DSEF & CBBB: Watch Your Event Explode When You Use These Three Promotion Paths

Today’s highlighted blog post from the Council on Better Business Bureaus (CBBB):

Watch Your Event Explode When You Use These Three Promotion Paths

By Lance Trebesch

TicketPrinting.com and TicketRiver.com’s global customers do such a great job promoting and hosting their events we thought we would share some of their most powerful tips with you.

Today, advertising is a multi-tiered task. Modern event planners need to use all the tools available. After all, you can’t sell tickets if no one knows you have tickets for sale.

Word of Mouth: Before you go viral, go verbal!

The Australian music and events PR company Pretty Like Money wanted to sell event tickets to “uni students and urban music lovers” for their recent Hip Hop Halloween. They spread the word that their event would be “a different scene.” Those in search of novelty couldn’t help but get excited about a unique event in the area.
In America, Denise Johnson, who coordinated the Alex Johnson Memorial Concert, told us never to overestimate the value of word-of-mouth advertising. She found that she could sell more tickets “one-on-one” than she could through paid advertisements.

Traditional Media: There’s still room for print in a visually- jumbled world.

The Swanage and Purbeck Hospitality Association in the UK wanted to promote their village with a comedy festival and our print products helped them spread the word in the area: They used “professional flyers printed and circulated locally plus posters and roadside banners.”
In Australia, the Professional Women’s Wrestling Alliance also drums up interest in upcoming matches with printed material. Besides hanging posters, they “hand out fliers to draw the initial attention of the local surrounding areas to where we will be holding events,” combining word-of-mouth with print advertising.

Online Promotions: Share content on your sites and on those of others.

Written or videotaped interviews uploaded to allied sites or YouTube work before and after the event. According to UK band Bombskare, “Social media works best,” for spreading the news to their plugged-in fans. They also use QR codes to help bridge the gap from one type of media to another.
David Reynolds of Blue Heron Productions in the U.S. understands that not everyone has the know-how to jumpstart an online campaign. That’s why he encourages the musicians he promotes to help him out: “The younger bands see the benefit of Internet marketing and are generally better at it.” Since his advertising budget is limited, he loves this low-cost, high-tech option for promoting acoustic music.

So use these tips to get the word out, get folks through the door, and watch your event attendance explode!

DSEF and Council on Better Business Bureaus (CBBB) fosters honest and responsive relationships between businesses and consumers—instilling consumer confidence and advancing a trustworthy marketplace for all.

About the Better Business Bureaus
As the leader in advancing marketplace trust, Better Business Bureau is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews® and BBB Wise Giving Reports® to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. Visitwww.bbb.org/us for more information.

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Questions that Increase Sales

Questions that Increase Sales

One extremely important element of a successful business is the relationship you have with customers. In order to build that relationship, you need to connect with them on a somewhat personal level, and the best way to do that is by asking questions. Even more important, however, is learning how to ask the right questions. Asking effective questions leads to better relationships, which in turn leads to increased sales. Here are some suggestions for refining what types of questions you ask your prospects.

Ask questions that will give you insight into the person’s particular situation. Customers may already have an idea of what they need or want, but they may also require and even be in search of some guidance to help them find the best product or service to suit their circumstances. For example, a woman comes into your retail accessory shop looking for a new bag. “What do you like or dislike about your current bag? What role does your bag play in your typical day? What do you mainly use it for?” These are questions that get the person really thinking about his or her needs/wants, as well as talking about her life. Once you can get a prospect to share something personal, you have made a connection on which a relationship can be built. The more information you have, the better the chance you have of closing the sale.
Ask what problem needs solving. Remember that you are a solution-finder for your customers. Whether the person wants to satisfy a want or a need, there is most likely something missing in his or her life, however major or minor it may be. Once you find out this information, you can offer your expertise to present the customer with an option that solves the problem.
Ask for a commitment to meet. Depending on your type of business, it may be appropriate to schedule a follow-up meeting or phone call. Some people tend to be vague and give broad answers when asked when a good time would be to call. If the person says, “Any time is fine,” follow that up with, “Is Tuesday at 2 a good time?” Then confirm the day before if the meeting is scheduled a week or more in advance.
Ask for a referral. This doesn’t just mean asking customers who have actually patronized your business. Even if a prospect says no, if you are confident that you can truly be of service to someone else, take the initiative to ask for a referral. This will increase your network and your chances of landing more sales.
Ask them to elaborate on hesitations or concerns. Even the smallest of purchases comes with some level of risk. If a prospect says, “I’m just not sure I want this right now.” Ask the person to clarify what exactly is holding him or her back. When you have a high quality product or service, most times those fears can be alleviated with your honest word and strong guarantee, especially if you are extremely knowledgeable about what you are selling.

Remember, you have everything to gain and very little to lose by digging a little deeper and asking certain types of questions. What else can you add to our list? Please share your comments below!

Free e-book “Business Owner’s Road Map to Success.” It has over 50 pages of techniques for everything a small business owner needs to master, from business planning and ethical selling to a success mindset. It’s all there and it’s free for you. To get it, just “Like” our Facebook Page here: http://on.fb.me/KsIN6P Pass it on!

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Common Sense Business Tips

If you’re thinking of starting your own business, or even if you already are an entrepreneur, there are certain common sense business practices that apply to any industry. Check out the following list to see how many you currently incorporate into yours.

Keep accurate records. This includes not only records of transactions, but also receipts from purchases, invoices for services performed or products sold, and all tax documents. You can choose to keep hard copies, electronic copies, or a combination of both. However, don’t forget to have a backup somewhere for anything electronic. The more accurate and organized your records are, the easier it will be to correct a problem if or when it arises.
Organize your desk/office. Wherever your main workspace is, it should be well-kept area; a cluttered, disorganized area will inhibit your productivity. Even worse, you may be unable to locate an important document or product you need when you actually need it.
Treat customers and employees/colleagues with respect. You’re bound to encounter difficult situations involving the people with whom you do business. The way you handle such issues speaks a lot about your character and business ethic. Sometimes problems cannot be avoided, but handling them calmly, professionally, and respectfully will help you maintain relationships that are important to your business.
Create a budget and stick to it. Even when you’re doing well and money is rolling in, it is important to be frugal whenever and wherever you can. Actually put your budget in writing, and revisit it frequently to see where changes need to be made so you can adjust accordingly based on your business’s evolving needs.
Cut down on the multitasking. It’s inevitable that there has to be some level of multitasking involved in being a small business owner. However, don’t make it the norm. Start and finish one task at a time to prevent you from losing your train of thought and forgetting important details. Practice the self-discipline it takes to complete one task at a time and do it well.
Seek help, advice, and education. Identify some industry experts and read their materials, take their workshops, subscribe to their blogs, etc. There are countless successful entrepreneurs who have come before you; use their experiences to continually learn about how to run and grow your business.
Have a positive outlook; expect challenges. Of course, you want to maintain a positive attitude about your business. That is why you should always challenge yourself to be the best that you can be, but at the same time, be prepare for the challenges that may arise. For example, before sinking every last dime into that new marketing plan, figure out what you would do if it falls flat. Being financially and emotionally prepared will help you move past any setbacks.
Get involved in the community. Connecting with other businesses and organizations within your community is extremely beneficial. It shows that you are vested in the best interests of the community and that you have something valuable to contribute. Furthermore, it is a great way to network and meet the very people you hope to do business with. Get in touch with your local chamber of commerce for ideas about how to get involved and who to contact.

How many have you implemented? What other common sense business tips do you think need to be added to our list? Please share your ideas below!

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DSEF & CBBB: To Pin or Not to Pin: Four Ways to Boost Your Social Media Presence

Today’s highlighted blog post from the Council on Better Business Bureaus (CBBB):

To Pin or Not to Pin: Four Ways to Boost Your Social Media Presence

By Lance Trebesch

Pinterest is one of the fastest growing social media sites. What’s so great about it? It can help promote your business and services for free. Unlike other social networks, Pinterest has a reputation for sincerity. Sarcasm, irony, and disdain are largely absent from the collections of images that users think are wonderful. Here’s the lowdown on what Pinterest can do.

Follow the Leader
Pinterest lets you follow people, and allows them to follow you back, but instead of following verbal status updates, Pinterest follows images you find interesting.

You can pin images or items onto boards—anything from nail polish colors to pizza to blog articles—to form collections with common themes. If you want input, just change the board setting to allow others to contribute.

Pin Us Together
Not only does Pinterest tell you exactly how to add a “Follow” button on your website (so people can follow you on Pinterest), they also make it very simple to add a “Pin it” button as well. This means Pinterest users can Pin your work to their boards, translating to free exposure.

If you have items for sale, add a price tag to an image and Pin it to your board. It’s like a free online catalog.

4 Ways to Promote with Pinterest

· Diversify your Pins: The more diverse your pins are, the more viewers you attract, opening up the demographics beyond your business’s current parameters.

· Combine Business & Personal: Don’t just Pin images directly related to your business: you’ll limit the range of users you can reach. Do Pin images and items that appeal to you. Pinterest interviewed one small business owner who connected to others with similar interests by sharing pins, enabling her to launch the business of her dreams.

· Pin Often: The Internet provides an endless source of images, so you can keep pinning. Pinterest had 103 million hits in February 2012 alone, which means you’ll have the opportunity to connect with a high number of users.

· Repin Even More Often: Repinning is a quick and easy way to affirm others’ interests and connect them to your own. Repin images from within the Pinterest site to actively engage with others, and watch your following increase.

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Effective Customer Profile to Generate Reorders

Effective Customer Profile to Generate Reorders

In the sales industry, the ability to close a sale is super important for any owner of a thriving business. However, it doesn’t end there. Generating reorders from your customers is as important as (or even more important than) the initial sale. Neglecting your reorder business can leave a significant amount of money on the table.

So how do you encourage reorders? It starts with a customer profile.

Creating a customer profile. As you work with each customer, create a written or electronic customer profile card that lists important information that will improve your follow-up. Here’s a basic and simple format:

Individual customer profile:

Products/services that interest the customer
Possible duration for reorder
Special dates and occasions
Preference for contact (phone, email, in-person, etc.)
Other unique/special traits

Create a profile of a customer who continually comes back to reorder over a long period of time. What is it about this prospect that makes the person a regular customer? What wants and needs are being met by you, your product/service, or your relationship that inspires such loyalty? By answering these questions, you have a better idea about what might inspire such loyalty in other customers. Note these on the customer profile.
Strategize your marketing methods with the effective customer profile in mind. In all types of retail, there is an oversaturation of promotions for new customers only. You can help generate reorders with a marketing strategy that encourages past customers to patronize your business again. Once you really pinpoint the wants and needs of your customers, you can tailor your marketing directly to them. A special shopping pass that provides advance access to new products could draw in previous customers, especially if those new products are an improvement upon or an extension of those they already use and love.
Use customers’ purchase histories to understand their wants and needs. Consider what the customer has already purchased as well as what he/she showed interest in, but may not have bought. For example, let’s say a young woman buys a face cleanser, and as she is paying asks about the anti-aging nighttime cream but does not buy it. The exchange between you and her may only last a minute or two, but valuable information can be gained by it and should be noted on the customer profile. It’s obvious that she cares about maintaining healthy skin, and you know that she will love your facial cleansing product. Because she asked about the anti-aging product, it is clear that she does have some concern over whether or not this is something she should start using. A great way to handle a situation like this is to make a follow-up call a few days after purchase to find out how she likes the cleanser and to give her some more information about the anti-aging cream or other similar products that might complement her nighttime skin care routine. You’ve now shown her that you care about her satisfaction and are there to further meet her future wants and needs. Such customer care and personalized information will keep that person coming back.
Invest in your customers so they will invest in you. There are many ways to invest in your customers, and it doesn’t always have to mean cutting into your profits. Do not disregard the value of offering a free sample; making it low-risk to try your products/services can be very effective for turning a one-time customer into a regular. However, you should also be investing your time in things like frequent follow-ups and workshops or product demos. Anything that fosters a good relationship with your customer will be good for your business.

How have you used customer profiles to bring in reorders? Please share your tips with us in the comments section!

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How to Surround Yourself with Success

How to Surround Yourself with Success

Have you ever been sitting next to someone, and they suddenly yawn? What happens next? You also find the need to yawn. It’s a strange phenomenon, but it applies to the way we are influenced by those around us. People who are positive, upbeat, ambitious, and persistent can be wonderful inspirations because those desirable qualities rub off on us. Therefore, it is important to reflect a bit on the people with whom you associate and decide if they are having a good influence on you or not. Read on for some suggestions about how to surround yourself with success.

Identify the three major business relationships you have. Ask yourself questions such as, “Why does this relationship exist?” and “How is each of us benefitting from the relationship?” Also identify what characteristics of these people are either boosters or detractors. Do they help you succeed and meet your business goals? If the answer is no, then consider forming new professional relationships with successful people that you can bring to the forefront of your inner circle.
Learn from the negative. No matter what industry you’re in, there are going to be a number of negative people and/or situations (think Eeyore). Instead of letting this negativity bog you down and keep you from doing your absolute best, use it to learn what NOT to do and bolster yourself onto your own successful path (think Tigger). Mind over matter is really important here because sometimes it’s difficult, if not impossible, to avoid being around some level of negativity. However, you can control how you handle it and what your attitude is going to be. Will you be an Eeyore or a Tigger? The choice is yours.
You don’t have to actually know successful people to learn from them. If you are just starting out in your business and have yet to form these ideal relationships, then use resources that are available to you that can reinforce positive and inspiring messages regularly. Find some successful industry experts that you can aspire to be like; read their books, attend their seminars, follow them on Twitter, etc. Take what they can offer you about success in business and apply those things to your own situation.
Pay it forward. Maybe those around you who seem negative just need someone to inspire them. Don’t be afraid to be that person. For example, it’s a proven fact that people who are trying to lose weight are more successful when they do so with a friend; they might exercise together, plan meals together, or even just drop each other an encouraging email every week. The same goes for your business relationships. Your determination to be successful can certainly influence someone else in a positive way if you exude your optimism and drive in all that you do.

Surrounding yourself with success, like many other aspects of business ownership, can be a challenge. However, it is an important one to take on because your attitude is a key indicator of your success. What are some ways that you surround yourself with success? We’d love to hear from you in the comments section below!

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How to Use LinkedIn for Your Small Business

How to Use LinkedIn for Your Small Business

Raise your hand if you have a LinkedIn account.

Now raise your hand if you haven’t used it since you set it up!

If you’re like many business owners, you set up your LinkedIn account a while ago, but other than serving as an online resume you have no idea what to do with it. But now is the time to change that, because there are many features within LinkedIn that can help you market your small business.

LinkedIn is primarily a networking tool. It is excellent for helping you connect with other professionals with whom you might be able to do business. Whether that’s an employer/employee relationship, a joint venture, or someone that joins your direct sales team, you can find motivated, competent people to connect with for your business when you use LinkedIn effectively.

Here are some ways to take better advantage of your LinkedIn account:

Your Profile: Be sure that your LinkedIn profile is complete, and lists all of your experience. Why? Because when people are searching for other people to connect with professionally, they will find you based on the keywords you use in your profile. It’s also a way to highlight your professional experience when people come to check you out. The more experience you have, the more likely it is that someone will choose to work with you.
Recommendations: Think about Amazon.com for a moment. Why do you think they include a place for people to leave comments about products? It’s because we’re more likely to believe what other people say about something than what a manufacturer says about its own product. The same holds true for you! When your LinkedIn profile is full of recommendations about how great you are…how committed you are to the professional development of your team…how amazing it is to work with you…people are more likely to believe it! It’s the difference between the resume, and glowing recommendations. Make sure you ask lots of the people that have worked with you to give you recommendations on LinkedIn. It’s an online way to make sure everyone knows how committed you are to the work you do.
Groups: LinkedIn also offers Groups, which are an outstanding way to network with others around certain topics, and demonstrate your expertise. Simply search for Groups related to what you do. There are many groups set up for direct sales, product lines, professions, etc. Once you join a group, participate in the conversation, share useful resources, answer questions, and get to know people. As you share great content, people will check out your profile to see who you are (which is why it needs to be complete!) And you can also spark offline conversations with people that may lead to additional business relationships.
Answers: Another way to demonstrate your professional expertise on LinkedIn is through LinkedIn Answers. You can find Answers under the “More” section of the LinkedIn top toolbar. Simply browse through the question categories to find questions related to your expertise. Then provide answers to those questions that you can. The more questions you answer, the more you demonstrate your expertise to LinkedIn users, which can lead to future business.

Now all of this, of course, takes time. And you must determine that the target market you want to reach is on LinkedIn. But if LinkedIn’s user base is in line with your goals for social media, making good use of the tools available can help you network professionally and build more opportunities for your business.

Do you use LinkedIn for your business? Does it provide you with additional business opportunities? Would love to read your thoughts on this tool in the comments below.

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How to Handle Objections and Rejections

How to Handle Objections and Rejections

Even for the most positive and optimistic person, continuous rejections can begin to wear one down. However, success cannot and does not happen without obstacles and setbacks. By modifying your mindset, you will be able to handle objections and rejections, natural parts of being a business owner, with professionalism and grace.

Don’t take it personally. There could be many reasons why someone said no, possibly none of which have anything to do with you. Perhaps a client could no longer afford your services, or maybe has too many other obligations and can’t commit to your proposed joint venture. When somebody tells you no, take yourself out of the equation and reflect upon how your request may not meet the person’s needs.
Focus only on what you can control. It’s easy to lose self-confidence when being rejected, but it’s important to remember that you are in control of your own path. You cannot control the behavior of others, only yourself. So empower yourself by focusing on the elements of your situation that you can change.
Accept rejection as a learning experience. Even the most successful people in the world, in all fields of work, struggled with any number of setbacks along the way. The difference is that successful people take those setbacks and learn from them in a positive way. If possible and appropriate, ask for feedback in the form of constructive criticism when faced with a rejection or objection. Apply this information to your next attempt, and you will save yourself the headache of making the same mistakes over and over again. Additionally, the more you learn from one rejection, the better prepared you’ll be to possibly avoid it next time.
Don’t let rejection make you afraid to even ask. When you flip a coin, the chance of it landing on heads or tails is always 50/50, no matter what. Even if it lands on heads 20 times in a row, that next toss still has the same odds. This same principle can be applied to your business. Just because someone said no doesn’t mean that the next person won’t say yes. Persistence is an essential characteristic of a small business owner, so keep plugging along and you’ll eventually get the answer you’re looking for.
Professionalism pays off. When handling rejection, conduct yourself with a visible level of professionalism and grace. Express your gratitude that the person took the time to speak with you and your desire to work with them sometime soon. A positive attitude will give others a good perception of you, which may mean future business with them. You may not have closed the deal this time, but it’s very possible that they will be in need of your product/service at some point, and if you’ve left them with a good impression, they won’t hesitate to contact you when the time comes.

The most crucial part of handling objections and rejections is to look at them as positive learning experiences that allow you to grow your business and professional relationships. By using the experience of rejection to your advantage, you will be on your way to success. How do you deal with rejections? Please share with us in the comments section below!

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DSEF & CBBB: Watch Out for Common Tax Scams

DSEF & CBBB: Watch Out for Common Tax Scams

Today’s highlighted blog post from the Council on Better Business Bureaus (CBBB):

Watch Out for Common Tax Scams

By Holly Doering

When I moved to Washington State from Idaho, I spent some time at the public library searching for state income tax forms. There weren’t any. Another patron told me that Washington State doesn’t have an income tax. I didn’t believe it at first, but it turned out to be true.

A friend of mine at the time told me his parents didn’t pay federal income tax, because the IRS was actually illegal according to the U.S. Constitution, and would be out of business soon. This turned out not to be true, and his parents are in big trouble. The “frivolous argument” is actually one of the IRS’s listed “Dirty Dozen Tax Scams” to watch out for. You can learn more about it, and other scams, at the IRS newsroom.

According to IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman, “Tax scams…may look tempting, but these fraudulent deals end up hurting people who participate in them.” The IRS and the Justice Department work together to shut down these illegal operations. Taxpayers who knowingly or unwittingly get involved must repay all taxes due plus interest and penalties.

Around tax time, thousands of emails, faxes, and phone calls begin circulating, claiming to be from the IRS. Know that the official IRS website ends in “.gov” for government only. Any IRS web address that does not begin with http://www.irs.govshould be forwarded to phishing@irs.gov. Also, if you believe your personal information has been stolen and used for tax purposes, you should immediately contact the IRS at 800-908-4490.

Something else to consider: While most tax return preparers are professionals who provide honest and excellent services to their clients, according to the IRS, some “make basic errors or engage in fraud and other illegal activities.” You can always Start with Trust by checking out a company’s track record at www.bbb.org.

To learn more about the Dirty Dozen Tax Scams of 2011, please click HERE.

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Using the Facebook Page Timeline to Succeed in Business

Using the Facebook Page Timeline to Succeed in Business

As of March 30, 2012, all Facebook Pages will automatically be switched over to the new Timeline format. Like any change, there are of course some new features to get used to. But by using your Page strategically, you can benefit your business which can help you build success. Here are some strategies you may want to consider:

What do you want your cover image to say about your business?
Much has been written around the blog-o-sphere about selecting a cover image. Whatever image you choose to use, make sure that the image tells the story you intend. If your business is primarily about cooking, perhaps you want to show people enjoying delicious food or having fun in the kitchen (this says you’re about making cooking delicious and fun). If your business is personal coaching, perhaps you want to include an inspirational saying along with photos of groups of people who seem connected (this says you’re about building people up emotionally and connecting them). If your Page is more about team building, perhaps you want to include enthusiastic pictures of your team (this says your team is a fun and active place to be.) The important thing is to think about what you want to express as a brand, and then choose or create a cover image that reflects that message.Here’s a useful article that provides some examples of Facebook cover photos (some by direct sellers): http://www.wchingya.com/2012/03/facebook-page-cover-photo.html

Keep the conversation alive. As an entrepreneur, one of your biggest advantages on your Facebook Page is the opportunity to connect with people personally, and engage in conversation. So be sure you’re continually checking out the comments that others make on your page, and responding in a timely manner.
Post engaging content. Just like with the old Page layout, the majority of interaction with your Page will occur within the News Feed (Facebook home page) and NOT on the Page itself. So be sure you’re using the type of content that engages. Here’s an article with 7 essential steps for writing updates on your Page that engage: http://www.jenfongspeaks.com/7-essential-steps-for-writing-engaging-facebook-page-updates/
Track your stats. The best way to improve something is to track it. And Facebook makes it easy to do just that with Insights for Pages. Click on “See All” next to the Insights snapshot on your new Admin panel, and take a look at the stats on each of your posts. This will give you a really good idea of the kinds of posts that resonate best with your Page community. (Do more of them!) Review the parts of the world where people talking about your Page come from. And so on. By understanding who is using your Page, and how, you can replicated the actions that are bringing you the most results.
Highlight your apps. Maybe you’ve got a tab set up on your Page where people can sign up for your newsletter, or a custom welcome tab. Even though you can’t set these up as default landing tabs anymore, you can still highlight them. Arrange them underneath your cover image (you can change the order), and choose custom photos for each. Here is a set of free custom Facebook app icons you may want to use: http://www.jonloomer.com/2012/03/19/facebook-timeline-for-pages-free-facebook-app-icons/

Change can often be a challenge, but like it or not the new Timeline is here to stay (for now!) Best to embrace the challenge and find ways to make the new format work for you.

What would you add? How are you using the new Timeline for Pages to build your business? Would love to read your thoughts in the comments below!

Archive for 2012

Questions that Increase Sales

Questions that Increase Sales

Common Sense Business Tips

Common Sense Business Tips

How to Surround Yourself with Success

How to Surround Yourself with Success

How to Handle Objections and Rejections

How to Handle Objections and Rejections

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