A few years ago, as mothers often do, I helped my son with a school project. This was no ordinary project. In our feeble attempts to give the teacher what she wanted, we spent the night scouring the web, reading scholarly reports, and scratching our heads. Looking back, I’m not sure the teacher understood this […]
Startup & Grow Episode 2: Success, Failure & Doing the Work [Video Podcast]
In this episode, Luke and I talk about the mindset of “doing the work” to achieve success. But, of course, there’s more to it than that. To “just do it” (as Nike says), you need to deal with your inner voices that tell you you aren’t good enough… fear of failure… what it takes to […]
The Truth About Why You Aren’t Attracting Better Customers
I’m responding to several articles I read this week. First is a rant by Greg Ciotti on Bidsketch about why writers aren’t getting the same level of respect (or pay) as designers. In that same vein is an article by Ed Gandia that tells freelancers how to position themselves for higher paying work. This is […]
Follow the Trends, not the Gurus
Building a profitable business — especially in a sluggish economy — can be a challenge. It’s even harder when you factor in new technology, industry changes, and changes in marketing and communication. So what’s the smartest route? Do you rely on old-style business and marketing wisdom? Do you do what the gurus say? Or can […]
Keep Your Customers Coming Back for More
We come to the end of “Love Your Customer” month. Each week we’ve covered things you can do to build your business by putting your customers first. Today, we wrap up with a focus on long-term relationship. Let me start by asking a question… Is relationship important, or does that introduce an element of “unprofessionalism”?
How to Build Trust and Wow Your Customers: The Easy Way
This month, we’re exploring ways to love your customer. We’ve already discussed two methods, honest respect and extreme value. Today we talk about the importance of customer service. The long-time star in this category is Nordstrom. They’ve built their reputation on a willingness to do whatever it takes to make you happy. But they aren’t […]
Xtreme Value: How Much Is Enough?
This month we’re talking about ways you can win your customer’s heart — and build your business at the same time. Last week’s article was about respecting your customers. If you missed it, you can find it here. Today, we’ll be talking about extreme value. Your customer’s bottom line All your customer cares about is […]
Customer Satisfaction: Without Them, You’re Out of Business
Want to grow your business? Make February your unofficial “Love Your Customer” month. To that end, this month I’ll be writing about four things you can and should do to win your customer’s heart. The simple fact is, without customers, you’re out of business. All too often, we treat customer satisfaction as a separate activity, […]
Final 3 Tactics for Digital Marketers
Last week I listed my top three picks for the marketing tactics that will help you succeed as a digital marketer. If you missed it, you can read it here. Today, I continue the list, giving you my final three recommendations for a strategic marketing plan that will connect you with your prospects and customers. […]
Top 3 Tactics for Digital Marketers
Last week I talked about the first step in creating your marketing strategy for 2012, a high-level overview of your objectives. If you missed it, you can access it here. Once you’ve set your objectives, you can start drilling down to the details. Before you get too excited about specifics, though, it’s a good idea […]