The Ultimate in Customer Service

I am an old movie fan, and I am also a huge John Wayne fan. Whenever I get a chance I can be found watching one of his movies. Recently, I watched The Quiet Man and was struck by the opening scene - I have attached a link here for you - The Quiet Man

What does this have to do with Ultimate Customer Service? Notice as you watch how all John Wayne wants is directions to a town. The motley crew do their best to tell him how to go, but they are too busy with their own ideas, not really listening and thinking in their own little worlds (speaking local jargon). Then notice how quietly in the back ground someone comes along picks up his bag and then takes him to the town. He is a man of action - Ultimate Customer Service.

What can you do to provide Ultimate in Customer Service? Is there someone who just wants you to take them by the hand and make something happen? People will pay well for that level of service! Are you listening to your customers and giving them good information? Are you speaking in jargon?

If you haven't seen the movie, it is worth getting. It is a classic and a keeper. I find many parallels to business through out the movie, but it is also just a fun movie.

Networking - it works if you work it

It's funny how you do something for so long that you take it fore granted. There are times I feel I was born networking, but in reality I have been formally networking for about 17 years. Recently I have become very focused in my networking activities, and I have seen the fruits of my labor. At a recent meeting I was able to do a 10 minute presentation about my company and what I do; very relaxed gathering of women business owners. Just out of that 10 minute presentation I was able to fill a seminar for the following week. What is my point?

• Networking works if you work it,
• Have a plan and work the plan,
• Know what you want to accomplish at your networking event, and
• Follow up, follow up follow up.

I went to my meeting to share my story, tell what I do through stories and then I had a tangible offer that people could say yes to. Then I sent a follow up email thanking them for allowing me to share and repeating my offer. Three people signed up for my seminar. It works!

Anatomy of a Launch

The launch is underway. I have read about launches and witnessed launches but this is my first official launch. So far it has way exceeded my expectations. I wanted to share with you my strategy for the launch of my Business Marketing Gym and the results because not only might it help someone, but I think it has been an interesting experience.

After getting my concept together and putting my ideas on paper, my first step was to share the idea with a business partner. He gave me some great feedback, and we ended up in an amazing mastermind session. I totally reworked the project. He suggested to have a "soft launch" with some of my key clients and contacts. Basically run it up the flag pole and see how it goes. I made a list of 6 individuals that I trusted and felt would add value to the process. I sent out an cryptic email and invited each of them to meet with me to hear my idea. In the email I said I considered them part of my inner circle and wanted them to be part of a great project I was putting together. Within two days of the email, I had five appointments.

As of this date, I have had two appointments. The first inner circle member signed up on the spot. The second one needed time to process and was positive about what he saw.

Next I have planned a meeting of the people who chose to become part of my Inner Circle or Charter Members of the Business Marketing Gym. There we will go over strategies for the full launch as well as implementation.

I have also scheduled three introductory sessions. This is getting very exciting. I will keep you posted on how it goes.

Know your audience

I have the privilege of giving a 10 minute presentation next week to a networking group I just joined. I honestly was not sure what to present. My business is very diverse. After talking with a couple of colleagues I decided to take an informal survey of the group to see what their biggest marketing challenge is. I am already getting responses. The good news is now I can try to tailor my presentation to the needs of the group.

Lesson learned: Know your audience, take a survey and give the results in your next presentation.

Virtually Yours

It's true, you can run a business and never leave your office. I have the pleasure of working with a new client who happens to be located about 500 miles away. We have never met in person, it was a referral from a happy client. What makes this so nice is that I never asked for the referral. It came all on it's own. My client was talking to an associate and marketing came up. He then mentioned what I was doing for him. Next thing I know I am working this his associate. So remember two things:

• First, if you have a phone and the internet, you can do business anywhere with anyone.
• Second, if you take care of your clients, they will take care of you.

Have a great day, where ever you are!

Networking - It works

I invited a client to a networking meeting I go to. He was skeptical, he's been to other programs and found them to be not productive. It was a great feeling to watch as he bonded quickly with the group and walked away with three good referrals. What made the experience exceptional for me is I prepared him for the meeting. He came ready and because he was prepared, he was successful.

The lesson learned: Research the networking venue before you go. Show up prepared and then work the meeting.