Helping High Achieving Women
Listen Well, Communicate Better, Market Strategically, Lead Effectively & Network to Their Next Level
High Achieving Women

How to Develop a Personal Brand

Hello High-Achievers:

I received a call today, yes on Sunday from one of my corporate friends. Oh by the way I do not normally take calls on Sunday.

Here is what she asked, "Even though I am a career professional and not a business owner, I just realized that I should have a personal brand to identify myself as a professional in the customer service industry.  How do I develop a personal brand?"


Here is my response, “One of the best ways to develop a person brand is to identify the ‘value-add’ that you bring to the table which your competitors do not.  The value-add will separate you from your competitors and place you on the ‘sought after’ career list.  The four elements that you need to develop your personal brand are:

1.Personal Appearance (take into account your clothing choices, style not fashion, and personal hygiene)
2.Personality (includes your personal goals, and values)
3.Competencies (the skill sets that enable you to perform your job better than others)
4.Differentiator (the benefit you bring to the table or what makes you different from others)


Once you have defined the components of these four elements, your personal brand will evolve from combining personal appearance, personality, competencies and differentiators that set you apart.  Now that you have a well-developed personal brand statement, turn it into a story-like message that you can deliver over and over again. "
 
I also said, "Don’t forget that is important to get your name out there.  Start by meeting key people, either online or in-person in your field. Send them an email or a message via their web site or networking profile. You will be pleasantly surprised at the results that a quick email will bring.  If time permits volunteer in a capacity where you can utilize your skills and expertise.  This is a great way to gain exposure as an expert in your career field and a great resume building tool."


If your need a great resume, feel free to utilize my ‘resumes for success” service and if your need a career success coach give me a call 281.584.0348.

Also if you have more suggestions on career branding, please respond to the blog... your comments are welcomed!  

***************************

What you achieve while moving through all of your next levels, is as important as what you become when you are at your pinnacle level” by Dr. Laureen 



"If You Listen Better, You Will Communicate and Market Better, and With a Profit" Dr.Laureen

<< MORE >>

Marketing Yourself - How to Create Your Personal Value Statement

Hello High-Achieving Entrepreneur Women,


For those of you who do not know me, I am the Chief Solutionary Officer of Masterpiece Solutions, LLC.  Our company provides training in listening, communication, marketing, business strategy and networking skills to high-achieving women looking to move up to the next level in their careers and businesses.  We can help you improve your success and networking techniques.  We also offer virtual and laser coaching to female executives, female career professionals and women-owned businesses.  


We consistently receive calls from women like you who need answers to career and business related questions. They call us because we are known as the "Resource Source".  The top question today was from a female career professional who wanted to know what her personal value statement should contain.  Here is my response…


The key to successful personal brand promotion is getting your personal value statement in front of as many opportunity sources as possible.  You should include derivatives of your personal value statement in all your “collateral” such as your resume, bio, profiles and wherever possible on the Internet.


Some of you may have never heard of a personal value statement.  Briefly, a personal value statement is a precise, well-rehearsed personal statement that highlights your value to a prospective employer or business associate.  It includes your role, how you deliver value to the company and the quantifiable results you’ve achieved. Oh, I forgot to tell you that it is only 20-40 words.  Yes, that’s correct.   A personal value statement is 20-40 words in which you must convey your quantifiable value.


Here's another idea for a collateral piece that can enhance your value:  Produce a short PowerPoint presentation describing your personal value statement.  This is a great way to tell your story when the opportunity for a career discussion arises.  A short PowerPoint presentation is a useful selling tool and a great way to capture your personal value statement, case studies and career path story.   


Need answers, call us or email mail me at drlaureen@drlaureen.com. Until next time!  If you have additional information about personal value statements, post your comment. Lets learn together. 


For more information on building a personal brand, view my article (http://ezinearticles.com/?Career-Professionals—-How-to-Develop-a-Personal-Brand&id=1068176).



<< MORE >>

What Marketers Can Learn From SuperBowl Sunday

Greeting High-Achieving Entrepreneur Women:

I am not the greatest football fan because there are some parts of the game that I do not understand.  But I recently read an article by Lou Bortone, the Online Branding Guy and Marketing Coach.  He proposed the  question... What are the “weapons” the Giants used that entrepreneurs can adapt? Here’s what he said:


1. It pays to be the underdog – Fly under the radar and you may surprise everyone!
2. There’s no such thing as a sure thing – Just ask the Vegas odds-makers and sportscasters.
3. Use “shock and awe” to overwhelm your competition – The Giants put incredible pressure on Tom Brady, sacking him five times. What can you do to shake up the marketplace?
4. Use your full arsenal of weapons – One of the pillars of the marketing philosophy is to use a variety of marketing weapons. Look how the Giants used every element of the game – passing, rushing, defense and more - to dominate.
5. Unleash a relentless attack – The Giants kept coming back at the Pats, again and again and again. Their never surrender attitude is an example you should use in your business.
6. Take a page from the competition’s playbook – On the final, winning drive of the game, the Giants looked like, well, the New England Patriots! What can you learn from your competitors?
7. A win is a win is a win – It doesn’t have to be pretty, and it doesn’t have to be perfect. Learn as you go, make adjustments, and find a way to win!

There are some great words of wisdom in this article, however if I cound change one thing it would be the word 'weapon".  I wuld replace the word weapon with 'skill-sets.'  I sure that weapons work for the guys, but for we women, skills-sets makes more sense.  And last but not lease item #4  could be changed to "develop a marketplace presence, markeing consistently, don't give up and you will win." 

What your thoughts on Lou's 7 tips?     


 

<< MORE >>

"How To" Turn Freebies in Website Traffic

It just amazes me how much we all love to get free stuff. Giving away freebies may cost you in the short term but giving something away for free can boost profits in the long term. It is good for clients to know that you are not charging them for every little thing.  Remeber not charging for every minute thing promotes good will and makes customers feel like you are in their corner.  You can offer a free service or discount coupon as a reward for continued busness.  


Consider the following five ideas to increase your traffic count.


1. Provide a service for free. Perhaps you are a consultant or maybe a chiropractor. Offer free, reduced fees or possibly an add on service to your website visitors. While you may not be able to provide a free service all the time, by changing your offers and promotions, you will continue to draw your prospect back again and again.


2. Provide a free e-zine subscription when they purchase another e-zine. Buy one get one free promotions are a great way to draw repeat customers. For example: offer them a free e-zine on weight loss tips when they purchase an e-book on fitness for beginners.


3. Give the visitors a free product when another product is purchased. People love two-for-one deals.


4. Offer to list their website free in your e-zine when they subscribe to your publication.


5. Provide one-two-months of free membership to your information portal. Often times people need to see the value in a product before they will consider purchasing it. Provide a trial offer so that the customer can see if it is good fit.


Hope these tips help you to get more traffic to your website. Let me know what you are doing to get more traffic to your website. 

*************************


What you achieve while moving through all of your next levels, is as important as what you become when you are at your pinnacle level” by Dr. Laureen 


 


 

<< MORE >>

What's the Secret to Effective Business Networking and Communicating?

Hello Fellow Entrepreneurs:

I was recently asked “what’s the secret to effective business networking.”  My answer was very simple… “Just ask who they are, what they do, and what they like?”  Building relationships with others is usually centered around a 3-step process: 

They need to know:

1.How to get to know you
2.How to get to like you
3.How to get to trust you

The best way to start this process when you are networking with a group of strangers is to get the person to talk about his/herself. Most people enjoy talking about themselves.  By asking questions, you give them permission to "brag" about themselves and it invites them to engage with you and hopefully let their guard down just a little.


The best questions to ask are those questions that are open-ended. If you ask only closed-ended questions, you are cornering the person to say only "yes" or "no."  And we all know that “yes” or “no” does not spark much conversation. 


Here are my recommended questions:

1.What do you like most about your work?
2.How would you describe your ideal customer or client?
3.What changes, new trends, development, do you see coming down the road in your market/industry?
4.How did you get started in your line of work?
5.What is the most interesting or exciting project you are working on (or have worked on)?
6.What differentiates your company, product/service from others who do similar kinds of work?


Remember, you probably don't want to ask one person all these questions in one 15-minute exchange; however, having a list of questions like this in your mind before you show up to a function will help you prepare — and give you confidence about business networking.


You'll also be able to get to know some folks, engage in some memorable conversations, and perhaps exchange a business card to possibly continue contact later.

Today's Listening/Communication Tip:

Let others tell their own stories first. — When others explain their situations, they may reveal interesting facts and valuable clues that will aid you in helping them solve their problems or satisfy their needs. By letting them speak first, you also save time. When their interests are revealed you can tailor your discussion to their particular needs, goals, and objectives and can dispense with inappropriate conversation.  — Dr. Tony Alessandra


*************************
What you achieve while moving through all of your next levels, is as important as what you become when you are at your pinnacle level” by Dr. Laureen 



<< MORE >>

How to Start Blogging

At Masterpiece Solutions, LLC we are always getting calls about where to find information and what things can be done to market and grow a business.


As most of you know that we thrive on providing information and knowledge and sharing masterful solutions.  So today, I want to talk about a recent caller who asked: “How do we know if we should start blogging?” 


My initial response was do not start blogging just because "everyone is doing it."  Make sure that you have the resources and discipline necessary to create an effective blog. 


Make sure that you determine your goals for blogging so that you can stay focused and on target.   Your goals should fall into one of these categories:


1. Communicate to get feedback from your customers or prospects.
2. Increase qualified traffic from search engines.
3.  Focus on getting the attention of the media, especially if your blog is the first to take on a topic in your niche market, or if you have a unique angle.


Also remember, that much like all of your marketing strategies, to be the most effective, your blog must have a targeted audience.   Your audience will dictate what you write about (content that is specifically interesting and useful to them), the level of language and terminology you use, and the style you project. 


I must also point out that stagnant content is a “death warrant” to a blog.   My suggestion is that you write at least once a week — two to three times a week is even better.   And remember, it's not all about frequency, content is high on the list. Each post must offer value to the audience, or your blog will lose it's effectiveness to attract and keep readers.


What is also key is that the blog is able to solicit and accept feedback and comments from your audience of customers and prospects.  You'll need to determine in advance how you are going to handle those.  Decide how you will handle a negative comment?  Do you ignore it, delete it, or respond to it?  Being prepared in advance on is recommended.


Spend some time reviewing blogging tools, and then choose blogging software.  Decide who will host it.  Generally, most small businesses opt for a hosted blogging application, so that they can focus more on writing their blog, rather than getting bogged down with technical aspects.  


Some of the most poplar blogging platforms and software are:



  1. TypePad — great if you select hosted blogging software

  2. WordPress — an open-source platform, with lots of bells and whistles, but takes a bit more technical expertise to implement by yourself

  3. Blogger — owned by Google.  There is a free limited version or you can customize with a purchased version.

  4. QuickBlog – owned by Go Daddy.  Its quick and easy for first time bloggers.

Finally, how can you measure if your blog is effective?  Here’s my suggestions:



  1. By number of site visitors

  2. By number of comments or inquires on blog posts

  3. By quantitative or qualitative value of ideas and feedback you get from customers and prospects about your service

  4. By the amount of "trackbacks" you get from other blogs

  5. By the amount of media publicity you get

Hope this will help you get started blogging.  Don’t forget blogging is a good networking, communication and marketing tool.


*************************


What you achieve while moving through all of your next levels, is as important as what you become when you are at your pinnacle level” by Dr. Laureen 


 



<< MORE >>

"How To" Determine if You Need Two Marketing Plans

Hello Female Preneurs and Business Owners:
  
A potential client emailed me a question this week that I thought would be appropriate to share with all of you because you may have asked yourself this very same question.


The Potential Client Asked: If I have two aspects to my business to market: (a product and a service) do I need a separate marketing plan for the product an another for the service.


Here is my response…. 


Any time you can add products to your business, it is a definitely a smart move.  But allow me to say that I recommend that all service providers create or acquire products that you can sell in addition to your services.

By doing so, you take yourself out of the "trading hours for dollars" trap that many solo-professionals find themselves in.  Once you have a product, you must then address the question of whether or not you need two marketing plans.

Now... to answer this question, you must first answer the following two questions to determine if you need a separate plan?


1) Is the product in the same category or industry as your services?


2) Are the products and services designed for the same type of client? (i.e. are your target clients the same for both the product and the service?) If you answered "yes" to both of these questions, then one marketing plan is all you need.

But remember, you may, however, need different marketing strategies and tactics (the actual ways you get the word out, such as press releases, advertisements, partnerships) defined within your marketing plan.

If your products and services are totally unrelated, and they are aimed at completely different clients,
then you will need two marketing plans. 


Now, if you are still unsure whether you need two plans, sit down and start putting together your marketing plan. I believe that it will become clear very quickly whether you need one or two plans.

*************************


What you achieve while moving through all of your next levels, is as important as what you become when you are at your pinnacle level” by Dr. Laureen 







 

<< MORE >>

7 “How To” Ways to Identify Your Target Market

Hello High Achieving Women:


This is worth sharing... Last week I received a call from a potential client asking how she could determine her target market without doing costly research.  Here are my responses for how to narrow down your possible target markets.


1. Ask current customers why they buy your product or service.
2. Now, ask then why they specifically buy from you.
3. Ask non-customers why they do not buy from you.  (You can find these non-customers at social networking events; they may be family members or you can find them while you're networking with professional organizations.)
4. Ask your competitors' customers why they are buying from your competitor and not from you.
5. Ask trade associations and organization representatives if they have any relevant research about your product or service.
6. Investigate and visit your competitors.  Start by viewing their annual reports, website, visit their location and look at their in-store promotional displays, their advertisements, the content of their advertisements, brochures, and other literature.
7. Search the web for key information; don't forget to look at information from other countries - who know what you might find.


Finally, once you get the answers, you must translate the data and develop a marketing plan. 

*************************
What you achieve while moving through all of your next levels, is as important as what you become when you are at your pinnacle level” by Dr. Laureen 




"If You Listen Better, You Will Communicate and Market Better, and With a Profit" Dr.Laureen

<< MORE >>

4 "How To" Reasons To Participate In Forums

Hello High Achieving Women:


Did You Know... There are many great people involved in online marketing forums and internet business forums.  There are many great people on these forums with a wealth of information. Below are 4 reasons why you should participate in forums when you are promoting your business, products, or services.


1. Trust - You will seem knowledgeable about the discussion subject when you help someone in the discussion group by providing a good answer to his/her question or problem. As long as you give good advice and not spamming the board, people will think that you are someone trustworthy and who knows — it may lead to a new client.


2. Joint Venture - In the introduction part of the forum, you are given a chance to blurb about your business.  This may lead to the formation of a new marketing alliance with someone on the forum.


3. Back Links - Forums will also allow its members to insert links in their signature. We all know that the more links to your website, the greater the probability for more visitors and search engine visits.


4. New Ideas for Your New Products - The responses and posted articles on the forum will help you create or develop new products lines and services.  People are always sharing ideas on these forums — who knows, your million dollar idea may come from your next visit to the forum.


Today's Listening/Communication Tip:
Repeat a person's name when you first meet him/her. This will make you listen first and talk second. You want to have a mental set to become a better listener, and repeating a person's name will help you do that.

<< MORE >>

5 No-Cost, Low-Cost "How To" Marketing Tips

Did You Know:

.........most marketing does take money, but there are some low-cost and no-cost options that you can put into action that will help you to get the word out about your products and services.   The below 5 tips are for companies and small businesses that are just getting started. For the newbies, start with just one tip to test the waters and then add two more as you see results.

1. Network at events. Go to Chamber of Commerce events, BNI Group meetings, and other organizational meetings that attract your "ideal" client.  Gather business cards and begin to phone and email the persons you met as a way to follow up. Do this immediately while it is still fresh in their mind. My rule is to follow-up within 48 hours maximum.  If they cannot use your services, ask them if they know of someone who can and be sure to get the contact information of the referral.

2. Attend public meetings. At every public meeting, make a commitment to say something that could be useful to those who are attending. This is a great way to not only share you knowledge and help others, but it also puts you in the eyes of those who could use your services.

3. Create a "useful" handout. A handout is one that when given to a recipient is one they will keep because of the information it contains is most valuable. Make sure your contact information in on the handout.

4. Create joint-ventures. Find colleagues and business associates whose business compliments yours and do joint- or cross-promotions. Just wondering.... Who could you partner with?

5. Write letters to editors of local newspapers and business publications. Be sure to make them interesting and newsworthy. You'll be surprised at how often a good letter will get printed. Do not forget to include your contact information and website address.

By committing to one of these marketing strategies on a weekly basis within one month you will see your business gain recognition and more clients. You can get the word out there without spending thousands of dollars.

Remember Listening, Communicating and Marketing must be done together.  You can't market and make a profit without listening.

Today's Listening/Communication Tip:
Calvin Coolidge once said, "No man ever listened himself out of a job." People miss out on millions of dollars worth of business each year because they do not listen; they are too busy talking about themselves, their products, and their services. Don't miss your opportunities because you weren't listening closely enough to your clients.
 





 


 

<< MORE >>

"How To" and When to Hire A Consultant

Hello High Achieving Women:

Picture This —- I received a call last week from a new entrepreneur and she asked "At what stage should she hire a consultant? She said "Should I start running the business and have some results so there's something definite to improve on?


As a business and marketing consultant here's what I recommended:


1. You need a consultant when you are planning, like you are now, and trying to identify your market. (or while finding your "pockets of revenue"). By using a consultant at this point it will help avoid wasting money in the future.

2. You need a consultant when you must plan/revise/create specific marketing strategies and tactics to suit your selected niche. There are many marketing tactics you "could" employ, but you must use the right tools for the job.


By having a consultant on your team during the early stages of development, helps you assess your market more accurately. You can then move forward with much confidence.

In the early days of your business, I suggest you implement the most cost-effective tactics (often for little financial outlay) to build a revenue stream which enables you to then invest in more marketing tactics and profit-generating activities.

Remember Listening, Communicating and Marketing must be done together.  You can't market with a profit without listening and communicating.

Today's Listening/Communication Tip:
Keep an Open Mind - Don't judge. Jumping to conclusions or looking for the right or wrong in what is said prevents you from listening and ultimately closing the sale. Think before you say anything in response, especially if it is an emotional reaction.



 



 

<< MORE >>

"How To" Let Your Customers Do The Talking For You

Hello Markerters:

Did You Know That....... 

One of the best ways to get the word out about your company is to collect testimonials from your customers.  You can do this by sending them a short follow-up questionnaire whereby they can write their comments or you can call them on the phone. 

Be sure to ask their permission to use their comments in your marketing materials.

Keep your testimonials with you so that you can show a potential prospect at the appropriate time. 

Collecting testimonials is also a good way to do some on-the-spot marketing research.  You will be surprised with the amount of information you can get through this feed-back process and it provides the means  for you to keep in touch with your customer base. 

Here is a great lead-in "just calling for a 'testimonial update' —- this is a great way to stay connected with your clients.   

Today's Listening/Comunication Tip:
Stay FocusedFocus on the main points that your client or prospect is talking about. It's ok to ask questions to clarify what you thought you heard.

 

<< MORE >>

"How To" Utilize Leisure Time Marketing and Networking


Hey Fellow Networkers: 


Sorry I have not made an entry the past couple of days.  I have been busy working on an series of teleseminars with three other great entrepreneurs.  More about that later.    Lets talk about marketing and networking.


Here is a helpful hint:  The more hobbies and group activities that you participate in, the more opportunities you have to network and market your business products and/or services.  Leisure activities such as softball leagues, girl's or boy's scouts, golf lessons, aerobics or yoga classes provide a natural venue for networking and can encourage relationship building much easier than some of the formal networking events often attended.


One thing about leisure time networking and marketing is that leads will come your way from these venues without you having to do the hard sell — just because of the relationship you have built during your leisure time activity.


Enjoy your Leisure Time and let the Networking come naturally through your Leisure Time Activities.



Remember Listening and Marketing must be done together.  You can't market with a profit without listening.


Today's Listening/Communication Tip:
The Focus Factor —— This is the most obvious — and the most broken — rule when it comes to listening. Be in the moment. Put other thoughts out of your mind. You can feel when people aren't truly listening to you, and you know when they are. Make sure whoever's speaking feels you are really listening.


Focus on what your clients are saying, and don't let yourself get stuck on any one point. Don't try to answer your question in your own mind while the client is still speaking. If you have to, make a note on a piece of paper about a question regarding what's been said, but don't let it distract you from listening to the rest of the client's conversation.  It you listen well, you market well and you impact the bottom line with a signed contract.


 

<< MORE >>

10 "How To" Questions Every Entrepreneur Should Know and Answer

Do you know your Competition?  If not It Time That You Do!

Here are the ten questions to ask yourself:

1.   Who are your competitors?
2.   What are their financial resources?
3.   How do they market their products and services?
4.   How many employees do they have?
5.   Where are they located?
6.   How do they treat their customers?
7.   What are their pricing strategies?
8.   What are their main strengths and can you meet or exceed them?
9.   What are their biggest weaknesses and how can you do it better?
10. How will they react to your entry into their territory? 

Once you have the answers - you will be able to develop a dynamic marketing plan.


 

<< MORE >>

"How To" Do It Your Way - Brand Identity

Greeting Fellow Entrepreneurs:

I was reading an article by Danielle Kennedy about marketing her business and here is what she said: "Help customers remember you by making it easy for them to associate your business with something pleasant or positive, whether it's a catchy slogan, logo, upbeat song or a free gift.  Whatever it is, it can be as serious or as silly as you desire."

Here is my thought:  create a personality for your business.  Give your business human qualities that can help you create a selling strategy.  Define your personality by looking at your prime customers and why they buy from you.  Once you know what your company's personality is, you can focus your efforts on promoting those traits.  

Your Thoughts

Here's a great quote: "When we do the best that we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another." —Helen Keller

Today's Listening/Communication Tip:

Don't give advice unless asked for it. You can't listen and talk at the same time. Feelings are neither right or wrong.




 

<< MORE >>

Smart Marketing -- 5 "How To" Tips to Building Great Relationships

Greetings Fellow Markerters!

Here is my list of marketing tips for today:

1. Don't just network - begin to build relationships - send e-mails and stay in touch.
2. Make sure your ad answers every client/customer #1 question: What's in it for me?
3. Give a gift of small token to your best customers (remember them during holidays and their birthday).
4. Personalize your fax cover sheet - make life easy by adding for example "To order, sign here and fax back."
5. Communicate with your customers even when you are not trying to sell them something (great way to build     relationships).   

Hey Markerters —— Send me your comments - so I can expand this list!


 

<< MORE >>

"How To" Develop an Unique Selling Proposition

Hello Successful Entrepreneurs:

Just in case you don't know Dan Pena, he was the founder of Great Western Resources, an energy resource company in Houston, Texas. What's amazing about Dan is that he started this company with a phone, a leased fax and less than $1,000. With these few assets and a great sense of marketing, he turned a fledgling business into a $400 million corporation.

He said that as entrepreneurs, we should help define our unique selling proposition by looking at what makes
our business different from our competitor's business.  He said that he was unique because he became know as the $400 million man.  He said that he is the only business success coach in the country who has built a company from scratch into $400 million, so he uses that persona.

My challenge to you is to tap into what  is distinctive about you.  This can become your calling card.  Oh by the way, I have identified my uniqueness —- I am becoming known as the "Million Dollar Business and Marketing Consultant"

<< MORE >>

6 "How To" Ways to Exceed Your Customers’ Expectations

Hello Everyone: I just wanted to share this with you.  I received a call yesterday from a client and she asked what she could do in 2007 to better serve her clients.  This is what I told her:


 1.         Value: 


            Give customers more than they expected for the price.


 2.         Speed:


            Never miss a promised deadline, and deliver early if possible.


 3.         Information:


           Provide additional information so customers can easily use your products and services.


 4.         Personality:


            Make sure your company projects a friendly image.  Greet your customers and always, always smile.  Also don’t forget to greet every      
           person with a smile who is not your customers – you never know; they may be your next customer.


 5.        Value-Add:


           Always, always give customers something extra.  Maybe give credits toward free merchandise, or discounts on their next purchase or 
           develop frequent buyer promotions.


 6.         Convenience:


            Make it easy for folks to do business with you.  


Hope this helps all of you successful entrepreneurs!  Oh, if you have anything else to add to list send in your comments.


 

<< MORE >>

Time is Money- "How To" Unclutter Your Workplace

I must share this with all of you who are still battling the "Paper and Clutter War."  The last two weeks of December I spent re-organizing my office and preparing my office and paperwork for the New Year.  I realized that if I was going to operate my company more effectively in 2007, I had to enter the New Year extremely organized and uncluttered.  

Here are the steps that I took to get organized for 2007.  

1. Designate an ongoing workspace for handling ALL paper matters.

2. Make sure you have a paper shredder, waste basket and  a desktop organizer to hold office supplies such as pens, pencils, tape, scissors, stapler, stamps, envelopes, return address stickers, stamps and for sure plastic stackable paper trays.

3. Setup folders for every possible situation (client folders, a 'to do' folder, pending folder, and immediate action folder).

4. Start with one surface first, and work on that surface until it is completely cleared.  Either file the paper(s) in the client's folder, put it in a 'to do', pending or immediate action folder or last but not least toss it in the waste basket or shred it.      

5.At the end of your workday, always always always put things back where they belong. 

Remember that staying organized is like any good habit —- the more you do it the easier it becomes.

Oh by the way in spite of getting organized, I did have a great Christmas with family.      


 

<< MORE >>

Helpful Hints - "How To" Dining with Potential or Existing Clients

Greetings:

I am often asked how do you handle a business lunch or dinner.  Here is my best advise.  When you ask a client to lunch or dinner, it is a given that you will pay for the meal.  Be sure to give the client a choice of dates and times. 

You should choose a restaurant where you feel comfortable and the environment is conducive to talking business.

You should always be at least 15 minutes early so that you can greet your client.

Do not make the mistake of jumping into talking shop — wait until most of the meal is over.

Always let your guest order first and be sure to follow their lead when you order (do not order food that is messy or difficult to eat).

Leave your cell phone at the office, in your car or make sure you turn it off while at lunch or dinner.      

Do not hassle the server or make a fuss over your order.  This will leave a bad first impression with your guest.

If you have any other tips that can be added to this list let me know.  

<< MORE >>

"How To" Make Sure Your Business Card Is Working For You

Did You Know...

Its time to get creative — why not think outside the box and put your cards in those unlikely places —- just be sure that your prospective clients are likely to find them.

Never pass up a chance to pass out your card.  The grocery store is a great place to give out your card.

Here's a great way to get your cards out —- include your business card when you pay your bills, particularly your local ones.  You never know, the person opening the mail may just need your product or service.

This one is great! Contact a local business that is complimentary to yours, and ask if you can place a fishbowl on their counter top.  Have a sign that ask customers to drop in a business card for a chance to win a prize.

Make sure that you use the back of your card - this is valuable real estate - use it to further promote your business.      

<< MORE >>

"How To" Find a Market Niche and Work It

Good Day:

I was reading an excerpt from one of Ruth Owades publications and this is what she said:  "A cardinal rule for successful entrepreneurs is 'find a market niche.'  Specialization in a product area can make you the recognized expert.  If you try to compete in an entire category your message may be so scattered that customers will flock to other companies that specialize in niches within your category.

You can't be everything to everybody.  Be happy being everything to a few people."


<< MORE >>

"How To" Develop a "C" Marketing Attitude That Give An "A" Grade

Did You Know:...

While do some marketing campaigns work while other don't

Before I became proficient at marketing my consulting company, I often wondered why some marketing campaigns worked while others failed time and time again.  Well I finally found out that it all boils down to commitment.  I have learned that even mediocre marketing with commitment works much better than brilliant marketing without it.

Commitment is no more than making a financial promise to fund your marketing efforts, devoting the time necessary to create a great marketing campaign, and implementing that campaign on a consistent basis.

Hope this help you - more to come!     


<< MORE >>

Five Factors "How To" Grow Your Business

FYI:


Have you ever heard of Wizard Academy?


On Saturday, August 19, 2006, I attended a one day seminar overview session.  The three of us left Houston at 9:00 AM driving to Wizard Academy in Austin Texas. The seminar was a full day.  We departed Austin, Texas around 11:15 PM.  Oh, I forgot the most important part of the day.  I purchased three great books, Waiting for Your Cat to Bark by Bryan & Jeffrey Eisenberg; Making Ads Work by Craig Arthur, and The Wizards of Ads by Roy Williams and one CD on Million Dollar Radio Mortgage Marketing.  The seminar was absolutely fabulous - I came back with a lot of great marketing ideas.


Movin on.. I got home at 2:15 AM.  Most people would have gone to bed, but I was so fascinated by the book, Making Ads Works, that I begin to read the book.  When I got to page 23 I found the following information.  I just had to share it with you.


 
The growth of a business is determined by the following five factors:


1.  Total Market Potential    


 How much will be spent by the public in your product or service category this year?  What is the depth of your current market penetration?  How many dollars remain on the table?


 2.  Message Development


 How well do you tell your story? 


 3.  Media Plan


 How efficiently are your ad dollars being spent?


 4.  Competitive Environment


 How good are your competitors at what they do?


 5.  Competency


 How good are you?


That's just lik a Wizard to give you some great information!


Much Success!!!



 

<< MORE >>

"How To" Develop The Right Power Tool For Marketing

Greetings:

It amazes me how many business owners and entrepreneurs realize the importance of developing a business plan (power tool #1) but so often forget to prepare the marketing plan (power tool #2).
 

By far the “marketing plan” is the most powerful tool that any business owner can possess.  When you think about it, the marketing plan is designed to expand the business plan by identifying the specific target market(s), the company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) and how to position the company for target market advertising. 

In my upcoming book, The Dr. Is In:... Keys to Winning Customers: How to Prepared a Dynamic Marketing Plan, I outline how to prepare a marketing plan and where to place your focus when trying to build your customer database.  Visit my site: 
http://www.masterpiecesolutions.biz/products.html 

What you want to remember is that the marketing plan should be defined in such a manner that everyone in your company, network and client base can clearly understand the purpose, core values, products and services offered along with the benefits.

Most new businesses fail because they have not allocated monies for marketing.  They seem to think that just because they open a store front that the customers will come.  The truth of the matter is that you must advertise and promote you business daily.  Yes daily!  

<< MORE >>