Free money is always a good thing, especially when its a kick back of tax money from the government. The BC government has developed a program for small businesses - less than 50 employees - to receive up to $5,000.00 in grant money for training their employees. However, like with all government programs there are catches.
1. You only get one kick at the can sorta speak. Make sure you are utilizing the opportunity to the maximum. You don't receive $5,000.00 for as much training as you want. Small business owners receive up to $5,000.00 for ONE training program for their employees. The maximum amount for any one employee is $1,500.00 so make sure you select a training program that is no more than $1,500.00 per employee.
2. Its to train employees only so make sure that when you are negotiating with the training company you as a small business owner receive a free seat in the program. Most legitimate training companies will offer this option because you're the one controlling the purse strings and they are hoping for future training opportunities.
3. The training must be approved by the program before you take the training. There are forms to fill out and red tape to go through, the good news.... turn over is approx 3-4 weeks. Make sure you don't take the training expecting to then submit receipts to receive payment.
4. There is a limited amount of money and a limited amount of time to apply - which ever runs out first. The good news is that you have 6 months after approval to register and complete the training. So fill out the paperwork as soon as possible to avoid being disappointed.
If you are interested in learning more about the training grant program email me and I'll make sure you receive the forms.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Free Seminar for Businesses in South Surrey- Choosing Advertising for Your Small Business
With money being tight for so many businesses today it is imperative that money be spent wisely. Too many business owners cut back on advertising at their own detriment because they loose opportunities by being hidden from the marketplace. During a recession businesses go out of business and their clients / customers have to look for new providers. This is the perfect time to make sure your business is part of their decision making process.
Where should a business invest money in advertising? You have to be smart and strategic in where your advertising dollars go.
To help small businesses make better choices I am offering a free seminar on How to Choose Advertising Providers. This seminar will define the different types of advertising options, what to expect from them, when to utilize their services, and what the best options are for your business.
September 25, 2010
9:00-10:00
Interested in learning more? Contact me to set up a meeting to discuss your business or to book your seat at this free seminar.
Where should a business invest money in advertising? You have to be smart and strategic in where your advertising dollars go.
To help small businesses make better choices I am offering a free seminar on How to Choose Advertising Providers. This seminar will define the different types of advertising options, what to expect from them, when to utilize their services, and what the best options are for your business.
September 25, 2010
9:00-10:00
Interested in learning more? Contact me to set up a meeting to discuss your business or to book your seat at this free seminar.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Plan for Success Workshop in White Rock / South Surrey
Success in business takes planning but its hard for most business owners to take the time to focus and get motivated to do it. Before long they find themselves in a rut and their business starts to control them because they become reactionary instead of proactive.
For those business owners who want to make a plan and take control of their business I am offering a focused Plan for Success Workshop in White Rock / South Surrey.
This workshop will give business owners a chance to focus on what they want for their future, give them marketing and lead generation ideas, provide them a chance to brain storm with other like minded business owners.
There are only 10 seats available to ensure that each participant is provided with personalized service and an actual focused plan that is reflective of their wants, needs, and goals. Unlike workshops that give you a tonne of generic ideas and then send you on your way to personalize the ideas for your business, business owners will walk away with a personalized plan.
Interested in learning more? Check out the website, call Shannon at 604 317 1406 or email her.
Date: October 16th, 2010
Time: 9:00-12:00
Rate: $50.00
Rate includes Workbook.
For those business owners who want to make a plan and take control of their business I am offering a focused Plan for Success Workshop in White Rock / South Surrey.
This workshop will give business owners a chance to focus on what they want for their future, give them marketing and lead generation ideas, provide them a chance to brain storm with other like minded business owners.
There are only 10 seats available to ensure that each participant is provided with personalized service and an actual focused plan that is reflective of their wants, needs, and goals. Unlike workshops that give you a tonne of generic ideas and then send you on your way to personalize the ideas for your business, business owners will walk away with a personalized plan.
Interested in learning more? Check out the website, call Shannon at 604 317 1406 or email her.
Date: October 16th, 2010
Time: 9:00-12:00
Rate: $50.00
Rate includes Workbook.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Using Email Can Be Dangerous To Your Reputation
Email is the easiest way to send a message to someone, but too many people don't know how to write properly and send the wrong message. I have a friend who gets upset everytime she receives an email from certain people because she believes them to be mean. The sender is another friend who does have issues with communication in general, however when it comes to email she has no etiquette. I have mediated a number of disagreements between these individuals due to misunderstood emails.
Have you ever received a message from someone that hurt your feelings or made you angry? Have you ever sent a message in haste and regretted it later because you didn't edit it and the other person was offended or confused? A huge part of communication is lost when you choose to communicate via email and that can lead to misunderstandings.
When we communicate in person, we have body language and tone of voice to help us understand what the other person is saying. When we use email all visual communication t is lost and all that is left is words. Too many people don't think about what they are saying or how they are saying it when they write and the recipient can misunderstand the intentions of the sender.
Here are some basic rules to help you write better emails.
1. Don't use email to try to gain the trust of someone you don’t know personally.
2. Don’t send an email without proof reading
3. Is the email saying what you really want to say or can something be taken out of context?
4. Make sure you utilize spell check
5. Don’t be too wordy, keep the reader’s attention span in mind
6. Don’t write an email when angry, emotional, or upset. Take a break first to gain composure
7. Don’t get into a heated argument using email – you may have misunderstood the intention of the writer
8. Use clear distinct common language to make your point
9. Be polite
10. Be professional
If you receive an email that gets you emotionally riled up DON'T reply right away. Wait until you've calmed down and then call the person if you know them to discuss what the intent of the email was, chances are you may have misunderstood. Most people don't intent to be rude or mean, their emails just come across that way. If an email causes you to be angry or upset, take a break and re read the email later when you've had time to digest it.
Business is global and multi-cultural and with it comes even more opportunities for misunderstanding. Cultures have different etiquette rules, and different ideas about how to communicate with each other. When you send or receive an email take the other person’s cultural attitudes into consideration. Never be insulting or degrading when writing about another person’s country or culture. It is important to remember that emails can be kept forever and are permanent records of your reputation. What you write can and will be held against you in the present and future.
If you do business in different parts of the country or have employees far away, slowly build trust using the phone, video conferencing, and email. Make sure the emails you do write are professional, concise, and say what you intend to say. If necessary get someone else to read over what you wrote to make sure your tone is correct. If unsure, pick up the phone and call.
Other sources of information on emails:
proper email etiquette.
Top email mistakes
Emails from Crazy people
Have you ever received a message from someone that hurt your feelings or made you angry? Have you ever sent a message in haste and regretted it later because you didn't edit it and the other person was offended or confused? A huge part of communication is lost when you choose to communicate via email and that can lead to misunderstandings.
When we communicate in person, we have body language and tone of voice to help us understand what the other person is saying. When we use email all visual communication t is lost and all that is left is words. Too many people don't think about what they are saying or how they are saying it when they write and the recipient can misunderstand the intentions of the sender.
Here are some basic rules to help you write better emails.
1. Don't use email to try to gain the trust of someone you don’t know personally.
2. Don’t send an email without proof reading
3. Is the email saying what you really want to say or can something be taken out of context?
4. Make sure you utilize spell check
5. Don’t be too wordy, keep the reader’s attention span in mind
6. Don’t write an email when angry, emotional, or upset. Take a break first to gain composure
7. Don’t get into a heated argument using email – you may have misunderstood the intention of the writer
8. Use clear distinct common language to make your point
9. Be polite
10. Be professional
If you receive an email that gets you emotionally riled up DON'T reply right away. Wait until you've calmed down and then call the person if you know them to discuss what the intent of the email was, chances are you may have misunderstood. Most people don't intent to be rude or mean, their emails just come across that way. If an email causes you to be angry or upset, take a break and re read the email later when you've had time to digest it.
Business is global and multi-cultural and with it comes even more opportunities for misunderstanding. Cultures have different etiquette rules, and different ideas about how to communicate with each other. When you send or receive an email take the other person’s cultural attitudes into consideration. Never be insulting or degrading when writing about another person’s country or culture. It is important to remember that emails can be kept forever and are permanent records of your reputation. What you write can and will be held against you in the present and future.
If you do business in different parts of the country or have employees far away, slowly build trust using the phone, video conferencing, and email. Make sure the emails you do write are professional, concise, and say what you intend to say. If necessary get someone else to read over what you wrote to make sure your tone is correct. If unsure, pick up the phone and call.
Other sources of information on emails:
proper email etiquette.
Top email mistakes
Emails from Crazy people
Friday, April 16, 2010
It Takes Money to Get Traffic both Online and Offline
Establishing Your Brand Both Online and Off
Marketing campaigns can require some form of small business funding if you outsource it. However, there are ways that you can start to establish brand name recognition both online and offline, with a limited budget. It requires more intelligence than money, and a bit of time to get that marketing campaign going, but it can result in getting more traffic to your door and a following of loyal customers.
Getting Foot Traffic
If you own a retail business, like a restaurant, that requires actual foot traffic to generate sales, then your brand has to entice them to show up at your door. It's not enough just to have an online marketing campaign because ultimately it's those people that visit you in person that generate your bottom line. Thus, when establishing your brand offline, you are going to try to generate loyal customers by offering incentives for them to visit you again and again. You can give them a discount coupon for the next time they come in and eat there. You can ask if they want to give up their email address so that they can be notified of special events and promotions or coupons that they send to their loyal customers. Always put brand information around where your customers are a “captive audience.” In a restaurant scenario, they will be sitting and waiting for their meal and their menu, the centerpiece, or even the napkins can have more information about your brand to motivate them to visit again.
Getting Web Traffic
You can also tie your branding offline to lead people to your website to get another chance at promoting your business, even when they're actually visiting your store or restaurant. You can have an online contest and at the bottom of your receipts tell them they can win a chance at some offer by visiting your website and providing feedback on their recent visit. This serves two purposes, it helps you to refine your marketing and it also gets them to visit your website.
The nice thing about web marketing is that it offers you a chance to attract people to your offline site that might be new customers, without them ever coming near your establishment. You can do this by adding your business to online directories and getting reviewed online, as well. You can also do it with social networking through Twitter and Facebook. If your business is local, it's a good idea to go to online services that promote local businesses. You also will want to attract people online from demographics within your local area. It's not as hard as it sounds, as Facebook will allow you to ask for specific demographics when you run Social Ads on their network.
Small Business Loan Options
Marketing campaigns can require some form of small business funding if you outsource it. However, there are ways that you can start to establish brand name recognition both online and offline, with a limited budget. It requires more intelligence than money, and a bit of time to get that marketing campaign going, but it can result in getting more traffic to your door and a following of loyal customers.
Getting Foot Traffic
If you own a retail business, like a restaurant, that requires actual foot traffic to generate sales, then your brand has to entice them to show up at your door. It's not enough just to have an online marketing campaign because ultimately it's those people that visit you in person that generate your bottom line. Thus, when establishing your brand offline, you are going to try to generate loyal customers by offering incentives for them to visit you again and again. You can give them a discount coupon for the next time they come in and eat there. You can ask if they want to give up their email address so that they can be notified of special events and promotions or coupons that they send to their loyal customers. Always put brand information around where your customers are a “captive audience.” In a restaurant scenario, they will be sitting and waiting for their meal and their menu, the centerpiece, or even the napkins can have more information about your brand to motivate them to visit again.
Getting Web Traffic
You can also tie your branding offline to lead people to your website to get another chance at promoting your business, even when they're actually visiting your store or restaurant. You can have an online contest and at the bottom of your receipts tell them they can win a chance at some offer by visiting your website and providing feedback on their recent visit. This serves two purposes, it helps you to refine your marketing and it also gets them to visit your website.
The nice thing about web marketing is that it offers you a chance to attract people to your offline site that might be new customers, without them ever coming near your establishment. You can do this by adding your business to online directories and getting reviewed online, as well. You can also do it with social networking through Twitter and Facebook. If your business is local, it's a good idea to go to online services that promote local businesses. You also will want to attract people online from demographics within your local area. It's not as hard as it sounds, as Facebook will allow you to ask for specific demographics when you run Social Ads on their network.
Small Business Loan Options
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Gathering Career Information via Networking
We`ve all heard the adage "it`s not what you know, its who you know." Moving to a new area has seriously put a huge hole in my job finding network, so I`m putting my cold calling skills to use to make new connections. I`ve even had the chance to help other job seekers learn cold calling and networking (both online and offline) skills. I am a helper at heart and I enjoy teaching others the skills I`m proficient in. My main goal is not to find work necessarily but rather figure out what I want to do next! I want to be really smart with my next career decision and although the Internet has lots of information, it lacks the personal touch.
There are so many ways to meet people who are willing to inform you about their industry. The information a person gathers from direct contact with another individual is very valuable and beneficial. Associations and Networking groups offer an organized approach to meeting people in the same industry or the industry you are interested in. Friends, neighbours, colleagues, associates, and anyone you meet in line at the grocery store might be a lead to someone else, a new contact, and new information.
Facebook and Linkedin are full of people wanting to manage their contacts and stay in touch. These online tools are very valuable for keeping in touch but they don`t replace real world relationship building. The Internet makes it so easy for us to hide behind a screen and pretend that we are building quality relationships, but it can`t replace the connection a handshake provides or the communication that body language portrays. The Internet fools many of us into a feeling of self confidence that isn`t really there and when faced with the real world networking tactics we sometimes fall short.
Part of the job searching course I`m enrolled in is networking to make connections and uncover the hidden job market. Most of the attendees are non sales people and have never made a cold call in their life, let alone attended a formal networking session. Since I have extensive experience I offered up lots of advice during class and found myself helping others formulate their scrips and qualify their leads. I really enjoyed training those who were really interested in making calls and making connections with people in their chosen fields. No surprise there, I always love putting my 2 cents worth in.
My problem with this exercise is not making the calls or the connections, its figuring out what industry or career I`m looking for. Advertising, Marketing, Marketing Research, Event Management, Training, or do I go back to what`s comfortable - Sales? So my goal is to contact various industries, various departmental managers and make a solid decision about where I want my career to go.
There are so many ways to meet people who are willing to inform you about their industry. The information a person gathers from direct contact with another individual is very valuable and beneficial. Associations and Networking groups offer an organized approach to meeting people in the same industry or the industry you are interested in. Friends, neighbours, colleagues, associates, and anyone you meet in line at the grocery store might be a lead to someone else, a new contact, and new information.
Facebook and Linkedin are full of people wanting to manage their contacts and stay in touch. These online tools are very valuable for keeping in touch but they don`t replace real world relationship building. The Internet makes it so easy for us to hide behind a screen and pretend that we are building quality relationships, but it can`t replace the connection a handshake provides or the communication that body language portrays. The Internet fools many of us into a feeling of self confidence that isn`t really there and when faced with the real world networking tactics we sometimes fall short.
Part of the job searching course I`m enrolled in is networking to make connections and uncover the hidden job market. Most of the attendees are non sales people and have never made a cold call in their life, let alone attended a formal networking session. Since I have extensive experience I offered up lots of advice during class and found myself helping others formulate their scrips and qualify their leads. I really enjoyed training those who were really interested in making calls and making connections with people in their chosen fields. No surprise there, I always love putting my 2 cents worth in.
My problem with this exercise is not making the calls or the connections, its figuring out what industry or career I`m looking for. Advertising, Marketing, Marketing Research, Event Management, Training, or do I go back to what`s comfortable - Sales? So my goal is to contact various industries, various departmental managers and make a solid decision about where I want my career to go.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
What to do.... What to do..... What do I Want to Be When I Grow Up?
The great thing about life is that we can change our destiny no matter how old we are. When I graduated high school the Internet wasn't more then a dos program that dialed up snippets of useless information from other computers. Nothing like what it is today. Today, the Internet is a valuable tool in my search for my next career position.
Onet online is a valuable tool for anyone looking to change their career or trying to figure out what they want to be when they grow up. A person can find a career that matches their skills, or what skills they need for a certain position. The information that a job seeker can obtain from onet online can help them tailor their resume to the position they are applying for, when there is no ad for it.
School aged children should be introduced to onet online and utilize it when making choices for their future. The schools don't do enough to help kids succeed in the world and it is up to parents to help fill the huge gap. Schools need to partner with government sponsored programs to teach children how to find a job, write a resume, and get into the right educational programs. Until then there is the Internet and parents to help direct them.
Onet online is a valuable tool for anyone looking to change their career or trying to figure out what they want to be when they grow up. A person can find a career that matches their skills, or what skills they need for a certain position. The information that a job seeker can obtain from onet online can help them tailor their resume to the position they are applying for, when there is no ad for it.
School aged children should be introduced to onet online and utilize it when making choices for their future. The schools don't do enough to help kids succeed in the world and it is up to parents to help fill the huge gap. Schools need to partner with government sponsored programs to teach children how to find a job, write a resume, and get into the right educational programs. Until then there is the Internet and parents to help direct them.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Looking for Work - Getting Help!
So today it starts, I have to get serious about finding a job and the government is going to help. Since I'm on Employment Insurance there are a number of organizations that provide job seekers with support, direction, education, and motivation. The first step is to see an employment counsellor at one of the many employment resource centers across Canada. From there a job seeker will be referred to one of the many different programs set up to help them be more efficient and successful.
I have to admit I thought it would be for unskilled labour and a huge waste of time. Day one was boring for the most part but had some jewels of information. I'd done most of the self assessment work already, but for those that haven't the worksheets they provided were helpful. The binder will help me get organized and get more serious about applying for work. The biggest benefit today, getting motivated to do those things I've been putting off.... namely creating a contact card for networking. A must for any job seeker that wants to market themselves better.
Tomorrow we start the resume writing workshop. This is the main reason I was referred to this particular program, I guess my initial one sucked. However, since then I spent a day at the library researching and reworking my resume, so tomorrow may be more of the same. If anything I may learn something new or just confirm that what I've got now is the best resume for my job hunting needs. Sometimes just confirmation that what we are doing is right is enough to boost our confidence and motivate us to keep going.
The main benefit for me is going to be focusing on finding a position. I have had big distractions and now that we are settled in our new place, well for the most part, it's time to get back to work. A refresher course couldn't hurt.
I have to admit I thought it would be for unskilled labour and a huge waste of time. Day one was boring for the most part but had some jewels of information. I'd done most of the self assessment work already, but for those that haven't the worksheets they provided were helpful. The binder will help me get organized and get more serious about applying for work. The biggest benefit today, getting motivated to do those things I've been putting off.... namely creating a contact card for networking. A must for any job seeker that wants to market themselves better.
Tomorrow we start the resume writing workshop. This is the main reason I was referred to this particular program, I guess my initial one sucked. However, since then I spent a day at the library researching and reworking my resume, so tomorrow may be more of the same. If anything I may learn something new or just confirm that what I've got now is the best resume for my job hunting needs. Sometimes just confirmation that what we are doing is right is enough to boost our confidence and motivate us to keep going.
The main benefit for me is going to be focusing on finding a position. I have had big distractions and now that we are settled in our new place, well for the most part, it's time to get back to work. A refresher course couldn't hurt.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Easter a Time of Reassessment of Priorities and Plans
I've been very busy lately moving into our home - finally. It has been such a long drawn out process and now that we are here I'm feeling overwhelmed. This house needs a lot, everything needs to be updated and we only have a short period of time. Our garage is a pile of boxes filled with stuff we need to use now, stuff for holidays, and boxes of memories. I have felt very overwhelmed by it all and don't know where to start.
Before we moved I sat down with my husband and asked him to write out the steps he wanted done in order. I did the same. I gave him a layout map of the house and asked him to designate furniture and ownership to each room. I did the same. With this information I was able to come up with a plan of action, a list of priorities, and a organizational blueprint. This has changed on a regular basis as our time continued to slip by quickly. First we were going to rip out carpet, then paint, then put in flooring, and then move stuff into the house.... Well you can't do all that in 10 days with 2 people and 2500 square feet. No matter how many hours you put in.
In the end we left the carpet and rented a rug doctor to clean it - twice. We painted those rooms we needed to move into - the kitchen, family room, playroom, and bedrooms. Everything we didn't absolutely need is still piled in the garage.
Plans have to be flexible and reviewed on a constant basis in order to work with time constraints, financial limitations, and a host of other obstacles that can get in your way. Spring is a good time to look at your business plans and take stock in what you've done, what needs to be done, and what can wait in the backroom 'til later. Break large jobs into small manageable pieces and then prioritize those pieces. Stay flexible so that priorities can be switched when needed in order to manage your time and finances best.
Anything can happen that will switch up any best laid plan. Since March 17th I've painted over 1/2 my home, moved 10 trailer loads of boxes across town, packed, unpacked, and stocked my kitchen. On top of this we've have my daughter's 8th birthday celebration, family Easter dinner (20 people) at our new home, my son's 11th birthday celebration and my parents staying for the Easter weekend. Life gets busy but this doesn't mean you can't review your plans and make sure things are getting done. As I stand here looking at the boxes in my garage wondering which ones need to be unpacked now I keep my eye on the prize one step at a time.
Before we moved I sat down with my husband and asked him to write out the steps he wanted done in order. I did the same. I gave him a layout map of the house and asked him to designate furniture and ownership to each room. I did the same. With this information I was able to come up with a plan of action, a list of priorities, and a organizational blueprint. This has changed on a regular basis as our time continued to slip by quickly. First we were going to rip out carpet, then paint, then put in flooring, and then move stuff into the house.... Well you can't do all that in 10 days with 2 people and 2500 square feet. No matter how many hours you put in.
In the end we left the carpet and rented a rug doctor to clean it - twice. We painted those rooms we needed to move into - the kitchen, family room, playroom, and bedrooms. Everything we didn't absolutely need is still piled in the garage.
Plans have to be flexible and reviewed on a constant basis in order to work with time constraints, financial limitations, and a host of other obstacles that can get in your way. Spring is a good time to look at your business plans and take stock in what you've done, what needs to be done, and what can wait in the backroom 'til later. Break large jobs into small manageable pieces and then prioritize those pieces. Stay flexible so that priorities can be switched when needed in order to manage your time and finances best.
Anything can happen that will switch up any best laid plan. Since March 17th I've painted over 1/2 my home, moved 10 trailer loads of boxes across town, packed, unpacked, and stocked my kitchen. On top of this we've have my daughter's 8th birthday celebration, family Easter dinner (20 people) at our new home, my son's 11th birthday celebration and my parents staying for the Easter weekend. Life gets busy but this doesn't mean you can't review your plans and make sure things are getting done. As I stand here looking at the boxes in my garage wondering which ones need to be unpacked now I keep my eye on the prize one step at a time.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
What Employees Think of the Company they Work For
I googled a couple companies that I am interviewing with this week and discovered a couple employee feedback sites. For the most part the reviews are written by former disgruntled employees but that in itself gives one an idea about the environment - however, you must take it with a grain of salt and understand that there are 2 sides to every story.
It did get me thinking though, for companies who want to portray themselves as quality places to work these sites are a good tool. They are also a good tool to generate feedback from those who work for you and utilize the feedback to make positive changes. The trick is getting enough quality employees who love where they work to post their reviews.
Business owners should be aware of these sites and what their current and former employees are saying about them. Potential clients and potential employees can access this information and will judge your business accordingly. Who knows your business better than employees? Every prospect is wondering, what is the sales person not telling me? So they google you. Have you googled yourself lately?
Utilize sites like these to promote your online reputation as a quality employer.
Check out these sites:
Job Vent
Glassdoor
It did get me thinking though, for companies who want to portray themselves as quality places to work these sites are a good tool. They are also a good tool to generate feedback from those who work for you and utilize the feedback to make positive changes. The trick is getting enough quality employees who love where they work to post their reviews.
Business owners should be aware of these sites and what their current and former employees are saying about them. Potential clients and potential employees can access this information and will judge your business accordingly. Who knows your business better than employees? Every prospect is wondering, what is the sales person not telling me? So they google you. Have you googled yourself lately?
Utilize sites like these to promote your online reputation as a quality employer.
Check out these sites:
Job Vent
Glassdoor
Friday, March 12, 2010
Canpage's Gigpark - Are Your Customers Recommending YOU?
What is the best prospect? One that has been recommended by someone else. In today's world of internet and online social networking recommendations don't always come from people we know physically. Canpages has developed a networking site where friends can recommend a business to others, is your business being recommended?.
Do your customers love you? Do they write testimonials saying how wonderful you are? Use Gigpark business account to promote your business with these testimonials.
The great part.... its free! So why aren't you doing it?
Want to know more about how Canpages can help your business or even make life a little easier for you?
If you are a Canadian Business Canpages has developed various platforms for small businesses to advertise.
1. Traditional Print Directory
2. Online Directory
3. Facebook App
4. iphone and Blackberry App
5. Gigpark
6. Twitter
I have to admit I'm a little out of date when it comes to what Canpages been up to. They are always adding some online and social networking service that will help businesses promote themselves. So if you own a business and you want customers to find you easily and quickly then contact Canpages to find out how they can help you.
Do your customers love you? Do they write testimonials saying how wonderful you are? Use Gigpark business account to promote your business with these testimonials.
The great part.... its free! So why aren't you doing it?
Want to know more about how Canpages can help your business or even make life a little easier for you?
If you are a Canadian Business Canpages has developed various platforms for small businesses to advertise.
1. Traditional Print Directory
2. Online Directory
3. Facebook App
4. iphone and Blackberry App
5. Gigpark
6. Twitter
I have to admit I'm a little out of date when it comes to what Canpages been up to. They are always adding some online and social networking service that will help businesses promote themselves. So if you own a business and you want customers to find you easily and quickly then contact Canpages to find out how they can help you.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Advertising so Obvious a 10 Year Old Can See Through It
I'm watching TV with my 10 year old son and a Tide commercial came on which my son saw right through. Tide's ad is showcasing their 2x ultra tide and how their product has less water then the others original laundry detergent (that's in the small print.) The ad shows how much of the competitors bottle is detergent vrs water content compared to their bottle which has twice as much detergent vrs water content. The voice over then states: "When you pay for detergent you get more detergent" Sounds straight forward right?.....
My son turned to me and says "ya except their bottle is smaller so its the same amount of detergent." So if a 10 year old can see through the ad is it effective? Do I really want to spend more money for Tide then another brand because I'm getting the same amount of detergent then the regular brand? Not really.
My son turned to me and says "ya except their bottle is smaller so its the same amount of detergent." So if a 10 year old can see through the ad is it effective? Do I really want to spend more money for Tide then another brand because I'm getting the same amount of detergent then the regular brand? Not really.
Monday, March 8, 2010
My Resume Sucks and Getting a Grip on Rejection
I haven't changed to layout of my resume since my first one 20 years ago. So when my employment counsellor told me it sucked I was surprised to find out that I was doing it all wrong. So off to the library to find out what the pros suggest and what do you know I didn't know a thing about writing a resume.
It's not so much that the information was wrong - I can't change my working history, experiences or accomplishments - it was how I laid it out and presented the information that is an issue. I wasn't looking at my resume and cover letters as pieces of marketing literature or sales tools. I always thought a resume was just a chronological list of your past positions and skills.
I have spent hours writing marketing materials and sales tools in the past and yet I only ever spent a fraction of that time on my resume. I mean really how blind could I be? I'm not putting the time in to sell myself.
Selling myself is the thing I hate most about the whole looking for work thing, which is odd in itself since I'm a sales professional. I could blame my mother or the humility teachings of my Christian upbringing but that wouldn't be honest. I have a hard time selling myself because I fear rejection of my "self." Selling someone else, promoting another business, or selling a product is easy - the rejection is not personal. Prospects can say "NO" a hundred times over and I'd still come back with a different angle... but when an employer says "NO" that's harder for me to come back at. Harder for me to pull up my socks and say - ah but did you know this about .......
Business owners have to be confident in their "self" and accept rejection of their business services or product as just that and not a rejection of them. That's the hardest part about owning a business, realizing that when a propect says "NO" its not personal.
Presently, I'm not an expert on resumes or cover letters but I am learning from the many different books on the subject. It's going to take a while sitting here to create slick pieces of salesmanship that will hopefully open doors to me that I have been unable to open before. When the doors do open I have to remember that any rejection is not personal - it only means that the product I have presented is not meeting their needs for one reason or another. It's not about not liking me - its about matching the skill set I have presented through marketing materials and presentations (also known as interviews) with the position the employer needs to fill.
It's not so much that the information was wrong - I can't change my working history, experiences or accomplishments - it was how I laid it out and presented the information that is an issue. I wasn't looking at my resume and cover letters as pieces of marketing literature or sales tools. I always thought a resume was just a chronological list of your past positions and skills.
I have spent hours writing marketing materials and sales tools in the past and yet I only ever spent a fraction of that time on my resume. I mean really how blind could I be? I'm not putting the time in to sell myself.
Selling myself is the thing I hate most about the whole looking for work thing, which is odd in itself since I'm a sales professional. I could blame my mother or the humility teachings of my Christian upbringing but that wouldn't be honest. I have a hard time selling myself because I fear rejection of my "self." Selling someone else, promoting another business, or selling a product is easy - the rejection is not personal. Prospects can say "NO" a hundred times over and I'd still come back with a different angle... but when an employer says "NO" that's harder for me to come back at. Harder for me to pull up my socks and say - ah but did you know this about .......
Business owners have to be confident in their "self" and accept rejection of their business services or product as just that and not a rejection of them. That's the hardest part about owning a business, realizing that when a propect says "NO" its not personal.
Presently, I'm not an expert on resumes or cover letters but I am learning from the many different books on the subject. It's going to take a while sitting here to create slick pieces of salesmanship that will hopefully open doors to me that I have been unable to open before. When the doors do open I have to remember that any rejection is not personal - it only means that the product I have presented is not meeting their needs for one reason or another. It's not about not liking me - its about matching the skill set I have presented through marketing materials and presentations (also known as interviews) with the position the employer needs to fill.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Know Your Competition and Differentiate Your Business
Direct Sales or Multi Level marketing representatives need to know where their customers can get a similar product and how theirs is different. Most direct sales company's products cost more then their competitors that sell through Wal Mart or a retail store so their reps can't sell on price alone. For the most part the direct sales company's goal is for their reps to sell based on relationships, experience and service NOT on price.
Direct Sales Reps need to buy the lower priced competitive products and use them, test them, experience them to determine how their product is different. By doing this they can determine for themselves the compelling reason for others to buy their product. They can sell more effectively when they talk from experience rather than spouting the company's line because they know it, believe it and own it. Top salespeople know their product inside out and how it compares to the competition, they can give a compelling reason to buy from them without thinking about it.
If you find that your product is no better or different from a lower priced, easier to access product, then you should try to find a different company to represent.
Whether your a large corporation, a mid sized company, a small business, or direct sales rep you need to know why customers buy from you and not your competition. Don't assume you know the answer, discover it for yourself and ask your customers why they choose your product or service. This information will help you become more confident in your product and as a result you will sell more of it.
Direct Sales Reps need to buy the lower priced competitive products and use them, test them, experience them to determine how their product is different. By doing this they can determine for themselves the compelling reason for others to buy their product. They can sell more effectively when they talk from experience rather than spouting the company's line because they know it, believe it and own it. Top salespeople know their product inside out and how it compares to the competition, they can give a compelling reason to buy from them without thinking about it.
If you find that your product is no better or different from a lower priced, easier to access product, then you should try to find a different company to represent.
Whether your a large corporation, a mid sized company, a small business, or direct sales rep you need to know why customers buy from you and not your competition. Don't assume you know the answer, discover it for yourself and ask your customers why they choose your product or service. This information will help you become more confident in your product and as a result you will sell more of it.
Friday, February 19, 2010
What's Your Personal Brand? What Do You Portray to Employers?
Branding is not just for large companies, small businesses must brand themselves to the market place and individuals must brand themselves to the job market. Have you created a brand beyond yourself? What image, attitude, and impression do you want to portray to employers in the market for your services? I am presently marketing my son, at his insistence, to the film industry so I sat and watched Canada's Next Top Model for the first time to get an idea of what that industry looks for. I learned a lot about personal branding and it occurred to me that everyone looking to sell themselves into any job needs a brand, including me.
You know the accountant who's books are a mess, the notary who doesn't have a will, or the mechanic who's car doesn't work.... that's me at the moment, the marketer who doesn't have a brand. Well that's not completely true, I do have an image, everyone does, it's just not a purposeful conscious and planned brand.
I need to figure out what I want to portray to the marketplace, to potential employers, and to new friends. From there I need to work hard at making sure I am that brand. Everything I do needs to go back to that brand.
For example, I want to show that I am professional - so my marketing documents (cover letter and resumes) must be professional. I have to invest time, money and energy into getting the right look and feel into these documents. I also need to look the role, which for me means getting fit and fitting back into my business suits, getting an expensive quality hair cut and taking better care of my skin.
I want to show that I am reliable and responsible - so I have to act reliable and responsible. I have to behave in a reliable and responsible manner at all times. This isn't too hard for me already but it does mean that I have to keep up a daily record of what has been requested of me, what I've promised to get done, and make sure that everything I say I'm going to do is done in a timely manner.
To start your personal branding for your employment search, you need to answer some simple questions:
1. Why should an employer hire you? Your strengths and benefits.
2. How are you different from other applicants? How are you unique?
3. Who is your target employer? Values, Qualities, Names, Products, Industry.
Understand the brand of the employer you are targeting, does it match your brand? If not maybe look for a different company to target.
The most frustrating thing I've experienced in my working history is being in an office environment that doesn't mesh with my personal values. When this happens my focus is removed from my job and into the soap opera of office gossip. When I am working in an environment that is more in line with my own values I am very productive and extremely satisfied with my career choice. When you are looking for a good 'fit,' knowing who you are and what you want is more important then just getting a job. Looking for a career position is a lot like looking for a mate, if the values and goals aren't the same then divorce is inevitable.
You know the accountant who's books are a mess, the notary who doesn't have a will, or the mechanic who's car doesn't work.... that's me at the moment, the marketer who doesn't have a brand. Well that's not completely true, I do have an image, everyone does, it's just not a purposeful conscious and planned brand.
I need to figure out what I want to portray to the marketplace, to potential employers, and to new friends. From there I need to work hard at making sure I am that brand. Everything I do needs to go back to that brand.
For example, I want to show that I am professional - so my marketing documents (cover letter and resumes) must be professional. I have to invest time, money and energy into getting the right look and feel into these documents. I also need to look the role, which for me means getting fit and fitting back into my business suits, getting an expensive quality hair cut and taking better care of my skin.
I want to show that I am reliable and responsible - so I have to act reliable and responsible. I have to behave in a reliable and responsible manner at all times. This isn't too hard for me already but it does mean that I have to keep up a daily record of what has been requested of me, what I've promised to get done, and make sure that everything I say I'm going to do is done in a timely manner.
To start your personal branding for your employment search, you need to answer some simple questions:
1. Why should an employer hire you? Your strengths and benefits.
2. How are you different from other applicants? How are you unique?
3. Who is your target employer? Values, Qualities, Names, Products, Industry.
Understand the brand of the employer you are targeting, does it match your brand? If not maybe look for a different company to target.
The most frustrating thing I've experienced in my working history is being in an office environment that doesn't mesh with my personal values. When this happens my focus is removed from my job and into the soap opera of office gossip. When I am working in an environment that is more in line with my own values I am very productive and extremely satisfied with my career choice. When you are looking for a good 'fit,' knowing who you are and what you want is more important then just getting a job. Looking for a career position is a lot like looking for a mate, if the values and goals aren't the same then divorce is inevitable.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
What Type of Job has Everything I Want? Do YOU Have Any Ideas?
As you already know I am looking for work .... again. I don't have the seed capital to start up a good business so I'm on the job hunt. I don't know where to start though, I'm not sure which positions or companies I should target. Here's what I need:
1. Flexible Hours. - I need to a position where I am not tied to desk or have to punch a clock. I'm a hard worker and usually end up working longer hours then required, I just have to be able to work from home a bit, out and about sometimes, and at the office other times. I have to be able to get my kids off to school so I can't start until 9:00 or 9:30 depending on the commute. As well, I have to be able to be able to get my son to auditions and on set when he gets work. I also want to make sure I can get them to their activities after school. Plus my personality just isn't a 9-5 watch the clock sit at my desk all day type of worker.
2. Creativity - I am a creative person and as you may already be able to tell like to creative problem solve. I've always been on the more artistic side of life, whether I'm painting or creating digital ad layouts I enjoy the design process. Which is probably why I enjoy scrapbooking and cardmaking so much - layouts and design.
3. Advisory - Come on I blog because I like to put my 2 cents worth in. I enjoy writing and having an advisory role. I enjoy helping people hit their goals and most of the time I give my advice and knowledge for free.
4. Ethics - I need to be in an ethical environment with people who inspire me because of who they are and what they do. I need to respect my boss because of who he / she is and what they do to help make the world a better place. I am inspired by those who have values, morals and ethics.
5. Money - I have to make a decent wage, Vancouver is not a cheap place to live. My husband also wants to go back to school for a year so I'm on the hook to pay for the bulk of the expenses and I don't want my kids to have to give up their activities again just because I can't afford them. If I'm going to be concentrating on something other than my family or myself again I need to be paid well.
6. Professionalism and Value - I prefer a company that is professional and values its employees. I'm tired of companies that treat their employees like easily replaceable parts. I have a lot of skills to offer a company and I want to know that I am an integral part of their infrastructure. I don't need stupid token contests and gifts for what I did yesterday. I just need to know that what I offer is valuable and worth holding on to. Professional companies that understand what professionalism is and value employees that work hard is where I want to hang my hat for the next 10 plus years.
7. Productive - I need to feel productive, like I'm doing something, contributing to a bigger picture or bottom line.
8. Challenged - Challenge, I am the type of person who looks for solutions and challenges. I take the initiative and don't wait to be told what to do and how to do it. For some companies this would be a problem, for others a valuable commodity. I am a proactive and assertive individual when given the chance can do more then was ever expected to.
I believe the first thing anyone looking for a job needs to do is know exactly what they are looking for. I'm a little lost at the moment but with some help I think I can get back on track to find the right position for me. Just as any business must have a business plan, every job seeker needs a career plan and that's what I'm trying to develop.
1. Flexible Hours. - I need to a position where I am not tied to desk or have to punch a clock. I'm a hard worker and usually end up working longer hours then required, I just have to be able to work from home a bit, out and about sometimes, and at the office other times. I have to be able to get my kids off to school so I can't start until 9:00 or 9:30 depending on the commute. As well, I have to be able to be able to get my son to auditions and on set when he gets work. I also want to make sure I can get them to their activities after school. Plus my personality just isn't a 9-5 watch the clock sit at my desk all day type of worker.
2. Creativity - I am a creative person and as you may already be able to tell like to creative problem solve. I've always been on the more artistic side of life, whether I'm painting or creating digital ad layouts I enjoy the design process. Which is probably why I enjoy scrapbooking and cardmaking so much - layouts and design.
3. Advisory - Come on I blog because I like to put my 2 cents worth in. I enjoy writing and having an advisory role. I enjoy helping people hit their goals and most of the time I give my advice and knowledge for free.
4. Ethics - I need to be in an ethical environment with people who inspire me because of who they are and what they do. I need to respect my boss because of who he / she is and what they do to help make the world a better place. I am inspired by those who have values, morals and ethics.
5. Money - I have to make a decent wage, Vancouver is not a cheap place to live. My husband also wants to go back to school for a year so I'm on the hook to pay for the bulk of the expenses and I don't want my kids to have to give up their activities again just because I can't afford them. If I'm going to be concentrating on something other than my family or myself again I need to be paid well.
6. Professionalism and Value - I prefer a company that is professional and values its employees. I'm tired of companies that treat their employees like easily replaceable parts. I have a lot of skills to offer a company and I want to know that I am an integral part of their infrastructure. I don't need stupid token contests and gifts for what I did yesterday. I just need to know that what I offer is valuable and worth holding on to. Professional companies that understand what professionalism is and value employees that work hard is where I want to hang my hat for the next 10 plus years.
7. Productive - I need to feel productive, like I'm doing something, contributing to a bigger picture or bottom line.
8. Challenged - Challenge, I am the type of person who looks for solutions and challenges. I take the initiative and don't wait to be told what to do and how to do it. For some companies this would be a problem, for others a valuable commodity. I am a proactive and assertive individual when given the chance can do more then was ever expected to.
I believe the first thing anyone looking for a job needs to do is know exactly what they are looking for. I'm a little lost at the moment but with some help I think I can get back on track to find the right position for me. Just as any business must have a business plan, every job seeker needs a career plan and that's what I'm trying to develop.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
What Every Restaurant Needs to Do..... Other Businesses too.
I went to eat lunch at a chain family restaurant and wasn't sure exactly what I wanted to order. Have you ever asked your server what they recommended and they weren't sure? Every server should sample every dish on the menu .... especially the specials. Employees should have a first hand knowledge about the companies products and services.
There is no better way of marketing then word of mouth and recommendations. Your employees should be spouting off all the benefits of your service and product to everyone because they use it, believe in it, and know it.
As an employer the restaurant should be ensuring their employees have tried everything they can on the menu. They need to know that their servers can recommend their favorites and increase sales by offering up add ons that they know will make the clients meal that much better.
There is no better way of marketing then word of mouth and recommendations. Your employees should be spouting off all the benefits of your service and product to everyone because they use it, believe in it, and know it.
As an employer the restaurant should be ensuring their employees have tried everything they can on the menu. They need to know that their servers can recommend their favorites and increase sales by offering up add ons that they know will make the clients meal that much better.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Look for Your Next Job at Your Local Library
I don't mean apply to be a Librarian. Libraries, especially the big city ones, have a mass of resources available for the job hunter in their business section. Everything from the latest Career Choicing book, What Colour is Your Parachute, to lists and resources you never thought of looking for. Need a resume - find books and books of how to write the perfect resume and cover letter. Not exactly sure about the job titles in an industry or what you want to be? They have thick resource books on different job titles in different industries with a descriptive write up about each one. Big help when trying to figure out what jobs you really want to go after.
If you are applying for a job with a company you need to know why you want to work with that particular employer. The library is filled with information you won't find easily on the internet. Old publications, new periodicals, information on CEOs and CFOs.
Take a day to head down to your public library's business section and ask the resource desk for a little help finding information on a career.... you'll be amazed at what you find.
If you are applying for a job with a company you need to know why you want to work with that particular employer. The library is filled with information you won't find easily on the internet. Old publications, new periodicals, information on CEOs and CFOs.
Take a day to head down to your public library's business section and ask the resource desk for a little help finding information on a career.... you'll be amazed at what you find.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Websites to Aid in the Search for a Career in Canada
I've started looking for work - due to relocating from Calgary to the Lower Mainland BC - and I started by creating a list of companies I'd want to work for. Here are some links to sites that help a job seeker make a list of quality companies to target in a job search.
Top 100 companies to work for in Canada. - lists the best companies in Canada and it's provinces to work for. It also provides lots of information on the companies, what they do, where they are, why they are the best, a bit of history and any current online job postings.
BC Business - has their own top businesses to work for in BC. The lists are smaller and divided into less than 100 employees and more than 100 employees.
Canada Business Magazine - has their own list of top businesses to work for.
Alberta Venture Magazine - has a variety of lists of top businesses and lots of background information on what is happening in the business world there.
Alberta Oilweek Magazine - for those wanting to find work in Alberta's Oilfeild... keep abreast of what is happening in the industry.
Alberta Oil Magazine - if you want to work in the oil patch then get to know the who's who and what's what.
June Warren Publishing - for everything and anything on the oilpatch in Alberta
Business in Vancouver - have published a Book of Profiles of the who's who in Vancouver Business.
Canpages - If you want to target certain industries in a certain geographical area you can easily find a list of all the companies. Search by heading and area use the map features to either condense or expand your geographical choices.
Top 100 companies to work for in Canada. - lists the best companies in Canada and it's provinces to work for. It also provides lots of information on the companies, what they do, where they are, why they are the best, a bit of history and any current online job postings.
BC Business - has their own top businesses to work for in BC. The lists are smaller and divided into less than 100 employees and more than 100 employees.
Canada Business Magazine - has their own list of top businesses to work for.
Alberta Venture Magazine - has a variety of lists of top businesses and lots of background information on what is happening in the business world there.
Alberta Oilweek Magazine - for those wanting to find work in Alberta's Oilfeild... keep abreast of what is happening in the industry.
Alberta Oil Magazine - if you want to work in the oil patch then get to know the who's who and what's what.
June Warren Publishing - for everything and anything on the oilpatch in Alberta
Business in Vancouver - have published a Book of Profiles of the who's who in Vancouver Business.
Canpages - If you want to target certain industries in a certain geographical area you can easily find a list of all the companies. Search by heading and area use the map features to either condense or expand your geographical choices.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Small Business - More Customer Service Tips
Customer Service is the most important edge a small business has over a large one. Everyone has a story about the terrible customer service they have received from large corporations. If you have one or two really bad customer service experiences please share them with us in the comments section.
A customer will pay more for a product or service if the service they receive is equal to or better then what they expect. It is in your power as a small business owner to create the experience that will result in profits.
Here are some more customer service tips.
(The first 10 tips)
11. Don't talk on the phone when your customer needs you.
Ever tried to buy something but can't because the cashier is too busy talking on the phone with a friend? Ever been in a meeting with someone and had the conversation interrupted by a phone call? As a customer how important do you feel? Show customers that you value them by focusing on them when they need you to.
12. Care about your customers
Show your customers that they are important to your business by going above and beyond. Our realtor showed us that our business was important by making a call to a company to ensure that a warranty transferred with the ownership of the house. This was the sellers responsibility but they refused to provide this and our realtor took it upon herself to make the call even though we'd already removed the condition. She heard the dissatisfaction in my husband's voice and the next day had an answer for us even though she'd already gotten the sale. It was important to her that we were happy with our purchase not just her commission.
13. Offer more than one solution to the problem
Most of the time when we are upset about a product or service we just want a solution. Surprise your customer by offering them control over the issue by having a choice about which solution is most valuable to them. What we deem as value our customers may deem as unsatisfactory, what we deem as less they may deem as more. By giving them a choice they will feel empowered and valued.
14. Be courteous at all times.
Courteous behavior should be a habit for you. You should find yourself thanking the fast food drive through person for taking your money and providing your order. You should automatically say please whenever asking for something, even your coffee at Starbucks. If you habitually are courteous you will automatically be courteous to your customer and it will feel genuine.
15. Ask for Customer Feedback.
OK so most of the time you'll only get negative feedback, after all most people don't let you know when they are happy with your service only when it sucks. Asking for customer feedback isn't about giving you a warm feeling inside, it's about making sure your customer is happy and if not, fix it!
16. Provide Thoughtful Touches
Again this is about going above and beyond. Pamper your customer, wrap their purchase in nice tissue paper and provide a fancier shopping bag. What touches will depend on your business or service, it is about making the purchase experience higher end then it is. Whether it's a cup of coffee in a nice mug, or a glass of sparkling apple juice in a champagne glass as they peruse your store, it matters.
17. Never Leave a Complaint Unanswered
Yes time is the best healer of wounds but it doesn't fully heal it only deadens the pain. Your customer may get over it, the problem may just go away... but so will your customer and their friends. It is very important that you respond to every complaint with a solution or at least an empathetic ear. Large companies will do nothing to fix a situation and customers will continue to be dissatisfied. Take away their business by ensuring customers are always satisfied with you.
18. Be Different
Know what your competition is up to. How do they do business? How do they deal with customers? Know about their products and services, how they market themselves, how they advertise and then do it differently. Do what they do and do it better, with a different twist, or a new take. If they advertise in the yellow pages, then advertise in the yellow pages - bigger, brighter, and with something unexpected.
19. Don't let a Sale walk out the door.
If you don't have something but you know where to get it, don't just send the customer away to get it elsewhere - get it for them. Make sure you get the sale by fulfilling the order whatever way you can.
20. Keep the Washroom Clean
I always have evaluated a restaurant on their washroom. It may sound weird but I can't help it. If they take the time in their then they are taking the time everywhere. If their washroom has the extra perks then I know that my meal will too. If you spend all your efforts on the front of your store but your washroom is a broom closet you've just ruined the whole experience for your customer. If you don't offer your customers a washroom then if they need to go they'll leave before buying something or buying more because when nature calls you gotta go.
Do you have any customer service tips to pass on? or perhaps customer service do nots? Please leave them in the comments section.
A customer will pay more for a product or service if the service they receive is equal to or better then what they expect. It is in your power as a small business owner to create the experience that will result in profits.
Here are some more customer service tips.
(The first 10 tips)
11. Don't talk on the phone when your customer needs you.
Ever tried to buy something but can't because the cashier is too busy talking on the phone with a friend? Ever been in a meeting with someone and had the conversation interrupted by a phone call? As a customer how important do you feel? Show customers that you value them by focusing on them when they need you to.
12. Care about your customers
Show your customers that they are important to your business by going above and beyond. Our realtor showed us that our business was important by making a call to a company to ensure that a warranty transferred with the ownership of the house. This was the sellers responsibility but they refused to provide this and our realtor took it upon herself to make the call even though we'd already removed the condition. She heard the dissatisfaction in my husband's voice and the next day had an answer for us even though she'd already gotten the sale. It was important to her that we were happy with our purchase not just her commission.
13. Offer more than one solution to the problem
Most of the time when we are upset about a product or service we just want a solution. Surprise your customer by offering them control over the issue by having a choice about which solution is most valuable to them. What we deem as value our customers may deem as unsatisfactory, what we deem as less they may deem as more. By giving them a choice they will feel empowered and valued.
14. Be courteous at all times.
Courteous behavior should be a habit for you. You should find yourself thanking the fast food drive through person for taking your money and providing your order. You should automatically say please whenever asking for something, even your coffee at Starbucks. If you habitually are courteous you will automatically be courteous to your customer and it will feel genuine.
15. Ask for Customer Feedback.
OK so most of the time you'll only get negative feedback, after all most people don't let you know when they are happy with your service only when it sucks. Asking for customer feedback isn't about giving you a warm feeling inside, it's about making sure your customer is happy and if not, fix it!
16. Provide Thoughtful Touches
Again this is about going above and beyond. Pamper your customer, wrap their purchase in nice tissue paper and provide a fancier shopping bag. What touches will depend on your business or service, it is about making the purchase experience higher end then it is. Whether it's a cup of coffee in a nice mug, or a glass of sparkling apple juice in a champagne glass as they peruse your store, it matters.
17. Never Leave a Complaint Unanswered
Yes time is the best healer of wounds but it doesn't fully heal it only deadens the pain. Your customer may get over it, the problem may just go away... but so will your customer and their friends. It is very important that you respond to every complaint with a solution or at least an empathetic ear. Large companies will do nothing to fix a situation and customers will continue to be dissatisfied. Take away their business by ensuring customers are always satisfied with you.
18. Be Different
Know what your competition is up to. How do they do business? How do they deal with customers? Know about their products and services, how they market themselves, how they advertise and then do it differently. Do what they do and do it better, with a different twist, or a new take. If they advertise in the yellow pages, then advertise in the yellow pages - bigger, brighter, and with something unexpected.
19. Don't let a Sale walk out the door.
If you don't have something but you know where to get it, don't just send the customer away to get it elsewhere - get it for them. Make sure you get the sale by fulfilling the order whatever way you can.
20. Keep the Washroom Clean
I always have evaluated a restaurant on their washroom. It may sound weird but I can't help it. If they take the time in their then they are taking the time everywhere. If their washroom has the extra perks then I know that my meal will too. If you spend all your efforts on the front of your store but your washroom is a broom closet you've just ruined the whole experience for your customer. If you don't offer your customers a washroom then if they need to go they'll leave before buying something or buying more because when nature calls you gotta go.
Do you have any customer service tips to pass on? or perhaps customer service do nots? Please leave them in the comments section.
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