Are you goals in the trash?

Isn’t it funny how when the first of the year arrives, we are so excited to achieve our goals? We know this year is going to be different! Then life happens and slowly but predictably the goals fade into the horizon.

Well, I was determined not to let that happen this year, so I signed up for the 100 day challenge. Whew, this is one intense program – and it was well worth the small amount of money I paid.

I am on day 49, and I have 51 days to go. I thought I knew everything about setting goals but this kicks it up to the next level. Every day I receive a short video with a lesson that challenges me to put what I have learned into action. I also love their interactive forms, and a host of other tools that really keep me focused on the prize.

I know if you are an achiever and want to take your business to the next level you will love it. This not only pertains to your business but any goal you are trying to achieve.

If you are someone who is not serious about stepping out of the box. This program is not for you. However, if you have goals, plans and idea’s this will keep you on the task. Gary will teach you how to stick with the plan. If you take this seriously you will succeed in achieving whatever you set out to do.

Check out the video and see what you think. If you decide to take the challenge I would love to hear from you...

7 Steps That Will Make Your Business Sizzle…

“It doesn’t matter whether your product is information or a flyswatter. If you understand marketing, you can make serious income.” Robert G. Allan, Author Multiple Streams of Internet Income

A lot of business owners don’t realize it is the little things that one does that will make a BIG difference in their success.

We all look at the big picture – the all important professional website, blog and of course optimizing with keywords and page titles. But what will really make a difference between you and your competitor?

Read on….

1. What makes you different from your competitors?

You need to focus on what makes your business unique. Why should people come to you over your competition? Then you take that idea and run with it, really make sure you “promote” that on your website and marketing material.

2. Over coming worries and objections.

What are your potential clients most worried about when it comes to your service or product.

How can you reassure them – or at least answer their most prevalent concerns. This may take some market research – but most of us, who have been in business for any length of time, have a good idea what that is. If you get the same questions over and over – or concern’s that is something you want to put to answer up front.

How do you remedy this? In the copy on your marketing materials/website (right up front) you need to address this and give the answer.

Example:

“Is your website just sitting there doing nothing?” Well we have the answer you are looking for! We design/redesign websites that are made for marketing.

You get my drift...

3. Be Genuine

Being genuine is very attractive to all consumers – are you just being a pitch man or are you sincere when you connect with your potential clients.

People know when someone is out for the money or genuinely interested in solving a problem for them. Think about it – when I get someone who I think is pressuring me or just out for the sale they are off my list. I will not do business with them.

4. Be Honest

Don’t over sell your service – don’t promise things that you are not willing to follow through on. Don’t act like you know something when you don’t – it is OK to say let me get back with you on that.

Don’t stretch the truth – even a little. Absolutely STAND BEHIND your word.

5. Don’t under estimate the power of testimonials.

Endorsements and testimonials are effective ways to dramatize facts and back up the benefits of your product, but don't use ones that look or feel transparent.Any testimonials you use must be true.

I cannot tell you how many times I have landed a job because people read my testimonials – and it help cement my credibility.

6. Be generous with your knowledge.

It is important that you give of your knowledge generously. You don’t have to give away the farm to be helpful. If not you are giving the impression that you are just out for the money – or perhaps you are not a real expert.

I am always happy to give my clients or potential client’s tips or refer them to other businesses that I believe in. I will give information away for free – and even when I find an article that I think will help one of my clients I will send the link.

I am a true believer in helping people succeed – and giving information that will help. I guarantee it will come back to you ten fold. It also helps with your credibility – and shows you as an expert in your field.

7. Promptly answer any emails, and return phone calls.

How many times have you contacted a representative of a business- or a business owner because you were truly interested in what they were offering – and they don’t call you back, they don’t email you, in fact it looks like they fell off the face of the earth. I have more times then you could ever imagine…

When you get a lead – contact them. When someone calls or emails you should respond as soon as you get the lead. Follow through and follow up, it is that simple.

Even if you don’t have the answer right away or you may not even be the right person for the job - let them know you have received the message, if you cannot or do not offer the service/product they need do not hesitate to refer them to someone who can.

Be cheerful and expedient in returning a phone calls and email. Let them know that you sincerely appreciate their business and not to hesitate in contacting you, if there is any way you can be of further assistance.

One more morsel of truth: Always aim for satisfaction, great customer service, and genuine interest in your client and their needs. It is a lot easier to keep a customer then to get one so treat your customers as if they were gold and you will find customer come back again and again…

Pamela Jacob - Artista Design

Call or Email now for a free consultation - pamela@artistadesign.com or 801.910.4825

Providing Creative Solutions & Amazing Results

Graphic Design, Website Development, Website Re-Design, Social Media, Consulting, Project management, Branding, Marketing, Blog Design

Blog or Website? Which one do I need...

Many moons ago websites were the only thing that a business or person had to showcase his business or expertise (on the Internet).
Now with the advent and explosion of blogs many people have chosen to use blogs over websites
.
Depending on your business and what you are trying to achieve most businesses need both.

There are exceptions to every rule, however, using both will give you a big advantage over using one over the other.

What is the difference?

There is a big difference – a website is a carefully thought out and executed store (for lack of a better word). It is like a corporate office or an exclusive piece of property. The look and feel of the interfaces are branded to attract your perfect clients and to create an experience for the visitor. The domain name is an important piece of your branding as well and should be an extension of the business.

A blog on the other hand is more of a social networking site. A blog can brand you as the expert in a certain field or gradually help you to become a well known personality. It has constantly changing content and is made to interact with visitors.
It is like inviting someone into your home or to a coffee shop to chat or to tell them about things they find interesting or useful. A blog can have its own domain name but it is of less importance – that it be named a business name.

A website and a blog go together hand in hand.

Well built websites selling services and/or products will stay pretty static. While a blog will back link to your website and provide the communication so vital to keeping in touch with your clients and potential clients, it also helps push up you rankings on the search engines.

A website will provide stable communication – on task messages about your product and/or service as well as various other items such as online portfolio, testimonials, e-commerce store, ability to accept payment through merchant accounts, policy and warranty information etc. Anyone can set up a blog, sometimes it can be a challenge to make it look professional.

A website takes a lot more time, work and money. This works in your favor if you are trying to portray a successful image (or you are successful and want them to know that).

I hope this clears up your confusion – and helps sort out the debating; I see going on in cyberspace – to blog or not to blog:

Should I blog? (YES BLOG)

Is a website the same as a blog? (NO IT IS NOT).Do I need both? (MOST PROBABLY!)


Pamela Jacob - Artista Design
801-910-4825