The key elements of matrix marketing have always SEEMED like a great way to create a successful perpetual income. But whenever that blueprint has been transferred to real life, some unforeseen element causes it to fail. Why?That's the question Thom Thompson of Our Power Forced Matrix (OPFM), asked himself. Before he began OPFM, he was an instructor in internet marketing and knew more about the dynamics of successful marketing than most...more
To start seeing remarkable success, you must make time for marketing. Many people tend to make their marketing a low priority. Instead of including it as a part of your weekly routine, you may find yourself scrambling to try and find customers only when you are already slow.Or, you may focus on marketing only after all of your e-mails answered, professional newsletters read, clients called back, and deadlines met. These things are VERY important....more
If you hate cold calling, and even if you don't, you should start capitalizing on the work you've already done.So often we don't utilize one of the most persuasive selling components in our marketing materials - the words of our own clients. Many creative people have wonderful testimonials from clients, but never use them for fear that they are "bragging" or that it is "too self promotional."Well of course it's self promotional! That's what good marketing is!When you are finished a project for a client, why not capture that moment in the client's own words to use for showing potential clients the value of your services? Testimonials are even more crucial for creative businesses because it is more difficult for the average person to set a value on most arts related items and services. Seeing others talk about the value of working with you will help them more readily understand the value of your work. If your client doesn't come running to you with a testimonial, then ask her for one. There is nothing wrong with that and most clients are honored you asked them.The best testimonials are ones that show a measurable goal has been reached and uses...more
Abstract: Hiring continues to be key to a company's success. Hiring the right staff - with the skills AND characteristics required for success - requires behavioral event interviewing. This article provides insights into effective interviewing and hiring.In today's competitive environment, hiring has increasingly become a key link in...more
Abstract: People buy for their reasons, not yours. This article covers the key elements that prospects want to hear you talk about. Always, but especially during lean times, effective sales professionals know the importance of communicating value. Budgets - if they ever were discretionary - are tighter. Business customers are being asked to do...more
By learning to speak to a diverse audience, you can broaden your client base transfer the learning to more people. We need to be more "PC". Were not talking "political correctness", were talking "Positively Conscious", of who is in our audience and understanding how to make people feel included. The more people feel included, the more they will listen to you, use your information and come back for more. If you offend people they will shut down and you will lose them.1) Use words that include rather than exclude. While some women don't mind being called ladies, in a professional setting the word women is more appropriate. Be "positively conscious" of pronouns when discussing hypothetical cases. I have been inn workshops where the facilitator spoke as though all managers were "he" and all administrative support were "she". Metaphors are very effective. Remember to mix them. Don't use only sports metaphors. Have a balance. In Europe when they think of football they think of soccer. Be aware that people have different abilities. Instead of telling everyone to stand, you might say everyone who is able please stand, and have a way for others to participate in the exercise. 2)...more
In challenging times, sometimes your boss's behavior becomes erratic. She may overmanage or undermanage you and your work. She may lose sight of all the things you are working on. You may not be sure what your boss's priorities are; they...more
I've had the pleasure and honor to meet some of the world's greatest leaders and leadership gurus. From Sir Richard Branson, General Tommy Franks, and Captain Mike Abrashoff to Dr. Warren Bennis, Dr. Henry Mintzberg, and Tom Peters. And I...more
It's time to beat the old bad customer service drum again. I know, I'm sick of beating the drum, too, but as long as bad customer service runs rampant through so many businesses I feel it is my entrepreneurial duty to bring it to your...more
If there is not enough diversity in your employee base or there is high turnover with certain groups of employees, your organization will not be able to leverage the power of diversity. Building diversity in a company through recruiting and retention...more
Abstract: Delegation is art and science. Effective leaders know when and how to delegate in order to 1) get more done and 2) develop people. This article provides tips for effective delegation.As a project leader, manager, or business owner, you...more
Real estate success? It happens by way of the many things you repeatedly do right, and it is your habits that ensure they get done. Here are some habits to develop for your real estate investing success.Ask for people's names, and tell them...more