Posts Tagged ‘Relationships’
3 Ways to Beat Small Business Owner Isolation
“One is the loneliest number that you’ll ever do…” Harry Nilsson wrote that lyric and Three Dog Night had a major hit with it in 1969. I think it’s a lyric that speaks strongly to many small business owners. When so much depends on your performance as the owner of your business, it’s easy to…
Read More5 Tips for Planning a Professional Event People Will Remember
In my business, there’s an art and science to creating a great event experience. As the co-founder of a New York-based, women-owned brand experience agency, I’ve produced over 250 events. In the last six years, we’ve created everything from rock walls in co-working spaces, to multi-day activations at SXSW, and private dinners in art galleries. We’ve…
Read MoreBuyers Aren’t Killing Sales, Sales People Are Killing Sales!
I get so weary about the endless drivel about the “Death Of Sales.” Ironically, I never see a post from customers/buyers—even procurement—about the death of sales, though I’m sure many would appreciate it (a variant of “What do you call 600 lawyers at the bottom of the ocean” joke—If you don’t know the answer, it’s…
Read MoreAre Your Customers in Transition?
When I think of Spring, I can’t help but think of it as a season of transition. Seeds evolve into plants, kids graduate from high school and college, and many single people choose this time of year to get married. No matter what the transition is or how desirable the next phase may be, transitions…
Read MoreWe Always Make an Impression
There was an interesting comment in one of my latest rants, “God, Save Me From Clueless LinkedIn Prospecting.” The reader said, “At least he made an impression you will never forget.” He’s absolutely right! Every prospecting call or email, every interaction we have with a customer, everything we do makes an impression. The issue is, is…
Read MoreLearn Qualities of a Good Networker
At a recent seminar I was asked ‘What are the qualities of a good networker? What makes a good networker?” The short answer… look for new friends! The Business Network International, the world’s largest networking referral organization, lists 7 qualities of a good networker. 7 Qualities Of A Good Networker According to BNI they are –…
Read MoreTransparency Leads to Trust
I really don’t like surprises. Granted, I’m anti-surprise to the extreme. I used to drive my mom crazy by ferreting out where she hid the Christmas gifts and then “guessing” what I was opening on Christmas morning. I suspect most people aren’t quite that determined to avoid surprises, but the reality is, especially when it…
Read MoreLooking for Support? Connect with Like-Minded Entrepreneurs
The old proverb, “Show me your friends and I’ll tell you who you are,” translates into surrounding yourself with the right people. As a startup founder, surrounding yourself with like-minded entrepreneurs can have a major impact on your own success and that of your business. Unfortunately, entrepreneurs often fail to seek out others for a…
Read MoreAre You Commoditizing Your Customers?
Everyone understands the challenges of selling commoditized products. They are perceived as undifferentiated. In the customers’ and markets’ eyes, there is no difference between these products, regardless the supplier. To win with commoditized products, we have to find some way to differentiate ourselves. Too often, we differentiate through pricing. Adept sellers broaden the purchase considerations,…
Read More30 Proven Tips for Building Trust & Rapport with Clients
Twice a year we invite our clients to share their thoughts on how we’re doing and where we can improve as a company via a Net Promoter Score Survey. In our most recent survey, clients rated us 186% (or 41 points) higher than industry average. There’s no better feeling than seeing feedback like this: As consultants, trust is…
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