This was a letter I wrote to my now fourteen year old son shortly after he was born. I had the privilege to read it to him for the first time at his confirmation this past May.
August 29, 1993
Dear Kyle,
I was sitting with you in my arms today and watched you sleeping. I couldn't help but notice those tiny little hands.
As I sat there and examined your tiny little hands, I couldn't help but wonder what would become of those hands in your lifetime. Would they toil in hard labor, becoming callused and hard? Maybe they would pen words that would inspire generations to come. Possibly they would point the way as you lead men into battle. Maybe they would mold great works of art from a clump of clay.
Could they play inspired music to soothe the soul? Would they produce the cure for dreaded disease? Maybe develop the plan for a leveraged buyout. Is it possible that they could hold the bat that wins the deciding game of the World Series, throws the winning touchdown in the Super Bowl or sinks the twelve-foot putt to win the Masters?
And as I sat there I also thought of the things I hoped for those hands and the little man who owned them.
I hope that they will serve you well in all you try. I hope you will learn from their exploration of this big old world. May they allow you to hold on to all that's important in your life.
As they wipe the sweat from your brow, may you find satisfaction in a job well done. May they defend you well when faced with adversity? May they also hold you back to reason before fighting. It's O.K. to back down but never back away from those things that you truly believe.
I hope these hands will know the gentle touch of a good woman and loving children. May they never be too busy to hold those things that are truly important in your life? And even though they may grow tough and hard may they also be gentle enough to reassure and comfort those in need.
In closing, I want to remind you to get down on your knees and fold those little hands to give thanks to a loving and caring God that makes all we have in this life possible.
Love,
Daddy
Friday, November 09, 2007
Energy To Succeed
In recent weeks I have been leading my church congregation through the discernment of our future. It has really come down to focusing on the ministry of our church and whether we as church members have the energy to engage in a new ministry focus.
We are a small congregation with a small core group of members who carry the bulk of the load. It’s the eighty-twenty rule in action, twenty percent of the members doing eighty percent of the work. What we are discovering is the twenty percent are very tired. For several years we have worked hard to maintain a building, meet payroll and care for the financial needs of our ministry. We have been in survival mode.
Most of our energy has been expended working on the church instead of in the church. The realization is we can no longer stay in the “status quo”. If we are to survive and more importantly thrive, we must change our focus to ministry and mission. In working towards that goal our church council has created a ministry plan and are now holding a series of congregational meetings to gain input on this new direction. The options presented to our congregation were to create a ministry plan, which would revitalize or members, stay in the “status-quo”, or turn our assets over to the synod and lock the doors.
The new ministry plan is radical and bold. We refer to it as an “All-In” plan. In this plan we would liquidate all of our assets including our current building, the land we have purchased for a future building and devote all or our resources to ministry. This would mean a temporary worship space and a radical departure from our past. Sort of dying so we can live.
You might wonder why I am sharing this with you. It’s because I believe there are valuable lessons for you and your business in the process my church is now going through.
First, how are you doing? Are you tired and burnt out? Feeling overwhelmed by the day-to-day responsibilities of your business?
Now, Is your business vital, meaningful, and serving the purposes for which it was created? Where is the energy? The vitality? What is the mission you are on in your business? These are tough questions. However, they are vital to sustaining and growing your business.
Most importantly, what are you going to do about it? You may not need a radical departure from what you are currently doing. Maybe you need to tweak and modify one or two key elements to move from survival to thriving.
But, if you are so beaten down and beaten up by your business that you no longer feel you have the energy to continue, it is time for an “All-In” plan for your business. The question for you becomes, “What things do I need to do to change the scope and focus of my business to achieve the goals I have?”
Consider this as a process. Begin by thinking about the core of your business and why it has become essential to what you do. You may find the core is the problem. It may be too time consuming and unprofitable to continue.
The energy you are expending may be in the wrong places. Are you spending your time on tasks and in areas of your business, which are not helping your business to grow? You need to be working in your revenue streams.
The common quote is “working on your business, not in your business”. This simply means you need to be doing the work of growing your business. Not spinning your wheels in tasks, which take your focus away from the important work of your business.
The process of identifying and capitalizing on those things, which will re-energize you, revitalize your business and allow you to experience the success you desire begins when you recognize the need to make change.
So like my church, you have choices. The choice to stay in the status quo, to recreate your business and move in the direction which will make you succeed or lock the door and recognize you are not equipped to succeed in this business. You see the choice is yours. If you choose to create a new plan or tweak your existing plan, contact us. We can help
We are a small congregation with a small core group of members who carry the bulk of the load. It’s the eighty-twenty rule in action, twenty percent of the members doing eighty percent of the work. What we are discovering is the twenty percent are very tired. For several years we have worked hard to maintain a building, meet payroll and care for the financial needs of our ministry. We have been in survival mode.
Most of our energy has been expended working on the church instead of in the church. The realization is we can no longer stay in the “status quo”. If we are to survive and more importantly thrive, we must change our focus to ministry and mission. In working towards that goal our church council has created a ministry plan and are now holding a series of congregational meetings to gain input on this new direction. The options presented to our congregation were to create a ministry plan, which would revitalize or members, stay in the “status-quo”, or turn our assets over to the synod and lock the doors.
The new ministry plan is radical and bold. We refer to it as an “All-In” plan. In this plan we would liquidate all of our assets including our current building, the land we have purchased for a future building and devote all or our resources to ministry. This would mean a temporary worship space and a radical departure from our past. Sort of dying so we can live.
You might wonder why I am sharing this with you. It’s because I believe there are valuable lessons for you and your business in the process my church is now going through.
First, how are you doing? Are you tired and burnt out? Feeling overwhelmed by the day-to-day responsibilities of your business?
Now, Is your business vital, meaningful, and serving the purposes for which it was created? Where is the energy? The vitality? What is the mission you are on in your business? These are tough questions. However, they are vital to sustaining and growing your business.
Most importantly, what are you going to do about it? You may not need a radical departure from what you are currently doing. Maybe you need to tweak and modify one or two key elements to move from survival to thriving.
But, if you are so beaten down and beaten up by your business that you no longer feel you have the energy to continue, it is time for an “All-In” plan for your business. The question for you becomes, “What things do I need to do to change the scope and focus of my business to achieve the goals I have?”
Consider this as a process. Begin by thinking about the core of your business and why it has become essential to what you do. You may find the core is the problem. It may be too time consuming and unprofitable to continue.
The energy you are expending may be in the wrong places. Are you spending your time on tasks and in areas of your business, which are not helping your business to grow? You need to be working in your revenue streams.
The common quote is “working on your business, not in your business”. This simply means you need to be doing the work of growing your business. Not spinning your wheels in tasks, which take your focus away from the important work of your business.
The process of identifying and capitalizing on those things, which will re-energize you, revitalize your business and allow you to experience the success you desire begins when you recognize the need to make change.
So like my church, you have choices. The choice to stay in the status quo, to recreate your business and move in the direction which will make you succeed or lock the door and recognize you are not equipped to succeed in this business. You see the choice is yours. If you choose to create a new plan or tweak your existing plan, contact us. We can help
November 2007 Inspirational Corner
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31
God doesn’t care! That’s right he doesn’t care. He doesn’t care who we are, where we live, what we do for a living, how much money we do or do not have, our social standing, our political affiliation, whether we are a fan of the Cubs, the Cardinals, the Bears or the Rams. It doesn’t matter to him whether we use a Nikon or Canon camera.
But he does care! He cares for us as his children. The way we are loved by our parents and the way we love our children. Unconditionally, without strings, without expecting anything in return, without us loving him. When Christ died on the cross we were all given the gift of the kingdom. We didn’t earn it, we can’t buy it, and we sure don’t deserve it. It is simply there for us.
Pretty amazing. It is when we understand and accept this gift that we can truly be set free to live his purpose and do what he intends for us. Share His love with those around us. Our family, our friends and those we have the privilege to create our art. Work with love, work with passion, and work with the knowledge you are a special child of God
1 Corinthians 10:31
God doesn’t care! That’s right he doesn’t care. He doesn’t care who we are, where we live, what we do for a living, how much money we do or do not have, our social standing, our political affiliation, whether we are a fan of the Cubs, the Cardinals, the Bears or the Rams. It doesn’t matter to him whether we use a Nikon or Canon camera.
But he does care! He cares for us as his children. The way we are loved by our parents and the way we love our children. Unconditionally, without strings, without expecting anything in return, without us loving him. When Christ died on the cross we were all given the gift of the kingdom. We didn’t earn it, we can’t buy it, and we sure don’t deserve it. It is simply there for us.
Pretty amazing. It is when we understand and accept this gift that we can truly be set free to live his purpose and do what he intends for us. Share His love with those around us. Our family, our friends and those we have the privilege to create our art. Work with love, work with passion, and work with the knowledge you are a special child of God
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Digital Press Books
Have you seen the digital press books, which many labs are now offering studios? They come in a variety of sizes and page configurations. And the prices are incredibly reasonable.
These books have tremendous marketing potential. Here are a few suggestions:
Reunion Books-Often when families get together they are not prepared to have formal portraits made. The press book gives you a great opportunity to provide a treasured keepsake for all of the family members. The book can contain both posed and photographs of the family and the reunion. You can include individual family groups, generation photos and family history pages and copies of old photographs of ancestors.
In addition to the books you can sell individual photographs to the families and this is a great opportunity to offer copy and restoration services for those old family photographs.
The same concept can be used for school class reunions or military reunions.
Community Event Books-These books provide a great opportunity to offer a photographic record of significant community events, such as, community anniversary celebrations, local festivals, fairs or military and historical reenactments.
Church and Community History Books can provide a record of church milestones and histories. This would be a great add-on sale to church directory photographs. Consider photographing significant landmarks in your community and creating a keepsake, which would include a history and detail of each landmark.
Another concept would be to create Children’s Storybooks. Tell a story be creating theme session. Photograph the child to illustrate the story and then create a storybook. This is sure to be a treasured keepsake for the child, parents and grandparents.
Other possibilities include subject books of general interest. These may include a book of spring flowers, old barns, butterflies, etc. You may consider photographing interesting personalities in your community as a “Faces About Town” collection
There will be some production time involved. However, compared to the time you may spend manipulating one image to create a digital presentation to your client, your return with these books should be much better.
These books would work well as a fundraiser for your favorite charity. Have them sell them and return a portion of the sales back to the organization.
Two labs that offer these products are H&H Color Lab on the web at hhcolorlab.com and American Color Imaging at www.acilab.comIf you need additional assistance in how to price or market these products, please contact us at info@inthespiritconsulting.com
These books have tremendous marketing potential. Here are a few suggestions:
Reunion Books-Often when families get together they are not prepared to have formal portraits made. The press book gives you a great opportunity to provide a treasured keepsake for all of the family members. The book can contain both posed and photographs of the family and the reunion. You can include individual family groups, generation photos and family history pages and copies of old photographs of ancestors.
In addition to the books you can sell individual photographs to the families and this is a great opportunity to offer copy and restoration services for those old family photographs.
The same concept can be used for school class reunions or military reunions.
Community Event Books-These books provide a great opportunity to offer a photographic record of significant community events, such as, community anniversary celebrations, local festivals, fairs or military and historical reenactments.
Church and Community History Books can provide a record of church milestones and histories. This would be a great add-on sale to church directory photographs. Consider photographing significant landmarks in your community and creating a keepsake, which would include a history and detail of each landmark.
Another concept would be to create Children’s Storybooks. Tell a story be creating theme session. Photograph the child to illustrate the story and then create a storybook. This is sure to be a treasured keepsake for the child, parents and grandparents.
Other possibilities include subject books of general interest. These may include a book of spring flowers, old barns, butterflies, etc. You may consider photographing interesting personalities in your community as a “Faces About Town” collection
There will be some production time involved. However, compared to the time you may spend manipulating one image to create a digital presentation to your client, your return with these books should be much better.
These books would work well as a fundraiser for your favorite charity. Have them sell them and return a portion of the sales back to the organization.
Two labs that offer these products are H&H Color Lab on the web at hhcolorlab.com and American Color Imaging at www.acilab.comIf you need additional assistance in how to price or market these products, please contact us at info@inthespiritconsulting.com
September 2007 Inspirational Corner
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:38-42
Have you ever felt like Martha? Consumed by the all of the projects, activities and responsibilities of your daily life. So busy with these demands that you lose focus of what is really important.
Stephen Covey writes in his book “First Things First” about the importance of living by the compass and not the clock. In other words paying attention to what we should be doing instead or what we feel we have to be doing. In other words, doing what is important not what is urgent.
So many of us get caught in the rat race we forget to stop and consider the things, which are really important to us. Consider this. Is it more important you complete the entire stack of paperwork before you leave the office or that you are able to see your son play football? Paperwork is urgent, your kid’s are important.
Jesus reminds us in the Bible text above that we are to be more like Mary, focus our time where it is important. And the most important is our relationships. Not just our earthly relationships, but also most important of all our relationship with Him. So throw away the clocks and replace them with compasses.
Luke 10:38-42
Have you ever felt like Martha? Consumed by the all of the projects, activities and responsibilities of your daily life. So busy with these demands that you lose focus of what is really important.
Stephen Covey writes in his book “First Things First” about the importance of living by the compass and not the clock. In other words paying attention to what we should be doing instead or what we feel we have to be doing. In other words, doing what is important not what is urgent.
So many of us get caught in the rat race we forget to stop and consider the things, which are really important to us. Consider this. Is it more important you complete the entire stack of paperwork before you leave the office or that you are able to see your son play football? Paperwork is urgent, your kid’s are important.
Jesus reminds us in the Bible text above that we are to be more like Mary, focus our time where it is important. And the most important is our relationships. Not just our earthly relationships, but also most important of all our relationship with Him. So throw away the clocks and replace them with compasses.
Add-on Products Help Build Bottom Line
Who knew a $1.00 add-on product would take the business owners and their employees on a cruise. As a way to motivate their sales team a small business owner decided to create a rewards system for employees who sold specific products.
In this case the portrait photography studio was offering surface modifications on their proof products. The benefit to the customer was a more finished looking photography which now had a protective coating. The cost to the customer was $1.00 in addition to the price of the print. The cost of this was very low and provided a great additional revenue stream.
Each time this surface modification was sold the profits were deposited into a special bonus account. At the end of one year there was enough money to take the entire staff on a cruise.
This program can work in any business. Think about the products and services you offer. What things can you market as add-ons to enhance your customer’s experience with your business?
Once you determine your products, create a plan for implementation. A rewards system for your employees, as we discussed above, is a great way to get them on board and excited about increasing your sales. When you can get your sales staff excited about selling it will improve not only the sale of the add-on but in selling more product and service.
There are a number of ways to implement this kind of program. You can create special products, which are featured, in your marketing, run promotions, which include specialty products above your promotional offer or simply using suggestive selling techniques to entice your customer to buy.
Employee rewards can vary dependent on your goals. It may be something as simple as a gift certificate for dinner out or movie tickets. You may also consider offering paid time off for employees who reach sales goals. On the other end of the spectrum would be trips and larger gift items.
Use your imagination and creativity to help build sales, improve employee morale and increase your bottom line. If you need help or more information with this program, feel free to contact us at info@inthespiritconsulting.com.
In this case the portrait photography studio was offering surface modifications on their proof products. The benefit to the customer was a more finished looking photography which now had a protective coating. The cost to the customer was $1.00 in addition to the price of the print. The cost of this was very low and provided a great additional revenue stream.
Each time this surface modification was sold the profits were deposited into a special bonus account. At the end of one year there was enough money to take the entire staff on a cruise.
This program can work in any business. Think about the products and services you offer. What things can you market as add-ons to enhance your customer’s experience with your business?
Once you determine your products, create a plan for implementation. A rewards system for your employees, as we discussed above, is a great way to get them on board and excited about increasing your sales. When you can get your sales staff excited about selling it will improve not only the sale of the add-on but in selling more product and service.
There are a number of ways to implement this kind of program. You can create special products, which are featured, in your marketing, run promotions, which include specialty products above your promotional offer or simply using suggestive selling techniques to entice your customer to buy.
Employee rewards can vary dependent on your goals. It may be something as simple as a gift certificate for dinner out or movie tickets. You may also consider offering paid time off for employees who reach sales goals. On the other end of the spectrum would be trips and larger gift items.
Use your imagination and creativity to help build sales, improve employee morale and increase your bottom line. If you need help or more information with this program, feel free to contact us at info@inthespiritconsulting.com.
An Employee Covenant
Motivating employees to step-up their job performance is often one of the most challenging things for a small business owner. It no longer is enough to provide a good work environment and a fair compensation package. This is happening for a variety of issues including education social influences.
Many employees today have sense of entitlement. They feel by simply showing up they are entitled to a paycheck. We see it in retail and service businesses. Common courtesies once understood and practiced are no longer.
Here a couple of examples. On a recent trip to a fast food establishment there were a group of employees standing in the parking lot. Apparently they were on a break. Never the less, imagine the surprise to hearing them shouting expletives and showing obscene gestures to bypassing cars. As a further shock, one of them was the manager on duty.
On another occasion, a group of business associates were dining in a restaurant. One in the group asked for a drink refill. The waitress flippantly said, “When I get around to it.” Two things you should know. The individual who had made the request was paying the bill and we were the only group in the restaurant. Needless to say the gratuity became non-existent.
These examples are from the food service industry. However, this problem exists in all industries whether it is food service, retail or the corporate environment.
Now the question becomes how do we motivate our employees to perform and not just meet but exceed expectations.
One very good way is through the use of a personal covenant. It works like this. During employee reviews (and if your not having these as least every six-months now is the time to start) you provide the employee with a form with “I promise to…” written across the top,
During the review you explain to the employee that they are to write on this form the things they will do in fulfilling their position with your company. It can include everything from showing up on-time, a time-line for completing assigned tasks, reaching sales goals, completing projects on time and anything which relates to their job performance.
Ask them to spend time and complete the form during the review. Discuss their list and set quantitative and measurable goals. Then you and they sign it. This form becomes an important tool in future employee reviews.
At the future review you now have a measuring stick, which the employee created, to measure job performance. You should find the employee feels much more accountable based on the list they created. Now they are being judged on what they said they would do, not what you said they should.
This process allows for the employee to feel they are an essential part of your company. It helps them to understand the importance of their doing their job correctly and in a timely manner. You should see a boost in employee morale and job performance by using this system.
Many employees today have sense of entitlement. They feel by simply showing up they are entitled to a paycheck. We see it in retail and service businesses. Common courtesies once understood and practiced are no longer.
Here a couple of examples. On a recent trip to a fast food establishment there were a group of employees standing in the parking lot. Apparently they were on a break. Never the less, imagine the surprise to hearing them shouting expletives and showing obscene gestures to bypassing cars. As a further shock, one of them was the manager on duty.
On another occasion, a group of business associates were dining in a restaurant. One in the group asked for a drink refill. The waitress flippantly said, “When I get around to it.” Two things you should know. The individual who had made the request was paying the bill and we were the only group in the restaurant. Needless to say the gratuity became non-existent.
These examples are from the food service industry. However, this problem exists in all industries whether it is food service, retail or the corporate environment.
Now the question becomes how do we motivate our employees to perform and not just meet but exceed expectations.
One very good way is through the use of a personal covenant. It works like this. During employee reviews (and if your not having these as least every six-months now is the time to start) you provide the employee with a form with “I promise to…” written across the top,
During the review you explain to the employee that they are to write on this form the things they will do in fulfilling their position with your company. It can include everything from showing up on-time, a time-line for completing assigned tasks, reaching sales goals, completing projects on time and anything which relates to their job performance.
Ask them to spend time and complete the form during the review. Discuss their list and set quantitative and measurable goals. Then you and they sign it. This form becomes an important tool in future employee reviews.
At the future review you now have a measuring stick, which the employee created, to measure job performance. You should find the employee feels much more accountable based on the list they created. Now they are being judged on what they said they would do, not what you said they should.
This process allows for the employee to feel they are an essential part of your company. It helps them to understand the importance of their doing their job correctly and in a timely manner. You should see a boost in employee morale and job performance by using this system.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Taking Care of Your Customer
Most small business owners understand the importance of outstanding customer service and taking care of their customers needs. However, most of us can improve our relationship with our customers. This is especially important when we begin to understand the impact the quality of this relationship has on our bottom line.
I would like to offer seven points, which will help you to improve your customer relationships. First, make them number one. When you are with the customer don’t let distractions get in your way. The ringing phone, the employee’s question and the work sitting on the production counter must become secondary. Your entire focus needs to be on the customer in front of you and their needs.
Second, be attentive to your customer. Pay attention to what they are saying and what they may not be saying. Look at body language and eye contact as you discuss their needs. The customer will offer signals which you can learn to read and respond. If they are open and communicating openly, you have their interest. If they are quiet and not making eye contact, they may not understand or agree with what you are saying. This is a sign you need to ask questions to get to their root concerns.
Next, learn what is important to them. What do they value? Pay attention to what they are saying about work, family, recreation and you will get a good indication of what is important to them. Their value system will influence their buying decisions. Tune into their values and address them in your sales presentation.
Fourth, when the customer is wrong…the customer is right. We’ve heard this before. Customers can be frustrating at times. They may demand the impossible. It is up to you to decide whether you can deliver. But, because the customer is always right, there will be times when you need to realize you simply cannot accommodate the customer’s request. Be brave enough and smart enough to acknowledge this. If you have an alternative, which may be workable, offer it. If not, you may need to cut bait and run. Suggesting to them they find someone else to service their needs. This is easier done in the initial sale. If you have done your sales work properly, these situations should not arise after the fact.
The fifth point is Keep your head while all those around you are losing theirs. This was the role I always felt was most important when I was photographing weddings. It also applies to our everyday business. You do not want to lose your cool with a customer. When you do, YOU LOSE. If necessary take a deep breathe and mentally back away from the situation. Assess and calmly move forward.
The next point is to try to Under Promise and Over Deliver. In other words give you customer realistic expectations in your products and services. Don’t say things you don’t mean or can’t fulfill.
And finally, be sure to follow-up with your customer after the sale. A simple thank-you note and a phone call is a great way to acknowledge the importance of the customer to your business. This is something your customer will remember for a long time.
These are just seven suggestions on things you can do to improve the relationships you have with your customers. They are meant to get you thinking about how you can better serve your customer. If this is an area in which you need help, feel free to contact us.
I would like to offer seven points, which will help you to improve your customer relationships. First, make them number one. When you are with the customer don’t let distractions get in your way. The ringing phone, the employee’s question and the work sitting on the production counter must become secondary. Your entire focus needs to be on the customer in front of you and their needs.
Second, be attentive to your customer. Pay attention to what they are saying and what they may not be saying. Look at body language and eye contact as you discuss their needs. The customer will offer signals which you can learn to read and respond. If they are open and communicating openly, you have their interest. If they are quiet and not making eye contact, they may not understand or agree with what you are saying. This is a sign you need to ask questions to get to their root concerns.
Next, learn what is important to them. What do they value? Pay attention to what they are saying about work, family, recreation and you will get a good indication of what is important to them. Their value system will influence their buying decisions. Tune into their values and address them in your sales presentation.
Fourth, when the customer is wrong…the customer is right. We’ve heard this before. Customers can be frustrating at times. They may demand the impossible. It is up to you to decide whether you can deliver. But, because the customer is always right, there will be times when you need to realize you simply cannot accommodate the customer’s request. Be brave enough and smart enough to acknowledge this. If you have an alternative, which may be workable, offer it. If not, you may need to cut bait and run. Suggesting to them they find someone else to service their needs. This is easier done in the initial sale. If you have done your sales work properly, these situations should not arise after the fact.
The fifth point is Keep your head while all those around you are losing theirs. This was the role I always felt was most important when I was photographing weddings. It also applies to our everyday business. You do not want to lose your cool with a customer. When you do, YOU LOSE. If necessary take a deep breathe and mentally back away from the situation. Assess and calmly move forward.
The next point is to try to Under Promise and Over Deliver. In other words give you customer realistic expectations in your products and services. Don’t say things you don’t mean or can’t fulfill.
And finally, be sure to follow-up with your customer after the sale. A simple thank-you note and a phone call is a great way to acknowledge the importance of the customer to your business. This is something your customer will remember for a long time.
These are just seven suggestions on things you can do to improve the relationships you have with your customers. They are meant to get you thinking about how you can better serve your customer. If this is an area in which you need help, feel free to contact us.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Partnering for Profits
How many businesses in your market area offer products and services to the same clients you are targeting? When you begin to think about it there may be many.
Some of these businesses will be obvious. Others may take some creativity to create a partnership, which will be successful.
With this knowledge, what are the opportunities you may have to partner with these businesses to share marketing opportunities?
Let’s explore some possibilities. To begin, consider your target market. What are the demographic(s)? What are the needs, wants and desires of the target demographic(s)? Make a list for each of these. Once you have made your list, you can begin to find other businesses that may serve your target demographic.
Your next step would be to list those businesses in your market area. Once this list is made, you will want to narrow it down. Begin by contacting them and asking about their interest in partnering with you. You will want to be sure the business has an excellent reputation for customer service, similar business philosophy and a willingness to be an equal partner in your joint marketing.
Next, you will want to meet with the businesses you have selected to discuss the opportunities you have to work together.
Creating this type of partnership allows you and your partner to share resources and expenses in your marketing efforts. It allows you to introduce your products to each other’s clients.
Some examples of successful partnerships are floral shops and candy stores combining their products in special gift baskets, theatres and restaurants offering meal and movie packages, gardening shops and landscapers, tanning salons and hair and/or nail salons and wedding photographers, dress salons, jewelers, caterers and reception halls packaging services for brides. You get the idea.
The possibilities are only limited by your imagination and initiative. If you would like more information on this topic, please contact us. We will be glad to assist you.
Some of these businesses will be obvious. Others may take some creativity to create a partnership, which will be successful.
With this knowledge, what are the opportunities you may have to partner with these businesses to share marketing opportunities?
Let’s explore some possibilities. To begin, consider your target market. What are the demographic(s)? What are the needs, wants and desires of the target demographic(s)? Make a list for each of these. Once you have made your list, you can begin to find other businesses that may serve your target demographic.
Your next step would be to list those businesses in your market area. Once this list is made, you will want to narrow it down. Begin by contacting them and asking about their interest in partnering with you. You will want to be sure the business has an excellent reputation for customer service, similar business philosophy and a willingness to be an equal partner in your joint marketing.
Next, you will want to meet with the businesses you have selected to discuss the opportunities you have to work together.
Creating this type of partnership allows you and your partner to share resources and expenses in your marketing efforts. It allows you to introduce your products to each other’s clients.
Some examples of successful partnerships are floral shops and candy stores combining their products in special gift baskets, theatres and restaurants offering meal and movie packages, gardening shops and landscapers, tanning salons and hair and/or nail salons and wedding photographers, dress salons, jewelers, caterers and reception halls packaging services for brides. You get the idea.
The possibilities are only limited by your imagination and initiative. If you would like more information on this topic, please contact us. We will be glad to assist you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)