What do apple and Mini Cooper have in common? They both "zag". In a world full of copycats and generic brands, the only thing that separates you from the "clutter" is your Zag. If you haven’t already heard about "The Brand Gap" author Marty Neumeier’s new book "Zag" I suggest you pick up a copy. … Continue reading Why Zig When You Can Zag?
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Remarkable Customer Service
Not so many years ago, successful companies were built upon a firm foundation of delivering quality products and reliable customer service. Today, you’re lucky to get any satisfaction when speaking to a customer service representative at most major companies. I came across a recent post by Joel Spolsky of Joel on Software, which outlines 7… Continue reading Remarkable Customer Service
When Voicemail Doesn’t Answer
There’s a particular decision maker you’ve been trying to reach for weeks…although you’ve tried him at all different times of day, you keep getting voicemail, as you do with 90% of the other sales calls you’re making…it’s hard getting thru to prospects, especially since the invention of voicemail. And we’re so used to reaching voicemail,… Continue reading When Voicemail Doesn’t Answer
The Value of Marketing
There’s a lot of talk about proving the value of marketing these days, and marketing ROI (return on investment). In order to really get value from marketing, it’s important that marketing tactics and strategies are in alignment with the short and long term goals of the company, and the situations and challenges facing them in… Continue reading The Value of Marketing
Immigrant Entrepreneurs Outpacing Native Born Americans
A new study conducted by the NY think tank Center for an Urban Future found that "the growing number of immigrant entrepreneurs in major U.S. cities is giving a huge lift to urban economies and even outpacing self-employed native-born Americans." According to an article in USA Today by Edward Iwata: "It’s not just a handful… Continue reading Immigrant Entrepreneurs Outpacing Native Born Americans
TV Intro or Elevator Speech?
Some call them elevator pitches, others refer to them as “sound bites”, or 30 second commercial, whatever you call them, they add up to a concise explanation of an idea, business or service that entices you to want to know more. It’s a marketing & sales tactic that’s as ubiquitous as it is powerful, and… Continue reading TV Intro or Elevator Speech?
Hiring Well
Many business owners have trouble finding great employees because they don’t focus in on the qualities and characteristics that they really need. Without knowing and asking for what you need, it’s hard to get the kind of employees that will help your business to thrive. John Moore of "Brand Autopsy" a "leading practitioner in the… Continue reading Hiring Well
US leads world on work life “unbalance”
I wasn’t surprised to learn of the Harvard / McGill Universities study by Jody Heymann that the US lags behind most of the world in helping workers balance work and family, but it reflects the sad state of affairs in our country anyway…here’s what they came up with: According to an article in the Chicago… Continue reading US leads world on work life “unbalance”
Self Employment Numbers Tank
A recent posting by Jim Hopkins of USA Today’s Small Business Connections stated that self-employment figures tanked in December, the lowest single drop in the past 10 years. “I don’t know why last month brought such a big decline. On the other hand, I don’t place too much emphasis on a single month’s change because… Continue reading Self Employment Numbers Tank
Winning the Battle With Time
Sales reps, like business owners, professionals and executives often run themselves ragged trying to do everything that has to be done, and end up feeling as though they’ve accomplished nothing. Recent advances in technology have turned us into a 24/7 society, where expectations are usually well above what can reasonably done. To keep up, you… Continue reading Winning the Battle With Time