05.05.08

Communication For Entrepreneurs - Don’t Be A Flake

Posted in Articles, Communication, Entrepreneurship, Public Speaking at 9:37 am by Anita Bruton

Guest Author Felicia Slattery talks to us today about Communication

By Felicia Slattery

Communication and customer service go hand-in-hand when you’re in any business– but particularly if you are an entrepreneur running a small home-based business. However, I’ve witnessed and heard of some not-so-professional customer service behaviors from solo-professionals recently. If you have a small or home-based business, these types of behaviors — otherwise known as “flaking out” — could be the kiss of death for your business.

Here are a few examples of what to never do:

1. Take the money and hide.

If you agree to a job and payment is made to you, you are obligated to do that job in a timely manner while also communicating to your client about the progress of that job. As a solo professional, are you busy wearing a dozen different hats? Sure? Does life happen? Yes. But it is your responsibility to communicate with your paying clients about what’s happening with you and most importantly what’s happening with their projects.

2. Start gung ho and never finish.

You get a new client and do some great work on their project. Then boom. Something happens. If you can’t personally finish a job for a particular reason, then it is your responsibility to make sure it gets done. Hire a freelancer yourself to finish the work — with full knowledge of the customer– or refer your customer to someone else. Never leave anyone hanging.

3. Barter and leave out your end of the bargain.

Maybe you offered a service in exchange for another equivalent-priced service. You got what you wanted and conveniently “forgot,” “got busy” or had some other, let’s face it, lame excuse as to why you didn’t do what you promised. Holding up your end of the bargain speaks volumes to your lack of credibility as a business owner. If you don’t live up to your promises, then why would that person later want to pay for your services or refer anyone else to you? They won’t. And image what they’re telling others about you. Pretty soon your reputation will be down the tubes.

Most small and home-based business owners started their businesses for the extra cash and flexibility working from home can provide. Of course things come up with the kids, family members, or other “life issues” in general. A simple note stating what has happened, how it affects your clients, and an honest “where do we go from here” would work wonders for your customer service. If you can’t be on top of communicating with your clients right away, designate someone who can in your place. Make sure your clients and customers feel like they’re in the loop and you’ll be on your way to boosting your credibility and getting many more referrals from your existing happy clients and customers with your service and communication.

Effective communication with your clients and prospects is the key to making your business successful. The first thing you need to communicate– and continue to communicate — is your credibility. Without credibility, your business will go nowhere. With it, you’ll automatically attract new clients and see positive cash flow.

I invite you to discover how to Increase Business by Communicating Your Credibility now. Visit http://www.communicationtransformation.com/creating-credibility-ecourse.html to get your free e-course that will help you customize a credibility plan for your business and get you more of what you want.

Felicia J. Slattery, M.A., M.Ad.Ed. is a communication consultant, speaker & coach specializing in training small and home-based business owners effective communication skills so they can see more cash flow now.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Felicia_Slattery

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04.22.08

How Your Newsletter Becomes a Valuable Marketing Tool

Posted in Article Marketing, Article Writing, Articles, Email Marketing at 5:24 pm by Anita Bruton

Do you know why newsletters are a highly effective marketing tool?

Newsletters keep you and your business in front of people whether it is current clients, past clients or prospective clients. It really is that simple.

Keeping your subscriber list up to date with your business and providing them with tips and tidbits designed to help them in the course of doing business will keep you at the forefront of their thoughts when they are looking for the services you offer. It is also a terrific way for your subscribers to get to know you, like you and trust you. You need your list to be comfortable with you before they will buy from you.

One goal in sending newsletters to your subscribers is to do it regularly. Sending a newsletter too often will annoy your readers, while sending it out irregularly will fail to complete its purpose. Once a week or bi-weekly is a good guide. Set up a schedule and stick to it. If you choose Wednesdays, then stick to Wednesdays, whether it is every Wednesday or every other Wednesday.

A second goal in sending newsletters is to be personable, helpful, and newsworthy yet brief. Start with a personal note. This could be something about an upcoming holiday or even the weather in your area. Move on to providing an article you have written (or had written for you). Of course, this article is crafted for your target market, so they will find it helpful and informative. Next, be helpful by providing one or two resources you may have found helpful to you or you believe will prove helpful to your subscribers. End with a list of upcoming events you are participating in or you know would interest your subscribers.

Sounds simple, doesn’t it? It can be when it’s done right. If one or all parts of creating your own newsletter just doesn’t appeal to you, hire a professional to help you out. There are a number of professional writers who offer services ranging from setting up your auto responder to developing a template to creating the content.

Whatever you do and however you do it, make the best use of your subscriber list and keep them informed so they get to know you, like you and trust you. Before you know it, they will become faithful clients as well as readers.

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