Many people participate in tradeshows, home shows and gift shows as a way of promoting their business. Often, they do not gain full benefit from the investment due to lack of preplanning and follow up.
A tip on preplanning: Get to know show organizers. Most are more than willing to help in any way they can. They want you to succeed because when you succeed, they succeed.
From 101 Ways to Get Your Foot in the Door - www.101waystogetyourfootinthedoor.com
Friday, May 27, 2005
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Create Your Vision of Success
Title: Create Your Vision of Success
Author: Kathleen Gage
Email: kathleen@turningpointpresents.com
Word Count: 750
Copyright: © 2005 by Kathleen Gage
Web Address: www.kathleengage.com
Publishing Guidelines: You may publish my article in your newsletter,
on your web site, or in your print publication provided you include
the resource box at the end. Notification would be appreciated but is not required.
Summary – Understanding the power and profit in business that comes from one’s internal perceptions.
Create Your Vision of Success
By Kathleen Gage
Most marketing strategies are about being in motion. Have a plan, be proactive, and take the necessary action steps. Although being proactive is a necessary aspect of marketing, an often overlooked and yet equally important part is your company’s internal perception.
Many companies put a lot of effort into all the external aspects of what they do, yet completely overlook what is happening due to internal perception. Internal perception includes your thoughts and beliefs; the internal dialogues and thought processes you have regarding your business, your industry and your customers/clients. Often, we may not be aware of hidden thoughts. Our thoughts support or hinder our success.
To find out how what you believe take this simple test. For the next 48 hours notice what comes up when you are talking about your company, your products and services and the value you bring to the table. Do your internal thoughts match your words? Do you feel good about your interactions? Do you feel the prices you charge are fair and reasonable? Do you believe you are worth what you ask? Do you feel you are the best choice for your customers?
You can invest lots of money and time on external campaigns. Your true success will be determined when your thoughts and beliefs match your actions. Before you launch your next marketing campaign, ask yourself these important questions:
-How do you feel about your product or service?
-Do you feel the price you charge is matches the value your product/service -brings to your customers?
-Do you appreciate your clients?
-Do you feel appreciated by your customers or clients?
-Who do you want to do business with?
-Who wants to do business with you?
Whether you are in financial planning, training, banking, the beauty industry, day spas, or technology, take the time to know what sets you apart. In the consumer’s mind, Company A looks the same as Company B in many ways. The same with Salesperson A compared to Salesperson B. To stand apart your must help the consumer understand your differences.
A simple formula to clarify your differences is to write down every reason someone would want to do business with you.
-Are you an expert in your industry?
-Do you deliver in record time?
-Do you have a unique location?
-What is unique about your business compared to your competitors?
-What is most important to your prospects and customers about doing business with you? (If you don’t know – ASK!) -What can only you do that your competitors can’t do?
Once you answer these questions, create a short message that incorporates these answers. When you meet with a potential customer and they ask what you do, you want to be able to concisely tell them. This process is also helpful with your current clients. Remember - they are only one call away from utilizing the services of someone else!
Before you begin to aggressively position yourself and gain visibility, think about the vision for you and your organization. Gaining a vision of what the organization stands for, the impact you want to have on your customers or clients, the quality of products and services, your contribution to your community, and where you want the organization to be in the future is essential as you move forward.
Your vision is your ideal future state and includes your values and what you desire your organization to be like. What’s most important to you?
An essential aspect of your vision is understanding what makes you, your company and your team unique in the marketplace. What makes your product or service different from your competitors? Once you have your vision in mind, write it down. This will help you to solidify your thoughts and stay on track with what is truly important.
Periodically revisit your overall vision. Your core values should be the main driver of your vision, yet some of the details are bound to change. As you and your customer’s needs and wants change, you may find it necessary to update your vision.
Where do you want your company to be? Where do you want to be? Match your actions with your thoughts and beliefs. Create a vision for success!
Kathleen Gage is a keynote speaker, author and business advisor specializing in marketing and promotions. Access Gage’s’s FREE eBook Street Smarts Marketing On the Internet at http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/free-ebook.htm
Author: Kathleen Gage
Email: kathleen@turningpointpresents.com
Word Count: 750
Copyright: © 2005 by Kathleen Gage
Web Address: www.kathleengage.com
Publishing Guidelines: You may publish my article in your newsletter,
on your web site, or in your print publication provided you include
the resource box at the end. Notification would be appreciated but is not required.
Summary – Understanding the power and profit in business that comes from one’s internal perceptions.
Create Your Vision of Success
By Kathleen Gage
Most marketing strategies are about being in motion. Have a plan, be proactive, and take the necessary action steps. Although being proactive is a necessary aspect of marketing, an often overlooked and yet equally important part is your company’s internal perception.
Many companies put a lot of effort into all the external aspects of what they do, yet completely overlook what is happening due to internal perception. Internal perception includes your thoughts and beliefs; the internal dialogues and thought processes you have regarding your business, your industry and your customers/clients. Often, we may not be aware of hidden thoughts. Our thoughts support or hinder our success.
To find out how what you believe take this simple test. For the next 48 hours notice what comes up when you are talking about your company, your products and services and the value you bring to the table. Do your internal thoughts match your words? Do you feel good about your interactions? Do you feel the prices you charge are fair and reasonable? Do you believe you are worth what you ask? Do you feel you are the best choice for your customers?
You can invest lots of money and time on external campaigns. Your true success will be determined when your thoughts and beliefs match your actions. Before you launch your next marketing campaign, ask yourself these important questions:
-How do you feel about your product or service?
-Do you feel the price you charge is matches the value your product/service -brings to your customers?
-Do you appreciate your clients?
-Do you feel appreciated by your customers or clients?
-Who do you want to do business with?
-Who wants to do business with you?
Whether you are in financial planning, training, banking, the beauty industry, day spas, or technology, take the time to know what sets you apart. In the consumer’s mind, Company A looks the same as Company B in many ways. The same with Salesperson A compared to Salesperson B. To stand apart your must help the consumer understand your differences.
A simple formula to clarify your differences is to write down every reason someone would want to do business with you.
-Are you an expert in your industry?
-Do you deliver in record time?
-Do you have a unique location?
-What is unique about your business compared to your competitors?
-What is most important to your prospects and customers about doing business with you? (If you don’t know – ASK!) -What can only you do that your competitors can’t do?
Once you answer these questions, create a short message that incorporates these answers. When you meet with a potential customer and they ask what you do, you want to be able to concisely tell them. This process is also helpful with your current clients. Remember - they are only one call away from utilizing the services of someone else!
Before you begin to aggressively position yourself and gain visibility, think about the vision for you and your organization. Gaining a vision of what the organization stands for, the impact you want to have on your customers or clients, the quality of products and services, your contribution to your community, and where you want the organization to be in the future is essential as you move forward.
Your vision is your ideal future state and includes your values and what you desire your organization to be like. What’s most important to you?
An essential aspect of your vision is understanding what makes you, your company and your team unique in the marketplace. What makes your product or service different from your competitors? Once you have your vision in mind, write it down. This will help you to solidify your thoughts and stay on track with what is truly important.
Periodically revisit your overall vision. Your core values should be the main driver of your vision, yet some of the details are bound to change. As you and your customer’s needs and wants change, you may find it necessary to update your vision.
Where do you want your company to be? Where do you want to be? Match your actions with your thoughts and beliefs. Create a vision for success!
Kathleen Gage is a keynote speaker, author and business advisor specializing in marketing and promotions. Access Gage’s’s FREE eBook Street Smarts Marketing On the Internet at http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/free-ebook.htm
Friday, May 20, 2005
Selling promotional items.
"Selling promotional products is a world unto itself." This according to businessman and author Randy Kirk, whose career includes sales of products and services in over 30 industries.
"In most businesses, you pitch the quality and the utility. When it comes to promotional products, your selling the glitz or the fun or the space available for a logo." That's not the only difference according to Kirk.
"Every sale is starting over. The customer may have used hats last year, so now she wants to use anything but hats. Or if she does want hats, she's going to put the purchase out to bid."Kirk has a blog, http://www.advertisingspecialty.blogspot.com that gives totally free ideas on selling, prospecting, and other aspects of the promotional salesperson's life.
From time-to-time there is a commercial for his product line which can be viewed at http://www.californiasprings.com. He explains, "This blog is just for teaching and coaching. Hopefully, some will find it to be a good resource for their careers."
"In most businesses, you pitch the quality and the utility. When it comes to promotional products, your selling the glitz or the fun or the space available for a logo." That's not the only difference according to Kirk.
"Every sale is starting over. The customer may have used hats last year, so now she wants to use anything but hats. Or if she does want hats, she's going to put the purchase out to bid."Kirk has a blog, http://www.advertisingspecialty.blogspot.com that gives totally free ideas on selling, prospecting, and other aspects of the promotional salesperson's life.
From time-to-time there is a commercial for his product line which can be viewed at http://www.californiasprings.com. He explains, "This blog is just for teaching and coaching. Hopefully, some will find it to be a good resource for their careers."
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
A blog to visit
A good blog to visit. http://www.advertisingspecialty.blogspot.com
Randy W. Kirk
Location:United States
President of ASI 30111, manufacturer of California Springs Water Bottles. Married to Pam with 4 kids and 2 grandchildren. Author of 5 business books with another one coming in Feb 2006.
Randy W. Kirk
Location:United States
President of ASI 30111, manufacturer of California Springs Water Bottles. Married to Pam with 4 kids and 2 grandchildren. Author of 5 business books with another one coming in Feb 2006.
Saturday, May 14, 2005
The Power of Beliefs
Years ago I had the opportunity to meet a woman who reinforced my understanding of the power of beliefs. A woman who is probably one of the most powerful individuals I will ever encounter. I met Chris in 1986 while taking the Dale Carnegie course in Santa Rosa, California.
Although not in class the first week of a twelve-week training; Chris showed up during the second week. Class was well under way when Chris walked into the room. Actually, she didn’t really walk into the room; she dragged herself in, supported by a pair of metal crutches. Chris has Cerebral Palsy, which she lived with all her life.
Chris had an extremely difficult time communicating with others. This was not due to lack of desire, but because for most of her twenty-one years of life she had been kept in a room with no more than Elvis records and tapes to entertain her. No one had taken the time to assist her in developing the ability to communicate. No one except Bonnie, her current caretaker. It was Bonnie who knew there was much more to Chris than anyone ever gave her credit for.
When asked by the instructor what her goal for the twelve-week course was, Chris struggled to respond and became frustrated and angry in the process. Chris had a very short fuse when it came to frustration because for most of her life no one would listen to her. The only way she knew to get someone to listen was through temper tantrums.
We discovered her goal was to be able to stand, by herself, in front of forty-five people and tell us about herself. With Bonnie as her interpreter, Chris conveyed this desire to a room full of business professionals.
To the amazement of everyone in the class, on the twelfth week, Chris stood in front of the room and shared with us, in her own words, what her life had been like for her. It was one of the most beautiful and enlightening experiences I have ever witnessed. Here was a woman who had, in many ways, been thrown away. And yet, she had a determination, commitment and belief that she could accomplish more in her life and she did. She also had the love and support of forty five friends, who weeks before had been strangers complete strangers.
What we all witnessed through Chris’ courage, is that life is created moment by moment based on our beliefs. Beliefs that can empower beyond our wildest dreams.
Our beliefs are developed on both a conscious and subconscious level. As our beliefs change our experiences change. And as our experiences change, so do our beliefs.
Beliefs are relevant to both our personal and professional direction. What are the beliefs that will carry you to places you have yet to explore?
Kathleen Gage is a keynote speaker and business advisor based out of Draper, Utah. She is the author of several books including Message of Hope, Inspiring Thoughts for Uncertain Times. To sign up for Kathleen’s free weekly inspirational thoughts visit http://www.turningpointpresents.com/messageofhope.htm
Although not in class the first week of a twelve-week training; Chris showed up during the second week. Class was well under way when Chris walked into the room. Actually, she didn’t really walk into the room; she dragged herself in, supported by a pair of metal crutches. Chris has Cerebral Palsy, which she lived with all her life.
Chris had an extremely difficult time communicating with others. This was not due to lack of desire, but because for most of her twenty-one years of life she had been kept in a room with no more than Elvis records and tapes to entertain her. No one had taken the time to assist her in developing the ability to communicate. No one except Bonnie, her current caretaker. It was Bonnie who knew there was much more to Chris than anyone ever gave her credit for.
When asked by the instructor what her goal for the twelve-week course was, Chris struggled to respond and became frustrated and angry in the process. Chris had a very short fuse when it came to frustration because for most of her life no one would listen to her. The only way she knew to get someone to listen was through temper tantrums.
We discovered her goal was to be able to stand, by herself, in front of forty-five people and tell us about herself. With Bonnie as her interpreter, Chris conveyed this desire to a room full of business professionals.
To the amazement of everyone in the class, on the twelfth week, Chris stood in front of the room and shared with us, in her own words, what her life had been like for her. It was one of the most beautiful and enlightening experiences I have ever witnessed. Here was a woman who had, in many ways, been thrown away. And yet, she had a determination, commitment and belief that she could accomplish more in her life and she did. She also had the love and support of forty five friends, who weeks before had been strangers complete strangers.
What we all witnessed through Chris’ courage, is that life is created moment by moment based on our beliefs. Beliefs that can empower beyond our wildest dreams.
Our beliefs are developed on both a conscious and subconscious level. As our beliefs change our experiences change. And as our experiences change, so do our beliefs.
Beliefs are relevant to both our personal and professional direction. What are the beliefs that will carry you to places you have yet to explore?
Kathleen Gage is a keynote speaker and business advisor based out of Draper, Utah. She is the author of several books including Message of Hope, Inspiring Thoughts for Uncertain Times. To sign up for Kathleen’s free weekly inspirational thoughts visit http://www.turningpointpresents.com/messageofhope.htm
Making Money With the Internet Seminar Back by Request
Due to an overwhelming response from the last training session I offered entitled - Making Money With the Internet - I have decided to offer an enhanced version of the seminar on Tuesday, June 14, 2005 from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
There's just one problem - I am limited in the number of folks I can accommodate. Last time we had seating for over 200 and we filled up within a few days. This time I have only 100 seats available and anticipate filling up even quicker than before.
If you are interested in learning how to utilize the power of the Internet in your marketing then sign up today. You are in for an incredible learning experience.
This session is not designed for "tech heads." Rather, it is for small and home based business folks who want to understand proven strategies to drive traffic to your website and increase your market reach and revenues. It is about the Marketing Mindset as it applies to the Internet and your overall marketing.
Sign up now http://www.turningpointpresents.com/june14thregistration.htm
A portion of what you will learn is...
-How to use the Internet in your overall marketing
-Extremely cost effective web design and maintenance resources.
--How to gain unbelievable visibility with your market
-One often overlooked strategy that can increase your reach tenfold
-Insider secrets that are guaranteed to increase your revenues regardless of your product or service
-3 proven strategies to improve your web presence almost immediately
-What you must avoid doing if you want to be taken seriously in the game of Internet marketing
And much more.
This session is designed to fast track anyone who is serious about taking their business to the next level through the power of the Internet.
Here are the particulars...
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Registration 8:30 - 8:45 a.m
Training 9:00 - 11 a.m.
SLCC Miller Center
9750 South 300 West
We will be in the main building (closest to the freeway). Parking is available on both sides of the building.
In order to accommodate everyone, if you are planning on bringing anyone else please have them sign up too.
Sign up now http://www.turningpointpresents.com/june14thregistration.htm
There's just one problem - I am limited in the number of folks I can accommodate. Last time we had seating for over 200 and we filled up within a few days. This time I have only 100 seats available and anticipate filling up even quicker than before.
If you are interested in learning how to utilize the power of the Internet in your marketing then sign up today. You are in for an incredible learning experience.
This session is not designed for "tech heads." Rather, it is for small and home based business folks who want to understand proven strategies to drive traffic to your website and increase your market reach and revenues. It is about the Marketing Mindset as it applies to the Internet and your overall marketing.
Sign up now http://www.turningpointpresents.com/june14thregistration.htm
A portion of what you will learn is...
-How to use the Internet in your overall marketing
-Extremely cost effective web design and maintenance resources.
--How to gain unbelievable visibility with your market
-One often overlooked strategy that can increase your reach tenfold
-Insider secrets that are guaranteed to increase your revenues regardless of your product or service
-3 proven strategies to improve your web presence almost immediately
-What you must avoid doing if you want to be taken seriously in the game of Internet marketing
And much more.
This session is designed to fast track anyone who is serious about taking their business to the next level through the power of the Internet.
Here are the particulars...
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Registration 8:30 - 8:45 a.m
Training 9:00 - 11 a.m.
SLCC Miller Center
9750 South 300 West
We will be in the main building (closest to the freeway). Parking is available on both sides of the building.
In order to accommodate everyone, if you are planning on bringing anyone else please have them sign up too.
Sign up now http://www.turningpointpresents.com/june14thregistration.htm
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