Friday, May 6, 2022

How does appearance affect your creditability?


Should we be judged by the way we dress?  No, but we are judged on everything from our age, our intelligence, how much money we make, etc. in the first 11 seconds.  First impressions do make a difference and are oftentimes hard to overcome.

In an article on 'What does business casual really mean,' I found the following.....

"Many highly intelligent, well-qualified, capable men and women are often disqualified or dismissed because 'they don't sell for what they're worth,'" Price told Business Insider. "They've left the 'business' out of 'business casual' and the lack of professional appearance holds them back. It's frustrating because clothing certainly does not determine one's actual competence and credibility; it does, however, influence others' perception of those qualities — and that reality impacts career opportunities."

80% of success is showing up, but how you show up also matters.  

For many years as an image consultant, I taught these concepts.  Even when I left my corporate job, I gave presentations on 'Dressing for success when interviewing for a job placement firm.  Many of the people I spoke with assumed they should dress according to the job for which they were applying.  Not necessary.  I advised to always dress a step above the job you were applying for.  For instance, if applying for a position where business casual is appropriate, an open-collared shirt with a sport coat would be more appropriate.  

Being in sales and meeting with potential clients means you are constantly interviewing.  Appearance does come into the equation.  Whether networking or on scheduled appointments.

Here are a couple of podcasts that further define the importance of dress and appearance.

In Podcast #649, Dr. Misner discusses the 12x12x12 rule.  In this article, Dr. Misner states....

You want to come across as a professional, whether you’re going to a chamber of commerce function or a big event. You want to come across as a professional, generally speaking. I try to dress at or above my audience level. But not all professions have to do that. If you’re a car mechanic, you don’t have to dress, you know, in a suit and tie. But you do want to come across, you know – khakis and a nice shirt. You want to look professional.

In Podcast #577, Meaghan Chitwood, BNI Northern Alabama Region Executive Director, recounts her experience with being 'not referable' as a business coach.

When Meaghan first joined a BNI chapter in Alabama, she’d just come out of the construction industry. Although she was now working as a business coach, she was still dressing to fit in on a construction site. She was focused on establishing credibility by knowing what she was talking about.

One day, two of her fellow BNI members came to her and said “We want to help you, because right now you’re just not referable.”

Are you referable?  What does your appearance say about you?  How are you showing up?  It's always been my philosophy that you never know when you're going to meet your next best client or referral partner.  My advice....'Don't ever miss an opportunity to make a good first impression!'

Happy Networking,

Annette


Thursday, December 30, 2021

Good Luck Rituals, Traditions, and Superstitions for the New Year


As I look back on the past year and look to the new year, I'm always looking for something that might give me an edge and a leg up to improving life, health, and prosperity in general.  And yes that includes superstitions.  In searching for social media content for my clients, I came across a lot of lists of rituals, traditions, and superstitions, I decided to compile the lists.  While some, and my being a Southern gal, like eating collards, blackeyed peas, and pork on New Year's Day, are standard traditions, some of the others, like throwing dishes at the neighbors' house so they have good luck, is a new one for me.  

So here goes.  I've separated them into New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. If you have any others not listed, let me know and I'll add them to the list.

New Year's Eve -

- Stock your cupboard - Turns out, New Year's Eve is the perfect time to go grocery shopping.  Otherwise, you risk having empty cabinets throughout the year.  

- Buy the right food - While you want food in the pantry and refrigerator, make sure it's not chicken or lobster.  Why, you ask?  Because both of these walks backward.  You want to move ahead in the new year.   

- Avoid Chicken - Legend has it that eating chicken, an animal with wings, on New Year's Eve can cause all your luck to fly away.  

- Clean your house - Any negativity and ill feelings from the previous year will be left behind in the dustpan.  That's because it all gets swept away, and is all about "out with the old, in with the new." 

- Don't Clean your house or do laundry - Yes, this is conflicting with the one above, but I guess it's left up to interpretation.  Some people subscribe to the superstition that deep cleaning and doing things like laundry will cause you to wash away any good luck in the year.  Read own as there are other items that may provide clarification to this one.


- Have Cash in your wallet - Want to experience wealth and prosperity in the coming year?  Make sure you have cash in your wallet before midnight.  If there's no cash in there, you risk a year of misfortune and financial struggles.     

- Leave money outside - A superstition hailing from a couple of different places, like Scotland and Germany, is based on the belief that leaving coins on your window sills and/or entrance to your home (even under the doormat, in one variation) may be able to bring financial stability into your life in the new year.  If you're strapped for cash, don't fret - even one quarter is thought to be enough, and you can bring it back inside after midnight has passed.  

- Wear polka dots - A Filipino tradition, wearing polka dots is believed to signify prosperity because of their round shape.  CNN Philippines says that if you're not into polka dots, anything round will do including sequins. 

- Wear Red Underwear - Those looking for love are advised to wear red underwear as it's thought it will help them find love.   

- If Red is not your color -  Or you're interested in manifesting something else, then read on as your underwear could help in manifesting something else.  For instance, yellow is your go-to for wealth, success, and abundance.   White for peace, harmony, and happiness.  Pink for love and harmony.  Green for life, nature, and overall well-being.  Blue for wellness and good health. Orange for professional success.

- Eat Dried Fruits and Nuts - In Italy, many foods are eaten on New Year's Eve, but one collection, in particular, stands out: seven dried fruits and nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, walnuts, dates, raisins, and dried figs) are thought to bring good luck when eaten together, according to La Cucina Italiana.    

- Eat Grapes at Midnight - The 12 grapes is a Spanish tradition that consists of eating 12 grapes with the chimes of the clock at midnight.  The catch is, you have to eat all 12 grapes in one minute.  If there are grapes in your mouth by the time the minute is up, you'll have bad luck for the year.  The trick is to peel the grapes before eating them. 

- Eat Herring - Whether you like your herring pickled or fresh, eating it in some form at midnight is considered good luck in Germany and Sweden.

- Eat King Cake at midnight - For many, the dense, doughy king cake associated with New Orleans represents the end of the Christmas season.  But be on the lookout for a golden coin or a plastic baby.  If you find it, your year will be filled with wealth and prosperity, according to legend.    

- Open the Doors and Windows - Don't get stuck in the past.  Open the doors and windows just as the clock strikes 12 to let the new year in and the old year out.  Otherwise, you are stuck repeating last year's mistakes.    


- Give a Kiss - Perhaps the most famous superstition of all, according to English and German folklore, the first person you see in the new year (and how to interact with them) will dictate the year to come.  A kiss symbolizes love, peace, and good luck.   

- Get Loud - Firecrackers, horns, whistles, and other noisemakers not only make midnight shenanigans more fun, but they're also the perfect way to ward off evil spirits from following you into the New Year, according to Chinese folklore.    

- Smash a Pomegraten -  This Greek tradition involves throwing a pomegranate (a symbol of prosperity) at the floor or door at midnight in hopes of getting as many seeds as possible to split - the more seeds, the more luck it's believed you will have in the new year.    

- Toss Dishes - According to Danish tradition, you are to throw dishes at the friends and family houses of whom you wish good luck upon.  The more people you have to visit, the luckier you'll be. 

- Throw furniture out the window -  In Italy, people toss their belongings - including furniture - out the window (literally) as soon as the clock strikes midnight on January 1, as it's thought to help make room for only positive vibes in the new year.  

- Burn a Scarecrow - If the previous year was filled with bad situations and disappointments, this superstition from Ecuador is for you.  Bundle up and head outside to burn a scarecrow that represents all the bad and scares away the negativity from following you into the new year.   

- Don't loan any money - People think that loaning money out on New Year's Eve serves as a preview of what the rest of your year will look like.  So if you don't want to be shelling out money to your friends for the rest of the year, wait until January 2nd to lend a few bucks.   

- Like to travel? - Run around the block with a packed suitcase - If you've ever spent New Year's Eve in a Latin American country, you know you can see more than a few people carrying a suitcase around the block when midnight comes.  It's worth it since people swear it will ensure lots of travel in the new year!    

- Pack your suitcase right -  It also matters what you pack.  Pack with a destination in mind.  You can just throw stuff in the suitcase, but if you're looking to spend time in a warmer climate, like the beach, don't pack sweaters is all we're saying.  

- Run around the house seven times, fast -  If you don't want to walk around the block - you know, trying to avoid your neighbors thinking you have lost it - running around your room (or home) 7 times is said to bring luck with travel, too.

- Grab a chair, a suitcase, and an umbrella - New Year's Eve is the one time that having an open umbrella inside your house is actually considered good luck  The way the old superstition goes, is that if you stand on a chair with an umbrella open and one hand on a suitcase, you'll increase your chances of traveling over the next year.  It might look weird, but it's worth a try.

- Go in and out your door - Grab your suitcase and walk in and out the front door of your home - this symbolizes the number of times you want to travel throughout the year, so give yourself at least a few minutes.    

New Year's Day - 

- Wake up early on New Year's Day - I know, I know, you've been running around with that packed suitcase all night, but a Polish tradition suggests that waking up early on New Year's Day means you'll easily wake up early for the rest of the year - no snoozing those alarms!   

- Mysterious Guest - The first guest in your home on New Year's Day fills an important role in the coming year.  It is said that that person (sometimes called a "first footer") foretells the kind of luck you can expect during the next 12 months.  The luckiest guest to have is a tall, dark, handsome man who brings you a gift.   Oh, and don't leave the house until someone enters from the outside first.

- The first person to enter your home needs to knock and be admitted - He or she needs to walk through the house and leave by a different door.   And those first in after midnight cannot have flat feet, cross-eyes, or eyebrows that meet in the middle of their forehead.

- Who you don't want crossing the threshold first - A blonde, a redhead, or a female should be barred from coming into your home first.  You should also ban gravediggers, doctors, and cats from the mix. 

- Born on New Year's Day? - Then superstition says you'll automatically be lucky throughout your life - even more so if you're born at midnight!

- Eat Collard Greens and Black-eyed peas - This one was on every list.  What you eat doesn't just play

a big role in your health, it plays a big role in predicting your good fortune in the year ahead, according to this Southern superstition.  So, fill your plate with collard greens and peas for a year full of wealth. And don't forget the cornbread as it represents the coins.

- Add Pork to the menu - In Chinese, the pig is associated with good fortune and prosperity, and according to German legend, pork is lucky because pigs look forward when they eat, representing progress.   

- Eat noodles - Japanese and Chinese superstition dictates that eating long Soba noodles will bring about longevity in the new year.    

- Eat something circular - Eat something in the shape of a circle - think donut - and you will have good luck.  

- Carry an empty suitcase - Those looking for a year full of adventure may want to adhere to the superstition of carrying around an empty suitcase.  Some people walk around with their luggage all day to make sure it happens. 

- Don't wash those clothes -  This is an odd one.  According to folklore, if you wash clothes on New Year's Day, you'll be "washing for the dead" or washing a loved one away -- meaning someone in your household will die in the coming year.  Get your laundry washed, dried, folded, ad put away by New Year's Eve.  

- Don't sweep - Save it until Jan. 2nd.  If you have dust on your floor on New Year's Day, leave it there.  The idea is that you sweep out luck if you sweep on New Year's Day.   

- Keep it in - Don't take anything out of your home on New Year's Day. Literally nothing.  No garbage goes out, no packages are taken to the car or luck will go out and not come back.   

- Save the tears - Save the tears for another day, because crying on New Year's Day could set a year of sadness in motion.   

- Keep an eye on the weather - So allegedly, if the wind blows from the south in the wee early hours of New Year's Day the next year will bring prosperity.  But if it's coming from the north, gird your loins

for a year of bad weather.  Meanwhile, the wind coming from the east brings famine and calamities.  Wind from the west means the year will "witness plentiful supplies of milk and fish but also see the death of a very important person."  So, does anyone remember which way the wind was blowing on January 1, 2020?  

Regardless of what you choose or believe in regards to these superstitions, go into the new year with an open heart and mind to set the tone for the year ahead.  As long as you put in the effort and build consistent good habits throughout the year, you have the potential for endless growth and happiness both personally and professionally.

Wishing You a Happy Healthy Prosperous New Year!

Annette
'Helping You and Your Business Look Good'

Credits:

WomensDay.com

WSOCTV.com

News.Yahoo.com

HerCampus.com

WSPA.com

ThePioneerWoman.com

PopSugar.com

Cosmopolitian.com



Saturday, February 13, 2021

New Company - Greener Still

 Greener Still


 
Hope your New Year is off to a Great start. I am very excited to announce being part of the launch of a new company - Greener Still.  SendOutCards, which I have been a part of since 2006, announced on January 30 a new parent company - Greener Still with 5 other product and service lines. Not only does it offer six streams of income to Greener Still affiliates, but it also offers a great Customer Referral program! 


The six lines of products and services focus on Relationship Development with Self, Others, and Business.  I invite you to check out each one to see which ones fit your needs.

Relationship Development with Self - 

Blue42 for Life - Focuses on industry leading supplements and products supporting the four pillars of health. Products that help people become their best self.  Products include sleep aids, weight management, ION Diffuser, and unique blends of essential oils.

PromptingU - An online education platform with courses from experts in the fields of personal development, business, and relationship marketing.

Relationship Development with Others - 

SOC Logo
SendOutCards - A unique online greeting card and gift service that makes it easy for anyone to act quickly when prompted to reach out to others. Your first card is Free and you receive a link to share with a friend so they can also send a Free card.

Bella Cadeaux - a boutique gift company believes that the gifts customers give should be remembered forever. Pick and send the perfect gift that will develop and deepen the relationship.

Relationship Development for Business - 

Stream Marketing - offers a streamlined and consolidated way to market a business which includes custom built website, social media, and SEO. Everything you need to market online. Totally automated and powered by AI (artificial intelligence). 

Stream Virtual Assistant - helps customers stay connected and expand their reach.  Time consuming tasks can be handed off so all efforts can go toward building relationships and business growth.

Greener Still is a revolutionary ground floor business opportunity. We are backed by a seasoned 18 year old Relationship Development Company known as SendOutCards. Our Mission, then and now is to help millions of people act on their promptings and create a vehicle for financial success. Greener Still takes this mission to a whole new level." ~ Founder Kody Bateman

So, there is something for everyone with Greener StillGreener Still offers both an Affiliate Program and a Customer Referral Program. 

Greener Still Affiliates earn multiple streams of income, create their own schedule, help people build relationships, all while making the world a better place.

The Greener Still Customer Referral Partners can share a referral link with others to earn credits for use at the six different companies for products and services.

Greener Still is a better way to do business, to find financial success, to create relationships, and to grow personally and professionally.

Have questions?  Need help?  Contact me and I will be happy to help and answer any of you questions.

To Your Success,

Annette
'Helping You and Your Business Look Good'

How is it Going for You?

 Happy New Year!

  
Hope your New Year is off to a Great start. Did Christmas and New Year's come and go and you still didn't get your cards mailed.  Did you know it is still perfectly permissible to send 'Happy New Year' cards up until the end of January.  I received one myself the other day from a law firm that had a casual photo of all their attorneys on the front of the card. In fact, you will even stand out more by sending a card now because your card is not lost in the holiday chaos.


There are many opportunities and reasons to reach out. With all that's going on right now, it's a good time to reach out to family and friends.  February 7th is 'Send a Friend a Card' Day. Another good day to remember those 'besties' that you maybe haven't been able to see lately.


And then there is Valentine's Day Feb. 14.  That's another great holiday to send those you love a 'Hug in the Mail.'  


If you have a business - Show your clients how much you value them by sending your clients a 'I Appreciate Your Business' card on 'Customer Appreciation Day' April 18th.



Click Here to Send a Free card today and see how the system works and receive a link to share to gift a friend.  I think you'll love it!

Here are some additional resources for Relationship Marketing:


To Your Success,

Annette
'Helping You and Your Business Look Good'

Thursday, November 12, 2020

How is it Going for You?

  

So how will your holidays be different this year?  Have you been able to visit with your family and friends?  Have you lost family and friends because of COVID?

It's been a different kind of year.  We've all had our challenges to deal with, some more than others.  I've seen many take it in stride and make the best of it and others are still wallowing in 'Oh ain't it awful and it's not going to get better until.......'  

As the holidays approach, are you making plans differently than you have in the past or will you celebrate as you usually do?

For those with a business, how is it going for you?  I've seen some thrive while others have closed their doors.  And yet others have used this opportunity to start new businesses.  

I believe our outcome is in large part to how we deal with things on an ongoing basis.  When life throws us a curve ball do we dwell on getting punched in the stomach or do we suck it up and move on?  Is the glass half full or half empty?  What difference does it make?  You can fill the glass to the brim and solve that question.

So, do you look for opportunity?  Do you look for the silver lining?  Do you believe that everything happens for a reason?  Things to think about.


One of the aspects of my business that I promote is keeping in touch with clients and prospects.  You never know when they might need your products or service or have the opportunity to refer you.  It's important to stay Top of Mind.  I've been fortunate in that my business has thrived during this time.  Which brings me to one of the reasons I am writing this newsletter....to share an opportunity.


SendOutCards recently announced there will be a new program coming in January which will offer six streams of income.  They are giving the opportunity to sign up for the pre-launch for free until 11/16 with the capability of adding others.  I've been with SOC since 2006.  They are a solid company with a great product that almost everyone can use.  If you're reading this, perhaps this is your opportunity knocking.  Sign up for free, see what the program is in January.  If you decide it's not for you, then no harm, no foul.  For a little preview, watch this two minute video.


To Your Success,

Annette
'Helping You and Your Business Look Good'

Sunday, April 5, 2020

Kindness Matters


Wow!  What a difference a few weeks can make. So how are you managing these days?  

In all of this 'social distancing,' it seems that we could use this time to socially connect.  Now, more than ever, reaching out to family, friends, customers, clients, prospects, acquaintances, etc. to see how they are doing, to offer encouragement and help.  To show kindness.

I've talked with many over the past couple of weeks.  Some are busier than ever.  Some have no business.  Some are considered 'essential' workers and are still going to work.  Many are maintaining a positive attitude and finding ways to be productive and doing some of the things for themselves and their business that they didn't have time to do before. Where are you in all of this?

On the business side, I believe we need to continue to stay in touch with our clients, even if we can't see or service them now.  There are many ways to offer help.  One creative massage therapist is offering to use Facetime and Zoom to teach her clients massage techniques that they can use on their significant other or to do self-massage.  A real estate agent is offering tips on how to get your home ready to sell.  A Home organizer is offering tips on home organization throughout the home. A therapist is giving daily A to Z video tips on how to cope during these stressful times. Thinking outside the box to add value will be what people will remember when this is over.

Speaking of going virtual, my family arranged a virtual dinner party last weekend.  It was great to be able to see and talk to everyone, even though we were social distancing, we were still socially connecting.

All of my networking meetings have gone virtual also.

So what are some ways to can reach out to people?  To your clients to stay in touch and to stay Top of Mind?

Here are some suggestions:
- phone calls 
- email
- social media
- news letters
- greeting cards

The same list I would recommend prior to our social distancing.  The point is, we must continue to market, to stay in touch, to let our customers and clients know we care and are here to help and service them.  


Yes, in my last email I mentioned sending cards and this time I mention it for the reason of keeping in touch.  Sending out Kindness.  Sending out Happy Mail.


SendOutCards is offering a 12 Day series of Global Kindness Webinars starting today, Wednesday, April 1st.  These will be at noon MST (mountain standard time) for one hour.  They will be recorded so if you miss any you will have the opportunity to go back and review them. Each one will be different.

Here is the list:

Wed. Apr. 1st - Kody Bateman - 'How to Turn Promptings into Daily Habits.'  By attending his live presentation you will receive his book, 'The Power of Human Connections.' 

Thurs. Apr. 2nd - Jodi Bateman - 'Sending Happy Mail.'

Fri. Apr. 3rd - Darla Aquilera - 'Converting the Thank You.'

Sat. Apr. 4th - Jordan Adler - 'Delivering Opportunities in a Time of Need.'

Mon. Apr. 6th - Callie Teegardin - 'Expanding Your Reach.'

Tues. Apr. 7th - Linda Walters - 'Hope Sendathon.'

Wed. Apr. 8th - Jodi Bateman, Betty Ann Goldman, & Whitney Jensen - 'Nurturing Yourself - Being Kind to Yourself.'

Thurs. Apr. 9th - Dr. Ivan Misner - 'The Power of Networking.'

Fri. Apr. 10th - Larry Levine - 'Bringing the Heart into Business.'

Sat. Apr. 11th - Gayle Zientek - 'ABCs of Productive Quarantine.'

Mon. Apr. 13th - Kody Bateman & Dave Smith - 'Creating Habits of Prosperity.'

Sat. Apr. 18th - Kody Bateman - Promptings Academy

And I understand that Monday evening April 13th, there will be a special announcement by Kody regarding SendOutCards.

The calls will be on the SendOutCards Facebook page.  Click Here to view the calls.

Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

To Your Success,

Annette
'Helping You and Your Business Look Good'

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Perspective


In this uncertain time, how are you approaching things?  Doom and gloom or looking for opportunities?  I am a big fan of Shark Tank, the TV show, and recently I saw a segment on Daymond John and his new book Powershift. It is very inspiring.  It's all in our perspective.  'If you think you can or you think you can't, you're right.'  If you think it will work, or you think it won't work, you're right.'  

Yes, this situation is wreaking havoc in all areas of our lives, but it's how we react is going to determine how we come out of this.  We've probably all faced some sort of set back in our life.  Did you let it control you or did you take charge?

Once when going through a rather difficult period in my life, I heard what a friend had to say about the way I was responding to the situation, 'Well you know, AW, she is just pulling up her bootstraps and taking care of business.'

Now granted, I did my fair share of wallowing in some self-pity, but I knew that wasn't going to get me anywhere.  And I knew that if anything was going to get done or changed, it was up to me to do it. The past is the past....leave it there.  You can't change it.  Learn from it. Use it to do things differently, make things better given the opportunity again.

Why do I say this?  I guess because I have a problem with the naysayers.  Have you ever said it won't work, only to see someone make it work and turn it into a successful venture?  I haven't found my million dollar idea yet, but that doesn't mean I'm going to stop looking.  

So, I guess I'm fortunate in that I made the decision some time ago, to have a virtual business.  My goal was to be able to work anywhere I could get internet service.  To offer products and services that most people could use or benefit from.  'Knock on wood' being virtual hasn't affected me like many business owners I know.  However, some of the work I do is for other business owners and so far I'm still doing work for them.

Today, March 19, is International Client Day.  It is a day we are to be grateful for the clients we have.  One of the things I try to convey in regards to relationship marketing is to keep in touch with clients and prospects because you never know when they might need your products or services or when they can refer you.  That's why you keep in touch.  Keeping in touch takes many forms, i.e. phone calls, emails, newsletters, social media, and the old fashion US mail.  Which ones of these methods do you use to keep in touch?  I use all of them, but I particularly like sending cards.  I send my clients thank you cards, birthday cards, anniversary, etc.  I believe by adding a personal touch helps to strengthen the relationship and helps to be remembered.


I mention the sending of cards because this is also an affiliate, work from home, business opportunity.  No it's not a get rich quick scheme, but by using the system and sharing the benefits, there is revenue to be made.  Of course the amount is determined by each individual.  The reason I share this is because SendOutCards has waived the affiliate fee until March 30th.  Here's an opportunity to start a home-based business with no upfront costs not even a subscription unless you choose to.  So if you love spreading good cheer, gratitude, helping people feel good, etc. this just might be what you're looking for.  Here's the link Click Here and scroll down to where is says Affiliate Opportunity.

Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

To Your Success,

Annette
'Helping You and Your Business Look Good'

Sunday, January 12, 2020

Getting to Know Your Customers

Did you know that  January 16th is 'Getting to Know Your Customers Day.'  Did you know that Getting to Know Your Customers Day happens once per quarter?  Why do you think this day happens so often?  It's very important to get to know customers and maintain a relationship with existing customers as it is five times harder to get a new client and it cost six to seven times more money than it does to keep an existing client.  So you can see why it's important to get to know your customers.

Here are some ways to Get to Know Your Customers -


  • Ask your customers for their opinions. Both positive and negative feedback lets you know what your customers like.  On 'Get to Kow Your Customers Day, send a survey asking some brief questions.  By asking for your customers' opinions, you convey how important they are in helping you make improvements.  Offering a discount or a giveaway will encourage them to reply.
  • Host a Customer Appreciation event so your customers can meet each other.  Make it a fun experience with activities for the entire family.
  • Send Cards and Gifts - Find out your customer's birthday and anniversary.  Recognize their special day by sending a card and perhaps a gift.  Some enterprising realtors and mortgage agents send an anniversary card on the day their client closed on their home.  And other business owners track the years a customer has done business with them and sends an anniversary card to say thank you for your continued business.
  • Highlight your customer's achievements.  Spotlight the successes of your customers on your social media accounts.  By celebrating their milestone events, you strengthen your relationship with your customers.
  • Keep customers informed by providing them with sneak previews of new products and services.  Since 'Get to Know Your Customer Day' happens four times a year, use this opportunity to announce new products, services, launch dates, etc.  Provide them with samples if appropriate.  By sharing what's happening and what's new, customers feel like an insider to your business.
  • Provide information.  Educate your customers on your industry, not just your products and services but about your industry.  Provide seminars and take the opportunity to thank your clients for their business.
  • Create a rewards program for your customers both for their continued business, but also reward them for their referrals of new clients.
  • Keep in touch and follow up.  Newsletters and social media are great to reach out to clients to inform them of discounts and specials, however, don't forget the personal touch by following up with them when you suspect they might be running out of product or it's time for your service again.  Also, following up after a purchase to find out how they liked the product or service shows customers you really care.
  • Thank You goes a very long way.  Always thank a client for their business.  Sending a personalized thank you card goes a long way and shows you go the extra mile.  
  • Respond to clients' rave reviews as well as negative reviews.  By responding it proves that you are listening to their concerns as well as their compliments.  It only takes a few minutes to respond and offer to resolve the issue.  Also, consider asking longtime clients to leave a positive review, and thank them with a small reward.  
Remember 68% of all customers are lost due to perceived indifference!  A customer who feels appreciated will not go somewhere else when the competition comes calling especially if you have taken the time to get to know them and build their trust and loyalty.

What are some things that you do to get to know your customers?  Your comments and feedback are welcomed and appreciated.

In appreciation,
Annette
Painted Lady Enterprises


Saturday, January 4, 2020

What is your Vision for the new Decade?



As we turn the page and look to the new year, what is your Vision for 2020?  It's not just a New Year, it's the beginning of a New Decade.  Time to not just set goals for the New Year, but to set BHAG Goals for the Decade!


I am a member of BNI and I recently listen to Podcast #445.  In this podcast, Dr. Misner talks with John Assaraf with OneCoach.  He's also one of the teachers from the movie, The Secret, and he's the author of Having It All and The Answer.

The title of the podcast is 'How to Grow Any Business in Any Market.'  The original podcast was done in 2009 during the recession, but it covers some very good key points on our beliefs and conditioning when it comes to Goal Setting and Visioning of what we want to achieve regardless of the state of the economy.

John gives these three key points in setting a vision:
  1. Number one is to set an absolute, clear new vision of what it is you want to achieve.  And so let's say you want to earn $100,000 or $250,000 or $1 million, what you want to do is set an absolute, clear vision for the brain to be able to pick up, number one, on that vision, i.e. what would it look like, what would it feel like?.
  1. Number two, you want to impress that part into the subconscious or implicit part of the brain.  A visualization technique would be seeing yourself playing at that level over and over and over again so that we create the new neural networks in the implicit part of the brain, which is the automatic side of the brain. Also, create affirmations or declarations that create emotion.  This will actually accelerate the neuron connections of the brain as well.  This is putting our reticular activator in motion.
  2. Number three put ourselves into meditative states through self-hypnosis and use auditory technologies, or brain-and-train technologies, that will embed these new affirmations, or declarations, into the nervous system, basically, of the brain.
Those are three simple things that anybody could do inexpensively to make sure that our brains are being rewired at the part that actually is responsible for 96 to 98 percent of our perceptions and behaviors. And over the course of 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, we're actually reprogramming our brains at the level that's going to cause all of our perceptions and behaviors to change over time thus leading us to meet our goals.


I want to share a story with you.  Many years ago, when I had my first sales position with a direct sales company and before I knew anything about these techniques and the principles of Laws of Attraction this actually worked for me.

After working for this company for about 9 months, I attended their yearly sales seminar.  First time I had flown, so I was very excited.  I was one of the winners of their Fall Sales promotion which added to my excitement.  But the frosting on the cake was when they announced what the next big sales promotion was to be for the company.  They had never offered a promotion this big.  It was a trip for two to Hawaii.  I made up my mind right then and there...I was going.  I took one of the posters from the promotion, packed it in my suitcase, brought it home and hung it on the wall of my workroom.  That was my vision.

Over the next several months, I was focused on what I needed to do to achieve my vision.  I had determined exactly what each week and months sales had to be to meet my goal.  The company had given us 18 months to meet all the criteria to win.  I achieved my goal in 10 months and was the first sales rep to win!  Was it easy, NO!  There were many obstacles to overcome and work through, but I believe that the emotion I put behind the determination and the explicit declaration of, 'I am going,' was my key to achieving my dream in even less time than given.

Later in my career when I worked in a corporate setting, I had the privilege of being exposed to this concept even more through becoming a Master Facilitator in a program called 'Investment in Excellence' which was from Pacific Institute.  It was through this program I learned about the 'Reticular Activator.'  That part of the brain that doesn't know the difference in what is real and what is imagined.  So if we can imagine with enough emotion we can set the brain in motion to achieve the end result - our vision.  Remember #2 - 'Play at the level in our mind and seeing ourself playing at that level over and over and over again so that we create the new vision.'  The other piece is writing affirmations in the first person as if you have already achieved your goal and put the feeling and emotion into the affirmation, i.e. 'I AM sitting on the beach in Oahu listening to the beautiful Hawaiian music as I watch a gorgeous sunset.'  Can you feel that?

So what is it you want to achieve in 2020?  If it's a monetary level, what would you do with the money?  Buy a new car, buy a new house, take an exotic vacation?  How would the end result make you feel?  Write your affirmations with how the end result would make you feel.

I would love to hear what your BHAG goals are for 2020.  

FYI - 'What few people know about me....I have won 2 trips to Hawaii with 2 different direct sales companies.  This stuff does work.  

Here are some additional resources for Goal Setting:
(*FYI - I am an affiliate for SOC)

In appreciation,
Annette
'Helping You and Your Business to Look Good'

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Keeping In Touch - Relationship Marketing


I think the above quote describes Relationship Marketing for customers as well as prospects.  It's all about keeping in touch. For good customers are our best referral sources.  By keeping in touch we show them we appreciate their business.  By showing appreciation they are more apt to contact us to purchase again and/or refer us to someone who may need our products or services. 

With prospects, though they may not need our products or services when we first meet them.  By keeping in touch when they do need or want our service, because we kept in touch, they will remember who to call.


There are many ways to keep in touch these days and though I prescribe and recommend most all of them, I still feel that one of the best Relationship Marketing tools is Send Out Cards.  To me, it's about going that extra mile.  It's something personal in the mailbox, that's not a bill or junk mail.




And yes, I am an affiliate and have been since 2006, however I would use it even if I wasn't, because I like to send greeting cards.  And it's a great system for those who like to send cards and for those who have a need to send cards.  There is even a phone app so that you can send a real greeting card directly from your phone.

So why am I writing this, because I am excited that SOC has just announced some new features and packages.  You can see the new plans and features on my affiliate page.  Scroll down until you see 'Pricing.'  And below 'Pricing' is a 'Comparison' of the 4 different plans.  

If you've ever had a SendOutCards account, you can still access it.  If you don't remember your username, let me know and I'll be glad to look it up if you were a client of mine or you can contact SOC Customer Service.

Keep in Touch and show people you appreciate them.

P.S. If I have never sent you a greeting card, send me your address and your birthday so that I may send you a card.

To Your Success,

Annette
'Helping You and Your Business Look Good'

Sunday, May 19, 2019

Are You Looking to Grow Your Business?

I often write about how to network.  Today I am recommending an upcoming networking event.
It has been my privilege to be part of BNI for 10 years.  The very first time I attended a BNI meeting, I found it to be a little overwhelming and intimidating.  The meeting I attended had about 30+ members from various businesses.  At the time I was just beginning my entrepreneur journey after being in the corporate world for almost 20 years.  I wasn't necessarily thrilled with the time commitment or the cost of membership with BNI.  I thought at the time, I could do better on my own attending numerous networking meetings of various varieties each week.  

Over the next few years, I got to be known as the 'Networking Queen' in a tri-county area, because just about every time there was a networking meeting of any description, I was there. Sometimes attending 2 or 3 in one day.  I even attended a few more BNI meetings.

Then one day I received a call from a good friend of mine, who was part of a new BNI group near me.  She informed me that my industry seat had opened up in her chapter and I needed to come check it out.  So I did and submitted an application.  I soon discovered there was definitely a difference in this organization.  I learned the 'why' and the purpose behind the structure.  I appreciated the on-going training provided as it has helped me to grow my business.  I often tell people, I traded quantity for quality. 

Yes, I have drank the Kool-Aid and I'm now an Area Director.  So I would like to invite you to Network if you're in the area - 

You're Invited

On June 13th, 2019, the BNI BLAZE Chapter will host their launch and Ribbon Cutting for the newest BNI Chapter in the Cumming Forsyth County area.



BLAZE stands for 'Bringing Leadership and Zeal to Entrepreneurs.'  The group is a dynamic, committed group of business people. They have open categories for individuals who will bring enthusiasm and integrity to our meetings.

BNI is the oldest and largest networking organization in the world. It was started by Dr. Ivan Misner 34 years ago. Today BNI has over 253,000 members in almost 9,000 chapters globally. In the last 12 months, BNI members have generated 11.2 million in referrals which has generated 15.7 billion in closed business. BNI members, on average, increase their business 20% the first year.  To learn more go to www.BNI.com or www.BNIATL.com

- Are you looking to grow your business?
- Receive more referrals?
- Work in a fun team environment?
- Develop relationships and trust?
- Grow personally and professionally?
You are Invited to attend the
BNI BLAZE Visitor Day & Ribbon Cutting
Thursday, June 13th
8:15 - 10:30AM
Junior Achievement Discovery Center
1150 Lanier 400 Parkway
Cumming GA 30040

Please RSVP for this event by calling 706-270-2455

For future meetings and locations, please like and follow BNI BLAZE on Facebook

To Your Success,

Annette
'Helping You and Your Business Look Good'

Monday, March 25, 2019

Change - Trying something new - Old Dog – New Tricks


I am a creature of habit, I’ll admit, and I am not a fan of change.  As I started out for my run on a few days ago, I couldn’t go my usual way.  We live on a street that circles around and blends into the main street for the neighborhood.  I couldn’t go my usual way because my neighbor had the road blocked with his truck and trailer.  So rather than waiting for him to clear the road, I decided to just go the other way.  Gosh, did that feel strange.  Although this is the same road, it just seemed so different to go the other way.  It took getting back on the regular route before I felt comfortable again.  Although I was doing the same thing, my walk/run routine, just starting out in a different direction made it seem so strange.
Have you ever started something new?  Or tried doing something a different way?  Did it feel uncomfortable to start with?  Did you continue with the new way or revert back to the same old way you’ve always done things?
This makes me think of all those motivational seminars where the speaker asks you to fold your arms a certain way that was comfortable and then asking you to fold them a different way.  The different way was not uncomfortable per se, it just felt different.  That’s kind of how it is when we want something to change, but we want it to be comfortable.  Or we want to change, and we want to get it right the first time, so that the process or the new thing will be easy.  Nope, it just doesn’t work that way usually.  Typically, when we try or attempt to do something new, it’s going to feel uncomfortable and/or at least different until we get used to it.  Until we train it to muscle memory and make it a habit. 
So how can we make change more comfortable?  How can we establish the habits/routines we need to make?  Here are my thoughts…..
-        I think one of the first ways is, we have to commit to the change.  Sometimes that means doing some research, reading some articles, watching some videos, talking to people, etc. to see how other people are doing the thing we want to do.  Learning what has worked for others and figuring out what we feel will work best for us.  However, while research is a good thing to do, some people suffer from analysis paralysis in that they can’t start anything new until they’ve done all the research in the world and have everything down to a science before they start.  These are the folks that will give you every excuse there is for why they can’t or won’t start something new.
-        Secondly, I think we have to commit to a start date.  Most people start new things at the beginning of a new year – by making their new year’s resolutions.  Some start on a Monday.  The point is, you must decide and start and also commit to give the change time.  Most say it takes doing something 40 times or 40 days to commit it to habit.
-        Third – Realize we’re not going to be perfect the first couple of times we try our new thing.  We are going to stumble and mumble, but that’s OK, as we learn to do the thing the correct way.  Think in terms of a ball player practicing their craft.  They spend hours swinging a bat or throwing a ball in order to get better and better.  We will get better the more we do the thing.
-        Fourth – Track our progress.  How are we going to get better if we don’t have some sort of measurement?  Progress is progress regardless of how small.  How do we eat an elephant?  One small bite at a time. 
-        Fifth – Critique, adjust, and stay on track and if we get off track, even starting over.  If it’s important enough to us, we’ll keep on keeping on in order to make the positive changes and develop the positive habits we want to make in our lives.
Often, we are presented with new ways of doing things, i.e. new concepts, new ideas, new procedures, etc.  While we hear that others may have tried the new thing and had success, we resist and give reasons as to why we don’t think it will work.  The ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ mentality.  Yes, I’m guilty and must rationalize as to why it would be beneficial to give the new way a try.  Kind of like my scenario of doing my running routine in a different direction.  It felt a little strange, but sometimes a change adds new life and vitality to a regular routine.  Perhaps doing the same routine a different way will net better results.
Do you remember Mikey?  ‘Try it, you’ll like it.’  If we never try it, how do we know if the new way will work better or not?’
What have you tried and/or changed?  What is your feedback on this topic?
Your comments and feedback are welcomed and appreciated.

To Your Success,
Annette
Painted Lady Enterprises
'Helping You and Your Business Look Good'

 

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