sheldon1creates

More lead generation tips for you to try

In the current climate, I am asked more and more about how to promote and sell...how to get out there and be seen and what to do when you get there..try out a few of these and see what happens!

1.Referrals come faster when clients recognise how much  you can improve their lives so make sure they know about and understand all the products and services you can provide.

People talk most about your work when they really understand it.

2. Go to exhibitions and trade shows to generate leads.

Someone else has done the hard work to get thousands of people interested in a certain industry or profession together, and you have access to those thousands of prospects all for the price of a stand rental.

To take advantage of the opportunity, you need to have something to give away to those prospects.

1. ‘Give me your details, and I’ll give you this.’
2. The giveaway must be irresistible. Then you have something more valuable than you could ever imagine: the details of several hundred people who are interested in your product or service.
3. Do the follow-up.
4. Put their details on the database and categorise them.
5. Focus on the people who do want what you have to offer.

3.  When you meet a person at a networking event, shake hands and repeat their name.

Repeating a person’s name not only helps you remember it, but it also shows that you’re making an effort to hear the name properly.

4.  Don’t ignore people you recognise if you’ve forgotten their name.

Smile and ask a provocative questions like

1. What’s the most exciting thing that’s happened to you since we met?’
2. What is your biggest recent success?’
3. What are you most looking forward to?’

and never feel afraid to say - ‘The last time we met, we had such a great conversation. Will you remind me what your name is?’

5.  At networking events, wear a nametag that is easy to read and is descriptive of you.

Wear it on your right shoulder so that people can easily see it when they shake your hand.

6.  Listen more than you talk.

There is nothing more flattering than someone who listens carefully and shows sincere interest in other people.

7. Ask open-ended questions.

This means questions that ask

1. who
2.  what
3. where
4. when
5. how

..........rather than those that can be answered with a simple‘yes’ or ‘no’.

This form of questioning opens up the discussion and shows listeners that you are interested in them.

8.  Focus on other people at networking events.

People will be far more receptive to you and the idea of using your product or service if you begin by focusing on their business. Find out what is going on in their industry and their company so that you can get a good grasp of what their needs are. This will help you to decide if your product or service can solve their particular problem or challenge, or share your knowledge - if you know of another business that would meet their needs then recommend and connect

9.  Be prepared.

When you’re asked how someone can help you, have an answer ready. Be able to articulate what you are looking for and how others may help you. Too often people in conversations ask, ‘How may I help you?’ And no immediate answer comes to mind.

10.  Don’t hard sell at networking events.

Forget trying to ‘sell’ your business or using the event as a hard sell opportunity – it’s very off-putting. There’s nothing worse than a pushy salesperson trying to sell you something at a networking event. Use the opportunity to sound out potential leads, not convert them.

11.  If people are interested in what your company does, arrange a further meeting.

If they’re not interested, don’t blow the contact – this person has a network of people you may never meet. They could become your best referrer.

just a quick post to update you on the bank holiday weekend...well it was a very unusual weekend! I found myself in various little towns and the odd city doing some bizarre activities and talking to lots of different people.
We started with a mad dash to get becks ready for Leeds Fest and repairing her long lost and apparently favourite wellies with no nails, duck tape and a welding gun - they didn't survive the weekend BUT did do the job ...so new wellies on shopping list!
Once they were happily despatched, it was heads down for some BD calls for a client and that made for an interesting start - many were on holiday but many had left post and many companies seemed to be in re-structure - the people who I did speak to were happily up beat, confused and some were downright sad - it left me with mixed feelings, I have to say - but all in all a good days work and some great info.
I followed this with a quick annual update to my buddy in USA who had sent me a great long lovely catch up email...I won't bore you with detail but all doing wonderfully well and fantastic to hear success and positivity; although main reason for her having the time to write a long missive was that they were battoned down in the house in the middle of 'IRENE' descending - apparently all went well but scary situation - isn't is amazing that they kept all their connections and were able to write and connect on-line.
I was suppose to meet a very dear friend Friday evening but got stuck in horrendous holiday traffic and ended up taking a rain check, which was very disappointing but what can you do except ramp up the music and sit tight - I do love to sing badly, loudly and solo!
Saturday beckons and chores - iain's mum and dad back from small hols - all a bit confused but very happy with new shower (fitted while away) - so clean up duties and hand rail fitting before getting ready to go to footie.
Yes - I am a Huddersfield Town enterprise scout so anyone fancy joining me for a home game - drop me a line.
I get so excited about sport (no real knowledge - i just love the joining in and the shouting I think)
Learning about the team each week and although we won it was touch and go with some of the the play going on - all a bit frantic as Iain picked me up and changed on route in car to wedding party (not local)
The weekend really starts with a wedding party though - a dear school friend from the age of 11 finally pinned down her lovely partner - basically they have brought up 5 wonderful children and she even has a grandson now and sickenly she still looks about 25 - it was a real loving family affair and the happy couple looked fab.......well that was Saturday put to bed.
Sunday was planned trip day - up early and off to Sheffield Fair - wanted to make some contacts for Forward Ladies and I did - some fab ones - I now cover Kirklees, Calderdale, Wakefield, Sheffield and Doncaster! some fab events coming up from networking lunches to workshops to hair do's.
They had re-enactments from romans to civil war to world war 2 and wonderful seeing all that history squished in to one afternoon ...and the food wasn't bad too - great fun before we went off to the soothing, soul enriching mind, body and spirit fair at Elsecar - the scent and aroma's of the oil enriched calm atmosphere still lingers PLUS met a fab lady author called Lindsey who will speak at an FL lunch for me - bless her. Home to read my books, burn some incense and get ready for Monday.
Monday was write proposal morning - so up at 6 - clear the desk and get on with them - all drafted and ready to discuss so happy with that and time to pop over to my mum and dad's for a quick cuppa and to see my step sister and brother who unexpectedly popped in from Weymouth and Swindon - can't miss this! Lovely catch up and then the emergency call to Iain's parents to sort the hand rails/bathmat situation - all now sorted but ready to head homw as just received text from daughter missing in action - she has landed as they say clutching rather a lot of wet stuff and the now wrecked wellies. I have a picture of mud and un-mentionables been trailed through the house so we have the siren on the car as we head home!!.........actually she doesn't look too bad really! sorted and get dinner on go so I can now revise proposals, clear emails and prep for tomorrow - full day and fab workshop in the morning at Brighouse "pants on" project management with Sarah Wilson - one of my FL events then off to Huddersfield media centre and then Doncaster before dinner with brother at 7 pm - all up to date...another weekend flies by...hope yours was good too - pics on FB - HAVE A GREAT WEEK

Ten top tips to gain more high quality leads

I feel wonderful and terrible at the same time...work catches up with you and weeks and months fly by and you suddenly realise that you are not doing the things you teach yourself....so apologies for been slow and incosistent with posts but I just got waylaid doing this stuff for other people. I also (at Iain's insistence) took a break in sunny Cyprus and he literally locked up my laptop...it took me 4 days to recover from the shock! I do hope the tips below are of some value to you...enjoy

 

 

Ten top tips to gain more high quality leads

1. Establish measurable lead generation goals.

a. Set measurable goals

Business owners often set vague targets such as ‘more opportunities’ or ‘more sales activity’ which are impossible to measure and ultimately impractical to implement and therefore unattainable.

So be specific, for example

1. three face-to-face meetings per week’ or
2. five leads from our landing page’

 These are easy to understand, measure, and DO.

Don’t forget to track your progress weekly and adjust accordingly

2. Offer content that delivers value to buyers.

People love buying but hate to be sold. People are suspicious of anything that seems like a sales pitch. What we are all looking for is credible sources that will help them to make an informed decision. We all want to learn and even be entertained and unfortunately, most sales pitches aren’t educational or entertaining.

So rather than telling prospects about how great your product or service is and offering them brochures and data sheets, you can help your potential buyers get educated by supplying useful information or  enlisting the help of more credible third-party sources, such as industry experts and analysts and sharing great information that will help them

3. Your most convincing ‘salespeople’ are your customers.

The most obvious and credible source you can use to convince prospects about the value of your service or product is your existing customers. Customer success stories and appropriate case studies are always effective. Make sure their story describes the problem that the customer is solving with your solution. Give lots of detail. Make the customer rather than your product or service the focus of the story.

4. Share your customer success stories.

Once you have written a customer success story (with the full approval of your client), send it to publications within your industry or market. Trade magazines and industry newsletters are usually in need of quality content. An independent publication will carry more credibility in the eyes of your prospects.

5. Deliver an outstanding service or product so that customers want to recommend you to others.

Always remember to thank your clients and customers for their help and – people like acknowledgement. It doesn’t have to be an extravagant gesture: a simple phone call or a personal note to acknowledge what they have done will have an enormous impact.

6. Follow up leads within the first 24 hours. – always think about how you would feel if no-one valued your time and lazy follow up procedures makes people think you are not interested or you do not value their custom

Many good lead generation efforts go to waste due to poor follow-up. Some studies show that response rates to a follow-up call can diminish by 50% if you wait just 48 hours, and as much as 90% if you wait a whole week.

7. Move prospects to take action – always include a ‘call to action’

Every piece of lead-generating material should contain a call to action.

For example: ‘Call me NOW to receive a free copy of  xxxxx and latest price list.’ Or ‘For your copy of our brochure, fill out the enclosed reply card and send it freepost.’

a. Tell prospects what to do and what you expect from them

b. Tell them how to contact you (providing a phone number, email address, website address and fax number), c. Explain what will happen when they do make contact.

The ‘what happens next’ can be a brochure or any material you’ll send as a gift or any service they will receive.

8. Increase the quantity of your leads.

a. Offer your catalogue, brochure, or other literature for free.

b. Don’t make prospects answer lots of information about themselves – people are wary about disclosing too much information, and they’re worried they’re going to be bombarded by calls from salespeople.

c. Make it as easy and cost-effective as possible for prospects to respond – for instance, by mailing them a stamped reply card or providing a freephone number.

9. Motivate prospects to respond.

If you want a large volume of leads, you must provide prospects with a really excellent reason to take action. The offer of a sales presentation is not very enticing – actually, it’s more likely to repel prospects.

Prospects want

1. information,
2. solutions,
3. help,
4. advice,
5. samples,
6. ideas,
7. designs,
8. savings,
9. quality,
10. service,
11. support,
12. assurances or guarantees.

When you make your offer enticing, more prospects will take action.

10. Remove the sales pressure.

If you will not follow up the lead, say, ‘No salesperson will call.’ If you will follow up the lead by phone but not in person, say, ‘No salesperson will visit.’ Or just be open and ask if they would like a follow up call in a couple of weeks.

More tips to follow so keep looking out for the next blog and if you would like more help check out the following

www.brugconsultancy.com or just drop me an email tracy.sheldon@brugconsultancy.com and I’ll give you a bell

Keep them coming back for more

Keeping customers coming back for more isn't always easy.

Try out these ten top tips on how to retain a loyal consumer base.

1. Go the extra mile

Offering something extra is often a good alternative to cutting prices, and it can generate more goodwill, even if it costs you very little. Think about what key skills you can share or use your imagination to develop an unusual idea, for example a London agency recently offered advertising space on their premises (like a shop front) or I recently had a meeting with a client well out of office hours to get some urgent work done as they just ran out of time pre- holiday – sometimes the smallest things can make a difference.

2. Boost staff motivation

When customer-facing staff  become de-motivated, contracts are lost. There are many options here to help your staff and support them – from straight forward nights out to actually spending time getting to know them and listening to them – they might amaze you with ideas that could improve your business...and when you are doing well everyone deserves a peice of the pie!

3. Keep it fresh… but familiar

Always look for new ideas, think about what you do and try and refresh it – use your creative side and look at products or services you offer with fresh eyes – work out what works well and then make it easy for people to find. Always look for balance, product/service innovation is great but do not destroy your core offerings or best sellers

4. Invite complaints

Don’t be afraid to find out what your customers think or feel about your business and always make it easy for them to tell you. Always ensure you respond to your customers and keep them up to date with your improvements and thank them for their contribution.

5. Remind customers that you’re there

Talk to your customers – there are so many ways to communicate with your clients today – keep it consistent and do it often. Its important to also listen and find out what they need and ensure you can provide it for them

6. Maintain a human touch

Now that customer service is often a discrete business function, possibly with its own dedicated team, there’s a danger of it becoming over-automated or isolated from the rest of the business. The personal touch really pays off – use it and often - keep your eyes wide open to spot connection possibilities

7. Lock in clients for longer

Whether you’re selling to consumers or businesses, it pays to structure the deal to encourage customer retention. Key is adding really good value and been honest – look, listen and give your clients things that will actually help them, think about building long term relationships, rather than just another contract - it might just be a potato to you...but to someone else it's a love spud!

8. Monitor feedback

The internet makes it easier to find out what your customers think about you. Check out what is available on the net for you to use to gain independent feedback that you can use to segment your client base and learn who you’re best clients are and what your competitors are up to - are you completely up to date with all the latest about you and your business?

9. Offer good after-sales support

Always remember the after-sales...so many people don’t and it can be a huge mistake. Don’t be afraid to give your clients or customers a call and check everything is going well......if it isn’t then offer to sort it out quickly and if it is, ask if there is anything else you can do to help them.

Also keep good records – it’s fantastic when you get a call from someone who actually seems to really remember you.

10. Be your own competitor

Your customers will often want to try something new – but there’s no reason why you can’t be the one to offer it. Review what you have in your business portfolio and look at what else would be useful to your clients or customers – also this could be a great time to collaborate or extend your offerings.

challenge to change

All Change...or is it?

There has been so much in the news and press circulating about the current economic downturn and the effects on all markets and industries that the general feeling is to take cover and head for the hills......but I challenge this with a call to action for a real innovative battle cry to use this as an opportunity to reassess, regroup and turn the dial for our businesses.

Marketing has historically had it’s bashers and complainers but most of the information we base our strategies on comes from good solid market information. I am a great believer in integrated marketing communications and utilising these tools effectively to fully implement and understand our markets, sectors and output and give us clear measurable information to speed up business decisions and more fool the business that thinks it can rely on cut backs and lowering prices to survive – this is short sighted and definitely not an innovative way to look to the future. We should not presume our products are what our customers want just because we make them – we should invest in knowing what are customer needs and provide them with it at a good profitable price and to the standard expected. We should be analysing the market trends now and the consumers perspective and planning and producing what the industry needs before it knows it needs it – that leads to competitive edge and not price comparison – too many times have we relied on capacity rather than innovative solutions. Everything a company does, says or makes is a potential touchpoint to the consumer and we should utilise this especially in the current climate when there are so many different mediums to use which can be measured for ROI.

The following tips for change may be useful to kick off the thought processes and sense check current strategies

1. Establish a sense of urgency
   - examine market and competitive realities
   - identify and discuss crises, potential crises or major opportunities.
   
    
2. Form a powerful, guiding coalition
   - assemble a group with enough power to lead the change effort
   - encourage the group to work together as a team.
   
    
3. Create a vision
   - create a vision to help direct the change effort
   - develop strategies for achieving that vision.
   
    
4. Communicate the vision
   - use every vehicle possible to communicate the new vision and strategies
   - teach new behaviours by the example of the guiding coalition.
   
    
5. Empower others to act on the vision
   - get rid of obstacles to change
   - change systems or structures that seriously undermine the vision
   - encourage risk taking and non-traditional ideas, activities and actions.
   
    
6. Plan and create short term wins
   - plan for visible performance improvements
   - create those improvements
   - recognise and reward employees involved in the improvements.
   
    
7. Consolidate improvements and produce still more change
   - use increased credibility to change systems, structures and policies that don't fit the vision
   - hire, promote and develop employees who can implement the vision
   - reinvigorate the process with new projects themes and change agents.
   
    
8. Institutionalise new approaches
   - articulate the connections between the new behaviours and corporate success
   - develop the means to ensure leadership development and succession.

 “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.” Darwin

 

Quick ‘ideas’ to Immediately Improve your Marketing

Some great ideas to boost your marketing

Idea 1

Finding it difficult to attract clients, and finding the marketing you’re putting out there is simply not doing the job, then look at your advertising and marketing materials.

Your marketing should focus on one thing only....your clients or your potential clients

Don’t transfer your business card details and how good you are over to the client – think about what your clients need and where there pain is...what do they really need and want....how can you help them?

So review all your marketing material closely and really look at it like a customer or client ..NOT as a passionate business owner who believes that you are the best and only choice.......if you were shown your marketing assets would you buy?

Therefore examine all of your marketing closely.

Does it contain?

• A compelling headline
• Clear, benefit-laden and enticing copy
• A compelling offer
• A call to action.

Don’t believe that your branding alone will carry you through...big fan though I am on getting the branding right...it’s not enough on its own

Idea 2

Facts show that gaining a new customer is the biggest expense for any business. It’s all about building a relationship and we all know that takes time.

So once you get a client to part with his or her hard earned cash – consider re-visiting these clients and give them more of what they want.....as well as looking for new clients

Remember this: you have already developed trust, value and credibility - they are “listening” - so offer them an additional product, service or treatment. Develop products and services that fit with what they need. It will always be easier – and far less expensive – to go back to a current client and offer them more.

Remember also to re-visit past prospects and check whether their circumstances have changed.

Idea 3

Do you communicate clearly your difference?

If you are a painter, plumber, accountant, lawyer or consultant...you are obviously the best at what you do...you have the best service and the best reputation........SO WHAT? What sets you apart?

Make it clear why you are different from the next and tell me clearly why I would want to do business with you rather than all the other businesses out there – How can you be greater..better?

Remember, unless you explain to a prospect what you do, how you do it, and every important and interesting facet of the product or service you provide, then they will make assumptions. (Usually wrong and usually price-based) Explain everything, and communicate this in a way that makes a real difference, to your potential client and differentiates you.

Become the EXPERT ...Demonstrate this.....educate first and sell second

Idea 4

Take action!

What works face-to-face often works in print. Talk to your prospects as you would a friend over a cup of coffee. Don’t get fancy; don’t get all ‘corporate’... Deliver your pitch in a clear, concise and compelling manner.

Using your brand (logo) everywhere creates awareness but no real understanding of what the brand stands for – awareness is good but can’t pay the bills alone

Idea 5

Test and measure..Test and measure...adapt...test and measure

Are you using the best price appeal? Could you sell your product or service for a greater price? If you’re not sure, well then test and measure the result.

The same goes for any offer you try. Could you improve on this? Could you offer the client a higher-value appeal, but one that is still low cost to you? In other words, bundle more offers together.

Or do both... Test an increase in price, coupled with a ‘bigger and better’ offer.

Idea 6

Establish joint venture and collaborative partners and partnerships

Look to work alongside non-competitive, but related businesses; broker a deal that would encourage them to promote your business to their clients

Look at how this will work, commission or mutually beneficial ways to consistently promote each other – it has to be based on trust, respect and value
so to begin with, list all the types of businesses that look after your business. For example, a business owner that maybe provides a service before the client uses your product or service, or after the client uses your product or service.

Idea 7

Be proactive not reactive.

It doesn’t matter what business you’re in; essentially you’re in the business of marketing. Why? Because you can have the greatest product, service or treatment in the world, but if nobody knows you exist, then it makes no difference what you do!

You need to be active and you need to be consistent

So many people believe they do not need marketing or that marketing is just advertising...it is not.

It’s all about good planning, great research and consistent implementation...action

Know what you do well, show people you do it well, remind them you do it well and how happy they were with you and then share and educate – look after your current clients and they will be the best kind of marketing for you

You need to be actively and consistently sourcing prospects and converting them to clients. So many business owners will realise - often when it’s too late - that they don’t have enough of a client base, and then begin their marketing.....to late in the day.

Be proactive not reactive.

Go after your prospects, constantly. Create an offer that gets their attention; that fascinates them into wanting to contact you.

Good luck and if you have any questions give me a bell 07989 695352 or leave me a comment and thank you to all the articles, courses and books I have read to give me these simple ideas.

Got your brand...now what?

After writing what is a brand and do you need one? I thought it might be useful to add some tips on what to do next in a simple and easy to understand format.

Pulling it all together

Now you know your core competencies and your current brand positioning, you need start on defining your brand identity. (YOUR brand personality). To do this I would suggest you use the following key actions to help you get off to the best start.

1.       Decide who is going to LEAD the process for your business. It could be you if you have the time, or it could be an outside agency (can be expensive, so don’t forget your ‘budget’ setting and planning) or you can plan a regular resource/expert or you can pick a key employee who has shown interest and potential skill which you can develop under your guidance. Whoever it is – you must be 100% supportive of the process. Time is money, so don’t waste it. Having a great brand increases your business value, your customer reach and increases sales, so it’s well worth the effort of getting this right.

 

2.       Discuss your core competencies and brand values with your employees and customers. Remember what you think about your business is almost certainly not what everyone else thinks – you need to be realistic to build a brand you are happy with that fulfils your customer and employees needs. There is no point in having a product or service no-one wants to work for, with or have! Your brand must reflect what your customers and employees think about your business to have credibility.

 

3.       Note your agreed core competencies and brand values – make sure these do not conflict with your overall brand. If you claim ‘high quality’ and your customers and employees view the brand as cheap and cheerful your branding is already dishonest and damaged. With this image in their minds, how can you expect your employees to ‘sell’ well for you or your customers to ‘believe’ anything you do? Spend time defining what you mean: High quality can mean many different things to many different people – what does it mean to you and your business. ‘Cheap’ instantly sets an emotional connection but so does ‘cost effective’ or ‘good value’ – which would you rather be and what does it actually mean in relation to your business, product or service?

 

Creating your Brand

You have now worked on the following and should have lots of information which can help you build your specific messages which you can communicate to your customers. Use the check list below to make sure you have all the information you need.

1.       Core competencies

2.       Brand values

3.       Customer and employee likes and dislikes

4.       Perceived quality

5.       Brand stretch

If not read the previous blog and re-visit areas you are not sure about.

If you have all the relevant information here are some key pointers on how to create your brand. Build your message into everything your employees, customers or potential customers see and hear before they actually have any direct contact with you are your business.

1.       Review all your company literature – does it reflect your brand values?

2.       Review your company logo, stationery etc to ensure it reflects your brand values and provides immediate visual link to them

3.       Review your advertising – is it good value? Is it in places that reflect your brand values? Does the copy and content reflect and re-affirm your brand?

Make sure your staff understand the brand values and believe in them!

1.       Involve staff in developing your brand – staff engagement works! If you are a sole trader, it still applies – if you don’t believe it what would anyone else! See a later article on personal branding and marketing.

2.       Your employees’ attitude and behaviour will influence the success of your brand more than any other form of promotional activity you do. For example, if you have ‘excellent customer service’ as a brand value and one customer believes your staff don’t listen or care then you have damaged your brand (business) Word of mouth travels much quicker and is more effective than any advertising campaign.

Review your systems and make sure every point of contact that a customer or potential customer has reflects your brand values

1.       If you have a loyalty scheme and the customer cannot see what points they have easily they won’t use it

2.       If you claim to be friendly and your staff are not you have damaged the brand and broken ‘trust’ and ‘expectation’

3.       If you are always there to help but actually shut then you are NOT always there to help are you?

4.       If you offer discounts, but the text is so small that the customer didn’t see it was a limited offer and they drove 40 miles to get it and you say read the small print!!! How would you feel if it was you? regardless of whether you are right or wrong you just lost a customer!

5.       If you offer fast and efficient service and your customer feedback says ‘fed up with waiting at tills’ ......does that tell you something needs to be done?

Managing your brand

A brand does not work instantly, it develops over time and gets stronger as long as your business communicates consistently and delivers your brand values to your customers.

Here are some tips for managing your brand

1.       Keep all your employees involved in your business and brand. They are responsible for delivery of your brand values, and the more involved they are, the more responsible they will feel. Think about a regular staff meeting or manager briefings to re-enforce and inform.

2.       Discuss the brand values regularly with staff- be clear about what you mean and what is expected

3.       Encourage ideas and feedback to improve systems and ensure you deliver your brands values more effectively. It’s amazing what people on the front line know if you ask.

4.       All the above applies if you are a sole trader – what do you clients’ think of you and your service? Did you deliver what they expected?

 

Monitor your brand

 

Monitor your customers’ response to your brand regularly and set regular reviews of your brand and how you communicate your brand values

 

1.       Get regular feedback from friendly customers and find out if what your business is doing for them matches their expectations

2.       Ask dissatisfied customers or former customers the same – this is sometimes the ‘best’ learning’ you can get

3.       Set regular reviews of you products, services and systems to make sure they are effective and efficient at delivering your brand values and messages. For example a 20k advertising campaign in local meat trader  magazine will not be seen by 99% of your  butcher shop customers

 

Attract new customers

Now you are confident that your brand is established and growing with your staff and existing customers’ use it to attract NEW CUSTOMERS.

1. Use  your core competencies to demonstrate to new /potential customers what you can do for them (not just what you do)
2. Make sure you are targeting your kind of customers
3. Make sure that your message is consistent with your brand values and what you offer your existing customers. It’s easier and more cost effective to retain then gain!
4. Advertising, sales literature, presenters etc to potential customers must be visually and emotionally consistent – this doesn’t mean you can’t offer incentives to gain business BUT think about a loyal customer seeing this and thinking – “I’ve been loyal for 5 years and I don’t even get a phone call let alone a 10% discount!”...........think about all your customers and how you will communicate overall.

Extend your brand

A successful brand can offer many opportunities for expansion and business growth. You must be aware though that introducing new offerings, services or products means that you need to run through the above process again to ensure that these are aligned to your exiting and established brand and its values. For example, although lucrative, a successful Vet may not be best aligned with a pet cemetery (but it may work with real consideration and clarity of message etc). Also stretching a brand too far may not be a good idea and can damage the core brand.

A good example of brand stretching is how the globals’ do it.

They have the company branding and then individual brands with individual personalities underneath – like Unilver has DOVE and Lynx but they also do food and healthcare as well as personal toiletries.

So, check if you new product or service fits your brand and if not consider a separate brand with its own unique values.

Golden rules to consider and use as a checklist

Always think about what your business achieves for your customers and ensure you structure your business around this delivery

1. Are you focussed on your customer needs without allowing your customer to dictate to you? Its’ your brand, not your customers’ – you cannot change it for one customer or you will confuse all your others and yourself
2. Do you do everything you can to ensure your message/communications/literature etc is delivered consistently......even down to how the phone is answered or your letterhead is printed?
3.  Do your customers feel that you are providing them with exactly what your brand promises?
4. More than anyone, your staff delivers your promises. Do they understand what they are and what you expect of them?
5. Do you keep them up to date with changes and the latest information to ensure they deliver effectively?
6. Do you ask for ideas and feedback?
7. Do you use this feedback and let them know you value it?
8. Do you meet and exceed your brand promises to customers and staff?
9. How often do you review your brand and its values against information you receive?
10. Do you look inward out or outward in...?Or both?

 

 

 

 

What is a brand and do I need one?

What is a brand and do I need one?

 

The simple definition of ‘Brand’ is

a.       An identification or mark (logo or name) that differentiates you from any other businesses

b.      Your ‘BRAND’ symbolises how people think about your business – when they hear the name or see the logo it evokes an emotional response, triggers a memory, reminds them of an experience

 

Building your brand helps customers in their buying decision by creating a ‘perceived’ knowledge of what they are going to buy before they buy and what to expect when they buy

 

Brands are based on 3 core areas

a.       Confidence in the business , product or service doing exactly what the customer believes it will do..............”it does exactly what is says on the tin”

b.      Emotional response of the customer  to purchase a product or service

For example...women buying shoes...do they need them or do they desire the brand....Jimmy choos say  something about who you are or aspire to be as does Nike – they developed a ‘life style’ to add to just buying trainers.

Think about some major brands and their use of emotional response!

Hovis

Coca cola

Dove

Lynx

Guiness

Ben & Jerry

Aren’t they just products to buy?

Churchill

HSBC

The Halifax

The Gecko

Aren’t they just services to buy?

So why do you buy what you buy?

c.       Consistency – a good brand is consistent, rewarding the confidence of the customer and delivering the expected emotional response

How often have you bought a product or service and the sell was great but the item did not deliver on after sales service, or been able to contact the company or quality issues.

Would you buy again? What would you say about this? How disappointed would you be if those shoes fell apart or the insurance didn’t cover the kids on a trip?

A brand builds a unique personality and therefore attracts a defined type of customer .......so knowing your customer before you build your brand would be a good tip!

 

Do I need a brand?

Believe it or not...if you have a name and a logo you have a brand , even if you don’t treat it as one or make best use of it.

Your customers (and potential customers) already have a perception of what your business means to them. Building your brand just means telling them more effectively about what you do and how you do it so that you make their buying decision easier and associate their needs with your products and services.

A good brand (reputation) can help increase your turnover by gaining new customers, retaining your current customers and is really useful if:

a.       you are in a fast moving/changing sector

YOUR brand can bring reassurance and encourage loyalty

 

b.      you are in a crowded marketplace

YOUR brand can make you stand out or be unique

 

c.       you have no other ‘points of difference’

YOUR brand can portray your suitability – customers will choose you because they feel you match their needs best

 

d.      you want to add value to you business

YOUR brand can make you more attractive to potential buyers and existing customers

 

Five key steps to consider when building your brand

Before you can start, you need to assess your business, how it operates, what you want to say about it and what you can deliver consistently – be realistic!

DO NOT PROMISE WHAT YOU CANNOT DELIVER CONSISTENTLY

To get you started on the process consider what you know about the following:

1.      Work out your business, product or service core competencies (skills)

What do you achieve for your customers NOT necessarily what you do for them

 

2.      Work out who your existing and potential customers are and what they do and don’t like

If they are driven by price it’s pointless offering premium priced products unless you can show real value

 

3.      Find out how your customers and employees FEEL about your business (your brand values)

Reliable?  Cheap?  Luxurious?  Different?  Comfortable?

 

4.      Find out how well your business is viewed by customers and potential customers – this is your ‘perceived quality’

What do they think when your brand is mentioned to them? Do they trust your services? Do they understand what you do for them?

 

Low perceived quality can damage your business just as much as high perceived quality can help your business grow.

 

5.      Think about how much you can develop your business with its current customer perception without moving away from your core competencies

For example a shop selling high quality shoes may extend to matching bags or a fresh sandwich shop may move into homemade cakes or a lawyer who writes wills may align with a financial planner or tax specialist.

 

This should get you started and give you food for thought, want to know more, give me a bell, make a comment or follow my blog or check out my website. I love to help.

 

 

 

101 tips to find a job

hello all,

I was reading through a variety of emails I receive each day and to be honest most of them hit the dumpster BUT I found this and felt it was more useful than me writing something new this week, so with permission I am blatantly sending this on with their link for more information at the bottom.For my European friends, forgive the american slant, but the tips are still valid regardless of where from.  I hope you enjoy and find something useful that will help you in your drive to find your path in the working world.

If you need some further help or advice, give me a call or check out www.agencybods.co.uk for some great tips on finding that perfect role as well as help on HR, Health and safety and cv writing - or just check out the great offer to help you find the right talent for your business.

If you would like help on personal marketing then check out my site too www.brugconsultancy.com, I am sure I will be able to connect you to the people you need.

100 ways to look for a job

 

1. Proofread your resume: Have some trusted friends read over your resume, and give you some feedback on your spelling and grammar, and even the content. Someone else may pick up some mistakes you missed—and an error on your resume can prevent you from getting that important first interview.
   
    
2. Look online for great resume samples: Need resume help? Search online for some free resources and you will find everything from templates to sample resumes you can use as a great starting point for your resume. You can also view resumes for free at: http://www.findajobalready.com/resumes/browse.
   
    
3. Make a list of your skills: Make a list at the things you are good at, and the things you enjoy doing. Chances are there is some crossover between the lists. Use these lists to help identify the types of jobs and industries you are most interested and suited to working for.
   
    
4. Hire a pro: If you are just totally stuck and unable to produce a great resume, consider hiring a professional to do it for you. The cost is minimal, and the results are worth it!
   
    
5. Create a DIY marketing package: When a company rolls out a new product, they make sure everything associated with it sends a strong message. Review your resume, cover letter—and even your envelopes and stamps to be sure they are sending the message you want.
   
    
6. Buy quality paper and envelopes: Invest in good quality, heavy weight resume paper—and don’t skimp on the envelopes! Spend a little extra to make your resume stand out from the crowd.
   
    
7. Send your resume via priority mail: Or use Fed Ex or UPS. Those brightly colored envelopes just scream “I am important! Open me first!”. You can send your resume in a flat rate priority mailer for about $4.00, a small price to pay for guaranteed attention.
   
    
8. Don’t try too hard to stand out: Having an attention getting resume and application is great—having a sparkly, over the top one is not. Hot pink stationery with bunnies on it will attract attention, but it won’t land you an executive position.
   
    
9. Include a cover letter with every resume you send out: You can make a simple template letter and modify it to suit your needs. Including a cover letter allows a little more of your personality to shine through, and gives you additional opportunities to sell yourself as the ideal person for the job in question.
   
    
10. Put a P.S. on your cover letter: Our marketing friends must be onto something—just about every good salesletter ends with a P.S. If any part of your letter gets read, it will be the postscript at the end.
    
     
11. Include a resume with every application: Even if a position requires you to fill out an application, attach your resume as well—it gives you a chance to stand out from the crowd, and present yourself in the best light possible.
    
     
12. Consider a video resume if you are in a technical field: A powerpoint presentation or short video of your skills sounds over the top—and for some jobs, it is. For others, a video resume may be just what you need to get your foot in the door.
    
     
13. Search online for opportunities: More than ever, companies are placing want ads on the web. Make sure you search by both area and job title, and repeat your search every day—doing so ensures you will be one of the first applicants when a new job appears.
    
     
14. Customize your resume: Once you find a job you are interested in, take the time to customize your resume a bit to better match the job description. If you are applying for a managerial description, for example, make sure your resume reflects all of the management duties you have performed, and highlights your achievements in that area.
    
     
15. Consider working at home: Some employers allow you to work from your own home in a variety of capacities. A work at home job can be a great opportunity, but be very careful, there are a lot of scams out there you will need to avoid. True work at home jobs do exist, but you will need to seek them out…the “jobs” that show up in your inbox unsolicited are not the ones for you.
    
     
16. Search for a job using unconventional spellings and terms: If you are an engineer, search for “Engineer”, but also check out “Engeneer” and “Engineering”—either a misspelling or different phrasing can pop up different listings (not all employers can spell well!).
    
     
17. Be willing to drive a bit: If you currently work five minutes from home, consider expanding your search to the next town, or the closest large city. Driving a little further each day may be a good trade off for a higher paying position.
    
     
18. Focus your search: If you are looking for a job in a large field, try focusing your search a bit to eliminate results you can’t use. If you search “Sales” you will pull up plenty of jobs that won’t suit your needs if what you really need is “Pharmaceutical Sales”…and the jobs you do want may get buried in the massive amount of listings.
    
     
19. Use the newspaper: Use the classified listings in your local paper, and search online for other papers you may not receive. Most have an online classified section you can refer to, complete with a help wanted section.
    
     
20. Brainstorm to find other jobs you can do: If you are a teacher, apply for teaching jobs, but don’t overlook coaching, tutoring, and administrative jobs in the education system either.
    
     
21. Consider all of your skills: If you are great at selling cars, you may also be great at selling office equipment, medications, or business services. Don’t limit yourself to the field you are currently in if you have skills that can be applied elsewhere.
    
     
22. Use a “head hunter”: Job search firms aren’t just for top level executives anymore. Talented people of all levels are in demand, so register with a job service or tow. Just make sure the prospective employer is footing the bill.
    
     
23. Don’t fall for scams: There are a lot of unscrupulous people out there waiting to take advantage of the unwary. Make sure you don’t fall for any of the common scams—everything from “work at home” to “pay for a list of available jobs”. You shouldn’t have to pay to find a job, or a legitimate lead.
    
     
24. Post your resume online: Make sure your resume is available to employers for immediate download. After uploading your resume to a search engine, download it once yourself to see how it looks, and make sure it prints out the way you expect it to.
    
     
25. Use the right keywords in your resume: If you post your resume online, make sure it has keywords and phrases that are relevant to your ideal job and related to your field. The goal is to have your resume pop up at the top of the list when a potential employer searches for those keywords.
    
     
26. Write some articles about your field: If you can, do some writing for a trade journal or other organization. If you don’t know of any, write about your field for an online article site like ezinearticles.com. Doing so will help build your reputation, give you published credits to refer to on your resume, and help to establish you as an expert in your field.
    
     
27. Send your resume to a person: Instead of addressing your cover letter to a company, or worse to “whom it may concern”, take the time to find the name of the person actually doing the hiring, and send your resume to that person directly.
    
     
28. Play the numbers game to win: The more resumes you submit, and the more interviews you go on, the more likely you are to get the job you want. Send out more resumes than you think you need to, and accept any interview you are offered—if nothing else, an interview in person will be good practice, even if you end up declining the job.
    
     
29. Make sure your online profiles are accurate: Check networking sites like LinkedIn to be sure that the information there is accurate and up to date. Don’t have a networking profile yet? Take the time to make one. Web–savvy employers will check you out via Google and other outlets!
    
     
30. Behave yourself online: If you have a profile on a social site like Facebook or Myspace, make sure that you are presenting yourself in the best light possible. An employer may not be able to see your full posts…but they can see your profile picture and other personal tidbits, so make sure nothing you post will hurt your chances.
    
     
31. Use your blog or site as a platform: If you blog about something related to your work, make sure you include your blog on your application, if it establishes you as an expert in your field.
    
     
32. Create an online portfolio: Writers, artists, and other creative types can create an online portfolio or gallery of sorts to showcase their best work. Using an online portfolio allows prospective employers to see a variety of your samples, and get a real idea of the type of work you are capable of.
    
     
33. Put your friends and family to work: Let your friends and family know you are looking for a job—they might just have a friend, in–law, or business associate that is hiring, and a personal recommendation gives you an edge over any other applicants.
    
     
34. Know someone who is planning on leaving a great job? Get a jump on the competition by asking for a referral. If you know someone who is leaving a job due to relocation, the birth of a new baby, or any other reason, ask for a referral. You may be able to apply for their position before the company time to post the job opening!
    
     
35. Have a job already? It is easier to find a new job when you still have a job—even if it is a job you don’t like. Actually receiving a paycheck takes some of the pressure off of you. When you are not worried about your bills, you can take the time to concentrate on finding the right job for you.
    
     
36. Use any resources your former employer offers: If you have been laid off, your employer may offer some resources for your use, like resume help, retraining, or career counseling. Make sure you take advantage of any services they offer, as you may have to pay for these things on your own otherwise.
    
     
37. Apply for unemployment: If you are eligible to do so, apply for unemployment benefits right away. Even if you think you will land a new job immediately, you should apply, just in case. Most unemployment offices offer job placement and training help to job seekers in addition to the monetary benefits.
    
     
38. Treat your job search like a full time job: Out of work? If you are, you have plenty of time on your hands. Make finding the right job at the right salary your new fulltime hobby—and spend your time perfecting your resume, finding new places to submit applications, and researching potential employers.
    
     
39. Get out of bed and off the couch: It sounds crazy, but getting up each morning like you are going to work will help keep you productive—and help keep your job search on track. Vegging out in front of the television or binging on donuts at 11am is not going to land you the job you want!
    
     
40. Make a “to–do” list for each day: Writing down a firm plan for the day will help you be productive, and get things done. Decide on a target goal for each day, and cross each item off your list as you complete it. Having goals will keep you from wandering aimlessly, and keep your job hunt on track.
    
     
41. Make sure you are easy to contact: Make sure the phone number you put on your resume is one that you can either answer immediately, or one that has voicemail.
    
     
42. Create a professional sounding email address for your job search: Yourname@gmail.com is much better than a handle like “hotchick” or “beerdude” if an employer is trying to reach you via email.
    
     
43. Make sure your home phone and cell phone have voicemail: And make sure your outgoing message is professional and to the point.
    
     
44. Be old fashioned: Social media, twitter, and related technologies are great—but sometimes simply submitting your application and following up by phone is the best approach. Do your homework and find the job online, then go old school and mail in a hard copy resume—you will stand out as someone who took the time to do it right.
    
     
45. Apply for jobs that may not exist: Even if you don’t see a want ad or job posting, consider sending your resume to any company that hires workers in your field. You may get lucky and find an opening that simply hasn’t been advertised yet.
    
     
46. Apply at unconventional places: You may think your local hospital doesn’t have any jobs for you if you aren’t a doctor, nurse, or healthcare worker. You would be wrong! The truth is, a large organization like a hospital has a full staff of marketing, PR, computer, and administrative help that has nothing to do with caring for patients. The same is true for other large employers that may seem like they are not a good match for your skills.
    
     
47. Apply for jobs that are beneath your current level: If you are out of work, or desperate to make a change, consider applying for a job that is a small step down from your current position, as long as there is some improvement to your current situation. A new position that is closer to home; has fewer hours; or better benefits can make it worth taking a small cut in pay or title.
    
     
48. Apply for jobs that are above your current level: Don’t feel limited by most recent job you have had! If you see a job that would be a bit of a promotion for you, apply for it—you may be more ready than you think!
    
     
49. Apply for jobs that are listed as part time: A part time job can sometimes extend in to fulltime over time. If you secure a part time job, you will also be on hand to apply for any in–house job openings that come up as well.
    
     
50. Create an “elevator speech” about yourself: An elevator speech is a quick one or two sentence spiel about who you are and what you do. If you have one prepared in advance, you won’t stumble around the next time someone asks what you do for a living.
    
     
51. Use your social contacts to find work: If you are on one of the large social media sites, make sure you let everyone know you are looking for a job. Just like the people you know in real life, a friend of an online friend might have just the contact you need to find your next job.
    
     
52. Share your contacts with other job seekers: If you know others who are seeking work, share your resources. Unless you are seeking an identical job in an identical field, chances are they are not your competition anyway, and you will both expand your horizons if you share.
    
     
53. Target organizations you would like to work for: Do some research online and at the library, and target some companies you would like to work for. Visit their sites directly, and look for employment information—you may find jobs listed that don’t appear in search engine listings.
    
     
54. Think locally: While many large employers utilize the internet to find employees, most small businesses do not. Use your local paper to keep an eye out for jobs with businesses in your hometown.
    
     
55. Join your local business association: Join the Chamber of Commerce or any other local business group you can. The contacts you make here may be able to point you in the right direction for your next job—and you may hear of openings before they are even advertised in the paper.
    
     
56. Don’t overlook the government: The government is a huge employer, encompassing federal, state, and local jobs, and even civilian jobs with the military. You may be able to find a great job right in your own back yard.
    
     
57. Use your local resources: Even if you aren’t a college student, you may be able to use the college library to research jobs or even work on your resume. No college access? Use your local town library instead.
    
     
58. Go back to college: Check in with your alma matter to see if they offer any type of alumni job placement services—a surprising number of them do.
    
     
59. Belong to a church or house of worship? Let your fellow congregates know what you are looking for—they may know of a job opening, or be able to give you a personal referral.
    
     
60. Take some classes: Brush up your skills, especially if you have been in the same job for a long time. Taking a semester of night classes in the latest computer technologies, or getting a new certification may give you an edge over the competition.
    
     
61. Subscribe to your alumni newsletter: Many colleges offer an alumni newsletter or magazine, and they often have job listings with local companies looking for specific degrees or skills. If you don’t receive the publication, you won’t get these leads.
    
     
62. Join a professional trade organization: If your field has a trade group, make sure you become a member. Check the trade group’s website and newsletter for targeted job leads.
    
     
63. Become known as an expert in your field: Contribute to trade journals, speak at conferences, and post to relevant websites and blogs. The more people who know you and your work, the more chances you have to make a new contact when you are seeking a job.
    
     
64. Go to a job fair: Any time you see a job fair advertised, make sure you show up with resumes in hand, and ready to interview. You may be able to secure a position or a solid lead on the spot, and take a short cut through the job search process.
    
     
65. Do some research in to the hottest new fields: Find out what jobs are in the highest demand—and see if your skill set is a good match. If you apply for an in–demand position, you have a better chance of landing the job. Tip: Jobs related to teaching, computers, healthcare, and the elderly are in demand right now.
    
     
66. Make sure your certifications are up to date: Make sure all of your professional licenses and certifications are up to date, and be sure to list any relevant information on your resume. Potential employers may be looking for particular professional affiliations or achievements.
    
     
67. Keep a record: When you send out a resume or an application, make sure you keep a record of where you sent it, and to whom it was addressed. When you get a phone call for an interview, you will be able to refer back to your records and see exactly what resume and cover letter version you sent.
    
     
68. Follow up on your resume or application: When you send in a resume, make sure you follow up by phone in about a week. Sometimes a phone call can lead to a conversation—which can lead to an interview. Don’t feel comfortable calling on the phone? Send an email instead!
    
     
69. Brush up on your interview skills: Take the time to work on your interview skills before you are in front of a prospective employer. Even just thinking about some of the things you want to discuss will help you prepare. Even better—do some role playing with a helpful partner prior to your interview.
    
     
70. Turn the tables on your interviewer: You can be sure the person interviewing you will check you out online—and you should do the same for them. If you know the name of the person you are interviewing with, you can do a quick search to get a sense of what they are about.
    
     
71. Be confident: If you have had a string of “no responses” to your resumes—or worse, outright rejections, it is easy to lose confidence. Make sure you approach every application and interview as a new, fresh opportunity, and don’t be afraid to let your confidence and enthusiasm show.
    
     
72. Be prepared for some common questions: Interviewers seem to ask the same sort of questions, so be prepared for the most common ones. Queries like “Where do you see yourself in five years” or “What are your strengths and weaknesses” come up pretty often—so be prepared with great answers.
    
     
73. Be prepared when you answer the phone: If you have caller i.d., you will be able to tell when a potential employer is on the line. If you don’t, make sure you answer your phone in a professional manner, and be prepared to talk. The interview starts the second you pick up the phone, whether you realize it or not.
    
     
74. Turn the cell phone off: You don’t want to make a choice during the interview to either ignore an incessantly ringing phone, or pick it up and have a conversation…while you interviewer is waiting! Neither option presents a professional image.
    
     
75. Make a list—and check it twice: Just like Santa, make your list before your interview. Come up with a list of questions you would like to ask about the company—and be prepared to answer any questions they may have about your background.
    
     
76. Have a skeleton in your closet? Be prepared to talk about the 6 month gap in your resume, or the reason you left your last position. Being prepared in advance allows you to focus on the new skills you acquired as a result of your time off…and not the reason for your dismissal.
    
     
77. Be positive: Even if your last boss was an absolute ogre, say something nice. Even “It was a wonderful learning experience” will work. Prospective employers don’t want to hear how horrible your last job was—save that info for your friends and family to laugh over later.
    
     
78. Be truthful: Don’t claim to have degrees or experience you don’t. Getting caught in a fib can cause you to lose out on a great position—or to lose a job once you have been hired. Presenting your experiences in the best light possible is okay—outright lying is not.
    
     
79. Dress for success: Sound cliche? It is, but it works! Make sure you dress for the job you want to have. Even if you are not applying for a job in an office environment, make sure you have a professional and neat appearance. Presenting well can make the difference in whether or not you are hired—or even the salary you are offered.
    
     
80. Use professional language: Even if you feel a connection with your interviewer, don’t slip into slang, or use coarse language. You are still being evaluated by the person doing the interviewing, no matter how casual the environment—don’t let a slip of the tongue affect your chances of being hired.
    
     
81. Find a mentor: A mentor can not only help you navigate the professional waters with ease, he or she may be able to steer you in the right direction career–wise. Most mentors are established professionals, and have great contacts. If you don’t have a mentor now, start searching for one today!
    
     
82. Remember your interviewers’ names: It sound silly, but commit your interviewers’ names to memory—forgetting someone’s name is bad…calling them by the wrong name is worse!
    
     
83. Be nice to everyone you talk to: Be especially nice to the “gatekeepers”, those people whose job it is to protect the higher ups from unsolicited calls. They have the power to put your call through, or dump you in voicemail for eternity. The person you think of as “just a secretary” will probably be asked her opinion of you, so be nice on the phone and in person.
    
     
84. Be prepared for delays: Don’t schedule an interview just before a doctor’s appointment, jury duty call, or school car pool time. You will be too antsy to leave to be able to concentrate on the interview. Interviews before yours can run overtime—or yours could run long.
    
     
85. Show up on time: Better yet, show up early. Leave your house a bit before you need to, and make sure you arrive on time. Showing up late will not present you in the best light, or secure you the job you want!
    
     
86. Have a lunch interview? Brush up on your table manners—and pass on the alcohol, even if your host takes a drink. Order something that is easy to eat is a good idea as well—a job interview is not the best time for a messy burger and chili fries.
    
     
87. Have a second interview? If you did a great job on your first go–round, take the time to do some more in–depth research—the questions may be a little harder for this round.
    
     
88. Send a thank you note: After you have had an interview, follow up with a brief “thank you” note or email a few days later. Not many applicants do, and it will keep you at the front of the pack of applicants.
    
     
89. Expect more than one interview: Companies have many applicants to weed through, and you may need to interview with more than one person before securing a new position. Don’t be surprised if you need to meet with several people, on several different occasions before the offer comes in.
    
     
90. Offer real references—and check them in advance! Ask someone if they are willing to be a reference for you before adding them to your resume, and make sure they will represent you well. A reference that gives you a “so–so” review can really hurt your chances of getting that great new job!
    
     
91. Research pay rates for the job you want: Search online to get an idea what others in your field make. You should have an idea of what to expect, so you will know if an offer is a good one or not.
    
     
92. Read the materials you have been given: If you have been given things about the company benefits program, or other job details, read through them after the interview. A good benefits package can add thousands in value to your compensation package—and a poor one can cost you in the long run.
    
     
93. Labor Union: If you are in a skilled trade, and belong to a union, look to your local group for job support. You may be able to get advanced notice of job openings, and even get some apprenticeship or job training.
    
     
94. Waiting for the right offer? Consider freelancing while you wait. You will earn some extra money—and freelance jobs can easily convert to regular, fulltime positions!
    
     
95. Register with a temp agency. Temping may not be for you, but it will bring some money in—and it will expose you to a whole new set of potential fulltime employers, or allow you to gain experience in a new industry.
    
     
96. Teach what you know: Colleges often hire “adjunct professors”, people who are experts in their chosen fields, or who excel in a particular area. You do not need a teaching degree to work as an adjunct, and doing so can allow you to earn some extra money, and to increase your networking potential.
    
     
97. Look in to a “recession proof” job: Certain positions are not affected by a recession—teachers, security people and police officers, and legal support teams are in demand even during a recession, so one of these fields may be worth considering.
    
     
98. Look for “special interest” help: Are you a Veteran, or do you fall into a special interest category? If you do, there may be help available to you via your local employment commission or Veteran’s Affairs office. Be sure to check these avenues if you qualify.
    
     
99. Create your own job: Consider starting your own business, either consulting for your current field, or doing something entirely new. With your own business, the next time you use a job search engine you may be looking for employees of your own!
    
     
100. Consider a seasonal position: If you have lost your current job, you may be able to secure a seasonal position, which can bring in some income immediately, and allow you the time you need to find the right permanent position. Some seasonal jobs convert to fulltime positions as well, so keep your eyes open for year round openings with your seasonal employer.
     
      
101. Don’t give up: It may take a while to find the right job—but the perfect job for you is out there, and you will find it. Don’t get discouraged, and don’t stop trying to find the right position for you.

 

You may copy and post this list on your own website as long as you link back to this page:
http://www.findajobalready.com/101-ways-to-find-a-job.

How to make the most out of some basic marketing tools

What are the basics assets you need and give you real value?

I have attended many networking meetings and have books of business cards and often look through them and wonder who did that to this business!

I have seen some spectacular shapes, colours and bizarre and totally impractical sizes, I have also seen some absolutely terrible cards that say nothing about the business and leave you using them to level up a wonky coffee table...So I’ll start with the real basic

A business card

a.       If you are not creative then don’t do your design just to save on the pennies. It won’t serve you well in the short or long term.

b.      This is the item you leave with people to make you memorable.

c.       This is the item that introduces you.

d.      This is the item that tells them who you are, what does your brand stand for and how to contact you

e.      Put some thought in to it and make it represent who you are – it’s a mini shop window

f.        Don’t waste an opportunity to make a good impression and leave people with a memorable item that reminds them of you

g.       Make it eye catching but appropriate

h.      Don’t forget to think about the weight , colour and finish of your card

i.         Zany shapes can be memorable BUT they can also be a pain – so consider what you want your card to do in terms of shape and size

Letterhead

a.       Make sure it matches your brand in colour and style

b.      Do you really need 5000 or will they sit un-used under your desk

c.       Can you use the layout carefully and use them for invoices etc

d.      Think about how you will print on them – digitally printed letterheads are great on price but may not go through a laser printer in your office – so check

e.      Think about your office processes and how items will be used

f.        Size and weight can depict quality and stand out

g.       Do you need the conventional full set of stationery – some start up deals look great but when was the last time you used comp slips – great if you do but a waste if you don’t

Promotional items

a.       The choice is huge from printed bags to pens to some fantastic and unusual items – do you need them?

b.      Make sure you get value for money

c.       Make any items either really useful or desirable – this will make it memorable and keep your company name at the forefront of the recipient

 

Newsletters

a.       Whether on-line or off-line make them interesting

b.      Make the content relevant to your audience

c.       Don’t use too much tech talk unless it’s going to be understood by who you are sending it too

d.      Maintain your image , look and brand and keep your messages consistent – people get easily confused especially when they have little time and keep been sent stuff that doesn’t connect with them

Overall tips

a.       Be cost effective but don’t presume you can rebrand your whole business  and look quality for nothing – this ‘look’ could last you for years – appreciate the value in it

b.      If you are not creative then don’t try to be – allow the experts to advise you

c.       If you need to really do it on a budget – keep it simple and clean and don’t expect a Rolls Royce for the cost of a Simca (not heard of that car – take the hint)

d.      THINK about longevity – if you are constantly changing information then think about your design and artwork costs and also how much of everything you order from anyone – even down to address changes – do you really want to throw 300 promotional cards out because you forgot you were changing your mobile number or your 10% offer has just finished and you only bought 500 because it was cheaper than 300

e.      Whatever you decide to use to promote your business, think about what you actually need to print and the quantity and the usages

f.        Plan out all the items you think you need, make sure you will use them and plan your budget

Hope these little tips help.

finding your passion

 

Well, I've had a wonderful break since Christmas and the weather extended it even longer; although that was fraught with frustration. It amazes me how we in the UK cannot seem to handle any kind of weather - it's one of those stereotypical statements that all British people love to moan /discuss the weather - I have to admit it's often used as an icebreaker (forgive the pun)...so how does this relate to anything?

It struck me the other day that we have been blessed with the benefit of modern technology that allows us to communicate constantly regardless of distance and climate - how did we cope before? and do we still remember the basics of good communication.

While snow bound the other week, I held various skype calls and dealt with numerous tweets, emails and 'chats', listened to audio webinars, watched attached videos and connected on ecademy, linked in and facebook BUT what did I miss most?

Real contact, missing the interaction of a physical person..been able to see their eyes and watch their body language and touch their hand - thank goodness for Skype, where at least you can see and hear people.

It amazed me that with all the connections and communication routes the one core value that we all need is to really and truly connect and words on a page alone to not give the complete story of communication.

One of my skype calls was with brilliant guy called Bob Nicholl , an expert in the use of words and their meanings - It was a chat started about the weather here in the UK compared to Alaska , where he is based; and it introduced me to his passion for natural beauty and his latest project  and greatest passion - the use of words and articulation and their powerful effects.

Check out the link below - it's definitely worth the read.

Not only did I see some fantastic photos but i also learned about Bob's passion for language, saw his amazing tattered and trusted dictionary but was inspired to write about how we communicate, how we use words and how we can connect to so much more than a blank page by careful use of language.

Many people in marketing constantly talk about the value of content, which is excellent advice BUT learn also that this content has to have value to the receiver and so....

My marketing advice today is

a. look at who you are connecting to and appreciate that they need value from you - what will interest them and help them to connect with you in a valuable way

b. look at the actual language you use to convey your passion - there is no better way to connect and inspire than to instill passion in to what you have to communicate

c. look at different ways to communicate to connect and interest your connections

d. YOU need to believe in what you do and why you do it and the rest follows on - it's not always about just making a quick buck from a quick sale - this is not a long term tactic or anyway to build really valuable interactions or relationships - sometime the long term view will give far more value to everyone involved

e. Good communication takes thought - use your brain before your mouth or in this day and age your typing fingers

f. seek out opinion and advice - listen and learn

g. make sure your communications are real and true to who you or your company is - align everything

h. Find your passion and share it with everyone and be prepared that you cannot always interest everyone and you may actually have some great debates and learn many new things

check out remember the ice and subscribe to cool 'ice chips' and every success with your communications, using excellent positive language and finding your passion.