You may want to consider getting a toll-free number for your small business. These numbers can be powerful sales and marketing tools:
• Customers are much more likely to call a business with a toll-free number than a business with a long-distance number.
• Toll-free numbers boost consumer confidence. Consumers assume that businesses with toll-free numbers are larger and more stable than their competitors, therefore increasing business credibility.
• Toll-free numbers show better customer support and more respect for customer needs. Plus, it creates better brand image that sticks in consumer’s minds. For example, if you owned a ski shop and the number was 1-800-SKISNOW.
• Toll-free numbers allow you to move your business wherever you want without needing to change your number each time.
Want help setting up your toll-free number?
Visit 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, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Home Office Tips: Organize Your Business Cards
Do you automatically take someone’s business card to be polite even though you know you won’t contact them? These cards clutter your wallet and end up in a big pile on your desk. Business cards are a necessary tool, as I'm sure you have found with your own. The problem is when you can't find the one you are looking for, and the stacks are covering the vast majority of your workspace. With this in mind, let's talk about some ways to keep your business cards organized.
File Them Electronically
As you get business cards, input them into a database. There are several out there; Outlook, Google Apps, etc. Pick one that works for you. If you want to keep an image of the business card, use a scanner to do that. If you prefer, keep a binder for all business cards if you do not want to toss them. Also, remember to jot down any details about the person that will jog your memory about them.
Stay On Top of Them
Following a system in a methodical manner makes it easy to stay on top of your collection of business cards. You should be able to locate any business contact within a few minutes if you are organized.
Don't Be Part of the Problem
Only give business cards when you need them and don't become a business card pusher. Nothing's worse than a business card shoved in your hand, which you didn't want in the first place. If you really need your brand new contact's information, by all means, take their card. If not, don't.
Let us help you get those business cards organized! 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
File Them Electronically
As you get business cards, input them into a database. There are several out there; Outlook, Google Apps, etc. Pick one that works for you. If you want to keep an image of the business card, use a scanner to do that. If you prefer, keep a binder for all business cards if you do not want to toss them. Also, remember to jot down any details about the person that will jog your memory about them.
Stay On Top of Them
Following a system in a methodical manner makes it easy to stay on top of your collection of business cards. You should be able to locate any business contact within a few minutes if you are organized.
Don't Be Part of the Problem
Only give business cards when you need them and don't become a business card pusher. Nothing's worse than a business card shoved in your hand, which you didn't want in the first place. If you really need your brand new contact's information, by all means, take their card. If not, don't.
Let us help you get those business cards organized! 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, October 27, 2009
Avoiding Brand Backlash
Can your brand get too popular, and if so, what happens? Take for example the brand of Croc shoes. As quickly as the bright colored shoes flew off the shelves, so too were lots of backlash and hate sites dedicated to the fashion “don’t” crocs.
But as popular as Crocs are, they also face an image problem, especially among young consumers who see them as an old-person's shoe. I’ll admit it – I own a pair; their comfortable, but yes, they are ugly. There are lots of mixed reviews, and a lot of generic Croc brands out there.
Another example of a shoe craze gone obsolete; the Dr. Marten brand. Remember those? Those thick soles and yellow stitching were hard to forget. "Docs" and now possibly the Crocs join a long line of bold shoe styles that once attained cult status. A lot of people believe it's the end for the Croc company, but only time will tell.
Don’t let your brand become a thing of the past.
Visit 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
But as popular as Crocs are, they also face an image problem, especially among young consumers who see them as an old-person's shoe. I’ll admit it – I own a pair; their comfortable, but yes, they are ugly. There are lots of mixed reviews, and a lot of generic Croc brands out there.
Another example of a shoe craze gone obsolete; the Dr. Marten brand. Remember those? Those thick soles and yellow stitching were hard to forget. "Docs" and now possibly the Crocs join a long line of bold shoe styles that once attained cult status. A lot of people believe it's the end for the Croc company, but only time will tell.
Don’t let your brand become a thing of the past.
Visit 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
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Extraordinary PR Campaign Inspires People Worldwide
My PR roots are still intrigued by BIG campaigns. And today is an incredible example of a biggie. Today, October 24, people in 181 countries are coming together for the most widespread day of environmental action in the planet's history. At over 5200 events around the world, people are gathering to call for strong action and bold leadership on the climate crisis.
350.org was founded by U.S. author Bill McKibben, who wrote one of the first books on global warming for the general public, and a team of university friends. Together, they ran a campaign in 2007 called Step It Up that organized over 2,000 rallies at iconic places in all 50 states. These creative actions - from skiers descending a melting glacier to divers hosting an underwater action - helped convince many political leaders, including then Senator Barack Obama, to adopt a common call to action: cutting carbon 80% by 2050.
For months 350.org has been building up hype for today's day of massive action. It's working on a grand scale. Citizens in New Zealand gathered before dawn next to a wind turbine on a mountaintop. As local elders said prayers to bless the global event, banners and signs were held high to to greet the planet's first rays of sunlight on this most incredible of days.
350.org has been receiving photos and video of rallies in Ethiopia, bike rides in Wellington, SCUBA divers in Australia, organizers planting 350 trees in Thailand, hundreds of students marching in India and Nepal and Mongolia. They're getting reports from 350.org offices around the world that the phones are ringing off the hook with calls from the media who want to cover the story.
The day is just beginning and already it's larger, more powerful, and more beautiful than founder Bill McKibben ever could have imagined. He said, "I've been a writer my entire life and yet words truly cannot describe what you have accomplished already."
Check it out at www.350.org. You'll see an evolving photo slideshow and an example of an outstanding campaign.
Need help with your own campaign. We've organized biggies and can help you as well. Find out more at www.boostyourbottomline.com
350.org was founded by U.S. author Bill McKibben, who wrote one of the first books on global warming for the general public, and a team of university friends. Together, they ran a campaign in 2007 called Step It Up that organized over 2,000 rallies at iconic places in all 50 states. These creative actions - from skiers descending a melting glacier to divers hosting an underwater action - helped convince many political leaders, including then Senator Barack Obama, to adopt a common call to action: cutting carbon 80% by 2050.
For months 350.org has been building up hype for today's day of massive action. It's working on a grand scale. Citizens in New Zealand gathered before dawn next to a wind turbine on a mountaintop. As local elders said prayers to bless the global event, banners and signs were held high to to greet the planet's first rays of sunlight on this most incredible of days.
350.org has been receiving photos and video of rallies in Ethiopia, bike rides in Wellington, SCUBA divers in Australia, organizers planting 350 trees in Thailand, hundreds of students marching in India and Nepal and Mongolia. They're getting reports from 350.org offices around the world that the phones are ringing off the hook with calls from the media who want to cover the story.
The day is just beginning and already it's larger, more powerful, and more beautiful than founder Bill McKibben ever could have imagined. He said, "I've been a writer my entire life and yet words truly cannot describe what you have accomplished already."
Check it out at www.350.org. You'll see an evolving photo slideshow and an example of an outstanding campaign.
Need help with your own campaign. We've organized biggies and can help you as well. Find out more at www.boostyourbottomline.com
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Don't Drop Your Price!
Marketing in a challenged economy requires knowing where to focus time and energy. Lowering your prices is NOT the answer.
"The amazing thing about marketing during tough times is that high prices help," Levinson said. "Lower prices don't help because people with high prices get to say, 'During a rough economy the last thing you want to do is make mistakes with any money that you put out, and you can be assured by our price that you're not going to make a mistake such as you would be if you went with a lower priced product or service.'"
Here are some alternatives to lowering your price:
Say No. It’s ok to pass up a job if it means it is not worth your time and effort. You may get more benefit in the long run by referring someone else whose pricing is more in line with the request. Plus, you’ll earn IOU points with the other party.
Alter the Product/Service. If you lower your price now, in the future clients will expect to pay the same low price. If clients want a discount, figure out a way to give them a portion or a percentage of your services that are the most important to them, rather than the whole shebang. You can do less work for the price, but again, don't work for less.
Your customers and clients are facing new challenges and opportunities every day. Instead of giving in and dropping your prices, think creatively, and test out some new ways to package your products and services to appeal to more budget-conscience clients. 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 amazing thing about marketing during tough times is that high prices help," Levinson said. "Lower prices don't help because people with high prices get to say, 'During a rough economy the last thing you want to do is make mistakes with any money that you put out, and you can be assured by our price that you're not going to make a mistake such as you would be if you went with a lower priced product or service.'"
Here are some alternatives to lowering your price:
Say No. It’s ok to pass up a job if it means it is not worth your time and effort. You may get more benefit in the long run by referring someone else whose pricing is more in line with the request. Plus, you’ll earn IOU points with the other party.
Alter the Product/Service. If you lower your price now, in the future clients will expect to pay the same low price. If clients want a discount, figure out a way to give them a portion or a percentage of your services that are the most important to them, rather than the whole shebang. You can do less work for the price, but again, don't work for less.
Your customers and clients are facing new challenges and opportunities every day. Instead of giving in and dropping your prices, think creatively, and test out some new ways to package your products and services to appeal to more budget-conscience clients. 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, October 20, 2009
Fox & Fox
Michael J. Fox Foundation and Fox Sports. What a fantastic marketing partnership to promote a philanthropic cause during the American League Championship series on Fox. Baseball lovers will be watching, and many of them have the discretionary income and nostalgia for Michael J's work. We encourage you to think about what connections YOUR company can forge with others that target the same audience, too.
We can help you create meaningful connections. 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
We can help you create meaningful connections. 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
Monday, October 19, 2009
Someone's Been Doing the Herbal
Have you seen the new tagline for Herbal Essences hair care products? (If not, check out this blog headline.) TERRIBLE! C'mon, P&G... why the need to imply lighting up an illegal substance to express coolness? I may not be the target, but I'm a smart parent who realizes you're positioning a good product line to capture a narrow and fickle young market. Guess my kids need to pick a new line.
Want to make sure your advertising campaign is on the right track. Go to 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
Want to make sure your advertising campaign is on the right track. Go to 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, October 15, 2009
Increase Sales by Accepting Credit Card Payments
If you haven’t already started selling your products and services through your website, jump on it and add a credit card payment option! Accepting plastic can increase your sales a whopping 20%.
It has also been shown that those who use credit cards make more frequent purchases than those who pay in cash. Accepting plastic also ensures your customer’s ability to pay. It takes only seconds to verify if funds are available and the money is deposited in your account within 2-3 business days. Credit card payments allow you to take advantage of your loyal international customers. It’s fast, easy, and automatically takes care of the problems associated with currency differences.
So what are you waiting for? There are two ways you can start accepting credit cards from your site: setting up your own merchant account, or setting up a third party merchant in exchange for a fee. Both methods have their advantages. Having your own merchant account accords your business with a certain amount of professionalism and transaction costs are usually much lower. On the other hand, going through a third party can be convenient to use when you just want to test the water to see how things are, since they take care of everything for you.
We’ll show you how to get started and boost sales in any economy 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
It has also been shown that those who use credit cards make more frequent purchases than those who pay in cash. Accepting plastic also ensures your customer’s ability to pay. It takes only seconds to verify if funds are available and the money is deposited in your account within 2-3 business days. Credit card payments allow you to take advantage of your loyal international customers. It’s fast, easy, and automatically takes care of the problems associated with currency differences.
So what are you waiting for? There are two ways you can start accepting credit cards from your site: setting up your own merchant account, or setting up a third party merchant in exchange for a fee. Both methods have their advantages. Having your own merchant account accords your business with a certain amount of professionalism and transaction costs are usually much lower. On the other hand, going through a third party can be convenient to use when you just want to test the water to see how things are, since they take care of everything for you.
We’ll show you how to get started and boost sales in any economy 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
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Amplify Your Efforts
Social Networking sites aren’t new, but now more than ever is the most important time for a business to be participating in this space. You don’t need to participate in every social site under the sun (there are thousands of them, by the way) to get noticed.
Start small. Contributing to a blog that has a direct link from your home site is a great first step. Facebook and LinkedIn are other examples of places to start. Below are several examples to keep the buzz on your business.
1. Tell them something new. Readers interested in your products and services would love to hear what you have to say if it involves new discoveries that would benefit them when using your product or service. Also, provide sharing tools and tips on your blog to turn them into consumers.
2. Up Your Exposure. Any public news and/or quotes about you and your business should get posted on your blog. These are great ways to showcase your business strengths, plus it’s free!
3. Address Negative Publicity. Respond immediately to negative or inaccurate postings. Doing so will keep you relevant, visible, and helps clear up misconceptions. Readers will appreciate your activity in the social media sphere.
Stumped at where to start? Go to: 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
Start small. Contributing to a blog that has a direct link from your home site is a great first step. Facebook and LinkedIn are other examples of places to start. Below are several examples to keep the buzz on your business.
1. Tell them something new. Readers interested in your products and services would love to hear what you have to say if it involves new discoveries that would benefit them when using your product or service. Also, provide sharing tools and tips on your blog to turn them into consumers.
2. Up Your Exposure. Any public news and/or quotes about you and your business should get posted on your blog. These are great ways to showcase your business strengths, plus it’s free!
3. Address Negative Publicity. Respond immediately to negative or inaccurate postings. Doing so will keep you relevant, visible, and helps clear up misconceptions. Readers will appreciate your activity in the social media sphere.
Stumped at where to start? Go to: 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
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Deadly Blunders that Kill Your Sale
Everyone makes mistakes, but mistakes can be costly – especially for salespeople. Trying to close on a multi-million dollar sale and then screwing it up along the way can cause disaster for your company, your commission, and even you job. Blowing a sale can happen for many reasons, but you’ll surely want to avoid these deal killers:
Don’t ask for their business. Your Doctor or Attorney didn’t ask you for your business, neither should you. Asking for business will make you appear desperate, inexperienced, and frankly, unprofessional.
Don’t set yearly sales goals. Having annual goals are great, but if you set a sales goal for yourself that is unattainable, it’ll cost you. Don’t let a money goal fog your sales judgment when dealing with high prospect clients. The problem here is that once you know you fall short of your goal, desperation sneaks in. Never appear desperate for a sale. Relax. Your only goal should be to educate, influence, and build trust with clients and then let the money roll in.
Don’t rely on your referrals. Never rely on anyone to do the work for you – especially when it comes to family or friends. That’s because you pass control of your own destiny on to them, who may or may not act on your behalf. There’s too much at stake for you to risk the “may not.”
The good news is that if Joe Shmoe bombs his sale, you have a greater chance of closing it for him. Take a few minutes to dust yourself off and jot down your sales strengths and weaknesses. Focus on improving your sales mojo and figuring out how to eliminate the negative attributes that destroy your chances of a sale.
Need help getting the skills to close that big sale?
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
Don’t ask for their business. Your Doctor or Attorney didn’t ask you for your business, neither should you. Asking for business will make you appear desperate, inexperienced, and frankly, unprofessional.
Don’t set yearly sales goals. Having annual goals are great, but if you set a sales goal for yourself that is unattainable, it’ll cost you. Don’t let a money goal fog your sales judgment when dealing with high prospect clients. The problem here is that once you know you fall short of your goal, desperation sneaks in. Never appear desperate for a sale. Relax. Your only goal should be to educate, influence, and build trust with clients and then let the money roll in.
Don’t rely on your referrals. Never rely on anyone to do the work for you – especially when it comes to family or friends. That’s because you pass control of your own destiny on to them, who may or may not act on your behalf. There’s too much at stake for you to risk the “may not.”
The good news is that if Joe Shmoe bombs his sale, you have a greater chance of closing it for him. Take a few minutes to dust yourself off and jot down your sales strengths and weaknesses. Focus on improving your sales mojo and figuring out how to eliminate the negative attributes that destroy your chances of a sale.
Need help getting the skills to close that big sale?
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, October 08, 2009
Mixing Business with Passion
If you talk to several successful entrepreneurs, they’ll most likely have the same thing in common; they turned their hobbies into thriving businesses. Starting a business is not easy, but if you have the drive, passion, and vision to see it through, you too can be very successful and profitable.
If you are serious about making your favorite pastime into a business, you’ll want to first test the waters to find out if there is a demand for what you are offering. You don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on an idea only to find out that there is a lack of interest for it. Check out similar lines of business and their success story before you jump into your own.
Once you determine if you are going to make the transition into entrepreneurism, you’ll need to spread the word. Tell everyone under the sun what your intentions are, and start to build your clientele. Enlist the aid of friends and family to help you break ground. There will be lots of paperwork and behind the scenes work to be done before you earn your first dollar. Ensure you are surrounded by a great support system along the way.
We can help you get on the path to success, even in this 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
If you are serious about making your favorite pastime into a business, you’ll want to first test the waters to find out if there is a demand for what you are offering. You don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on an idea only to find out that there is a lack of interest for it. Check out similar lines of business and their success story before you jump into your own.
Once you determine if you are going to make the transition into entrepreneurism, you’ll need to spread the word. Tell everyone under the sun what your intentions are, and start to build your clientele. Enlist the aid of friends and family to help you break ground. There will be lots of paperwork and behind the scenes work to be done before you earn your first dollar. Ensure you are surrounded by a great support system along the way.
We can help you get on the path to success, even in this 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
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Customer Service Vital to Small Business Success
Business has been booming for Time for Dinner, a local meal-assembly business launched in 2004 in St. Louis by Paige Ohliger. Her meal-assembly business consists of customers prepping ingredients for complete, pre-made dinners for the month ahead. While nationally franchised competitors closed up shop all around her, Ohliger kept her business profitable and recorded sales just shy of $1 million in 2007. So what’s her recipe for success, while other franchises fizzled? Ohliger says, “Extreme Customer Service.”
She noted several tips that were vital for Time for Dinner’s success:
1. Get in tune with the community. If 10 people come together and each order a full set of meals (12 meals per person, each serving 4-6 people), Ohliger kicks in a free eleventh set.
2. Show customers you care. Time for Dinner’s high ratio of staff-to-customers helps keep the kitchen sparkling and ensures that customers can quickly get any needed assistance.
3. Use customer feedback to gain new customers. Everyone wants their dollar to go farther and feedback from current customers suggests they're saving $100-$150 monthly by using the service.
As guerrilla marketers, we love how in touch “Time for Dinner” is with their customers and in return, how their customers spread their business via word of mouth. This is a key component (and a perfect blend of guerrilla marketing) that boosts their small business success, especially while operating on a tight budget. We bet that Paige is pumping her marketing with quotes and facts on all of the money she’s been able to save for families looking for healthy meals on a budget.
Focus on sprucing up your customer service skills! 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
She noted several tips that were vital for Time for Dinner’s success:
1. Get in tune with the community. If 10 people come together and each order a full set of meals (12 meals per person, each serving 4-6 people), Ohliger kicks in a free eleventh set.
2. Show customers you care. Time for Dinner’s high ratio of staff-to-customers helps keep the kitchen sparkling and ensures that customers can quickly get any needed assistance.
3. Use customer feedback to gain new customers. Everyone wants their dollar to go farther and feedback from current customers suggests they're saving $100-$150 monthly by using the service.
As guerrilla marketers, we love how in touch “Time for Dinner” is with their customers and in return, how their customers spread their business via word of mouth. This is a key component (and a perfect blend of guerrilla marketing) that boosts their small business success, especially while operating on a tight budget. We bet that Paige is pumping her marketing with quotes and facts on all of the money she’s been able to save for families looking for healthy meals on a budget.
Focus on sprucing up your customer service skills! 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, October 06, 2009
Negotiate Your Way to Success
Ever wonder if you could have gotten a better deal and saved your business some cash if you had just spoken up and tried your hand at negotiating your way to a different outcome? You’re not alone. The trick to getting what you want from negotiating is having the skills to negotiate. There are some important tips when it comes to trying to get your way that will help you seal the better deal:
Map it Out. Of course you’re going to be thinking “what’s in it for me,” but also figure out how the other parties involved will benefit. You’ll want to demonstrate that your negotiation will prove a better outcome. Figure out your plan of attack before you leap in.
Don’t be Stubborn. Trying to negotiate and then saying “take it or leave it” can cause havoc on your business endeavors. Implying that you have all of the power by being pushy can really backfire. Negotiate with a plan, but still have an open mind.
Practice Your Skill. Stellar negotiation skills often take years of practice and experience to master. Don’t think your charm or personality alone will be enough to win them over. Do your homework. Take a class, read a book, and ask the experts.
Vamp up your negotiating skills and show your charm – we’ll show you how! 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
Map it Out. Of course you’re going to be thinking “what’s in it for me,” but also figure out how the other parties involved will benefit. You’ll want to demonstrate that your negotiation will prove a better outcome. Figure out your plan of attack before you leap in.
Don’t be Stubborn. Trying to negotiate and then saying “take it or leave it” can cause havoc on your business endeavors. Implying that you have all of the power by being pushy can really backfire. Negotiate with a plan, but still have an open mind.
Practice Your Skill. Stellar negotiation skills often take years of practice and experience to master. Don’t think your charm or personality alone will be enough to win them over. Do your homework. Take a class, read a book, and ask the experts.
Vamp up your negotiating skills and show your charm – we’ll show you how! 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
Friday, October 02, 2009
5 Brand-Sabotaging Mistakes to Avoid
Before you even think about launching your brand and spending thousands of dollars on promotions, you’ll need to have a solid plan in place. Branding is all about consistency. If you are constantly changing your message, you’ll confuse your customers, and lose money while doing it. Steer clear of the following brand sabotaging blunders:
1. Lack of a brand identity
Creating a brand involves analyzing every aspect of your business and how it is experienced. Branding is driven by consumers, but is always started at the top of your company. You must know your brand inside and out and sell it with passion before you can expect anyone else to do it. Marketing legend, Jack Trout, in 1969, said what holds true today. “Consumers don’t stop to figure you out; they just keep going.” You must have a memorable and unmistakable brand identity that stops consumers in their tracks.
2. Lack of consistency
Great brands promise consumers things that they value. The power and truth of a brand is judged by how consistently it is delivered upon. For this reason, the brand must be “lived” within an organization. In an organization with a powerful brand, EVERYONE is a brand manager by their actions. Your customers are your best promoters. That's because many companies invest time and money letting consumers know what they're promising but ultimately fail to tell their own employees just what that promise means for them. So, make sure your employees are well aware of the brand promise. If you are conveying your brand through living it successfully, your loyal customers will catch on and do the same.
3. Changing Message
Communicating your brand paints a picture in the consumer’s mind about your Brand and about the consumers your Brand seeks to attract. When we buy a brand, we buy the concept that brand stands for — because we like what it says about us. You want your brand to consistently communicate the right message to the right audience every time. Consistency is important for several reasons: You want the audience to memorize the message, you want a consistent reputation, and you want to build longevity and market share. Think carefully before launching yet another change in your brand message.
4. No Point of Difference
Also known as Unique Sales Proposition (USP), Point of Difference is the one, positive trait a given brand possesses that would not be duplicated with success by any competing brand. In order to create a differentiation that won’t be imitated, you have to think beyond the core benefits that are considered important in your brand’s product category. Ask yourself: “Why do people want this product or service from me instead of from my competitors?” Define your point of difference and how it will separate you from the pack.
5. Promising everything under the sun
Of course you should live up to your brand’s promise, but don’t promise everything from here to Timbuktu. While your brand promise should be relevant and up-to-date, don’t make large changes that will confuse your market. Are you ready to change your tagline or logo? Companies get tired of their own marketing way before the market does. And take note: customers remember what the company has promised, and they're highly attuned to whether that promise is kept. If companies fail to deliver, consumers will skip to a competitor without a second thought.
Don’t make any of these business-flopping mistakes when you are ready to launch your brand. Getting some expert advice and credible feedback before you dive headfirst into a big brand campaign may be a good idea. Take the time to do it right and you’ll have a lasting brand that your customers will instantly recognize, remember, and respect whenever they see it.
© 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
1. Lack of a brand identity
Creating a brand involves analyzing every aspect of your business and how it is experienced. Branding is driven by consumers, but is always started at the top of your company. You must know your brand inside and out and sell it with passion before you can expect anyone else to do it. Marketing legend, Jack Trout, in 1969, said what holds true today. “Consumers don’t stop to figure you out; they just keep going.” You must have a memorable and unmistakable brand identity that stops consumers in their tracks.
2. Lack of consistency
Great brands promise consumers things that they value. The power and truth of a brand is judged by how consistently it is delivered upon. For this reason, the brand must be “lived” within an organization. In an organization with a powerful brand, EVERYONE is a brand manager by their actions. Your customers are your best promoters. That's because many companies invest time and money letting consumers know what they're promising but ultimately fail to tell their own employees just what that promise means for them. So, make sure your employees are well aware of the brand promise. If you are conveying your brand through living it successfully, your loyal customers will catch on and do the same.
3. Changing Message
Communicating your brand paints a picture in the consumer’s mind about your Brand and about the consumers your Brand seeks to attract. When we buy a brand, we buy the concept that brand stands for — because we like what it says about us. You want your brand to consistently communicate the right message to the right audience every time. Consistency is important for several reasons: You want the audience to memorize the message, you want a consistent reputation, and you want to build longevity and market share. Think carefully before launching yet another change in your brand message.
4. No Point of Difference
Also known as Unique Sales Proposition (USP), Point of Difference is the one, positive trait a given brand possesses that would not be duplicated with success by any competing brand. In order to create a differentiation that won’t be imitated, you have to think beyond the core benefits that are considered important in your brand’s product category. Ask yourself: “Why do people want this product or service from me instead of from my competitors?” Define your point of difference and how it will separate you from the pack.
5. Promising everything under the sun
Of course you should live up to your brand’s promise, but don’t promise everything from here to Timbuktu. While your brand promise should be relevant and up-to-date, don’t make large changes that will confuse your market. Are you ready to change your tagline or logo? Companies get tired of their own marketing way before the market does. And take note: customers remember what the company has promised, and they're highly attuned to whether that promise is kept. If companies fail to deliver, consumers will skip to a competitor without a second thought.
Don’t make any of these business-flopping mistakes when you are ready to launch your brand. Getting some expert advice and credible feedback before you dive headfirst into a big brand campaign may be a good idea. Take the time to do it right and you’ll have a lasting brand that your customers will instantly recognize, remember, and respect whenever they see it.
© 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
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