Archive for Attitude and Success
No King Ever Ordered a Revolution
I’m a nerd. It’s official.
Here’s the proof: Just picture me. Sitting in paradise this past weekend: Key Largo to be specific. Reclining oceanside in the privacy of a mangrove tree dappled beach. My toes are nestled into the rocky sand and the clear water is gently swooshing in over my feet. I can see the [...]
Does Your Experience Make Customers Feel Like Insiders?
A few weeks ago, I wrote the following for my weekly E-mail letter (Want to get this letter? The content is current, relevant and behind the scenes business owner information. Sign up here):
Sometimes a project comes along that just warms the soul. Right now, Andy and I are working with the new owner of a [...]
Why You Should Encourage Employees to Use Social Media
In short, restaurants and hotels should encourage and train employees in STRATEGIC social media use because proper use of these tools will motivate personal responsibility, provide greater job fulfillment, and lead to improved employee productivity.
Connecting directly with customers makes your employees’ work more fulfilling leading to more loyal, passionate employees. If you’re the boss, you [...]
Social Media: Both Sprint & Marathon
What good are a bunch of followers and fans if you don’t talk to them? Carry on conversations (those work two ways), say thank you, reward them, engage them… Ask their opinions, give them exclusive updates and behind the scenes information. You certainly can’t do all of that in a week (the sprint) and expect it to last for the lifetime of a customer. Every week is a new week, and a new opportunity to be a better friend, a more valuable resource, a greater source of comfort, a more relevant alternative, the go-to guy, a more important connection, a more impressive experience…the first and last thing they think about in your category.
Yes, it really can be a happy (new) year.
Ok, I know. It's January 16. Aren't I a bit late to this "new year's" party?
Well, I suppose that's up to you to decide. However, I will tell you that sometimes its better to not say anything at all than to say the WRONG thing. And that's what's been simmering in my head lately. Many [...]
Marketing Main Street: Find a Niche. Or a new niche.
Here's the deal, fair small business owners of the world…niche businesses are the most successful right now. But what happens if someone steals your niche – or moves into your niche with you? Or turns your niche into a commodity (making it, uhm, totally no longer a niche?). Well, as usual, Jackie makes a fine [...]
Ever felt threatened by a new competitor in your market?
As a small business owner, have you ever felt threatened by a new business entering your market – or by increased marketing by a competing business? If so, I challenge you to reconsider that perspective – and look for ways to benefit from the increased competition.
Case Study from the Internet Browser market posted at [...]
Employees, Profitability and the Quest for Revenue
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Attitude – It’s Necessary
At our seminars, we teach the ABC's of Business Success – A is for Attitude – great, positive attitude, that is. I can tell a story with the best of them, but my friend Joe Borgstrom over at Michigan Main Street might have one-upped me this time. So, against my very nature, I'll just shut [...]
