Have you ever dreamed of appearing in a glossy magazine looking sensual in your sexy PJ’s? Well I have to say it has never been one of my goals, but sometimes life leads you in a different direction than expected.

In my role as the Ambassador for the Asthma Foundation I am often asked to speak to the media about the importance of Asthma Management and the  serious nature of Asthma! AND about how you move forward or recreate your life after the loss of a child.

As I write this it is RU OK Day here in Australia – a day when we reach out to others who might be having a hard time – I am encouraging you to reach out to anyone who has lost someone they love especially a child and ask them how they are and genuinely listen to their answer, there is nothing you can say that will make it better HOWEVER really listening does make a difference.

I am also encourging you to send on this post and PDF to those who may benefit from my message. It is possible to create a new normal – if that’s what you chose no matter what has happened. As human beings we are amazingly resilient.

RU OK today – if you need help – reach out there are certainly people who care!

Get your copy of the Finally at 40 Magazine Article as a pdf

Legs Image Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

Once you have Read the Blog Post – Check Out the Special Offer at the base of the Post and receive your copy of the Book

Appreciation Marketing

by Tommy Wyatt and Curtis Lewsey

I’ve been a busy girl recently…with speaking engagements, working with my one-on-one business coaching clients, interviews and compiling my next book, which will be available in 2012! And it’s had me reflecting on how we can ensure everything is covered off in our businesses so we don’t drop the ball on anything!

Keeping in Touch with Customers

One of the things that I find about having a full life is the challenge of keeping in touch with customers not to mention remembering special occasions of family and friends (like Birthdays). Do you find that too?

To fit it all in I need to have a good system to ensure I don’t forget the important things both personal and professional.

If you are one of my customers have attended one of my presentations, or even met me at a networking you will probably have received a personalised card in the post from me. As long as you gave me the right postal address. (By the way, I feel sad when they get returned to me because I love the opportunity to show others that I appreciate and value them).

You know I think this kind of thing is an art that is being lost by many in the never ending pursuit to fit everything in or to just go for  ‘the sale’.

A Few Tips to Stand Out from the Business Crowd

Here are a few tips on how to stand out in the crowd, and the start of my posts about appreciation marketing. I’d love to hear how you WOW your customers or how you think you might improve what you’re currently doing! (make sure you check out my special offer to get Your FREE copy of the book Appreciation Marketing)

Under promise and over deliver

• 

  'This is the best coffee ever!'

  tell a customer their product will be ready in 7 days and call them to have it delivered in 3- 5 (that way if there is a delay you will still be right to deliver on or before time)

• when you make an appointment to visit someone’s home or place of work – ring to confirm your appointment and actually be on time. If you can’t be on time make sure you call to apologise and let them know what time you will be able to arrive and check that’s fine for them too. I Know it seems like common sense – but how often have you been let down by a tradesman, or telecommunication company who have made a time to be at your home?

Do the unexpected

• When posting an order you could gift wrap the item or pop in a nice note or additional gift. It doesn’t have to be anything big maybe even something like a book mark with a book they have purchased. We all love unexpected thoughtfulness.
• Call a customer to follow up after a sale and ensure they are happy with their product or service. Be prepared to listen to any feedback they have and remedy it as soon as you possibly can.

I know this sounds  obvious but DON’T whatever you do skim over it!!!

Say Thank You – in person and after the sale

• I know it sounds obvious but when was the last time someone looked you in the eye and said a heartfelt thank you, you know the one where you KNOW they mean it? Practice being really present when you thank others and see what kind of a response you get – a casual ‘oh thanks’ can be just as damaging as not saying thank you at all.
• Follow-up with a Thank You Card – I love sending cards, they are so unexpected these days and definitely provide a WOW factor.

Sending cards is one of my favourite ways to show others I appreciate them, it’s such a personal way to connect and so much better than an email (for me emails  get lost in the dozens of emails I get per day and don’t feel that special)

The Challenge

The challenge I had been finding with my cards sending was having the appropriate stock on hand as well as the cost of the card and postage, to be honest it wasn’t always convenient so I found myself not doing it as consistently as I would like to, until a gorgeous friend showed me her online system she was using to build her cosmetics business, which was booming by the way!

The Solution

So late last year I started to use a system called send out cards (SOC) that allows me to send out cards from my computer (or even your iphone if you have one) and allows me to send cards spontaneously without having to go and purchase a card and then head to the post box. I can also do it for a fraction of the original costs (gotta love that too).

I can also set up standard cards I use all the time, as well as set up reminders of birthdays and other special occasions so I don’t miss them.

The thing I really love about being able to send cards easily and cost effectively is it allows me to show friends and clients that I care. Of course in Business we know people do business with those they know, like, trust, AND remember. Sending heartfelt cards (with no pitch) has built on that know-like-trust factor AND has kept me top-of-mind, which is what has led to more clients and more referrals.

You can watch our new 3-minute video to find out more and let me know what you think? While you’re watching it, I’d like you to think of anyone you know, including yourself, who would be excited to use the product on the video.

If you watch it and decide it’s something you’d like to try be sure you click on the envelope icon at the bottom of the page here’s the link again. You can click the Join Now button and have your own account set up in a couple minutes. There are no monthly contracts, so with the new free account, you really have nothing to lose by giving it ago. It will make it so much easier to get cards in the mail for birthdays, holidays, thank you, congratulations (wedding, baby, new home, new job, etc.), sympathy, apology, encouragement, nice to meet you or whatever you are inspired to send out.

You can try it out for as little as $15.80 to send 10 Cards, if you find it doesn’t work for you then that’s OK you can cancel your retail membership any time.

P.S. Special Offer – Get Your Very Own Copy of Appreciation Marketing as My Gift to YOU

When you set up a new retail account (remember it’s FREE no joining costs) and purchase 40 recurring credits (which will let you send  20 cards per month at 98cents each) I will send you your own copy of Appreciation Marketing by Tommy Wyatt and Curtis Lewsey valued at $20.99 as my gift to you.

This is my person offer to you because I know how important having a great appreciation marketing strategy is to your Business. I am only offering this opportunity to the first 10 ACTION Takers and the offer of the free book will close  Friday 16^th September, 2011.

Click here to pop over and have a look now you can take me up on my offer or just try it our for as little as $15.80 for 10 cards including postage.

Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos all except the Appreciation Marketing Book graphic

Are you struggling to gain the outcomes you want in your business?

If it’s time to get back in the drivers seat of your business and your life, then you need to engage Lenore Miller as your business coach (just ask Geraldine Moran).

So if you are a solopreneur, soles trader, or micro business owner (around 1-4 team members) – then Lenore is the perfect coach for you. She has run a number of her own businesses as

• a sole proprietor
• a company with business partners
• online business owner  with a Virtual Team and
• a bricks and mortar business with a team of employees

Micro Business Coach - Lenore Miller

If it’s time to get your business moving then contact Lenore at theteam@IgniteYourBusinessMojo.com for a free 30 minute introductory laser focused coaching session, today!!

As a solopreneur, sole trader or micro business owner – would you let you neighbour walk in and raid your pantry, at will, for free? After all you took the time to go shop for the contents, you paid for the contents and you stored the contents for your benefit, right? Even the neighbour who pops over for the odd cup of sugar can get a bit annoying if they do it often enough.

So why are you állowing others to raid your intellectual pantry – after all you sourced the training and life experience to fill it, you paid for that training and experience and you currently have it stored for your own business purposes, in the most fabulous computer system of all – your brain. Not to mention all those manuals and books in your book shelf,  CD sets DVD’s…..OK so you get the picture. So why DO you allow others to raid your intellectual pantry?

Some times the person wanting to pick your brain looks innocent enough, they stroke your ego and talk about how they’re just getting started and see you as the expert

‘Mary-Jane suggested I call you and arrange a coffee, she says your an expert at……………..and might be able to give me a’some guidance’

They offer to take you for coffee or meet you for lunch and take up at least an hour or more of your time, sometimes emailing or calling again later for more FREE advice.

‘Oh Just a quick phone call, what would you do about…………..’

Now it’s all very well to be willing to make a contribution BUT your need to be very clear about what you’re doing.

I find this happens a lot when your business is  - consulting,  coaching, marketing,  PR anytime someone thinks they will get what they need from you during a conversation. Somehow they think a cup of coffee is appropriate compensation for an hour of  ’picking your brain’.

Lets face it there is loads of FREE stuff available out there – articles, pod casts, videos and if you can’t find what you need for free it probably means you need to pay for that level of expertise. In my situation as  a business coach to solopreneurs, sole traders you know micro business owners (1-4 team members), they have a bunch of information or ideas but they really struggle to implement. I am super good at what I do and an hour with me does make a difference, an hour a week or a fortnight makes more of a difference – but here’s the thing – like any business owner an hour of my time is worth way more than a cup of coffee.

Can I pick your brain over coffee?

So what to do when some calls asking to take you to coffee for a chat?

1. Ask Them specifically what they want to meet with you to discuss – you can do this over the phone or ask them to email you a list of things they hoped to cover or discover during the time with you.
2. Ask Yourself - what’s in this for me?  - I am serious, is it going to make you feel good, bring you a new client, maybe this person could be a great Joint Venture or referral partner OR does it feel like a waste of time for you?
3. Make a Choice a) agree to have a coffee and explore the mutual benefits b) let them know what your consulting fees are and send them their payments options, once they have paid for the consult they can arrange an appointment with you; c). say ‘No Thanks‘ that doesn’t work for me and direct them to some free resources

We’d love to hear your thoughts, feedback and experience so please leave your comments below!

Do you ask for feedback from your customers or clients?

Customer feedback can be hard to hear, especially if you see it as negative or critical feedback about your business, your staff or your product. After all we do put an enormous amount of ourselves into our businesses. However  your willingness to hear your customer’s concerns can have a massive impact on your business and it’s reputation and the customers willingness to return. (check out the video for the detail of what not to do)

There are 2 ways that feedback is generated in any business

1. You pro- actively ask for it via customer surveys or in face to face interactions e.g. in this instant the restaurant owner asked how the flavour of our meals were (reminder: if you ask expect to gain a variety of feedback)

2. The customers offer it without being prompted

Here’s the point though – if you ask for feedback you need to be willing to hear it. Don’t ask if you expect it all to be positive and give you that warm glowing feeling. In my experience as a business owner some of the feedback that was hardest to hear was the most beneficial to my business. My customers respected me for taking feedback on board and finding better ways to meet their needs. If feedback was given and I wasn’t around to speak with the customer I would call them to thank them and discuss their concerns and see what I could do to address them.

There was of course feedback that I could do little with, apart from thank the customer for sharing it. Our customers do not always understand the commercial reality of running a business and at times their requests are unrealistic for us as business owners.

Whether you ask for feedback or it is offered

• Take the time to customer feedback, you never know what you might learn about your business, your staff you products and services that you weren’t aware of!
• Thank your customer for their feedback – EVEN if you don’t like it or don’t plan to implement it. Perhaps you might even do something nice for the customer if their experience wasn’t that great,  like give them a voucher for the next time they return. This encourages them to come back and give your business another  go.
• Access all feedback in the context it was given
• Implement the feedback that has value to your business. This might even be some more training for staff to deliver better customer service or adjusting an item on the menu in your restaurant

How you handle customer feedback could make or break your business! I have heard it said that ‘feedback is the breakfast of champions’ If you want to be a business champion, then be willing to listen to customer feedback and use what you can of it to improve your product or service delivery.

Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

The Grass is Greener Elsewhere  – When the neighbour’s pasture looks better than yours there is a temptation to wander or feel hard done by. Once there though, just like at home, the honeymoon is quickly over and you find yourself back to square one – again. If you’re feeling really frustrated in your business then it would be a great idea to get another pair of eyes to look it over. A good business coach can help you build on what you already have and guide you in the direction of the small business success of your dreams, so you can live happily ever after!

Lenore Miller is a Business Coach and Business Mastermind Specialist as well as being the Author of Ignite Your Business Mojo- Get the Spark Into Your Business, an accomplished business women, professional speaker.  Pop over to Lenore’s website http://www.igniteyourbusinessmojo.com and take her FREE Entrepreneurial Mindset Questionnaire to help you uncover the hidden leverage in your business.

Lenore Miller is a Business Coach and Business Mastermind Specialist as well as being the Author of Ignite Your Business Mojo- Get the Spark Into Your Business, an accomplished business women, professional speaker.  Pop over to Lenore’s website http://www.igniteyourbusinessmojo.com and take her FREE Entrepreneurial Mindset Questionnaire to help you uncover the hidden leverage in your business.

Cash is King! – Cash flow is the life blood of any business and the way you manage it can make or break your business. So keeping an eye on costs, stockcontrol,debtors, adhering to a budget and having a great accountant all play a part in creating a stable profitable business. As a business owner this means less sleepless nights, more income to you and more holidays!

Lenore Miller is a Business Coach and Business Mastermind Specialist as well as being the Author of Ignite Your Business Mojo- Get the Spark Into Your Business, an accomplished business women, professional speaker.  Pop over to Lenore’s website http://www.igniteyourbusinessmojo.com and take her FREE Entrepreneurial Mindset Questionnaire to help you uncover the hidden leverage in your business.

The In Laws From Hell? Your best customers can be a little like the ‘well meaning’ in-laws – demanding, maybe even imposing – but vital to a happy life and profitable business. You can’t live without them but boy do they take some getting used to! Finding ways to create great customer business relationships with your ideal clients is vital. Find out what their needs are, how they’d like you to communicate with them and then explore ways to deliver a great customer experience that will turn them into raving fans! A vital element in small business success!

Lenore Miller is a Business Coach and Business Mastermind Specialist as well as being the Author of Ignite Your Business Mojo- Get the Spark Into Your Business, an accomplished business women, professional speaker.  Pop over to Lenore’s website http://www.igniteyourbusinessmojo.com and take her FREE Entrepreneurial Mindset Questionnaire to help you uncover the hidden leverage in your business.

1. 1. The Honey Moon is Over – the quirky things that used to excite you are not endearing anymore, they’re just plain annoying! You wonder if you’ve done the right thing and dream longingly of the time before you got started in business, when things were so much simpler and your boss worried about the bottom line. Like any relationship, the one with your business takes considerable effort on your behalf and sometimes a bit of help from an experienced third party, like a business coach, to help you see things more clearly.  This will make deciding ‘should I stay or should I go’ much easier!

Look out for Part 2

Lenore Miller is a Business Coach and Business Mastermind Specialist as well as being the Author of Ignite Your Business Mojo- Get the Spark Into Your Business, an accomplished business women, professional speaker.  Pop over to Lenore’s website http://www.igniteyourbusinessmojo.com and take her FREE Entrepreneurial Mindset Questionnaire to help you uncover the hidden leverage in your business.