let's get together. Very effective for getting an appointment but it doesn't make you stand out.
2) You can send an email and invite them to connect on Facebook, LinkedIn, and/or Twitter. Boring! And your prospect will assume he's going to be seeing pictures of your cat, your family reunion, or worse of all, your Farmville score.
3) You can send a card in the mail, with a custom message in your handwriting, in a real envelop with a real First-class stamp on it for about a $1. You can even customize it with your - or your prospect's - picture on it for a few cents more. On a scale of 1-10 this has an impact factor of about 150!
Are you tired of losing business to your competitors while hiding behind follow up? Work smarter, not harder, and become more memorable to your prospects, clients and customers. Start using the easiest, most fun and effective tool I've found for managing follow up. Go here and test drive the system and send 2 cards to anyone you want - prospect or customer - free. It's on me.
Todd Pillars is an Appreciation Marketer with SendOutCards. Contact him today at 419-855-2273 or tpillars@gmail.com to SUPERCharge your Referrals! Surf on over to http://www.sendoutcards.com/tpillars to send someone an Awesome Day!
When you make a decision to do something for your business that tests your boundaries, it's not uncommon to feel challenged and sometimes even want to change your mind. Talking with business owners of the the years I've observed that most have learned to say NO to distractions, obstacles and themselves. When challenges and obstacles are recognized as change agents, it becomes easier to keep on the path of our new direction. And sometimes when barriers and obstacles continue to show up, we might be tempted to say "oh, that is a sign from the Universe that we shouldn't be following this new path." Remember that doubt is not truth and fear often is the mast that obstacles wear. Make your dream happen by saying NO to them. Actually, that is a great example of a very useful way to the use the statement "Just Say No."
Now, go out and have a great week and adjust to be the fearless opportunity seeker.
Copyright 2010 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
419-897-0528
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
Are You Using Follow-up to Justify Your Failure?
Most everyone will agree that the key to success is follow up. Listen in to a conversation between the seasoned entrepreneur or salesperson and novice and you'll hear the famous quote; "The money's in the follow up". They're pretty accurate, they say it takes 5-7 touches before a sale is made, but that's only half the story and most don't know how they can do it in half the time.
It's all about how you follow up, not if. (If you're not employing some type of follow up system then delete this email, turn off your computer, and go pick up the help wanted ads from your local paper. Really. The follow up process is your chance to shine. Follow up is how you set yourself apart - your differentiator - that will not only get you the sale but set the stage for a long term customer or client. However, if you're using an antiquated or ineffective method of follow up you are simply enabling excuses for your lack of production. Think back to the last time you said "I've sent 4 emails to Mr. Prospect about the proposal and they've never responded back!" You'll never achieve your goals like that.
So let's start at the beginning. The follow up starts the moment that two people who just met part ways. (Now, you and haven't met... yet. So let's change that. Go here and fill out the form so I know we need to get together.) As you're walking away you take notes of what made that connection a potentially profitable one. You plan your follow up.
1) You can call them in a couple of days and say nice to have met you and let's get together. Very effective for getting an appointment but it doesn't make you stand out.
2) You can send an email and invite them to connect on Facebook, LinkedIn, and/or Twitter. Boring! And your prospect will assume he's going to be seeing pictures of your cat, your family reunion, or worse of all, your Farmville score.
3) You can send a card in the mail, with a custom message in your handwriting, in a real envelop with a real First-class stamp on it for about a $1. You can even customize it with your - or your prospect's - picture on it for a few cents more. On a scale of 1-10 this has an impact factor of about 150!
Are you tired of losing business to your competitors while hiding behind follow up? Work smarter, not harder, and become more memorable to your prospects, clients and customers. Start using the easiest, most fun and effective tool I've found for managing follow up. Go here and test drive the system and send 2 cards to anyone you want - prospect or customer - free. It's on me.
Todd Pillars is an Appreciation Marketer with SendOutCards. Contact him today at 419-855-2273 or tpillars@gmail.com to SUPERCharge your Referrals! Surf on over to http://www.sendoutcards.com/tpillars to send someone an Awesome Day!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Happiness & Doing it Right
Change Often Means Shifting Our View Point
According to a wealth advisor in Chicago "It's not fashionable to be positive right now." Well, Richard Wiseman author of "Luck Factor", "Quirkology" and "59 Seconds", believes that change happens when we take small steps toward our goals and happiness is a huge factor in change. I can almost hear my mom when I read his three methods to "get" happy.
Wiseman also gives a test for doubters. Take a pencil and grip it between your teeth for 60 seconds. How do you feel? Most people will feel happier than before.
If you now need to feel grumpy, hold the eraser end of the pencil between your lips (no teeth) for 60 seconds and concentrate at holding it straight out.
These two activities elicit happiness and unhappiness because they actively make the muscles of your face reflect the physical expression of those moods!
So, this week when you are feeling crabby, imagine Lee Lucas, my Mom, whispering in your ear "Sit Up, Smile, Act Happy". Have a great week.
Copyright 2010 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
419-897-0528
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
PS - Do me a favor and forward this on to someone who might need a reason to smile!
Slow Down and Focus
My grandfather drilled into my head the need do good work early on. His favorite one-liner was, "If you don't have the time to do it right the first time how are you ever going to have the time to do it over?". (And believe me, if he thought it wasn't right you DID do it over.) My grand-dad was a wise man.
He also taught me to shake hands the proper way, to remember names, and always say "thank you". He never read an email and probably wouldn't have made it as long as he did if somebody had sent him a TXT message. If he were alive today I'm sure he'd be labelled a renaissance man.
But today we are multi-tasking our way through trying to cram 60+ hours into a (some say) reasonable 40 hour work week. And then balance that with family, eating right and getting enough rest. If this is you then I have a question; How's that working for you?
So how do we manage? We slow down.
We do everything we do with 100% of our focused energy.
And we complete it - correctly. (Do you remember that feeling called accomplishment?)
The bottom line is if we are not committed to doing something with everything we've got then why even start it. Eliminate it. And that frees up the time necessary to other things well.
Do it for 30 days. Your business, personal, and spiritual life will reward you in ways that you can only dream about today. Let's both do it. And then we'll talk in a month and share how our lives changed.
Thank you for taking the time read this. I appreciate you!
Copyright 2010 Todd Pillars; an Appreciation Marketer with Send Out Cards. Please contact him today at 419-855-2273 or tpillars@gmail.com to SUPERCharge your Referrals! Surf on over to www.sendoutcards.com/tpillars to send someone an Awesome Day!
According to a wealth advisor in Chicago "It's not fashionable to be positive right now." Well, Richard Wiseman author of "Luck Factor", "Quirkology" and "59 Seconds", believes that change happens when we take small steps toward our goals and happiness is a huge factor in change. I can almost hear my mom when I read his three methods to "get" happy.
- Smile;
- Sit up;
- Act Happy - and Wiseman's research supports these simple actions.
- What have I gained in the last year?
- What have I learned about my customers that I didn't know before?
- What new skills have I learned?
- What brings me joy today that wasn't in my life a year ago?
Wiseman also gives a test for doubters. Take a pencil and grip it between your teeth for 60 seconds. How do you feel? Most people will feel happier than before.
If you now need to feel grumpy, hold the eraser end of the pencil between your lips (no teeth) for 60 seconds and concentrate at holding it straight out.
These two activities elicit happiness and unhappiness because they actively make the muscles of your face reflect the physical expression of those moods!
So, this week when you are feeling crabby, imagine Lee Lucas, my Mom, whispering in your ear "Sit Up, Smile, Act Happy". Have a great week.
Copyright 2010 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
419-897-0528
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
PS - Do me a favor and forward this on to someone who might need a reason to smile!
My grandfather drilled into my head the need do good work early on. His favorite one-liner was, "If you don't have the time to do it right the first time how are you ever going to have the time to do it over?". (And believe me, if he thought it wasn't right you DID do it over.) My grand-dad was a wise man.
He also taught me to shake hands the proper way, to remember names, and always say "thank you". He never read an email and probably wouldn't have made it as long as he did if somebody had sent him a TXT message. If he were alive today I'm sure he'd be labelled a renaissance man.
But today we are multi-tasking our way through trying to cram 60+ hours into a (some say) reasonable 40 hour work week. And then balance that with family, eating right and getting enough rest. If this is you then I have a question; How's that working for you?
So how do we manage? We slow down.
We do everything we do with 100% of our focused energy.
And we complete it - correctly. (Do you remember that feeling called accomplishment?)
The bottom line is if we are not committed to doing something with everything we've got then why even start it. Eliminate it. And that frees up the time necessary to other things well.
Do it for 30 days. Your business, personal, and spiritual life will reward you in ways that you can only dream about today. Let's both do it. And then we'll talk in a month and share how our lives changed.
Thank you for taking the time read this. I appreciate you!
Copyright 2010 Todd Pillars; an Appreciation Marketer with Send Out Cards. Please contact him today at 419-855-2273 or tpillars@gmail.com to SUPERCharge your Referrals! Surf on over to www.sendoutcards.com/tpillars to send someone an Awesome Day!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Change & Referrals
How Do YOU Change?
"How do YOU Change?
"What do you do to make change stick?"
"How do you embrace change?"
"When did change work for you?"
These are the questions that I have been asking at meetings of peers and friends the last few weeks. I have pages of ideas on what has worked for others. The one word that came up several times is "shift" instead of change. One definition of "shift" is to move very slightly, transfer. . . baby steps!
Change is often seen as hard and many will say near impossible. But every now and then we see the person that has made a huge change - lost weight, controlled an addiction, or changed careers. Learning from these people and talking with others I see a multi-step process.
1. Set a desired outcome and post it where you will see it at least 2 times a day
2. Know the reason for the change. Does it bring you energy and is it aligned with your core values?
3. Build a written plan that is time sensitive and realistic.
4. At the end of the day, identify the Strategic Next Action you will do tomorrow - Ah - this is the SHIFT!
Whether you are changing your business or your own personal issues, simple shifts with a clear vision of the desired outcome are going to make a difference.
Now, the last thing I heard repeatedly was the activity needs to be done anywhere from 21 to 30 days before it becomes a habit! That may seem hard, but how many days have already gone by waiting for a shift?
"If you take a shift, you'll feel better" - Tracy Swartz
Copyright 2010 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
419-897-0528
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
Building Your Referral Dream Team
A valuable lesson that I learned long ago is that a top notch referral marketing education does NOT guarantee success. However, applying a top notch referral marketing education to top notch referral partners can produce desirable results. Sarah Owen, Master Franchisee with Referral Institute in the UK, took me through an exercise to help me begin to identify my Referral Dream Team.
Here is a similar exercise with a few personal touches:
1. Write down the names of all the people that have either attempted or successfully referred you in the last 12 weeks.
2. Ask yourself the following questions:
Are they INSPIRED to help you?
Do they have the TIME to invest in you?
Are they coachable and TRAINABLE as referral partners?
Do they have the RESOURCES to connect you to your target market?
Is it the "right" time in your RELATIONSHIP?
Are they REFERRABLE?
3. Isolate the people that meet all of the criteria and ask yourself a few more important questions:
Are you in a position to reciprocate?
From their point of view, do YOU meet all of the above criteria?
Save the best for last...Do you like them?
Developing profitable referral relationships is about doing the right things with the right people at the right time in the relationship. This exercise should help you focus on the people in your network that are already trying to refer you and further identify those that are prime candidates for your Referral Dream Team.
Now what??? You must properly educate and empower them with your carefully crafted word-of-mouth message. Stay tuned...
Copyright 2010 by Paula Frazier who is a referral marketing expert for Referral Institute and has helped thousands of business people create millions of dollars in qualified referrals for nearly 10 years! She is part of an exclusive team of international Master Trainers and collaborates with the leaders in her industry to continually develop cutting edge referral marketing concepts for the organization. As a published author she's also acknowledged in the New York Times best seller, Truth or Delusion - Busting Networking's Biggest Myths. Check out #33, Delusion with a twist! Paula can be contacted at paula@referralinstitute-va.com
"How do YOU Change?
"What do you do to make change stick?"
"How do you embrace change?"
"When did change work for you?"
These are the questions that I have been asking at meetings of peers and friends the last few weeks. I have pages of ideas on what has worked for others. The one word that came up several times is "shift" instead of change. One definition of "shift" is to move very slightly, transfer. . . baby steps!
Change is often seen as hard and many will say near impossible. But every now and then we see the person that has made a huge change - lost weight, controlled an addiction, or changed careers. Learning from these people and talking with others I see a multi-step process.
1. Set a desired outcome and post it where you will see it at least 2 times a day
2. Know the reason for the change. Does it bring you energy and is it aligned with your core values?
3. Build a written plan that is time sensitive and realistic.
4. At the end of the day, identify the Strategic Next Action you will do tomorrow - Ah - this is the SHIFT!
Whether you are changing your business or your own personal issues, simple shifts with a clear vision of the desired outcome are going to make a difference.
Now, the last thing I heard repeatedly was the activity needs to be done anywhere from 21 to 30 days before it becomes a habit! That may seem hard, but how many days have already gone by waiting for a shift?
"If you take a shift, you'll feel better" - Tracy Swartz
Copyright 2010 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
419-897-0528
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
Building Your Referral Dream Team
A valuable lesson that I learned long ago is that a top notch referral marketing education does NOT guarantee success. However, applying a top notch referral marketing education to top notch referral partners can produce desirable results. Sarah Owen, Master Franchisee with Referral Institute in the UK, took me through an exercise to help me begin to identify my Referral Dream Team.
Here is a similar exercise with a few personal touches:
1. Write down the names of all the people that have either attempted or successfully referred you in the last 12 weeks.
2. Ask yourself the following questions:
Are they INSPIRED to help you?
Do they have the TIME to invest in you?
Are they coachable and TRAINABLE as referral partners?
Do they have the RESOURCES to connect you to your target market?
Is it the "right" time in your RELATIONSHIP?
Are they REFERRABLE?
3. Isolate the people that meet all of the criteria and ask yourself a few more important questions:
Are you in a position to reciprocate?
From their point of view, do YOU meet all of the above criteria?
Save the best for last...Do you like them?
Developing profitable referral relationships is about doing the right things with the right people at the right time in the relationship. This exercise should help you focus on the people in your network that are already trying to refer you and further identify those that are prime candidates for your Referral Dream Team.
Now what??? You must properly educate and empower them with your carefully crafted word-of-mouth message. Stay tuned...
Copyright 2010 by Paula Frazier who is a referral marketing expert for Referral Institute and has helped thousands of business people create millions of dollars in qualified referrals for nearly 10 years! She is part of an exclusive team of international Master Trainers and collaborates with the leaders in her industry to continually develop cutting edge referral marketing concepts for the organization. As a published author she's also acknowledged in the New York Times best seller, Truth or Delusion - Busting Networking's Biggest Myths. Check out #33, Delusion with a twist! Paula can be contacted at paula@referralinstitute-va.com
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