by Ann Evanston | May 11, 2009 | Business Strategy
Whether an employee, manager or entrepreneur, we all have customers and want their loyalty.
Nick Urban, former standout lineman at Winona State, signed a contract with the Minnesota Vikings after attending a minicamp as a tryout.
You may not be a football fan, you might not even be a Target fan, but as a business owner or successful Warrior-Preneur, I bet you are a fan of loyalty.
After signing his contract, Nick returned to work in his cashier job at Target.
And as Nick said,
“They were nice enough to take me on, knowing my situation and I owed them a lot,” Urban said of his bosses at Target, who gave him flexible, part-time hours so he could train for his shot at the NFL. “My parents raised me that way. They were nice enough to help out [at Target] and people that are nice enough to help you, you don’t just leave high and dry.”
Way to go Nick! What about you? During these times of cutbacks, have your customers been LEAVING YOU HIGH AND DRY? Are even internal customers tired and fed up?
Maybe the bigger question is: What are you doing to build relationships with your customers (or prospects) so they are so loyal to you?
Here is what I suggest:
1-even if they are not buying right now, stay in touch.
2-be a great listener, customers love it when you listen.
3-never compromise your integrity, but always be willing to create win/win.
4-be someone who does what they say they are doing to do.
5-be a referral source even to potential customers that cannot afford you right now.
6-follow up!
What would you suggest to create a loyal customer?
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
by Ann Evanston | May 6, 2009 | Business Strategy
Education or value-based marketing is an important tool to attracting new customers to your business. Blogging is an excellent tool for sharing that knowledge with potential customers. Therefore, having your own blog or blog posting, commenting on others Blogs is a smart marketing strategy, as long as you implement these tactics. These tips will get you started increasing your education-based marketing online.
When posting your own Blog remember these tips:
- Blog regularly. Daily is the optimum goal. At least three times a week is better than only one day a week. Blog visibility increases with regular posting so this is critically important!.
- Keep your posts short, yet powerful. People, especially busy ones, like short, value-based information that makes them want more. This tip also helps with the first point because if they are shorter it is easier for you to write and post regularly.
- Pose a powerful question at the end of your blog. Your goal is to get people to comment on what you wrote. Comments are a good thing because it increases your visibility and web traffic. A question tempts them to comment.
- Make comments open. Too often people “screen” comments by having to approve them. First this is a HUGE time eater as you create yourself more work! Second, don’t be afraid of somebody who disagrees with you. That’s a good thing, not a bad thing and you can actually use it to your marketing advantage.
When reading other blogs:
- Read blogs where you can offer your own feedback and value. One of the most powerful ways for clients to find you is through this type of message. Once, I got a client who said, “I was so appreciative of your comment on XYZ blog. After visiting your site I’d love to work with you.”
- If you read it, comment on it. First, again it is great to read blogs, but again you can double your value by commenting too! Second, commenting brings business to you.
- When you comment, always close with your complete name and web address. This is the most common mistake I see made on blogging. How can they find you if you do not make sure they can? I always end with my full name, and web address and my tagline.
Blogging becomes a powerful way to provide education-based marketing to potential customers which increases your opportunity for business. It will also increase the opportunity for people to “find” you when they search! Establish your expertise through blogging, and watch your marketability soar!
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
by Ann Evanston | May 1, 2009 | Business Strategy, Mental Mind Shifts
I am a huge proponent of networking and understanding what social networking really means. Recently, I developed a relationship with a woman from Austin on Twitter @donnaspeaks through a wonderful friend of mine @riccineer. Donna and I turned that contact into a connection and now partnership. She recently came to Oakland, Ca for a visit; man was that fabulous! (Her blog post is below sharing her story).
Donna is authentically authentic. I say that because authentic is becoming one of those overused words, but this women has it from the hair on her head down to her sexy orange shoes. She is an amazing woman, delightful friend and true warrior-preneur.
In my spare time I run a chapter of eWomenNetwork (I know, spare time, hehe, best that I am busy trust me, all kinds of trouble would happen!) Donna came to see me speak at my chapter, and I allowed her 10 minutes to share her story. Donna has managed to take a scary situation; losing a job and almost a home, and turn it into a business. It works because it’s her story, but so many women can relate their stories. As she spoke women laughed and cried. After she spoke she was surrounded by women wanting to say thank you and hug her. Donna listened to each woman as though she was the only one in the room. Her power on stage and one-on-one is powerful. All women should have the honor to hear her speak!
Thank you Donna for also helping me see that what I do is important. If you take anything away from this blog I hope it is:
1 – it’s not about quantity, it’s about quality
2 – networking is about figuring out how you can help others. I am confident giving Donna the mic that day will lead to opportunity for her
3 – if you are not following up you are missing 90% of marketing success
4 -don’t be afraid to engage in a way that shows who you truly are, amazing things can happen when you do!
Donna’s Post:
Diversity is not About Race
I had the honor, privilege, and pleasure of visiting my friend Ann Evanston, MA, in California this week. Ann is the Managing Director of the Oakland & San Ramon chapters of eWomenNetwork. This was my first visit to the west coast and it’s a beautiful area. Ann’s home has a fantastic view and is only minutes away from the bay.
When I told Ann that I wanted to hear her speak, she invited me to her monthly meeting AND THEN offered me the opportunity to get on the mic. She could’ve easily gotten caught up in herself and not given me the time of day, but that’s not the Ann we all know and love. I was blown away by the group of ladies she’s assembled together. I had no idea that eWomen chapters were so diverse.
diverse (adj): differing one from another; 2. made up of distinct characteristics
All ages, ethnicities, backgrounds, and talents were represented and I can’t overlook the fact that all of them are very giving people. I’m going to be flat out honest and tell you that I didn’t want to leave. I’m sitting here right now trying to figure out how I can relocate in 3 years when my daughter graduates high school…seriously.
As you begin the process of trying to find the right group or organization that’s a good fit for you, ask yourself these questions: “Do I look or feel like an outsider? Is it lifeless and uptight?” If the answer is yes, don’t join – keep it moving. Networking goes far beyond exchanging business cards and offering up referrals. There must be a connection between you, the leader, and the group as a whole. It should be an emotional experience, something we tend to miss out on when we’re only focused on closing the deal.
Actually, I have my own term that I use for networking. I call it Live Marketing. It’s time to put some life, energy, and sexiness into the mix. If you’re local to the Austin area and want the kind of experience I had with Ann and her gang, become a contributor to The OSEC of Austin. I’ll see you there!
Talk to you soon….
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
