Formula for success: never be busy
Posted by LoisMarketing in Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on August 30, 2010
This thought was echoed by a Twitter friend yesterday in his blog post. He brought up a great point: Rather than saying “I’m busy now” or “I am very busy this week”, take time to acknowledge a contact. If you have a legitimate reason to delay, explain why you cannot readily respond and arrange a time to speak with the person. Very good advice.
His post caused me to think about my impressions of the word “busy”. The first image that comes to my mind is the busy bee going from flower to flower to flower. Important and vital in the bee and flower world, but is buzzing around helping or hurting your business?
Two or three years ago there was the wave of interest in the “Crazy Busy” phenomenon. How so-called “Crazy Busy” executives could better organize and prioritize their days and lives, be more effective leaders, rah rah, and rah. I cringed.
Because, for me, the idea of being busy has become fake and false in many instances. A smokescreen. If you are truly handling meaningful tasks and involved with your clients or customers, you don’t have time to comment or brag about it. Instead your energy is focused on them.
There’s never been a more important time to be truly productive and less “busy”. Not just for job and contract preservation.
There is real work to be done, real advice and help to be shared, real connections to be made, and real business to be won.
Consider what really counts — in your clients’ business then in yours. Don’t be a flittering and floundering single summer bee.
Formula for success: be authentic
Posted by LoisMarketing in Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on August 27, 2010
OK. OK. I was good. I had a healthy sushi and salad lunch today. Plus I’ve been head-down in a client project all week, reading, studying, writing — so I treated myself to coffee and dessert with a friend. As I begin to write this post he and I are enjoying second cups of coffee and fighting for the crumbs and last bit of coconut frosting on the plate between us. Yes. We just enjoyed the total sinfulness of a German chocolate brownie. It never had a chance.
When we walked into the coffee shop there was this warm, wonderful, distinctive — and authentic — scent of a German chocolate “something” in the oven. It turned out to be a pan of brownies and we were given the privilege of custom-ordering how much coconut frosting we wanted on the one we would share.
Heaven on earth = Fresh-baked German chocolate brownie + gooey frosting + good dark roast coffee + cute guy sharing them with you.
I digress. Back to the idea of being authentic. It was interesting that as we walked into the coffee shop we readily identified the distinctive scent of German chocolate cake baking. Not just chocolate but German chocolate. Fans and conoisseurs recognize this.
I’m half-serious and half-teasing of course. The idea brings us back around to our online and real-life personas. Are you authentic? And distinctive? Do you blend in a bit of yourself, your interests, your life to help others get to know and really connect with you? I disagree with a recent blog post that advised corporate representatives not to mix personal insights and thoughts with their posts and tweets on behalf of their companies.
Of course, you never want to be “too personal”. Stay away from politics, strong opinons about news items and anything that could be too divisive. But don’t hesitate to blend your own thoughts and observations, highlights of a trip or speaking engagement or meetings with friends and followers into your Facebook posts, tweets and blogs. You do not have to fully divulge your private life in order to allow your fans and followers to connect with who you “really” are. Consider how it instantly warms and deepens the relationship when you discover a common interest with a co-worker, client, customer or vendor representative. The same can happen online.
Be real. Be authentic. And, most of all, be open to feedback, questions, introductions and connections. Those traits will win you more respect and true interaction than anything.
Michael’s back with another German chocolate brownie. I’ve just stolen a corner of frosting and I need a warm-up of coffee.
There’s “real” chocolate and there’s “real” coffee. And there’s the “real” you. Be memorable. Be authentic. And have a great weekend.
Just friends …
Posted by LoisMarketing in Personal Insights, Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on August 25, 2010
This morning was one of the most memorable I have had in a while. I had this idea Sunday night and enjoyed putting it together Monday and yesterday.
The idea was this: Get girl friends together for good old-fashioned friend time over coffee and coffeecake.
Just Lois and friends. Everyone checked their business cards, iPhones, diaper bags and MLM samples at the door. No agendas, no missions, nothing. This is not about all of that. Just girl time. In this crazy world, girl time.
Talk about real talk. Laughter and tears, sharing. Venting frustrations then sharing ideas and support. A true sense of all that is going on in our world today and being a part of it together. Three pots of coffee later the conversation and connections continued.
Whether it is one-to-one or a group. Guys, get your friends together. Men appreciate this as much as women. Forget business, children and the outside world for a while.
Be a friend. Introduce friends-to-be. And concentrate on just that. What’s more, host, create or find a quiet place for friends and potential friends to gather. More than anything the focus should be …
… becoming and being friends.
Summer favorite: grilled chicken and peach salad
Posted by LoisMarketing in Recipes on August 23, 2010
Ingredients:
Mixed field greens or baby spinach leaves, or a combination of both
Grilled or baked chicken breast, cut into thin slices or cubes
Fresh (Georgia, of course!) peach, peeled and diced
Red onion strips or rings
Blue cheese crumbles
Honey vinaigrette dressing, recipe below
For each serving, arrange mixed greens and/or baby spinach on plate. Add chicken, diced peach, onion and sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles. Serve with dressing.
Honey vinaigrette dressing:
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
Salt & pepper to taste
Measure all ingredients into jar with lid. Seal lid and shake until blended. Chill. Shake to blend once again just before serving. Makes 1 1/4 cups.
The entrepreneur’s tool box: so where in the world are you?
Posted by LoisMarketing in Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on August 23, 2010
… And where are you in adopting the latest social media? Are you checking in and checking out Foursquare, Gowalla, Whrrl, Loopt, BrightKite and Facebook Places?
Or do Whrrl and all of the others have you in a “whirl”?
As you may be concerned about privacy and users sharing “waaay too much information”, realize that location-based apps hold tremendous potential for businesses to promote themselves, offer special incentives and discounts, build a loyal following — and truly become the “go-to” places in their communities.
As a marketing advisor I find myself in a “whirl” as I watch the almost-daily evolution of social media and mobile communication. Over the weekend I stopped by one of my wireless provider’s stores to start the search for my next phone. As the sales representative demonstrated the latest-and-greatest iPhone and BlackBerry we enjoyed speculating about what the coming months will bring in phone design and apps.
After the introduction of Facebook Places last week, several friends asked me how to disable it. I told them that there were easy steps to do so, but … before they disabled it entirely they should learn about it and realize the app could have real value — literally dollars in their pockets.
As we think back through the introduction of the Internet, then email, then AOL and other chat, then the advent of social media, there have been privacy concerns and lots of reluctance with each step. With the evolution of online and mobile communication has come the evolution of privacy settings. They are there and they do have value. Use them but consider two things:
If you continue to cling to the side of the pool you’ll never learn to swim and you’ll miss all of the fun.
Plus the world is literally in the palm of your hand.
The entrepreneur’s tool box: welcome to the morning after
Posted by LoisMarketing in Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on August 20, 2010
I’m laughing to myself as I start this post. “Morning after” conjures up so many images and memories, doesn’t it? Good, bad, and .. “oh, Lois, why did you have to remind me?” Ha!
The morning that I am speaking of is after a business networking event. And if you partook at the bar during the reception or happy hour at the event you may indeed be asking, “why did you have to remind me?”
Yesterday and last evening, my community’s chamber of commerce hosted their annual business expo and job fair. A number of vendors and exhibitors participated and the event was attended by hundreds of people. No doubt everyone left with bags, purses and pockets filled with business cards — and with mental to-do lists filled with promises to call and follow up.
And what happens? The business cards are bundled and tossed into a briefcase, bound with a rubberband and put on the desk, or just left in a pile on the dresser. Chances are the mental to-do list is quickly erased, as quickly as those aching shoes are happily tossed into the closet.
If that scenario describes your “evening of”, consider how you should change it. Yes, you are tired at the end of a long work day extended by an evening event. Or it’s the afternoon and you feel overwhelmed by all of the conversation and business card exchanges over lunch. Don’t toss it all aside. Take a few moments to finish the notes you started jotting on the cards, write down the names of those you want to contact and take stock of the event. Take a breath after the whirlwind. Translate your mental to-do list to paper or computer and organize your plans to follow up the next day.
Don’t let the morning after turn into the morning after the morning after, and so on. You’ve made the investment in time, energy, memberships and entry fees to gain the contacts you have in front of you. Remember that they have done the same. Warm conversations and sparks of interest in each other’s products and services can go cold very quickly.
Be a man or woman of your word. Follow up the next day as promised. It will be appreciated and you will be rewarded. So will your contacts. Real relationships may blossom and opportunities may follow.
Yes, “may”. Only one thing is assured: Nothing will happen if you do not follow up.
The entrepreneur’s tool box: the almost-lost art of handwriting
Posted by LoisMarketing in Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on August 19, 2010
This week, Wisconsin’s Benoit College published their annual “Mindset List” designed to acquaint (and remind) college instructors of the cultural references and backgrounds of incoming freshmen. The list reminds each of us how our world, technology, communication, entertainment, news and so much more evolves so quickly this day and time.
This year I found the first entry on the list especially interesting: “Few in the Class of 2014 know how to write in cursive.” As a member of the Class of 1981 I thought, “Wait. What?” No more endless practicing and endess pages of As, then Bs, then Cs, and — heaven forbid, the dreaded Ws! — with determination to match the arrow-guided strokes of the alphabet above the chalkboard?
Add to that the challenge of being a left-handed member of the Class of 1981.
With love and an apology to my wonderful fourth grade teacher, Helen Porch, maybe the disappearance of “perfect cursive” is not such a bad thing. I find the rapid evolution of communication in our world fascinating. Having endured the life stages of printing, then cursive and, oh yes, the manual typewriter (yikes!), I am amazed and appreciative of the quick, smooth touch of my laptop keyboard and my ever-increasing dexterity in texting on my BlackBerry. Sadly, Mrs. Porch is not here to witness all of the innovation around us. There’s no doubt she’d type, text and make friends throughout the world with the rest of us. But she’d also insist that we learn to write in cursive. And sit up straight. That was Mrs. Porch.
By the way, the Class of 2014 also thinks e-mail is too slow. Does that make e-mail the new snail mail?
In our wonderful world of instant contact and instant messaging, electronic signatures, texts and tweets, let’s not forget the power of a personal note. Whether typed, printed or written, whether a letter or card, take time to really connect with someone. Say thank you. Wish them a happy birthday. Welcome the new addition to their family. Print or clip their feature in the local chamber of commerce newsletter and send it with a note of congratulations. Oh, and put it in an envelope, add a stamp and send it the old-fashioned way. What a concept.
As we are able to reach out and connect with so many, are we really connecting? It’s something to think about.
Mrs. Porch, I wish you were here to experience all of this. But as you opened our eyes and minds as your students I think you saw this day on the horizon.
By the way, Mrs. P, I gave up on trying to write “that” W a long time ago. Along the way I created a pretty cool M.
I see you shaking your head. I just adjusted the angle of my thank you card and I am now holding my pen correctly.
And I’m sitting up straight.
Formula for success: the view from 30,000 feet
Posted by LoisMarketing in Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on August 18, 2010
I love to fly. I’m such a kid at heart about so many things, especially flying. Give me a window seat. Rather than burying my head in a book, magazine or work I like to shut off everything, including the laptop — at least for a while — and enjoy the incredible view from above.
We are all familiar with the saying “you can’t see the forest for the trees”. As business owners, managers and advisors we can benefit from frequent bird’s-eye-views of our companies and our clients’ companies. An interesting thought occurred to me the other day: By viewing the full “forest” you can readily identify “trees” or sections of “trees” that need attention. “Trees” such as poor performers, detrimental or restricting policies or procedures, areas for pruning to streamline operations, new staff showing leadership potential, ideas for new or improved product or service offerings, the list goes on. You get the idea.
So the next time you are soaring through your day, take time to look up from your computer screen or that pile of paperwork and take a good look from above. You’ll appreciate and learn from the view.
The entrepreneur’s tool box: from trinkets to treasures
Posted by LoisMarketing in Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on August 17, 2010
Interesting. My blog is on a “T” theme this week: “teaching to teachable” yesterday and now “trinkets to treasures” today. I promise that is unintentional. I’m not that clever.
Speaking of clever, last week I witnessed the impact of a simple and clever gesture. On Twitter a young woman mentioned that she had just left an Atlanta spa and salon. She complimented the service and atmosphere along with the new mani/pedi she was now sporting, then added “they gave me the bottle of polish!”.
That simple bottle of nail polish resulted in numerous retweets and mentions, for starters. And, no doubt, a new client or two for the spa.
Isn’t it amazing how the smallest gesture can make such an impact and impression?
I have been to that same spa and salon. It is one of my favorites. It is an absolutely beautiful place, a relaxing setting with impeccable services, great products … and a true commitment to giving each client the ultimate experience. First class in every way. Luxurious towels and robes. Your choice of music, lighting and scents. Each client receives the finest service, tailored just to them, whether it is a manicure or a full day.
At the end of each visit there is always a gift waiting for you. Just for you. For my friend, it was the bottle of nail polish. For me one time it was a scented candle along with a CD of music. Simple gestures that said “thank you” and allowed each of us to take our spa experience home with us. What’s more, they were personal gifts. Selected for us because staff listened to us. She loved the new nail color, I enjoyed the beautiful music and fragrance.
I promise that never once do any of us as their clients think or say, “oh they just add that to the fee somewhere”. Some things, such as impeccable service and personal attention far exceed price, and any thought of price.
Is the same true in your business?
Before you browse that latest catalog or search that website in search of the usual gimmicks and gadgets to give your prospects or hand out at that next trade show or exhibit, stop and think. Yes, I called them “gimmicks and gadgets”. Because many times they are. And they are relegated to the “gimmick and gadget drawer”, taken home to the kids or put in the breakroom cabinet.
In writing this I am not dismissing the value of promotional items. Not at all. Instead I am suggesting that you take time to think about the “right” and most meaningful gifts you should give. This begins with listening to your customer or client, just as the staff of the spa listen to their clients. Nothing extravagant, but personal and unique. Present a “truly” free gift from your store. Send a handwritten note and tuck in a certificate for dinner for two. Give your customer a bonus accessory item with their order. Surprise your client with the gift of a full size item, not just a sample. Offer free shipping or delivery.
I promise the gift will more than pay for itself.
Formula for success: from teaching to teachable
Posted by LoisMarketing in Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on August 16, 2010
Last week I read a blog post from a fellow marketing advisor who was surprised and impressed to see one of the leading authors and speakers on small business marketing sitting in the audience during a recent seminar. What a great example that each of us, no matter our level of accomplishment and recognition, should never stop learning.
As business owners, managers and advisors we should seek the refreshment and insight of new information and a new perspective.
Great start: Read at least thirty minutes each day. Are you filling your library or Kindle with books on leadership and effective management? Subscribing to helpful blogs? Reading articles on new trends in technology, innovation and marketing?
Be the student. Follow the marketing author’s example and attend a seminar or workshop — unrelated to your trade, profession or industry. Brush up on your sales techniques. Learn more about how social media. Discover how to start and promote a blog. Take a business planning course. Attend your local chamber of commerce’s economic outlook presentations. These are just a few of the many topics available to you.
Make the most of technology. I have already mentioned the Kindle, and of course there’s the iPad and NetBook. The Internet literally places a world of information at your fingertips. From videos to webinars and teleseminars, take advantage of education and enrichment online. You’ll stretch your time budget as well as your expense account and gain immensely from the variety of materials and speakers available to you.
Host a guest speaker at your company. Inject new energy and perhaps a great new insight or two by inviting an industry professional, sales trainer, motivational presenter or community leader to speak to you and your staff. It does not have to be a full-day event. You will gain from a twenty-minute or perhaps one-hour presentation. There’s nothing like a fresh voice to communicate fresh ideas.
These are just a few tips. The truth is that we all have “tunnel vision” at times as we go through our daily tasks. Becoming teachable gives us real vision. Having the hungry minds of students will make us the very best leaders, managers — and teachers we can be.
Meteors …
Posted by LoisMarketing in Personal Insights on August 13, 2010
Several days ago I wrote a post about how much I appreciate the beach for a true getaway. There is also nothing like escaping the lights, noise and pace of the city to enjoy a crystal-clear starry sky. Very early this morning (as in 3:00 a.m.) I ventured out to watch the Perseid meteor shower. It’s one of my favorite things about summer.
You look up and see forever. Just a small part of the universe laid out before you, decorated with shooting stars. Nothing refreshes, re-energizes, enlivens and centers me more than enjoying a brilliant night sky. I love my church but find my greatest, deepest and most personal worship and connection with God comes in nature.
Where better to celebrate Him? And celebrate His love, protection .. and His many gifts to us?
The entrepreneur’s tool box: following goes both ways, ya know
Posted by LoisMarketing in Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on August 11, 2010
What exactly is with certain Tweeps on Twitter? Is it some sort of ego trip to have 10,000 followers while you are only following 10? What gives?
As a social media manager for a number of clients, I can understand the focus of companies on building, building, building followings in Twitter (and other social media, for that matter). More Tweeps to view your messages, possibly retweet them, fan your Facebook page, make you a social media megastar, and so on.
But think about it. You just breezed through her Twitter stream with a special offer for being a Facebook fan. He just followed you on Twitter for a chance to win an autographed whatever. But you are not following back. You are missing the opportunity to get to know your customer, chat one-to-one, and make real connections. It’s not that hard in our world of social media.
The same holds true for every business, everywhere. Social media gives you a chance to connect. Forget advertising, promoting and offering. Focus on connecting. Follow back .. and listen. Is managing your followers the real challenge? They are tools to help with that. Don’t let that be the hurdle.
Follow back. I promise you’ll find your greatest prospects. Referral sources. Friends. And fans.
Admit it. Is it ego? If so, lose it. You’ll win real followers and friends for your business.
Formula for success: the care and feeding of your company
Posted by LoisMarketing in Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on August 10, 2010
Whether you are an entrepreneur, mom-preneur or solo-preneur, the challenge is the same. There are never enough hours in the day it seems. Our focus is on providing the best products and services for our clients and customers, winning and keeping new business, earning repeat business, and then — at some point late in the evening, sitting down to take care of our own business. Catching up on email, planning the next day, ordering materials, invoicing customers, paying bills.
As you serve customers, don’t forget to serve yourself and your own company. Here’s a thought: Treat your company as your number one customer. How does that sound? In other posts, I am sharing ideas on how to update your web presence and keep it fresh and interesting. That is just one component. Take a look at other aspects of your business. What could streamline your operations and make your life easier? Should you take time to re-organize your office? Upgrade or add technology? Set up a more efficient calendar and file system? Another idea: Could you benefit from more training or a refresher course?
Are you taking time to plan for business growth and expansion? Meeting regularly with your CPA, financial advisor, insurance agent, banker? There is much to consider. Rather than relegating decisions and planning to late nights, take time to work on these things when you’re fresh and energized. Again, your company should be your top customer.
The late Jim Rohn said, “Work harder on yourself than you do on your business.” That is something each of us should live by. But I also think there is something to be said for working harder on your business than you work on and for your clients’ businesses.
Because ultimately all of you will benefit. Immensely.
Politics …
Posted by LoisMarketing in Personal Insights on August 9, 2010
Don’t you just love that as the topic of a blog post? Here I go, writing another post in the late evening.
I had to. I have had enough. As I start this post it is 10:15 p.m. on Monday, the night before runoff elections here in Georgia. I must say that
I am turned off.
And I have turned off.
I will be candid and say that over the last few days and weeks I have “un-friended” many on my Facebook account. Candidates who I wanted to learn more about — but didn’t. And others who have turned their Facebook Walls into political forums.
I am on Facebook to smile and laugh with friends, see baby and grandbaby pictures .. hear all about vacations and enjoy “real’ status updates. And to “fan” a page and support a friend’s business .. and their REAL American dream.
Whether I agree with your view or not doesn’t matter. Reading your posts, listening to your commercials, and having my work day and personal time interrupted by your “robo” phone calls are tedious and tiresome. It’s not that I don’t care. I DO care. I want to be able to make informed and confident choices when I cast my vote. But I’m left to wade through smear campaigns and constant pushes for fundraising to try to learn who “you” as a candidate truly are.
For me, the real connection, good information, the confidence in making the right decision are all missing.
As a new voter I proudly mailed an absentee ballot in the 1980 presidential election: Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. Absentee? I was a student at the University of Georgia at the time. As I later told my parents how I had voted, candidate by candidate and line by line, it opened up a lively discussion. We had voted as a “block” and that was good. But then my Mom looked at my Dad. Then at me. She said, “Until now, your Dad and I have never talked about how we voted.”
Interesting! I’ve thought about that through the years. My Mom and Dad truly are kindred spirits and they share everything .. or almost everything. I thought it intriguing and special that they had not shared with each other how they had voted.
That brings me back to tomorrow, to the runoff elections in my state. Followed by the mid-term elections in November.
I’m “taking back” my vote. Taking it before God .. and keeping it private. I pray that I can see beyond current circumstances, negative campaigning, the “latest and greatest” political star, frustration with “robo” calls and signs cluttering intersections. I pray that I can see beyond where my country .. my state .. my community .. and I are at the moment …
and quietly, prayerfully seek God’s guidance in how I vote. Between Him and me.
Because I know He holds the future.
Formula for success: a lesson learned at the nation’s “top party school”
Posted by LoisMarketing in Sales/Marketing/Public Relations on August 5, 2010
Party animal: UGA III reigned as mascot during my years at the University of Georgia
The dubious honor caused quite a bit of press attention for UGA — and no doubt a new wave of admission applications. UGA has appeared among the “top party school” rankings throughout the years but can now lay claim to another national “championship”.
Yes, we as alumni enjoyed a laugh — likely a few memories, too! — with the news this week. Georgia Bulldogs do love to party and play. But amid the parties and ballgames, UGA students and faculty are continually recognized for academic achievement, service to community, green initiatives and much more.
My years at UGA were a wonderful experience and as the years go by I become more and more proud of the degree I hold and of being an alumna and Bulldog. As a student I came to appreciate the guidance of certain upperclassmen and graduate students who took great leadership roles in dorms, sororities, fraternities and study groups. They helped us to see that there was a time to study and work .. then a time to party. We learned to respect each other. And appreciate that our college years could and should include it all.
Everyone gained from student leaders’ protection of the atmosphere of our dorms, sorority houses and study rooms. Everyone gained from uninterrupted work time — and gained a new respect for others. Throughout my career I have had a respect and appreciation for leaders within businesses who set rock-solid standards and protect the atmosphere of their offices and companies. Who create and maintain opportunities for their staff and their companies to grow and thrive. Who make and stand behind decisions. Who do not hesitate to correct and, if necessary, eliminate negative and detrimental people and policies.
What results? A happy and productive workforce. True teamwork. Innovation, efficiency and profitability. Satisfied and loyal customers. And growth at every level.
They say satisfaction is its own reward.
But when the work is done, as a true Georgia Bulldog I also find it very rewarding to go play.
Welcome!
Lois Martin is an independent marketing and public relations consultant in Atlanta, GA. She is also an avid blogger and a motorsports enthusiast.
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