This week's podcast features hosts Randy and Michelle Rosado. They share their experiences in building their business and gaining financial freedom through multiple streams of income.
Click below to listen...
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
The Power of Asking - 7 Ways to Boost Your Business
The Power of Asking
7 Ways to Boost Your Business
by Jack Canfield
The gift called “asking” has been around for a long, long time. One of life’s fundamental truths states, “Ask and you shall receive.” Kids are masters at using this gift, but we adults seem to have lost our ability to ask. We come up with all sorts of excuses and reasons to avoid any possibility of rejection.
Yet the world responds to those who ask. If you are not moving closer to what you want, you probably aren’t doing enough asking. Here are seven asking strategies you can implement in your business (and in life) to boost your results:
1. Ask for Information
To win potential new clients, you first need to know what their current challenges are, what they want to accomplish and how they plan to do it. Only then can you proceed to demonstrate the advantages of your unique product or service.
Ask questions starting with the words who, why, what, where, when and how to obtain the information you need. Only when you truly understand and appreciate a prospect’s needs can you offer a solution.
2. Ask for Business
Here’s an amazing statistic: after giving a complete presentation about the benefits of their product or service, more than 60 percent of the time salespeople never ask for the order! That’s a bad habit, and one that could ultimately put you out of business.
Always ask a closing question to secure the business. Don’t waffle or talk around it—or worse, wait for your prospect to ask you. No doubt you have heard of many good ways to ask the question, “Would you like to give it a try?” The point is, ask.
3. Ask for Written Endorsements
Well-written, results-oriented testimonials from highly respected people are powerful for future sales. They solidify the quality of your product or service and leverage you as a person who has integrity, is trustworthy and gets the job done on time.
When is the best time to ask? Right after you have provided excellent service, gone the extra mile to help out, or in any other way made your customer really happy.
Simply ask if your customer would be willing to give you a testimonial about the value of your product or service, plus any other helpful comments.
4. Ask for Top-Quality Referrals
Just about everyone in business knows the importance of referrals. It’s the easiest, least expensive way of ensuring your growth and success in the marketplace.
Your core clients will gladly give you referrals because you treat them so well. So why not ask all of them for referrals? It’s a habit that will dramatically increase your income. Like any other habit, the more you do it the easier it becomes.
5. Ask for More Business
Look for other products or services you can provide your customers. Devise a system that tells you when your clients will require more of your products. The simplest way is to ask your customers when you should contact them to reorder. It’s often easier to sell your existing clients more than to go looking for new ones.
6. Ask to Renegotiate
Regular business activities include negotiation. Many networkers get stuck because they lack skills in negotiation, yet this is simply another form of asking that can save a lot of time and money. All sorts of contracts can be renegotiated in your personal life, too, such as changing your mortgage terms and rate. As long as you negotiate ethically and in the spirit of win-win, you can enjoy a lot of flexibility. Nothing is ever cast in stone.
7. Ask for Feedback
This is an important component of asking that is often overlooked. How do you really know if your product or service is meeting your customers’ needs? Ask them, “How are we doing? What can we do to improve our service to you? Please share what you like or don’t like about our products.” Set up regular customer surveys that ask good questions and tough questions. It’s a powerful way to fine-tune your business.
How to Ask
Some people don’t enjoy the fruits of asking because they don't ask effectively. If you use vague language you will not be clearly understood. Here are five ways to ensure that your asking gets results.
• Ask Clearly
Be precise. Think clearly about your request. Take time to prepare. Use a note pad to pick words that have the greatest impact. Words are powerful, so choose them carefully.
• Ask with Confidence
People who ask confidently get more than those who are hesitant and uncertain. When you’ve figured out what you want to ask for, do it with certainty, boldness and confidence.
• Ask Consistently
Some people fold after making one timid request. They quit too soon. Keep asking until you find the answers. In prospecting there are usually four or five “no’s” before you get a “yes.” Top producers understand this. When you find a way to ask that works, keep on asking it.
• Ask Creatively
In this age of global competition, your asking may get lost in the crowd, unheard by the decision-makers you hope to reach. There is a way around this. If you want someone’s attention, don’t ask the ordinary way. Use your creativity to dream up a high-impact presentation.
• Ask Sincerely
When you really need help, people will respond. Sincerity means dropping the image facade and showing a willingness to be vulnerable. Tell it the way it is, lumps and all. Don’t worry if your presentation isn’t perfect; ask from your heart. Keep it simple and people will open up to you.
© 2007 Jack Canfield
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jack Canfield, America’s Success Coach, is the founder and co-creator of the billion-dollar book brand Chicken Soup for the Soul and a leading authority on Peak Performance. If you're ready to jump-start your life, make more money, and have more fun and joy in all that you do, get your FREE success tips from Jack Canfield now at: www.FreeSuccessStrategies.com
7 Ways to Boost Your Business
by Jack Canfield
The gift called “asking” has been around for a long, long time. One of life’s fundamental truths states, “Ask and you shall receive.” Kids are masters at using this gift, but we adults seem to have lost our ability to ask. We come up with all sorts of excuses and reasons to avoid any possibility of rejection.
Yet the world responds to those who ask. If you are not moving closer to what you want, you probably aren’t doing enough asking. Here are seven asking strategies you can implement in your business (and in life) to boost your results:
1. Ask for Information
To win potential new clients, you first need to know what their current challenges are, what they want to accomplish and how they plan to do it. Only then can you proceed to demonstrate the advantages of your unique product or service.
Ask questions starting with the words who, why, what, where, when and how to obtain the information you need. Only when you truly understand and appreciate a prospect’s needs can you offer a solution.
2. Ask for Business
Here’s an amazing statistic: after giving a complete presentation about the benefits of their product or service, more than 60 percent of the time salespeople never ask for the order! That’s a bad habit, and one that could ultimately put you out of business.
Always ask a closing question to secure the business. Don’t waffle or talk around it—or worse, wait for your prospect to ask you. No doubt you have heard of many good ways to ask the question, “Would you like to give it a try?” The point is, ask.
3. Ask for Written Endorsements
Well-written, results-oriented testimonials from highly respected people are powerful for future sales. They solidify the quality of your product or service and leverage you as a person who has integrity, is trustworthy and gets the job done on time.
When is the best time to ask? Right after you have provided excellent service, gone the extra mile to help out, or in any other way made your customer really happy.
Simply ask if your customer would be willing to give you a testimonial about the value of your product or service, plus any other helpful comments.
4. Ask for Top-Quality Referrals
Just about everyone in business knows the importance of referrals. It’s the easiest, least expensive way of ensuring your growth and success in the marketplace.
Your core clients will gladly give you referrals because you treat them so well. So why not ask all of them for referrals? It’s a habit that will dramatically increase your income. Like any other habit, the more you do it the easier it becomes.
5. Ask for More Business
Look for other products or services you can provide your customers. Devise a system that tells you when your clients will require more of your products. The simplest way is to ask your customers when you should contact them to reorder. It’s often easier to sell your existing clients more than to go looking for new ones.
6. Ask to Renegotiate
Regular business activities include negotiation. Many networkers get stuck because they lack skills in negotiation, yet this is simply another form of asking that can save a lot of time and money. All sorts of contracts can be renegotiated in your personal life, too, such as changing your mortgage terms and rate. As long as you negotiate ethically and in the spirit of win-win, you can enjoy a lot of flexibility. Nothing is ever cast in stone.
7. Ask for Feedback
This is an important component of asking that is often overlooked. How do you really know if your product or service is meeting your customers’ needs? Ask them, “How are we doing? What can we do to improve our service to you? Please share what you like or don’t like about our products.” Set up regular customer surveys that ask good questions and tough questions. It’s a powerful way to fine-tune your business.
How to Ask
Some people don’t enjoy the fruits of asking because they don't ask effectively. If you use vague language you will not be clearly understood. Here are five ways to ensure that your asking gets results.
• Ask Clearly
Be precise. Think clearly about your request. Take time to prepare. Use a note pad to pick words that have the greatest impact. Words are powerful, so choose them carefully.
• Ask with Confidence
People who ask confidently get more than those who are hesitant and uncertain. When you’ve figured out what you want to ask for, do it with certainty, boldness and confidence.
• Ask Consistently
Some people fold after making one timid request. They quit too soon. Keep asking until you find the answers. In prospecting there are usually four or five “no’s” before you get a “yes.” Top producers understand this. When you find a way to ask that works, keep on asking it.
• Ask Creatively
In this age of global competition, your asking may get lost in the crowd, unheard by the decision-makers you hope to reach. There is a way around this. If you want someone’s attention, don’t ask the ordinary way. Use your creativity to dream up a high-impact presentation.
• Ask Sincerely
When you really need help, people will respond. Sincerity means dropping the image facade and showing a willingness to be vulnerable. Tell it the way it is, lumps and all. Don’t worry if your presentation isn’t perfect; ask from your heart. Keep it simple and people will open up to you.
© 2007 Jack Canfield
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jack Canfield, America’s Success Coach, is the founder and co-creator of the billion-dollar book brand Chicken Soup for the Soul and a leading authority on Peak Performance. If you're ready to jump-start your life, make more money, and have more fun and joy in all that you do, get your FREE success tips from Jack Canfield now at: www.FreeSuccessStrategies.com
Saturday, July 7, 2007
NMC Conference Call 7/7/07
This week's conference call features Leo Sobelman of MetWest Commercial Lender in Boca Raton, FL. Sobelman discusses MetWest's various stated and full doc programs as well as sharing some valuable information on marketing for your commercial business.
You don't want to miss this exciting podcast!
Leo Sobelman, National Account Executive
MetWest Commercial Lender
8177 Glades Road, Suite 202
Boca Raton, FL 33434
Purchase..Refinance..
Tel: (561) 488 – 4830 x 208 / Fax: (775) 368 9986
Email: leoso@met-west.com
Brought to you by http://nmcbusiness.com
You don't want to miss this exciting podcast!
Leo Sobelman, National Account Executive
MetWest Commercial Lender
8177 Glades Road, Suite 202
Boca Raton, FL 33434
Purchase..Refinance..
Tel: (561) 488 – 4830 x 208 / Fax: (775) 368 9986
Email: leoso@met-west.com
Brought to you by http://nmcbusiness.com
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Relationship Marketing: 10 Tips to Keep Clients Happy
Relationship Marketing: 10 Tips to Keep Clients Happy
by Debbie LaChusa
You've probably heard the saying "It's easier to keep an existing customer than to get a new one."
Well, it's more than just a saying, it's true.
That's why you want to take very good care of your current clients or customers and do whatever you can to give them lots of reasons and opportunity to buy from you over and over again.
Who wants to constantly be out there pounding the pavement looking for new clients and customers? That's a lot of work. It's much easier to up-sell or cross-sell to people who already know and love you.
Here are 10 tips you can use to put a successful Relationship Marketing program into place so you can reap the benefits for years to come.
#1 Create a customer database or file
Whether you have many clients or customers or just a few, make sure you keep records with important details about them. These details may vary depending on your line of business, but they may include their purchase history, special dates such as their birthday or anniversary, family member names or their favorite restaurant or leisure activity.
#2 Never take your customers for granted
Your customers are the reason you are in business. Never assume they will always be there. Continue to earn their trust and show them you care and value their business.
#3 Show your appreciation
Do little things to show how much you appreciate having them as a client. Send them a thank you card or token of appreciation. Do something nice for them. Sometimes its even as simple as just saying "thank you."
#4 Stay in touch
Find ways to stay in touch with your clients. Send out a regular newsletter. Clip and send them news articles about their industry or issues they are concerned about. Make regular telephone calls or send email. Send holiday cards. Use these tools to remind them you're still around and that you still care.
#5 Take an interest in them and their business
Ask questions. Find out what their challenges are and see if you can help them. Show them you understand their business or their issues and you're interested in more than just their last purchase.
#6 Serve them
Make it a priority to go out of your way to provide services that truly deliver and make your customers' lives or their businesses better. Provide great customer service. Do whatever you can to help them achieve their goals.
#7 Give extra value
Exceed expectations. Give more than your clients are expecting so they are dazzled and anxious to work with you more. Act as if their business is your business and their problems are your problems and help them any way you can.
#8 Ask them what else you can do for them
Find out how else you can serve them. Other products or services you might be able to provide to help them reach their goals and be more successful. Take an interest in looking beyond your last sale into how you can help them even more.
#9 Be responsive
Always respond in a timely manner to your clients. Get back to them quickly when they have a question or need help. Return phone calls and emails promptly. Be on time, or better yet, be early for meetings and appointments. Being responsive tells your clients you think they are important and that you respect them and their time.
#10 Make things easy for them
Always be looking for ways you can make things easier for them. If you meet with clients in person, go to them instead of always making them come to you. Make it easy for them to use your services or buy your products in ways that are convenient for them. Give them options and choices.
If you put these steps into action, I promise you your customer relationships will be strong. And, when you make your customer relationships your top priority you'll be rewarded with long-term, profitable clients.
Relationship marketing is just one of the many low-cost marketing strategies covered in The 10stepmarketing System.
© Copyright 2005 Debbie LaChusa
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Debbie LaChusa created The 10stepmarketing System to make marketing your own business as simple as answering 10 questions. Learn more about this unique, step-by-step system and get a free Marketing Mini-Course when you subscribe to the free, weekly 10stepmarketing Ezine at http://www.10stepmarketing.com
by Debbie LaChusa
You've probably heard the saying "It's easier to keep an existing customer than to get a new one."
Well, it's more than just a saying, it's true.
That's why you want to take very good care of your current clients or customers and do whatever you can to give them lots of reasons and opportunity to buy from you over and over again.
Who wants to constantly be out there pounding the pavement looking for new clients and customers? That's a lot of work. It's much easier to up-sell or cross-sell to people who already know and love you.
Here are 10 tips you can use to put a successful Relationship Marketing program into place so you can reap the benefits for years to come.
#1 Create a customer database or file
Whether you have many clients or customers or just a few, make sure you keep records with important details about them. These details may vary depending on your line of business, but they may include their purchase history, special dates such as their birthday or anniversary, family member names or their favorite restaurant or leisure activity.
#2 Never take your customers for granted
Your customers are the reason you are in business. Never assume they will always be there. Continue to earn their trust and show them you care and value their business.
#3 Show your appreciation
Do little things to show how much you appreciate having them as a client. Send them a thank you card or token of appreciation. Do something nice for them. Sometimes its even as simple as just saying "thank you."
#4 Stay in touch
Find ways to stay in touch with your clients. Send out a regular newsletter. Clip and send them news articles about their industry or issues they are concerned about. Make regular telephone calls or send email. Send holiday cards. Use these tools to remind them you're still around and that you still care.
#5 Take an interest in them and their business
Ask questions. Find out what their challenges are and see if you can help them. Show them you understand their business or their issues and you're interested in more than just their last purchase.
#6 Serve them
Make it a priority to go out of your way to provide services that truly deliver and make your customers' lives or their businesses better. Provide great customer service. Do whatever you can to help them achieve their goals.
#7 Give extra value
Exceed expectations. Give more than your clients are expecting so they are dazzled and anxious to work with you more. Act as if their business is your business and their problems are your problems and help them any way you can.
#8 Ask them what else you can do for them
Find out how else you can serve them. Other products or services you might be able to provide to help them reach their goals and be more successful. Take an interest in looking beyond your last sale into how you can help them even more.
#9 Be responsive
Always respond in a timely manner to your clients. Get back to them quickly when they have a question or need help. Return phone calls and emails promptly. Be on time, or better yet, be early for meetings and appointments. Being responsive tells your clients you think they are important and that you respect them and their time.
#10 Make things easy for them
Always be looking for ways you can make things easier for them. If you meet with clients in person, go to them instead of always making them come to you. Make it easy for them to use your services or buy your products in ways that are convenient for them. Give them options and choices.
If you put these steps into action, I promise you your customer relationships will be strong. And, when you make your customer relationships your top priority you'll be rewarded with long-term, profitable clients.
Relationship marketing is just one of the many low-cost marketing strategies covered in The 10stepmarketing System.
© Copyright 2005 Debbie LaChusa
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Debbie LaChusa created The 10stepmarketing System to make marketing your own business as simple as answering 10 questions. Learn more about this unique, step-by-step system and get a free Marketing Mini-Course when you subscribe to the free, weekly 10stepmarketing Ezine at http://www.10stepmarketing.com
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