Up Market

Strangers, Critics, Friends or Fans
Etiquette for Young Entrepreneurs
Are You Committed To Your Sweet Spot Or Something Else?
Easy, Creative Ways to Show Appreciation for the Clients You Love

Posted: 07 Mar 2012 06:00 AM PST

The work you do when you spread the word or run an ad or invent a policy is likely aimed at one of these four groups.

Strangers are customers to be, but not yet
Critics are those that would speak ill of you, or need to be converted
Friends are those that might have given permission, or even buy now and then
Fans are members of your tribe, supporters and insiders

You already know the truth: can’t please all these groups at once. And you also probably realize that each of us with an idea to spread has a knee jerk default, the one we lean to without thinking. Many marketers are evangelical, focused on strangers at all costs… they’d rather convert a new customer than revisit an old one. A cubicle worker, on the other hand, might focus on no one but the boss, at the expense of broadening her platform.

Before you launch anything, run down the list. How can you optimize for the group you truly care about? How much is that optimization worth? (Hint: a new true fan is worth a thousand times as much as a slightly mollified critic).

Photo Credit: kcnickerson

Etiquette for Young Entrepreneurs

Posted: 07 Mar 2012 03:00 AM PST

After meeting with dozens and dozens of young entrepreneurs I felt it would be beneficial to document some basic rules for etiquette when dealing with other business people. These suggestions come on the heels of Dr. Seuss's birthday last week.

Celebrating the birthday with my children reminded me about the importance of fun and whimsy with a balance of general politeness when operating in any team business environment. If you remember, after the cat in the hat creates a giant mess he brings in a cleaning machine to make things look tip-top before mom returned. He had fun, but he had manners.

Young entrepreneurs have bravado and gusto in generous portions, and the excitement and energy can sometimes leave business protocols overlooked and can create a great mess with potential business connections. Here are some basic tips for young entrepreneurs when pitching their new business ideas. These tips will help to foster business relationships built on gratitude and respect.

Do not text people you have never met about your business ideas.
Do not use slang in emails with people you have never met.
Say thank you after anyone gives their time to look over your business materials.
Make sure to have an agenda prepared prior to a meeting to use time efficiently.
Do not assume that people have reviewed your website and background if they are meeting with you, but you should ALWAYS do your research on the people you have asked to review your business idea. The responsibility for due diligence is yours!
Follow up, but please do not stalk. There is no need to Facebook, text, tweet and email to someone after a business appointment. One thank you is enough.
Do not send photos of your personal life, children's birthday parties or your high school reunion.
Remember that "maybe" does not mean "yes". If someone says they are possibly interested in your business idea, you do not need to send them an investor packet with “x” marks next to the signature line.

Above all, remember the balance that Dr. Seuss provided to young entrepreneurs. He knew that you were going places – just like his book says. And he knew that many people would have input and feedback and critical views about your ideas.

Take them in and be polite, but be true to yourself. Cultivate the best entrepreneurial manners you can along the way. Dr. Seuss's stories never had any character that "did it on their own,” so be careful to remember to acknowledge and appreciate your fans and supporters.

I will leave you with his most famous entrepreneurial quote:

"Be who you are, and say what you feel; because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

Photo Credit: DayTripsAtHand.com

Are You Committed To Your Sweet Spot Or Something Else?

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 03:00 PM PST

I can tell you now that this is going to be a short post – I’ve got a bottom line kind of message today.

I like to tell stories about people who’ve been through an inspiring transformation in their work life, and I write and teach a lot of uplifting stuff about the Sweet Spot. I find it a magical, yet achievable, possibility that’s open to anyone who chooses it.

The transformation doesn’t happen overnight, as it takes time for old limiting habits and beliefs to be recognized and shed, and new, more expansive ones to be practiced and installed in their place.

However, for that process to even begin, it requires one simple yet essential thing: a commitment. An unwavering, unshakeable, “I’m not willing to do it the hard way anymore” commitment to something greater. A commitment to less struggle and more ease, to less lack and more abundance, to less seriousness and more fun, to less constraints and more freedom, to less bullsh*t and more authenticity, to less self-doubt and more self-confidence, to less procrastination and more risk-taking action.

Have a look at your current work life and ask yourself truly: What are you committed to? The reality you’re living now tells you pretty much everything you need to know about what you’ve been committed to until now.

Now ask yourself truly, in this moment: Are you committed to more of the same, or are you committed to something better – maybe even your Sweet Spot? If you’re saying it’s something better, what are you willing to do differently? What risk are you willing to take? Not “someday” but today?

Photo credit: mattwi1s0n

Easy, Creative Ways to Show Appreciation for the Clients You Love

Posted: 06 Mar 2012 12:00 PM PST

It's simple: People like to be appreciated, and they like to know that you're thinking of them. Your clients are no exception. By showing them you care, either digitally or through the mail, you'll let your clients know they're at the front of your mind, and you'll keep those all-important lines of communication open.

Thank you notes: One of the most important pieces of mail you can send, the thank you note is a timeless classic. It shows your client that you appreciate something they've done. When you sit down to write it, don't let the white space overwhelm you. Start by letting the recipient know what you appreciate. Then go into why you appreciate it, and wrap up with plans for getting together or moving forward on a project. The free Red Stamp app—featured in the New York Times, The Today Show, MSNBC, and CBS Early Show—is great for sending stylized, professional thank yous.

Non-traditional holiday cards: Don't get lost in the pile of Christmas and Hanukkah cards every December. Think non-traditional holidays, such as Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, or St. Patrick's Day. Sending cards then not only will help you stand out, but will brighten your clients' mailboxes and let them know you're thinking of them. Check out Paper Source for unique cards that you can purchase or make yourself.

E-greeting postcards: If one of your clients won an award or celebrated a birthday recently, don't hesitate to send a congratulatory e-greeting. It's a simple way to demonstrate that you're aware of the important events happening in their lives. Someeecards offers funny, slightly twisted takes on traditional cards. Just make sure the person you're sending it to would appreciate the humor.

Gift baskets: From fresh fruit and flowers to chocolates and wine, gift baskets are a great way to comfort your clients in times of need or help them celebrate exciting life events, such as promotions and new babies. Crate & Barrel typically offers delicious, seasonal foods including oils, vinegars, sweets, and more.

Before you send anything, though, make sure your note is timely. Try reading it aloud to check for tone, and as you read, watch out for typos (especially of your client's name). Speak from the heart; keep the conversation open. After all, your clients are people, too.

Photo Credit: psd

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miercuri, 7 martie 2012

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