Your business may have had some recent layoffs, resulting in fewer employees taking on additional work and trying to keep afloat. With barely any extra money to spend these days with the bleak economy, how can you keep your current employees motivated? Brainstorm budget friendly, yet effective ways to really pump up the morale.
Below are several examples to get you started:
1. Recognize outstanding performance and make it known. Public recognition can go a long way.
2. Make sure everyone is informed of any company or individual successes; write a monthly company-wide email, announce the news at a weekly meeting, etc.
3. In lieu of cash bonuses, offer half day Fridays, casual days, or plan a pot-luck luncheon.
4. Reward outstanding performances with an award. Keep it simple; a bottle of wine for the top monthly sales person would suffice.
4. Ensure everyone has an individual motivational mentor they can go to for guidance.
5. Encourage an open-door policy.
Start brainstorming your budget-busting morale boosters today. We can help you grow your business in any economy.
Get started now at http://www.boostyourbottomline.com/fast_track/
© 2009 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO INCLUDE OUR TIPS IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE OR BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp publish Boost, an ezine filled with red hot strategies to ignite business and personal success. To find out more, and to get your fr*ee Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Are You Ready for Overnight Success?
Sound like every small business’ dream come true; overnight success. Unfortunately, overnight success can quickly become a company’s worst nightmare. Most small business owners are so busy just trying to survive that planning for how to handle any type of large order or nationwide publicity usually gets put on the back burner.
The good news is that there are several ways you and your business can prepare for all the success. Do NOT put this plan of action off for one more day. Learn step-by-step how to grow your business and take on overnight success in any economy. Get started now at http://www.boostyourbottomline.com/fast_track/
© 2009 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO INCLUDE OUR TIPS IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE OR BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp publish Boost, an ezine filled with red hot strategies to ignite business and personal success. To find out more, and to get your fr*ee Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
The good news is that there are several ways you and your business can prepare for all the success. Do NOT put this plan of action off for one more day. Learn step-by-step how to grow your business and take on overnight success in any economy. Get started now at http://www.boostyourbottomline.com/fast_track/
© 2009 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO INCLUDE OUR TIPS IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE OR BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp publish Boost, an ezine filled with red hot strategies to ignite business and personal success. To find out more, and to get your fr*ee Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Charge What You Are Worth!
Many entrepreneurs struggle with the question – how much to charge? There is a high risk when a business over- and under-charges clients. They key is to know what you are worth and be able to build trust and attract clients to whatever type of service you are selling.
Take a hint from guerrilla marketers, and stick to a money plan. Often times we believe we know what a client will be able to pay, or not pay, and go according to that. Wrong move. Have a game plan of what you will charge based on your expertise.
Charge a “total package” rate rather than by the hour. A client will always prefer to visualize their goals getting accomplished in one bulk packaged price, rather than paying blindly per hour. You will have a higher success rate at gaining and keeping customers if you have programs and packages available.
Back it up. Be a bold and guarantee your service. The key is guarantee only your services and not what they will do with it. Guarantees always strengthen your business, and ultimately increase your value.
You can grow your business in any economy. Get started now at
http://www.boostyourbottomline.com/fast_track/
© 2009 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE or BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp are creators of the Fast Track to Marketing Mastery. To learn more about the step-by-step program, and to sign up for their *FREE* Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
Take a hint from guerrilla marketers, and stick to a money plan. Often times we believe we know what a client will be able to pay, or not pay, and go according to that. Wrong move. Have a game plan of what you will charge based on your expertise.
Charge a “total package” rate rather than by the hour. A client will always prefer to visualize their goals getting accomplished in one bulk packaged price, rather than paying blindly per hour. You will have a higher success rate at gaining and keeping customers if you have programs and packages available.
Back it up. Be a bold and guarantee your service. The key is guarantee only your services and not what they will do with it. Guarantees always strengthen your business, and ultimately increase your value.
You can grow your business in any economy. Get started now at
http://www.boostyourbottomline.com/fast_track/
© 2009 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE or BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp are creators of the Fast Track to Marketing Mastery. To learn more about the step-by-step program, and to sign up for their *FREE* Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Prospective Clients Don't Care About You
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but potential clients don’t care about you. Any dedicated business owner would like to believe those customers care about the 3 generations of families that have been running the company, or the oodles of awards their products have won. Regrettably, your potential spenders are busy and only want to know one question - “What’s in it for me?”
The key is to only showcase your true benefits and separate these from features. You may think that your features, in some way, shape or form, benefit potential buyers but they don’t. Below shows an example of features vs. benefits.
Feature: In Business for Over 50 Years/Benefit: Reliable
Feature: Awarded the ____ 3 Years in a Row/Benefit: No hassle
Feature: State-of-art-Facility/Benefit: Organized
Feature: Nationwide/Benefit: Easy Access
Corresponding benefit to being in business since 1959 is reliability. If a prospect knows you've been around that long, there is a good chance you'll be around when they need you. Another way to think about the benefits you offer your prospects and customers is to think about what you are really selling. Eye doctors don't sell eyeglasses and contacts; they sell vision. Salons don’t sell hair and skin care products; they sell beauty.
Determine your features and benefits and grow your business in any economy. Get started now at http://www.boostyourbottomline.com/fast_track/
© 2009 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE or BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp are creators of the Fast Track to Marketing Mastery. To learn more about the step-by-step program, and to sign up for their *FREE* Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
The key is to only showcase your true benefits and separate these from features. You may think that your features, in some way, shape or form, benefit potential buyers but they don’t. Below shows an example of features vs. benefits.
Feature: In Business for Over 50 Years/Benefit: Reliable
Feature: Awarded the ____ 3 Years in a Row/Benefit: No hassle
Feature: State-of-art-Facility/Benefit: Organized
Feature: Nationwide/Benefit: Easy Access
Corresponding benefit to being in business since 1959 is reliability. If a prospect knows you've been around that long, there is a good chance you'll be around when they need you. Another way to think about the benefits you offer your prospects and customers is to think about what you are really selling. Eye doctors don't sell eyeglasses and contacts; they sell vision. Salons don’t sell hair and skin care products; they sell beauty.
Determine your features and benefits and grow your business in any economy. Get started now at http://www.boostyourbottomline.com/fast_track/
© 2009 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE or BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp are creators of the Fast Track to Marketing Mastery. To learn more about the step-by-step program, and to sign up for their *FREE* Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Tour de France Leverages Business
Here we are, along with a bunch of Lance fans (all guys, I might add) at the Birchwood Cafe in Minneapolis. The Birchwood draws lots of fans like us for live daily coverage of the Tour de France on their BIG screen. As we enjoy cafe au lait and brioche french toast, we can't help but admire the Birchwood's positioning and loyal target audience. Wireless brings many in, as does the wide range of locally grown produce and meats. Featured the next couple of weeks is the Tour de Lance turkey burger. Yum yum! We give the Birchwood a big thumbs up for tying into an international media event...plus their selection of patisserie!
Ready to leverage a big buzz idea to attract more customers? Get started now at http://www.boostyourbottomline.com/
© 2009 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE or BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp are creators of the Fast Track to Marketing Mastery. To learn more about the step-by-step program, and to sign up for their *FREE* Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
Ready to leverage a big buzz idea to attract more customers? Get started now at http://www.boostyourbottomline.com/
© 2009 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE or BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp are creators of the Fast Track to Marketing Mastery. To learn more about the step-by-step program, and to sign up for their *FREE* Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Take a Cue from These Killer Campaigns
Best logo: Nike Swoosh
Lesson: Sometimes too many bells and whistles can make your logo less effective.
Best promotional items: Livestrong wristbands
Lesson: Have a signature look, whether it's a giveaway or simply in how you present your brand, so people recognize you immediately.
Best slogan: "Got Milk?"
Lesson: Look for slogans that have the potential for longevity.
Best outdoor advertising: The Goodyear Blimp
Lesson: Be unexpected in how and where you communicate with your customers.
Best contest: Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest
Lesson: Don't be afraid to be outrageous if it suits your brand.
Ready to hit your marketing campaign out of the ballpark? You can grow your business in any economy. Get started now at http://www.boostyourbottomline.com/fast_track/
© 2009 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE or BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp are creators of the Fast Track to Marketing Mastery. To learn more about the step-by-step program, and to sign up for their *FREE* Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
Lesson: Sometimes too many bells and whistles can make your logo less effective.
Best promotional items: Livestrong wristbands
Lesson: Have a signature look, whether it's a giveaway or simply in how you present your brand, so people recognize you immediately.
Best slogan: "Got Milk?"
Lesson: Look for slogans that have the potential for longevity.
Best outdoor advertising: The Goodyear Blimp
Lesson: Be unexpected in how and where you communicate with your customers.
Best contest: Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest
Lesson: Don't be afraid to be outrageous if it suits your brand.
Ready to hit your marketing campaign out of the ballpark? You can grow your business in any economy. Get started now at http://www.boostyourbottomline.com/fast_track/
© 2009 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE or BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp are creators of the Fast Track to Marketing Mastery. To learn more about the step-by-step program, and to sign up for their *FREE* Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Cheers to Cheap Liquor
Americans have been easing their recession pain by splurging on cheap booze. In this slumped economy, several alcoholic beverage companies have managed to increase sales with their attractive prices.
California wine companies have increased sales by 2% this past year. Doesn’t sound like a big number, but that’s a whopping 467 million gallons! Foreigners are drinking more too; the U.S. wine exports totaled 1 billion dollars for the first time.
Likewise with Miller Brewing Company; their brand of Miller High Life has increased sales. Remember those Super Bowl ads, which mocked excessive beer spending? Those ads led to an increase in sales of nearly 5%, followed by a 9% increase the week after the game.
These are perfect examples of how you can grow your business in any economy. Get started now at http://www.boostyourbottomline.com/fast_track/
© 2009 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE or BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp are creators of the Fast Track to Marketing Mastery. To learn more about the step-by-step program, and to sign up for their *FREE* Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
California wine companies have increased sales by 2% this past year. Doesn’t sound like a big number, but that’s a whopping 467 million gallons! Foreigners are drinking more too; the U.S. wine exports totaled 1 billion dollars for the first time.
Likewise with Miller Brewing Company; their brand of Miller High Life has increased sales. Remember those Super Bowl ads, which mocked excessive beer spending? Those ads led to an increase in sales of nearly 5%, followed by a 9% increase the week after the game.
These are perfect examples of how you can grow your business in any economy. Get started now at http://www.boostyourbottomline.com/fast_track/
© 2009 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE or BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp are creators of the Fast Track to Marketing Mastery. To learn more about the step-by-step program, and to sign up for their *FREE* Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Generational Targeting Key for Success
Each generation has a core set of values that define the group as a whole. Life events and experiences shaped each generation’s way of thinking. Each generation has specific opinions, values, and beliefs. Likewise, your business has specific important values that it conveys to your target audience. For example, a generation like Gen X isn’t going to care much about a website that tells people what they should buy. This group is hasty, and they like businesses that are all about change. They aren’t easily impressed and they are skeptical of those who make claims.
Make sure you are reaching your target market by determining the values and core beliefs of the generation(s) you are trying to reach. The words and tone of your website copy should reflect this. Still not sure who’s who? See below:
Silent Generation: dependable and reliable; conform and adhere to rules and laws; high levels of commitment to organizations; good work ethic.
Baby Boomers: self-sufficient, enjoy personal growth, team and process orientated, health and wellness; optimism and positive attitude; conservative and socially liberal.
Gen X: diversity and global thinking; self-reliance and independence; impatient with status quo; savvy and skeptical; technologically literate.
Gen Y: confidence and achievement; lack of wisdom and reflection; diversity and morality; street-smart; expect balance and automatic feedback.
Need help figuring out which generation suits your business model? Get started now at http://www.boostyourbottomline.com/fast_track
© 2009 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE or BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp are creators of the Fast Track to Marketing Mastery. To learn more about the step-by-step program, and to sign up for their *FREE* Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
Make sure you are reaching your target market by determining the values and core beliefs of the generation(s) you are trying to reach. The words and tone of your website copy should reflect this. Still not sure who’s who? See below:
Silent Generation: dependable and reliable; conform and adhere to rules and laws; high levels of commitment to organizations; good work ethic.
Baby Boomers: self-sufficient, enjoy personal growth, team and process orientated, health and wellness; optimism and positive attitude; conservative and socially liberal.
Gen X: diversity and global thinking; self-reliance and independence; impatient with status quo; savvy and skeptical; technologically literate.
Gen Y: confidence and achievement; lack of wisdom and reflection; diversity and morality; street-smart; expect balance and automatic feedback.
Need help figuring out which generation suits your business model? Get started now at http://www.boostyourbottomline.com/fast_track
© 2009 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE or BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp are creators of the Fast Track to Marketing Mastery. To learn more about the step-by-step program, and to sign up for their *FREE* Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Hitching Onto the Tour de France
Seven-time Tour de France winner and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong is at it again. We all know Lance Armstrong, his yellow wrist bands and his mission to raise $1 billion for cancer research and prevention. The guy is inspiring and gives hope to so many people. And now he's back in the Tour. The other competitors welcome his return because of the publicity that comes along. And we welcome his return because he raises the bar.
Every year we encourage clients to hitch onto the the Tour de France for publicity. Some do...like the physician who wrote about ways to avoid facial injuries while biking. Or the wine shop that offered Tour de Vino wine and cheese tastings. This year we're happy to see that one of our favorite restaurants, the Heartland Restaurant in St Paul, Minn., has teamed up with organic growers in the Tour de Farm. This Tour celebrates local farmers and food artisans with tours and amazing 4- to 5-course meals. Tickets and details for this fun campaign are at http://www.tourdefarmmn.com. Yum yum! We think it's a brilliant campaign.
Need help with your own brilliant big buzz campaign to attract more customers, bigger profits and a business to brag about? Get started now at http://www.boostyourbottomline.com
© 2009 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE or BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp are creators of the Fast Track to Marketing Mastery. To learn more about the step-by-step program, and to sign up for their *FREE* Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
Every year we encourage clients to hitch onto the the Tour de France for publicity. Some do...like the physician who wrote about ways to avoid facial injuries while biking. Or the wine shop that offered Tour de Vino wine and cheese tastings. This year we're happy to see that one of our favorite restaurants, the Heartland Restaurant in St Paul, Minn., has teamed up with organic growers in the Tour de Farm. This Tour celebrates local farmers and food artisans with tours and amazing 4- to 5-course meals. Tickets and details for this fun campaign are at http://www.tourdefarmmn.com. Yum yum! We think it's a brilliant campaign.
Need help with your own brilliant big buzz campaign to attract more customers, bigger profits and a business to brag about? Get started now at http://www.boostyourbottomline.com
© 2009 BoostYourBottomLine.com
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, WEB SITE or BLOG? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Certified Marketing Spitfires™ Holly George and Leslie Hamp are creators of the Fast Track to Marketing Mastery. To learn more about the step-by-step program, and to sign up for their *FREE* Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit www.boostyourbottomline.com
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