Monday, June 30, 2008

Thinking Inside the Box Creatively

In the blog, Hard Knox Life, Dave shares with his readers a story of a Japanese company that was thinking inside the box. To read it for yourself, visit Lessons of the Square Watermelon.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Your Choices Make A Difference

Everyday we have choices. Your choices make a difference on the type of day you may have.

You have choices on:

  1. Your attitude--how is your day starting? Positive or negative?
  2. Communication--do you communicate effectively and daily with your customers?
  3. Building relationships--Relationships are built in every interaction whether it be via email, telephone, or in person. Are you opening doors or closing?
  4. Serve--Is your life, relationships, or business all about you? Have you ever heard of Servant Leadership? As in business with customer service, if we serve the person first, the rewards are greater.
  5. Persevere--If it doesn't work the first time, try again.
These are just a few areas we have choices in daily. You may have a variety of other situations to make choices but just be aware that the choice you make will follow with consequences. Bad choices bring bad consequences. Good choices, good consequences.

Make sure your choices bring the outcome you want!

Carole DeJarnatt

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Reach Out and Learn From Others

I am a big advocate of mentors, mastermind groups, leads groups, networking groups; you name it and I believe in the benefit of meeting others and learning from their experiences. I believe that no matter who you meet, something can be learned from everyone. It could be what not to do or perhaps it could be the next biggest thing to help promote and grow your business.

If you have been reading this blog, you will know I belong to a roundtable group, several networking groups, multiple leads groups, and also facilitate a mastermind group for business owners who want to grow their business. One thing all of these groups have in common is the ability to interact with others and gain knowledge.

In February of this year I was an intern for Terry Dean and his internet business. I actually did some of the steps in his business while learning. What impressed me the most was the integrity that was clearly represented on all of his websites and his willingness to help teach the basics to anyone that was willing to learn.

So after my short time of being an intern I became a subscriber of his Monthly Mentor Club. I had just spent a month learning from him the steps needed to grow (not to mention, him putting up with my not so great efforts) and succeed in internet marketing so I knew any additional information I learned could only be an added benefit and for $20/month and the ability to cancel at any time, what could I loose.

The Terry Dean Monthly Mentor Club is a written newsletter that is mailed monthly to subscribers and is full of information to build and enhance your business. Not only the internet business but any type of business. The information he shares is applicable for anyone wanting to succeed.

Just to give you an example of how much you get for your money, I signed up in May and received April's via email immediately, May's in the mail within days, and just received June's newsletter yesterday. One of the biggest benefits I have received from it so far was the 30-day promotional calendar he exampled in his April newsletter. He detailed the daily steps he utilized to grow his internet business but you can use the same technique in growing any type of business. He called it a 30-day promotional calendar. What type of planning calendar do you have?

In May he wrote about copywriting for sales, website layouts, and much more. Each newsletter is over 11 pages in details of what he has learned by being in business and from what others have taught him. He shares the tools and techniques he used to succeed. This month he gave all his subscribers a free download of one of his new products!

I share this with my readers because this is quality information in a form that everyone can use. If you are struggling and want to learn from someone (internet marketing coach/mentor) who has built a business and now is coaching others to success in internet marketing, then click here to read more from him. Just so you know, this is an affiliate link because I believe in his products and know he gives something of value and benefit to everyone.

Now I not only belong to a mastermind group, leads group, and networking groups; I also belong to a monthly mentor newsletter group!

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Benefits of a Thank You Card

I came across this article and thought it was well worth sharing with my readers. The author is right on target when it comes to the ways and benefits of utilizing this means of staying in contact.

I use this type of method on occasion and hope this article gives you some ideas on ways to implement hand written notes.

Until the next time....Carole

The benefit of a Thank you card

Copyright © 2008 Drew Stevens PhD

In 1940, Dale Carnegie wrote a classic entitled “How to Win Friends and Influence People”. That book is still worth millions today. Become genuinely interested in others and take note to appreciate their business. In today’s competitive world differentiation is what sets you apart and being genuinely interested is a key differentiator in selling client value. Clients devour conducting business with those they can trust and respect.

One of the simplest methods to appreciate clients is a simple and personal thank you note. In this article I speak of a clearly written hard copy note. Prospective clients are overwhelmed with a myriad of notes, letters and other ridiculous correspondence. Ironically, the influx of electronic communication has pained many. As such, direct mail is on the rise.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, direct mail in the United States has increased so the suggestion is to follow the trend. Use the United States Postal Service to send correspondence to clients. Refrain from all the electronic correspondence to clients.

Professionals that are different are memorable. Electronic mail comes and goes but hard copy notes last. Although you might save imperative email, they are do not remain in sight since many of you file your emails. However, handwritten notes are placed on credenzas, bookshelves and desks- within view of the prospective client, management, even competitors! These intimate economical cards provide a level of differentiation in today’s competitive market.

You have three options in sending a card:

1. Commercial Printing – If you want to make an impression, have cards professionally designed and die-cut with your corporate name and logo. These are inexpensive and illustrate professionalism bar none.

2. Home – Office Printing – Most home computers and their printers are extremely durable and reliable. Ensure professional design yet also invest in good quality paper.

3. Stock Commercial – Commercial retail provides stock cards for general business and personal use. While not recommended this is a good alternative initially.

In addition to thank you notes, other personal written gestures include:

1. Introductory letters prior to a cold call
2. Follow letters for proposals and contracts
3. Notes for receipt of letters of recommendation
4. Follow up to information when the client does not respond
5. Any imperative data that provides a conduit to a valuable relationship

If you truly illustrate your genuine interest in others and desire more sales with less labor send some form or hard copy written correspondence. I know that what I suggest requires altering behavior; however, if you truly desire more business and want clients to find you there is a need to be different.

Selling is not about money- it is about creating a cadre of clients that speak highly about you creating a flow of business in your direction. Like all things in life, departing the comfort zone requires change. However, if you desire more business then remember this quote from Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change you want to see.” Take the time today to implement this change and watch your competitive gap widen to increase your sales!



Drew Stevens PhD is known as the Sales Strategist. Drew assists organizations to dramatically accelerate business growth. He is the author of seven books including Split Second Selling and Split Second Customer Service and Little Book of Hope and is frequently called on the media for his expertise. Get a FREE download Drew’s White Paper on Selling Effectiveness or Business Building e-book at http://www.gettingtothefinishline.com

Saturday, June 14, 2008

How Deep Do You Dig?

Hen & Rooster

The Rooster & The Hen



Said the Little Red Rooster,
“Believe me, things are tough!
Seems the worms are getting scarcer
And I cannot find enough.
What’s become of all those fat ones?
It’s a mystery to me.
There were thousands through that rainy spell,
But now, where can they be?

But the Old Black Hen who heard him
Didn’t grumble or complain,
She had lived through lots of dry spells;
She had lived through floods of rain.
She picked a new and undug spot.
The ground was hard and firm.
“I must go to the worms,” she said
“The worms won’t come to me.”

The Rooster vainly spent his day
Through habit, by the ways
Where fat round worms had passed in squads
Back in the rainy days.
When nightfall found him supperless,
He growled in accents rough,
“I’m hungry as a fowl can be,
Conditions sure are tough.”

But the Old Black Hen hopped to her perch
And dropped her eyes to sleep
And murmured in a drowsy tone,
“Young man, hear this and weep.
I’m full of worms and happy
For I’ve eaten like a pig.
The worms were there as always,
But, boy, I had to dig!”

I have a friend who sent me this poem and I thought it was so cute and also so true. When times are tough we have to dig deeper to find our sources for what we need. The sources are still there but they are just harder to reach. Keep digging!

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Grant Contest for Innovative Moms

Reading through one of the many newsletters letter I receive, I came across a grant contest that is being offered for creative mothers. I do not fit the category but many of my readers may so be sure to check it out. The prizes are awesome and a little cash to help further your idea along never hurts.

Visit this link to learn more about it.

Good luck!