Before investing a lot of time and effort developing products, you absolutely must find out what your market wants. Far too often, people develop a product without finding out if their market is really "hungry" for the information. Then they are surprised when their "Million Dollar Idea" doesn't make any money.
When you can find an unserved or underserved need that your market has you are on track.
If you don't know what your market wants, ask.
Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker and Author
http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com
Friday, December 22, 2006
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
What are the laws around Can Spam?
Most people have heard there are laws about spam emailing. Yet, many have no clue what the laws are.
To get a very detailed overview go to http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/canspam.htm
To get a very detailed overview go to http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/canspam.htm
Friday, December 15, 2006
Keep it fresh
If you want people to visit your site on a regular basis, you must make it "sticky". One way to do that is have fresh content.
Regularly updating information can be time consuming. Time you may not have. One way to add fresh content is through a free resource called Fresh Content.
With a simple Java Script that you add to you page, you can be off and running with fresh content that is updated on a regular basis.
http://www.freshcontent.net
Take a look to see if this is something that would benefit you.
My best
Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker and Author
www.kathleengage.com
Marketing Trainer
Women's achievement speaker
Regularly updating information can be time consuming. Time you may not have. One way to add fresh content is through a free resource called Fresh Content.
With a simple Java Script that you add to you page, you can be off and running with fresh content that is updated on a regular basis.
http://www.freshcontent.net
Take a look to see if this is something that would benefit you.
My best
Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker and Author
www.kathleengage.com
Marketing Trainer
Women's achievement speaker
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Resources for teleconferences
Teleconferences are fast becoming one of the most valuable market strategies you can use to increase your market position, your opt-in subscriber list and your profit margins. You can quickly become known as an expert in your field and with your market through the power of teleconferences.
With the right marketing strategies you can have hundreds of people register for your calls with very little out of pocket money.
Additionally, hosting a call does not have to be a costly venture. You will need a reliable bridge line.
There are a number of free services for bridge line.
Here are two:
http://www.freeconferencecall.com
http://www.freeaudioconferencing.com/
It is a good idea to record your call. This provides you the opportunity to send the link to the recording to anyone who could not make it on the call. Many of the conference services provide recording opportunities.
To record your own call you can use a recording device from your computer or you can use a service like http://www.audioacrobat.com/
If you have not yet utilized the power of Teleconferences this may be a perfect time to begin.
My best
Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker and Author
www.kathleengage.com
Marketing Trainer
Women's achievement speaker
With the right marketing strategies you can have hundreds of people register for your calls with very little out of pocket money.
Additionally, hosting a call does not have to be a costly venture. You will need a reliable bridge line.
There are a number of free services for bridge line.
Here are two:
http://www.freeconferencecall.com
http://www.freeaudioconferencing.com/
It is a good idea to record your call. This provides you the opportunity to send the link to the recording to anyone who could not make it on the call. Many of the conference services provide recording opportunities.
To record your own call you can use a recording device from your computer or you can use a service like http://www.audioacrobat.com/
If you have not yet utilized the power of Teleconferences this may be a perfect time to begin.
My best
Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker and Author
www.kathleengage.com
Marketing Trainer
Women's achievement speaker
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Google alerts can alert you to great information
To find out what is going on in your industry or field you can get daily updates by seeing up a Google Alerts notification.
You can also find out when information about you is being posted on the Internet.
Simply go to http://www.google.com/alerts to set up the notification.
If you want to narrow the search put " " marks around the topic or subject matter.
For example to find out what is being posted on Kathleen Gage I simply set it up to send me the information by keying in "Kathleen Gage"
Under type, I put Comprehensive
Under how often, I put daily. If you put as it happens you may be overwhelmed with the amount of information you receive.
My best
Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker and Author
www.kathleengage.com
Marketing Trainer
Women's achievement speaker
You can also find out when information about you is being posted on the Internet.
Simply go to http://www.google.com/alerts to set up the notification.
If you want to narrow the search put " " marks around the topic or subject matter.
For example to find out what is being posted on Kathleen Gage I simply set it up to send me the information by keying in "Kathleen Gage"
Under type, I put Comprehensive
Under how often, I put daily. If you put as it happens you may be overwhelmed with the amount of information you receive.
My best
Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Speaker and Author
www.kathleengage.com
Marketing Trainer
Women's achievement speaker
Keys To Knowing Your Market
Recently, I facilitated a workshop on how to market a business. I asked participants who their market is. Many responded with, “Everyone!” I’ve got news for you, not everyone is your market. If this is your thinking you are headed for trouble – double time. No business can be all things to all people. You will do better to think in terms of expanding your ability to reach specific customers and satisfy their particular needs.
Although marketing does involve a great deal of creativity, it also requires incredible logic and systems. Unfortunately, many people focus primarily on the creativity with little, if any, logic. Prior to investing too much time or money on your marketing and PR, it is essential to understand who you will be marketing to. You can save countless hours of frustration and vast amounts of money by being clear on who wants to buy your product or service, how they want to buy and where they are.
Regardless of what your product or service is, you must identify your customers and understand as much as possible about what they want and why they would do business with you. Ask yourself the following questions:
Why would they do business with you?
What is the benefit you bring to them?
What makes you unique?
Who are they?
Where do they live?
Where do they hang out?
The process of finding your customers/clients doesn’t have to be difficult, nor does it need to cost a lot of money. However, it does require that you find out as much as you can about who they are. The more you know the more focused your marketing efforts can be. The more focused your efforts, the better your outcome.
Demographics - Who are they? The place to begin is to analyze your current customer base. Describe them. What is their income level? What are their interests? What encouraged them to buy from you? What publications do they read? What associations do they belong to? What charities are they involved with? How old are they? What is their marital status? Are they of an alternative lifestyle? Where do they live and what area of town do they live in? How do they like to spend their spare time? What are their hobbies? What are their spending habits? Where do they go on vacation? How do they like information communicated to them?
Another thing to consider is their generation. In other words, are they the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Y Generation or the Millennium Generation?
For example, Generation X people were born from 1961 – 1981, their ages range from 20 – 34 or 35. There are approximately 93 million people in this age group. They have the remote in one hand a mouse in the other. They spend $125 billion annually eating out, buying clothes, and taking vacations. They are creative, techno savvy, independent, and energetic when tapped into their passion.
The Silent Generation in America was born between 1925 and 1942. Over half this group is retired at this point. By 2010 there will be few, if any, of this generation in command of an industry. They will mostly have gone well into more silence. Depending on their financial status will determine their spending habits.
What cultural influences do your customers have? Are they extremely wed to the Internet or do they prefer to read newspapers? Do they have an active lifestyle or is their idea of a lot of activity getting up to change the channel on television rather than use the remote? Are they bilingual and bicultural? The answers are key in determining how to market to them.
Customer needs – Consider reasons people buy your product or service. For example, if they are going to purchase a car, what is the motivating factor for them? Are they interested in the features or the benefits? Features would be the tires, gas mileage, size of engine, air bags, etc. Benefits would include things like low risk of harm coming to you or your loved ones due to the type of tires you have. Another benefit could be the money you can spend on other things due the savings you will realize because of great gas mileage. Another benefit could be a feeling of power due to the size of the engine.
Geographic region – Where does you target market live? Based on geographic region, what are their lifestyle habits? For example, if they live in an extremely cold climate, their level and type of outdoor activity will be different than someone who lives in a warmer climate.
These are just some of the areas you will want to consider as you develop a marketing campaign. Again, the more you know about your customer and target market, the more efficient your campaign can be. And the more efficient the campaign, the more cost effective.
Kathleen Gage is a bestselling author, keynote speaker and corporate trainer who works with individuals and organizations who want to increase their market position, sales and level of achievement. Access her free ebook STREET SMARTS EMARKETING Click http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/free-ebook.htm
Although marketing does involve a great deal of creativity, it also requires incredible logic and systems. Unfortunately, many people focus primarily on the creativity with little, if any, logic. Prior to investing too much time or money on your marketing and PR, it is essential to understand who you will be marketing to. You can save countless hours of frustration and vast amounts of money by being clear on who wants to buy your product or service, how they want to buy and where they are.
Regardless of what your product or service is, you must identify your customers and understand as much as possible about what they want and why they would do business with you. Ask yourself the following questions:
Why would they do business with you?
What is the benefit you bring to them?
What makes you unique?
Who are they?
Where do they live?
Where do they hang out?
The process of finding your customers/clients doesn’t have to be difficult, nor does it need to cost a lot of money. However, it does require that you find out as much as you can about who they are. The more you know the more focused your marketing efforts can be. The more focused your efforts, the better your outcome.
Demographics - Who are they? The place to begin is to analyze your current customer base. Describe them. What is their income level? What are their interests? What encouraged them to buy from you? What publications do they read? What associations do they belong to? What charities are they involved with? How old are they? What is their marital status? Are they of an alternative lifestyle? Where do they live and what area of town do they live in? How do they like to spend their spare time? What are their hobbies? What are their spending habits? Where do they go on vacation? How do they like information communicated to them?
Another thing to consider is their generation. In other words, are they the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Y Generation or the Millennium Generation?
For example, Generation X people were born from 1961 – 1981, their ages range from 20 – 34 or 35. There are approximately 93 million people in this age group. They have the remote in one hand a mouse in the other. They spend $125 billion annually eating out, buying clothes, and taking vacations. They are creative, techno savvy, independent, and energetic when tapped into their passion.
The Silent Generation in America was born between 1925 and 1942. Over half this group is retired at this point. By 2010 there will be few, if any, of this generation in command of an industry. They will mostly have gone well into more silence. Depending on their financial status will determine their spending habits.
What cultural influences do your customers have? Are they extremely wed to the Internet or do they prefer to read newspapers? Do they have an active lifestyle or is their idea of a lot of activity getting up to change the channel on television rather than use the remote? Are they bilingual and bicultural? The answers are key in determining how to market to them.
Customer needs – Consider reasons people buy your product or service. For example, if they are going to purchase a car, what is the motivating factor for them? Are they interested in the features or the benefits? Features would be the tires, gas mileage, size of engine, air bags, etc. Benefits would include things like low risk of harm coming to you or your loved ones due to the type of tires you have. Another benefit could be the money you can spend on other things due the savings you will realize because of great gas mileage. Another benefit could be a feeling of power due to the size of the engine.
Geographic region – Where does you target market live? Based on geographic region, what are their lifestyle habits? For example, if they live in an extremely cold climate, their level and type of outdoor activity will be different than someone who lives in a warmer climate.
These are just some of the areas you will want to consider as you develop a marketing campaign. Again, the more you know about your customer and target market, the more efficient your campaign can be. And the more efficient the campaign, the more cost effective.
Kathleen Gage is a bestselling author, keynote speaker and corporate trainer who works with individuals and organizations who want to increase their market position, sales and level of achievement. Access her free ebook STREET SMARTS EMARKETING Click http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/free-ebook.htm
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Invest in Your Development
Wherever you look there are free resources on just about any
topic you can obtain. With enough time and effort you can find
just about anything for free. Fact is, although you may think
you are saving money, you may be wasting countless hours
searching for something you would be better off paying for.
It's really a matter of what your time is worth.
As you grow your business, whether it be a brick and mortar or
an Internet based business, evaluate your ROI – return on
investment for time spent trying to save a few dollars. You may
find you are actually losing money for all the time spent to
save a few bucks.
Most successful business professionals invest heavily into
their professional development. They know the importance of
continually staying on the leading edge of their industry. And they are
willing to pay for it.
topic you can obtain. With enough time and effort you can find
just about anything for free. Fact is, although you may think
you are saving money, you may be wasting countless hours
searching for something you would be better off paying for.
It's really a matter of what your time is worth.
As you grow your business, whether it be a brick and mortar or
an Internet based business, evaluate your ROI – return on
investment for time spent trying to save a few dollars. You may
find you are actually losing money for all the time spent to
save a few bucks.
Most successful business professionals invest heavily into
their professional development. They know the importance of
continually staying on the leading edge of their industry. And they are
willing to pay for it.
Getting traffic to your blog
I found an excellent resource on how to get traffic to your blog. As with anything, driving traffic is a proactive process.
Read more at
http://paulstamatiou.com/2005/11/03/how-to-boost-your-blog-traffic/
My best to you for your continued success
Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Marketer and Speaker
Read more at
http://paulstamatiou.com/2005/11/03/how-to-boost-your-blog-traffic/
My best to you for your continued success
Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Marketer and Speaker
Saturday, December 02, 2006
December Issue of Street Smarts Marketing Ezine Ready
Enjoy lots of free gifts and bonuses in my December issue of Street Smarts Marketing Newsletter.
http://www.turningpointpresents.com/newsletters/enewsdecember2006.htm
http://www.turningpointpresents.com/newsletters/enewsdecember2006.htm
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Write, Publish and Market a Book with no out of pocket money
Discover how to Write, Publish and Market a Book with No Out of Pocket Expense
Do you want to write a book, but don't know where to start?
Wondering what it takes to get your book published?
Confused about how to effectively market your book?
Not sure how you will fund a book campaign?
If you answered Yes to any of these questions, join me on
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
5 - 6 p.m. PST
for a FREE Teleconference
Very limited space. sign up now!
http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/teleconferencespeakers.htm
Discover how to write, market and publish a book with no out of pocket expense
Learn proven strategies to complete a manuscript in 60 - 90 days
Discover how to sell thousands of dollars worth of books before your book is even published
Find out the amazing benefits to self-publishing your book
Learn the benefits of publishing both hard copy books and eBooks
Learn about the power and profit that comes from being an established author in your market
Do you want to write a book, but don't know where to start?
Wondering what it takes to get your book published?
Confused about how to effectively market your book?
Not sure how you will fund a book campaign?
If you answered Yes to any of these questions, join me on
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
5 - 6 p.m. PST
for a FREE Teleconference
Very limited space. sign up now!
http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/teleconferencespeakers.htm
Discover how to write, market and publish a book with no out of pocket expense
Learn proven strategies to complete a manuscript in 60 - 90 days
Discover how to sell thousands of dollars worth of books before your book is even published
Find out the amazing benefits to self-publishing your book
Learn the benefits of publishing both hard copy books and eBooks
Learn about the power and profit that comes from being an established author in your market
An interview of a different type
I had the opportunity to be interviewed by Amy Scott Grant for the 99 Ways to Wealth website. This interview has nothing to do with marketing and everything to do with my spirit.
Enjoy
http://99waystowealth.com/kg_intvu.html
Kathleen Gage
Enjoy
http://99waystowealth.com/kg_intvu.html
Kathleen Gage
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Join me for a teleconference on Internet Marketing
If you are looking for effective, tried and true ways of utilizing the Internet in your overall marketing then you will want to join me on November 15, 2006 for a one hour session called Making Money with the Internet.
http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/teleconferenceOR.htm
This will be a very content filled hour.
Kathleen Gage
http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/teleconferenceOR.htm
This will be a very content filled hour.
Kathleen Gage
Monday, August 14, 2006
Visibility Creates Credibility
The more visible you are within your target market, the more credibility you create. Familiarity breeds credibility. Key here is to be very clear on who your target market is. It is easier and more cost effective to create visibility within a target market than it is to be all things to all people. As the saying goes, “If everyone is your market, then no one is your market.”
Take time to determine specifically who your market is and who you would ideally like to do business with. The clearer you become, the more business you attract and the more enjoyable that business becomes.
Kathleen Gage
http://www.kathleengage.com
Take time to determine specifically who your market is and who you would ideally like to do business with. The clearer you become, the more business you attract and the more enjoyable that business becomes.
Kathleen Gage
http://www.kathleengage.com
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Making Money with the Internet
Have you ever wondered if you can really make money using the Internet. Yes! You can. But it is a process and it takes time and skill. Yet, even if you have no knowledge right now you can learn.
Join me on Thursday, August 17, 2006 for my FREE teleconference Making Money with the Internet.
http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/teleconferenceOR.htm
Find out how I became an Amazon.com bestselling author in less than 24 hours.
Joint Venture Partnerships Increase Book Sales
A great way to sell lots of books through Amazon is to develop Joint Venture Partnerships with a cross-section of experts. Each expert offers bonus products to those who buy your book. Partners also agree to send out a message on a specific day via email, blogs, or Ezines encouraging their readers to visit a webpage to purchase your book and enjoy the bonus gifts. Bonus products can be eBooks, teleconferences, MP3 files or anything that is electronically accessed after the purchase. Once the book is purchased, buyers are given a special link with all the offers. They pick and choose according to their needs and interest. Buyers will most likely be required to fill out a download form with their name and email address for any of the gifts they choose. The benefit to you in this type of campaign is other experts are helping to spread the word about your book. The benefit to your Joint Venture Partners is they gain visibility to thousands of other people and increase their database numbers with qualified leads from those who download their offer.
Learn more about this strategy during my free teleconference, Making Money With the Internet, Thursday August 17, 2006 Visit http://www.http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/teleconferenceOR.htm to learn more and to register.
Learn more about this strategy during my free teleconference, Making Money With the Internet, Thursday August 17, 2006 Visit http://www.http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/teleconferenceOR.htm to learn more and to register.
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Discover Insider Secrets to Making Money with the Internet! FREE Teleconference
Success strategies for Entrepreneurs, Professional Speakers, Authors and Consultants.
Thursday August 17, 2006
4 - 5 p.m. PST
FREE Teleseminar
Very limited spaces. sign up now!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discover how to drive highly qualified traffic to your website
Find out how to turn visitors into paying customers
Learn strategies to instantly become known as an expert in your market
Discover 3 surefire no-cost ways to market on the Net
Understand the incredible power and profit from high visibility on the Internet
Register Now - http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/teleconferenceOR.htm
Thursday August 17, 2006
4 - 5 p.m. PST
FREE Teleseminar
Very limited spaces. sign up now!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discover how to drive highly qualified traffic to your website
Find out how to turn visitors into paying customers
Learn strategies to instantly become known as an expert in your market
Discover 3 surefire no-cost ways to market on the Net
Understand the incredible power and profit from high visibility on the Internet
Register Now - http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/teleconferenceOR.htm
The Relocation Market Could Be a Goldmine for Your Business
With my recent move from Utah to Oregon, I had the opportunity to experience marketing from a powerful perspective: a consumer in need of numerous products and services. As I have been settling in, I realize what an incredible opportunity this is for countless businesses to increase revenues by tapping into the relocation market. Sadly, not many companies take full advantage of what could literally be a goldmine to their business.
Depending on the location of the move, some of the consumer needs may include: an accountant, carpenter, dentist, doctor, electrician, financial planner, gym, hair and nail salon, health food store, insurance agent, landscaper and plumber just to name a few. More and more people are moving hundreds, if not thousands of miles.
Ask yourself this question: “Is it a wise business decision to tap into the ever increasing mobility of consumers or is it better to let this segment of the buying public pass me by?”
I have been intrigued by my own process of selecting potential vendors and my decision to either do business with them or not during my move.
Admittedly, I chose to initially call various vendors based on the different marketing strategies they used. This reinforced the understanding that there is not one particular way to market. Some businesses will benefit from a strong Internet presence, coupons, yellow page ads, newspaper ads, television and/or direct mail, while others will greatly benefit from building a strong referral network.
Once I put an offer in on my new home, I needed to find an insurance agent. The process was made simple by doing a web search for someone within the same insurance company we have been with for decades. I found the name and number of an agent in Eugene, called her and immediately realized this might be someone I would be happy to do business with.
Not only did Christine Dambach of Farmer’s Insurance in Eugene answer all my insurance questions, she inquired as to other needs I had in moving to a completely unfamiliar area. Within a few hours she emailed me a lot of great information. The names and numbers of these companies and individuals definitely made the transition easier.
I found that her level of service is far superior to just about any vendor I have done business with. Not only did she help us before we made our move, she also made arrangements for a welcome gift basket to be waiting for us upon arrival at our new location. That completely surprised me and made me realize I made a great choice in selecting her.
Our new home is a 1938 farmhouse sitting on several acres. The home has a very distinct personality. My goal is to keep any upgrades and improvements in theme with the era and character.
As vendor after vendor bid on jobs, some were very aware of this fact, while others totally ignored this essential piece of information. Our fence builder, Folsom Family Construction, paid close attention to the look and feel of the fence matching our vision. Another builder completely ignored the era of the home and drew up plans for a very modern deck and barn. Although they were beautiful ideas, it did not fit the theme we wanted. For this reason we went with another vendor for the deck.
The company that we hired to install the indoor window coverings didn’t miss a beat as they stayed within our theme. They paid more attention to what our desires were than any of the three companies who bid on the job. And in doing so, we made a purchase that was greater than we had originally intended.
The common thread tying all of this together is that the vendors I ended up choosing all kept in mind what my needs were and chose the product or services they offered that would best match that need.
As you think about your customers’ needs are you paying attention to what they are conveying, whether verbally or not? Are you matching your services with their needs? When dealing with prospects and clients keep in mind that it is what is important to them, not to you. If what they want and what you offer is a match, it is very likely you will get their business.
Kathleen Gage is a bestselling author, keynote speaker and coach working with people who want to gain massive visibility on the Internet. Access Gage’s FREE eBook Street Smarts eMarketing Tips Guaranteed to Jump Start Your Internet Presence to Put You Miles Ahead of the Competition at http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/free-ebook.htm
Depending on the location of the move, some of the consumer needs may include: an accountant, carpenter, dentist, doctor, electrician, financial planner, gym, hair and nail salon, health food store, insurance agent, landscaper and plumber just to name a few. More and more people are moving hundreds, if not thousands of miles.
Ask yourself this question: “Is it a wise business decision to tap into the ever increasing mobility of consumers or is it better to let this segment of the buying public pass me by?”
I have been intrigued by my own process of selecting potential vendors and my decision to either do business with them or not during my move.
Admittedly, I chose to initially call various vendors based on the different marketing strategies they used. This reinforced the understanding that there is not one particular way to market. Some businesses will benefit from a strong Internet presence, coupons, yellow page ads, newspaper ads, television and/or direct mail, while others will greatly benefit from building a strong referral network.
Once I put an offer in on my new home, I needed to find an insurance agent. The process was made simple by doing a web search for someone within the same insurance company we have been with for decades. I found the name and number of an agent in Eugene, called her and immediately realized this might be someone I would be happy to do business with.
Not only did Christine Dambach of Farmer’s Insurance in Eugene answer all my insurance questions, she inquired as to other needs I had in moving to a completely unfamiliar area. Within a few hours she emailed me a lot of great information. The names and numbers of these companies and individuals definitely made the transition easier.
I found that her level of service is far superior to just about any vendor I have done business with. Not only did she help us before we made our move, she also made arrangements for a welcome gift basket to be waiting for us upon arrival at our new location. That completely surprised me and made me realize I made a great choice in selecting her.
Our new home is a 1938 farmhouse sitting on several acres. The home has a very distinct personality. My goal is to keep any upgrades and improvements in theme with the era and character.
As vendor after vendor bid on jobs, some were very aware of this fact, while others totally ignored this essential piece of information. Our fence builder, Folsom Family Construction, paid close attention to the look and feel of the fence matching our vision. Another builder completely ignored the era of the home and drew up plans for a very modern deck and barn. Although they were beautiful ideas, it did not fit the theme we wanted. For this reason we went with another vendor for the deck.
The company that we hired to install the indoor window coverings didn’t miss a beat as they stayed within our theme. They paid more attention to what our desires were than any of the three companies who bid on the job. And in doing so, we made a purchase that was greater than we had originally intended.
The common thread tying all of this together is that the vendors I ended up choosing all kept in mind what my needs were and chose the product or services they offered that would best match that need.
As you think about your customers’ needs are you paying attention to what they are conveying, whether verbally or not? Are you matching your services with their needs? When dealing with prospects and clients keep in mind that it is what is important to them, not to you. If what they want and what you offer is a match, it is very likely you will get their business.
Kathleen Gage is a bestselling author, keynote speaker and coach working with people who want to gain massive visibility on the Internet. Access Gage’s FREE eBook Street Smarts eMarketing Tips Guaranteed to Jump Start Your Internet Presence to Put You Miles Ahead of the Competition at http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/free-ebook.htm
Thursday, July 13, 2006
What Would it Take for Your Clients to Sing Your Praise?
One of the most effective ways to build your business is when others willingly promote you and your company. A recommendation from a trusted colleague, friend or family member can do wonders to increase revenues while keeping advertising, promotions and overall marketing costs down.
Regardless of your industry, service or product, your job is to create an experience that the client feels good about. People feel good when they are treated according to their own standards rather than someone else’s. When people feel good they tend to tell others.
When someone decides to do business with you, there are often many assumptions they make in regards to the level of service, communication, follow up and response time you offer. Your job is to find out what the client wants and what will make them happy. Many deals have gone sour due to misunderstandings that could have easily been avoided by knowing their client’s expectations.
Two great examples come from my recent decision to relocate. Although I dealt with several vendors throughout the process, these two in particular are worth sharing about.
My decision to hire my realtor, Darlene Dipo of Distinctive Properties, was based on a number of factors: her reputation, respect of others, how she treats her staff and her level of expertise and skill. I have never doubted my decision for a minute.
Not only did she meet my expectations, she exceeded them. She addressed common concerns a home seller has as well as addressing some I didn’t even think about. She kept me fully informed throughout the process of listing my home, finding a buyer, signing the papers, and closing the deal. It was the smoothest home selling experience I could imagine.
Once my home was sold (which took only 3 days), it was time to arrange for movers. I wanted a vendor who would take a personal interest in my move. Within days of my home being listed, I received postcards from several moving companies. I called three.
The first moving company sales rep arrived late for his appointment. Not a good start. Regardless, we had a very nice chat, his prices met my expectation, and he seemed to think he could handle the job. He never called back after the initial visit so he lost my business.
The second company took my information over the phone then sent me a bid via email. Not once did they visit me to see what I was moving. I did not receive a follow up call. Their pricing was similar to the first company and yet, with so little personal contact, my decision was not to use their services either.
The third company surpassed my expectations from the start. Doug Shell of Sugarhouse Bekins was punctual; he didn’t rush through reviewing the details of the move; he addressed my concerns in a very sincere fashion and left me a full information package with a checklist of how to make my move easier. He called the following day to thank me for my time and answer any other questions.
A few days later he called to find out how things were going and let me know he would really like to do business with me. His question was, “What would I need to do to earn your business?”
I set another appointment with him to make sure I was making the correct choice and this meeting was as positive as the first. With his personal attention, his true desire to work with me, and his attention to detail, I chose to give him the business.
What made the difference in selecting both Darlene and Doug to do business with is their willingness to find out what my expectations were, answer all my questions, provide me with information requested, return calls and show up when they said they would and their follow up. If someone asked me for a referral to a great realtor or moving company, you can be sure they will be on the top of my list.
When I asked both Doug and Darlene how business is, both told me they are doing extremely well. It doesn’t surprise me. After all, I wonder how many of their overly satisfied clients are telling others that they are the ones to do business with.
What are your clients saying about you?
Kathleen Gage is an author, keynote speaker and trainer who works with organizations who want to increase their market position, sales and level of achievement by going beyond the obvious. Visit www.kathleengage.com
Regardless of your industry, service or product, your job is to create an experience that the client feels good about. People feel good when they are treated according to their own standards rather than someone else’s. When people feel good they tend to tell others.
When someone decides to do business with you, there are often many assumptions they make in regards to the level of service, communication, follow up and response time you offer. Your job is to find out what the client wants and what will make them happy. Many deals have gone sour due to misunderstandings that could have easily been avoided by knowing their client’s expectations.
Two great examples come from my recent decision to relocate. Although I dealt with several vendors throughout the process, these two in particular are worth sharing about.
My decision to hire my realtor, Darlene Dipo of Distinctive Properties, was based on a number of factors: her reputation, respect of others, how she treats her staff and her level of expertise and skill. I have never doubted my decision for a minute.
Not only did she meet my expectations, she exceeded them. She addressed common concerns a home seller has as well as addressing some I didn’t even think about. She kept me fully informed throughout the process of listing my home, finding a buyer, signing the papers, and closing the deal. It was the smoothest home selling experience I could imagine.
Once my home was sold (which took only 3 days), it was time to arrange for movers. I wanted a vendor who would take a personal interest in my move. Within days of my home being listed, I received postcards from several moving companies. I called three.
The first moving company sales rep arrived late for his appointment. Not a good start. Regardless, we had a very nice chat, his prices met my expectation, and he seemed to think he could handle the job. He never called back after the initial visit so he lost my business.
The second company took my information over the phone then sent me a bid via email. Not once did they visit me to see what I was moving. I did not receive a follow up call. Their pricing was similar to the first company and yet, with so little personal contact, my decision was not to use their services either.
The third company surpassed my expectations from the start. Doug Shell of Sugarhouse Bekins was punctual; he didn’t rush through reviewing the details of the move; he addressed my concerns in a very sincere fashion and left me a full information package with a checklist of how to make my move easier. He called the following day to thank me for my time and answer any other questions.
A few days later he called to find out how things were going and let me know he would really like to do business with me. His question was, “What would I need to do to earn your business?”
I set another appointment with him to make sure I was making the correct choice and this meeting was as positive as the first. With his personal attention, his true desire to work with me, and his attention to detail, I chose to give him the business.
What made the difference in selecting both Darlene and Doug to do business with is their willingness to find out what my expectations were, answer all my questions, provide me with information requested, return calls and show up when they said they would and their follow up. If someone asked me for a referral to a great realtor or moving company, you can be sure they will be on the top of my list.
When I asked both Doug and Darlene how business is, both told me they are doing extremely well. It doesn’t surprise me. After all, I wonder how many of their overly satisfied clients are telling others that they are the ones to do business with.
What are your clients saying about you?
Kathleen Gage is an author, keynote speaker and trainer who works with organizations who want to increase their market position, sales and level of achievement by going beyond the obvious. Visit www.kathleengage.com
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Law of Achievement Reaches #6 and climbing on Amazon
Did you know that at 211 degrees water is hot. At 212 degrees it boils. When water boils it creates steam and steam can power a train. A one degree difference can make all the difference.
The reason I share this with you is to let you know The Law of Achievement is within one degree of becoming the #1 best seller on Amazon.com today. It just reached best seller status by hitting #6 on Amazon.com. Yet, it is within one degree of reaching #1 best seller status. Which means even one book purchase can make a huge difference.
If you have already ordered your copy thank you very much. Both Lori and I appreciate it.
If you have not yet ordered the book you still have time to take advantage of all the bonus gifts (over ten thousand dollars worth) you will receive with your purchase and help us reach #1!
Thank you for helping us to reach our goal of raising lots of money for the Reading Rally and taking our book to #1.
http://www.lawofachievement.com/special.htm
Please forward this message to others so they too can get their own copy of The Law of Achievement and enjoy all the great bonuses.
With heartfelt appreciation.
Kathleen Gage and Lori Giovannoni
The reason I share this with you is to let you know The Law of Achievement is within one degree of becoming the #1 best seller on Amazon.com today. It just reached best seller status by hitting #6 on Amazon.com. Yet, it is within one degree of reaching #1 best seller status. Which means even one book purchase can make a huge difference.
If you have already ordered your copy thank you very much. Both Lori and I appreciate it.
If you have not yet ordered the book you still have time to take advantage of all the bonus gifts (over ten thousand dollars worth) you will receive with your purchase and help us reach #1!
Thank you for helping us to reach our goal of raising lots of money for the Reading Rally and taking our book to #1.
http://www.lawofachievement.com/special.htm
Please forward this message to others so they too can get their own copy of The Law of Achievement and enjoy all the great bonuses.
With heartfelt appreciation.
Kathleen Gage and Lori Giovannoni
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