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.

Here are some additional resources for Working Virtually:

Seven Tips for Working At Home

Networking Online

5 Tips for What to Wear for Video Conferencing

The Gratitude Effect

Relationship Marketing 

To Your Success,

Annette

Painted Lady Enterprises

'Helping You and Your Business Look Good'

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

www.PaintedLadyEnterprises.com 

Showing Clients Appreciation

The holidays are fast approaching whether we like it or not.  Thanksgiving is next week, and Christmas will be here in no time.  It is important to show our appreciation to our clients and prospects.   

Thanksgiving and Christmas are my favorite times of the year.  It's just all the preparation leading up to it that gets me in a panic, wondering how in the world I'm going to get everything done.

One thing I can check off my list is the task of sending my greeting cards. Since I found this wonderful greeting card system over 10 years ago, sending my holiday cards is a snap. After I decide on my theme and design, choose a photo, the rest is a breeze.  I can send a unique personalized card to everyone on my list and even include gifts or gift cards to those out of town that I won't be seeing over the holidays.  I love to receive and send cards throughout the year.  I also enjoy helping others with their card sending. 

Sending clients and prospects a card of appreciation builds the relationship, whether it’s for the holidays or throughout the year.  Not to solicit for business, but to express our gratitude for their business.  People are bombarded with so many buy, buy, buy advertisements this time of year.  So, it’s nice to open the mail and receive a nice card with a note of appreciation and gratitude.

Are you thinking of sending Holiday Cards?   I would love to help you take that task off your to do list or at least make it easier for you.  I invite you to log on and find out how to create, personalize, add photos, and mail your cards via the US mail with just a few mouse clicks.  Yes, these are REAL greeting cards that arrive in your mailbox, not ecards.  I invite you to try out this system and send a REAL greeting card with my compliments from SendingCardsMadeEZ.com.  And I would be glad to help you.

Sending cards is just one of my favorite things about the Holiday season. I love the music, the decorations, all the tasty food, and of course seeing and visiting with family and friends.

Now if the cleaning and organizing fairy will show up and get busy, maybe I'll be ready by the time all the family starts arriving.

I wish you and yours a very Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving,

Annette

Painted Lady Enterprises

‘Helping You and Your Business Look Good’

Why should we show appreciation to our clients and customers?

Often times when I write a blog I search for material from online articles and blogs.  Recently I've been writing about the 'Why' we should do things.  Usually when we know and understand our 'Why' then the how is much more doable. 

When I did a search on 'Why' we should show appreciation to our clients and customers, I didn't find much.  I found more on the 'How.'   I believe our 'Why' has to be more than to increase our bottom line.  If the perception you want associated with your business is that of friendliness, gratitude, and humbleness, then this is an area to focus some time and resources.

Showing appreciation is important, yet not all of us practice that consistently with our customers, co-workers, volunteers or connections.  According to a SoulPancake video, The Science of Happiness: An Experiment in Gratitude, showing gratitude benefits the party being thanked and the person showing gratitude as well.

Being busy is often cited as the reason there’s a delay or oversight in sharing appreciation, followed by the awkwardness.  In the video, the experiment of thanking those who had been most influential in our lives was a bit awkward for some.  However, the results were very beneficial to both parties.

Probably showing appreciation to clients and customers may seen a little time consuming.  Good habits take time and showing gratitude is no different. 

The most important part of this is that it must be sincere and communicated in a way and form that the recipient can hear.   

Keep in mind people do business with people. A strong, appreciative culture growing in your business will exude and become a part of your brand culture. That will be evident in every interaction with your customers.

People are far more willing to associate and do business with someone who appreciates and respects them. By focusing on showing gratitude, co-workers, colleagues, customers and others around you feel valued and important.

I think this quote sums it up - “Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow” - Melody Beattie

In appreciation,

Annette

www.PaintedLadyEnterprises.com

Like us on Facebook  

Follow us on Twitter

*Excerpts from US News article - 'How to show appreciation to colleagues and clients.'

Getting and Keeping Loyal Customers

 

In order to build a relationship it’s important to stay in touch. This applies in our personal lives as well as business.  Just like we nurture a relationship with a new friend we want to nurture our relationship with prospects so they will become our new client.   In order to nurture that relationship, contact is necessary.   And What's more important the value that contact brings the prospect.

Not everyone we meet wants or needs our products or service….now.  But, if we stay in touch and offer value in our communication, perhaps that will change and/or the prospect will refer us when asked, ‘who do you know who sells…..’

Sometimes people just don’t respond to our time table. People are busy.  Life happens.  People forget. Our priorities are not their priorities.  Building relationships with people and trying to establish a helpful giving attitude will come back tenfold.

We can expand the ways we keep in touch which might include:  phone calls, one on ones,  post cards, letters, greeting cards, emails, audios, videos, etc.  Then mix up the forms of contact creating interest and anticipation and offering value.  Although we may have a lot of information of interest about our business, it is important in building a relationship that we take into consideration the interest of our prospect.  By notating their interests and following up with them with information shows that we do truly care about building the relationship.

Every business and sales person can benefit from relationship marketing.  By building the relationship and keeping in touch with clients is a great referral source. I refer to these clients as a “Golden Referral Source.”  If the sales person builds a solid relationship with their client, found them the perfect, home, car, etc., AND stays in touch with them over the years, they will receive referrals and more business from that client for years to come.

Some companies are cutting their prices to keep clients in today's economy.  If a company has a quality product, outstanding service, is dependable, and has built a solid relationship by staying in touch, then that customer is not going to stray just because they might save a few dollars. They realize that the relationship and service they have received is a better value.  

Here are some ways to stay in front of your clients.

• ·        Follow up with a phone call, offer industry information on a periodic basis   

•       Mailing them something personal not bulk or junk mail.

• ·        Personal visit to their place of business and not necessarily to make a sale

• ·        Be their business partner. Take a personal interest in their success.

• ·        Willingness to help even if there is no monetary gain now

Zig Ziglar says that if you help enough people to get what they want, you’ll get what you want.

Remember that it is more costly to find a new customer than it is to maintain and keep the ones we currently have.   If we maintain 5% of our current clientele we can double our business.  Because they will come back to us time and time again and will refer others to us.  

68% of clients leave because of perceived indifference.

Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.  ~ Robert Collier

In appreciation,

The Painted Lady

Show Some H.E.A.R.T.

 It's almost Valentine's day and love is in the air.  Our thoughts are of hearts and love.  Do you Love your customers?  Do you appreciate their business?  When was the last time you let them know?  Did you at least let them know the last time they did business with you?

Over the past couple of months I have done business with several local businesses, i.e. HVAC, handyman, mover, bank, and carpet cleaners.  All of these people I know from various networking groups in which I participate.  I choose them to do my work because I trusted they would do a good job and they all did.  I have no complaints on their timeliness, the quality of their work, or their price.  So, you ask, what is my beef.  Two of the five sent me a Thank You card expressing how much they appreciated my business.  And just a side note, they didn't use my service, but at least they took the time to send a Thank You note.  The other three, not a phone call, not an email, nada, nothing.  Now I know that being 'in the business' I am a little sensitive on the subject of sending thank you notes, but not to get ANY kind of thank you from these three businesses really shouts volumes to me.

Following up and saying thank you is a simple little thing that makes a business stand out from all the rest.  It doesn't cost much and it doesn't take up that much time.  I believe it is essential to express appreciation to clients when they make a purchase, but I also believe it's important to let them know periodically that we appreciate them.  Valentine's Day is a good time to do that. So show some H.E.A.R.T. to your clients and let them know you care and appreciate their business.  I believe it will yield tremendous results and make some very loyal clients.

H  heartfelt

E  expressed

A  appreciation to clients yields endless

R  referrals in no

T  time

Happy Valentine's Day,
Annette
Painted Lady Enterprises
"Helping You and Your Business Look Good"

 

Time for Celebration!

Today I am celebrating finding an amazing service three years ago and I want to give you a gift. Be sure and read to the very end to find out what my gift to you is.

Three years ago I was searching on the internet for information on The Laws of Attraction. I was clicking on various websites and I happened on a forum about LOA. I read the posts and noticed a signature link about greeting cards. I have always been a card sender so it intrigued me. I clicked on the link and filled out the form to request to send a free card. I thought that if the service really did what it said it did, I would be one of their best customers. A little while later I received a phone call giving me the link to the website to send my greeting card. I tried it and was immediately hooked. It DID do everything described and More! I knew I had to have this amazing system. I wouldn't have to go to the card store again. I could truly customize and personalize my cards. It would remind me when to send the cards. I could type my message in the cards and it would come out in my handwriting. I could add photos to the cards. It was to good to be true. I wanted it. For the next three days I did my due diligence and searched the web for what else was out there that was comparable. (I was really searching for a better price. I wanted all the bells and whistles, but I'm also a frugal person so I wanted to know if there was anything else available.) I found some other services, but none offered all the features and they all cost more. So after three days of thought, research, and asking questions I signed up for the Entrepreneur account. My plan was to use it for business as well as personal use, because I was buying about 15 to 30 greeting cards a month. With this service the cards costs a whole lot less than the store brand cards and I didn't have to go to the store or the post office. That saved me time and and lots of money. I could also schedule cards to be mailed ahead of time.

It gets even better. You know how when you find something that's really great you want to tell all your friends about it. Well, I started showing this to a few friends and business acquaintances and they wanted to sign up too. Hmmmm.....I thought this is to easy. It got me to thinking and looking at the advantages offed by this company. The benefits were very appealing. I decided to change my business focus and re-vamped my product offers and marketing and never looked back. To date I have sent over 4050 cards.

This is truly a home based business that anyone who believes in gratitude and showing appreciation can do.

You only need a phone, a computer, and the desire to show and tell people about this amazing product.

No home parties
No opportunity meetings
No inventory
A company with a 5 year track record and growing
Unique product
It's Easy and convenient to use
No high monthly volume required
Product that compliments every business
Product for individual use
Widely used product for both men and woman (in fact the top people in the company are men)
It's International
Minimal start up costs
Competitively priced for consumer
Balance of right now money and residual money
And best of all - It's FUN!

So, what is the gift I'm offering to you?

Chocolate! - I want to give away as many Greeting Card Gift accounts today (and until the end of the month) as possible, so for every person who goes to my website - www.remembergreetingcards.com/paintedlady - fills out the form (and be sure and tell me where you heard about this offer.) I will send you a link to send a free greeting card. When you send one greeting card, Your name will then be placed in a drawing to receive Chocolate Brownies - Yum! So if you have never taken advantage of sending a free card from me, do so now and you just might win Chocolate Brownies. I will draw at the end of July, notify the winner, and post the winner here.

Receive extra chances to win by telling your friends about this offer. Just send me the names of those who you send this offer to and when they send their free card, you will receive another chance to receive Free Brownies. Or tell them to list your name on the form to request their free greeting card.

Thank you for your time and your business. Have a Fabulous Friday!

In gratitude,
Annette - Happy Card Sender!
Painted Lady Enterprises
"Helping You and Your Business Look Good"

Mother, May I

April showers bring May flowers…..well hopefully depending on where you live. In my part of the world, Yes the flowers are blooming. I love to look out each day to see what new growth and blooms Mother Nature has brought forth.

May is just full of wonderful occasions to celebrate and show appreciation to the special people in our lives, Teachers, Nurses, and that all important day, Mother’s Day, May 10. The phone company and florists will tell you that Mother’s Day is their biggest holiday of the year.

What special memories do you have of your Mother? I lost my Mother to cancer many years ago. A few days ago I had the chance to visit with one of her brothers and see some of my cousins, aunts, and uncles. We all had a good little laugh as we were sharing one of her ‘secret recipes’ for a favorite southern dish of ours. It seems the ‘made from scratch’ recipe had been modernized over the years and Mother had shared it with a few of us who had pumped her for the information. It’s those memories that we share that make us smile or have a good laugh that hold those who are so special to us close to our hearts and keep them part of our lives. So remember those special ‘moms’ in your life this Mother’s Day whether it’s an aunt, sister, teacher, neighbor, etc. Let them know how special you think they are.

Here are the holidays and special occasions for May (including the quirky ones too):

Holidays -

May-1 Law Day
May-1 Lei Day
May-1 Loyalty Day
May-1 May Day
May-1 Save the Rhino Day
May-2 Brothers and Sisters Day
May-5 Cinco de Mayo
May-6 National Nurses Day
May-8 V-E Day
May-10 Mother's Day
May-10 National Receptionist Day
May-12 Fibromyalgia Awareness Day
May-15 Peace Officer Memorial Day
May-19 Malcolm X Day
May-21 National Waiter/Waitress Day
May-22 National Maritime Day
May-25 National Missing Children's Day
May-25 National Tap Dance Day

Monthly Observances -

Ultraviolet Awareness Month Prevent Blindness America

Allergy / Asthma Awareness Month Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America

Arthritis Awareness Month Arthritis Foundation

Better Hearing and Speech Month American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Better Sleep Month Better Sleep Council

Breath Easy Month American Lung Assoc.

Correct Posture Month American Chiropractic Assoc.

Digestive Diseases Awareness Month American Gastroenterological Assoc.

Hepatitis Awareness Month Hepatitis Foundation

High Blood Pressure Awareness Month National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

Melanoma / Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month American Academy of Dermatology

Mental Health Month Mental Health Assoc.

National Barbeque Month Barbeque Industry Assoc.

National Bike Month League of American Bicyclists

National Comfort Month Country Living Magazine

National Community Action Month National Coalition for the Homeless

National Egg Month American Egg Board

National High Blood Pressure Education Month National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute

National Photo Month Photo Marketing Assoc.

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month Presidents Council on Physical Fitness & Sports

National Salad Month The Assoc. for Dressings & Sauces

Neurofibromatosis Month National Neurofibromatosis Foundation

Older Americans Month Administration on Aging

Osteoporosis Prevention Month National Osteoporosis Foundation

Stroke Awareness Month National Stroke Association

Trauma Awareness Month American Trauma Society

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month KQED


First Full Week

Arson Awareness Week US Fire Administration
Be Kind to Animals Week The Humane Society
Goodwill Industries Week Goodwill Industries International
National Pet Week American Veterinary Medical Assoc.
National Postcard Week Postcard Historical Society
PTA Teacher Appreciation Week National PTA
Small Business Week Small Business Administration
Week of the Classroom Teacher Association for Childhood Education International


Second Week

National Nurses Week American Nurses Assoc.
Hospital Week Advanced Health in American
MCS Awareness Week Ecological Health Organization
National Travel & Tourism Week National Travel & Tourism Awareness Council
Herb Week International Herb Growers & Marketers Assoc.
National Historic Preservation Week National Trust for Historic Preservation
Canadian Immunization Awareness Week (Canada) Canadian Immunization Awareness Program


Third Week

Alcohol & Other Drug-Related Birth Defects Week National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
Emergency Medical Services Week American College of Emergency Physicians
Hurricane Awareness Week (see website for sponsors)
National Bike Week League of American Bicyclists
National Police Week American Police Hall of Fame Museum
Medical Transcriptionist Week American Assoc. for Medical Transcription
National Salvation Army Week Salvation Army
Nursing Home Week American Healthcare Assoc.


Quirky Holidays –

May 6 No Homework Day -- Millions of kids, all of them overloaded with homework, get a much-needed night off tonight. Give 'em a break, teachers! These young folks are working harder than Mom 'n' Dad.

May 8 No Socks Day -- If we give up wearing socks for one day, it will mean a little less laundry, thereby contributing to the betterment of the environment. Besides, we will all feel a bit freer, at least for one day.

May 11 Eat What You Want Day -- Here’s one day you may actually enjoy yourself. Ignore all those on-again-off-again warnings.

May 21 I Need a Patch for That Day -- They have patches for nicotine and they have patches for heart patients. How about a patch for runny noses or bad hair?

May 28 The Slugs Return From Capistrano Day -- It’s a little known secret that slimy slugs spend their winters in lovely Capistrano, and return to our patios and gardens on this date. Bare feet are not a good idea.

Have fun celebrating!

In gratitude,
Annette

Painted Lady Enterprises
Gifts, Greeting Cards, and Promotional Products
www.PaintedLadyEnterprises.com
“Helping You and Your Business Look Good”