OMG!!! What am I going to do??????? Dash it!
A sign saying 'Parking full' is disastrous when going to meet a client, but then again it's become increasingly common :(. So, I've taken to calling ahead to ask for advice on where to park.
Aha, guess what! There's a new take on this town when someone says "just follow xxxxx then go yyyy and you'll come to spaces reserved especially for you" WOWEE!!! That makes it really easy to do business with such clients and creates positive branding for them too, doesn't it?
How often are we cheated of a customer just because of circumstantial hurdles and barriers between them and us? Sob, sob - we may not even know. Sigh. Is there a way forward?
Well it is really a lot of fun to work out the process of doing business with someone, then coming up with ways of making it easier! All it takes is a bit of brainstorming, lots of paper, a good dose of chuckles, some honest analysis and feedback and voila! You too can build your brand by making it easier for customers to do business with you. Nice way to reduce the competition, eh?
I'd be glad to help you chart it out, and to make innovative suggestions you can use too! You know what to do - just call me on 603-21697704
BRING ME THE BRAND AND I'LL INCREASE ITS PROFITS!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Product placements WOW your customers!
Remember seeing a line of red cups embellished with the words 'Coca Cola' on the judges table in a popular series? They caught your eye EVERY week didn't they? What about that jar of Nescafe displayed during a movie? Or those oo la la gowns at red carpet events shouting out the names of their designers? Woo hoo! Those brands surely made their mark to millions of viewers in just a short time!!!! Can you imagine what that kind of exposure is worth in advertising $?
Yes, this is a great method for getting the attention of consumer without making an obvious sales pitch. And it really has WOW appeal to audiences too as the benefits are instantly obvious. You know what? It can be done with a host of other items with just a dash of creativity.
Recently I planned an event for a restaurant that's launching it's 'eat well' menu - a marketing plan to launch a new product (technically). It featured very special goodies for customers, in line with the theme, like chocolates with health-giving properties in their novel centres, and the sponsorship of a global leader in health supplements to give customers a certified reading of some areas of their health. So, not only does the restaurant get advertisements, but so do the other participating companies get shout-outs as well, and everybody profits!!! Cool huh?
Yes this way of co-branding really does add exposure to your products and services and can be used in many ways. Want some ideas or even a platform? Call me at 03-21697704 and get what you need.
BRING ME THE BRAND, I'LL INCREASE ITS PROFITS!
Yes, this is a great method for getting the attention of consumer without making an obvious sales pitch. And it really has WOW appeal to audiences too as the benefits are instantly obvious. You know what? It can be done with a host of other items with just a dash of creativity.
Recently I planned an event for a restaurant that's launching it's 'eat well' menu - a marketing plan to launch a new product (technically). It featured very special goodies for customers, in line with the theme, like chocolates with health-giving properties in their novel centres, and the sponsorship of a global leader in health supplements to give customers a certified reading of some areas of their health. So, not only does the restaurant get advertisements, but so do the other participating companies get shout-outs as well, and everybody profits!!! Cool huh?
Yes this way of co-branding really does add exposure to your products and services and can be used in many ways. Want some ideas or even a platform? Call me at 03-21697704 and get what you need.
BRING ME THE BRAND, I'LL INCREASE ITS PROFITS!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
It's about the packaging, peeps!
Hmmmm - the notes in the corner caught my eye - why leave that foreign currency idle? Might as well cash them and put them to work eh? I was dashing off to an event in an up-market location and stuffed the notes into my bag to convert them while I was out and about as there'd be money changers there for sure.
The particular mall is SO well managed, lots of parking spaces, staff, access points, vending machines etc - wht a breeze! They have invested much in attracting their customers. And as the escalator reached the lower ground level, lo and behold! a foreign currency exchange booth was right before my very eyes. Wow! I could get the exchange done now, instad of having to stop later on.
The notes were placed on the tray and he took out his calculator. Punch, punch, punch - shove; a slip with a printout of what my notes were worth to him. WHAT? Why is your rate so low?" He grinned and pointed to the well-maintained surroundings and made his defence. In truth, the rate varied only marginally BUT I could have bargained for a better deal had it been a more earthy location, and got a few $ more.
The trader was clear about how to get the most for his wares: by committing to a higher rental with all its trimmings, he gained access to a target market from whom he could get higher margins. Interestingly, over dinner that evening someone talked about how one of the outlets in their chain was in the wrong type of mall and was not attracting the segment of customers they wanted, while other outlets were doing just fine! And you know what? They were in the expensive process of cutting their losses and re-locating it, to reach and capture their desired type of customers.
What do these accounts say? In business it is almost critical to define which segment of business you want to attract, and then have an integrated marketing plan to attract and retain them. How products and services are positioned and packaged have a great impact on reaching your desired customers. The result? You'll get the margins that you have planned for. If you want to attract average income - position your image just so, if you want to attract a particular niche e,g, tech-savvy customers, well that takes a different positioning too. Aiming for mass markets? Pricing counts, then! All of it is a total package, integrated to deliver what you have planned for and to buffet yourself against turbulence, and avoid unnecessary expense. Well worth the effort in terms of profits and peace of mind too :)
I'd be glad to outline a marketing plan for you and you could use it to re-position your business to be even more profitable than it already is. Am just a phone call away - call me at +603-21697704.
BRING ME THE BRAND, I'LL INCREASE ITS PROFITS!
The particular mall is SO well managed, lots of parking spaces, staff, access points, vending machines etc - wht a breeze! They have invested much in attracting their customers. And as the escalator reached the lower ground level, lo and behold! a foreign currency exchange booth was right before my very eyes. Wow! I could get the exchange done now, instad of having to stop later on.
The notes were placed on the tray and he took out his calculator. Punch, punch, punch - shove; a slip with a printout of what my notes were worth to him. WHAT? Why is your rate so low?" He grinned and pointed to the well-maintained surroundings and made his defence. In truth, the rate varied only marginally BUT I could have bargained for a better deal had it been a more earthy location, and got a few $ more.
The trader was clear about how to get the most for his wares: by committing to a higher rental with all its trimmings, he gained access to a target market from whom he could get higher margins. Interestingly, over dinner that evening someone talked about how one of the outlets in their chain was in the wrong type of mall and was not attracting the segment of customers they wanted, while other outlets were doing just fine! And you know what? They were in the expensive process of cutting their losses and re-locating it, to reach and capture their desired type of customers.
What do these accounts say? In business it is almost critical to define which segment of business you want to attract, and then have an integrated marketing plan to attract and retain them. How products and services are positioned and packaged have a great impact on reaching your desired customers. The result? You'll get the margins that you have planned for. If you want to attract average income - position your image just so, if you want to attract a particular niche e,g, tech-savvy customers, well that takes a different positioning too. Aiming for mass markets? Pricing counts, then! All of it is a total package, integrated to deliver what you have planned for and to buffet yourself against turbulence, and avoid unnecessary expense. Well worth the effort in terms of profits and peace of mind too :)
I'd be glad to outline a marketing plan for you and you could use it to re-position your business to be even more profitable than it already is. Am just a phone call away - call me at +603-21697704.
BRING ME THE BRAND, I'LL INCREASE ITS PROFITS!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Oh no!!!!! Big boys don't cry in public do they?
Gulp! The big guy's eyes turned pink and teary as we spoke. What now?????
There I was, listening intently to the man seated across from me. He looked a toughie and was the owner of a chain of outlets which he and his wife had taken great pains to build, successfull too wey hey! Now they were ready to expand, and we were meeting to discuss enhancing their Brand. What had set him off?
Well, I had asked "What is your tag line" and suddenly he became very emotional. His voice choked and his eyes filled with tears. Wow! Talk about passion! The couple had begun with a vision, stayed unwaveringly with it, built upon it, and now had a profitable niche to tap into. When hfe told me their tag line, I saw immediately why they had been successful - they and their staff LIVED it! And their clients were simply delighted.
So, why did they need me then? Weeeell, this couple had substance and strategic implementation, but their Brand was not widely enough known. That means they were undervalued, and found that expanding posed a few challenges because of that.
You know what one of the things I noticed was? He knew their tag line (ahem, you'd be surprised that some business owners don't) implemented their tag line, their tag line reflected the essence of their Brand and kept attracting customers, BUT it appeared NOWHERE on their promotional material! Fancy that huh?
The pity is this is SOOOOOOO common among business owners! We're so in love with our brand and know it so intimately that we forget to educate others on what our business is about. OUCH!!!!
I actually sat for hours facilitating some very senior planners from a financial institution once, and, they did now know what the essence of their Brand was, leaving them open to competitors. They knew their tag line, but not the essence of what their corporate culture was supposed to deliver. So, they too were undervalued. :(
And you? Do you know what customers see in you that makes your services desirable? Can you identify the essence of your brand? If you'd like my help to crystalize it so that you can shout it out, deliver it, and lock your competitors out, just call me on 03-21697704 :)
BRING ME THE BRAND & I'LL INCREASE ITS PROFITS!
There I was, listening intently to the man seated across from me. He looked a toughie and was the owner of a chain of outlets which he and his wife had taken great pains to build, successfull too wey hey! Now they were ready to expand, and we were meeting to discuss enhancing their Brand. What had set him off?
Well, I had asked "What is your tag line" and suddenly he became very emotional. His voice choked and his eyes filled with tears. Wow! Talk about passion! The couple had begun with a vision, stayed unwaveringly with it, built upon it, and now had a profitable niche to tap into. When hfe told me their tag line, I saw immediately why they had been successful - they and their staff LIVED it! And their clients were simply delighted.
So, why did they need me then? Weeeell, this couple had substance and strategic implementation, but their Brand was not widely enough known. That means they were undervalued, and found that expanding posed a few challenges because of that.
You know what one of the things I noticed was? He knew their tag line (ahem, you'd be surprised that some business owners don't) implemented their tag line, their tag line reflected the essence of their Brand and kept attracting customers, BUT it appeared NOWHERE on their promotional material! Fancy that huh?
The pity is this is SOOOOOOO common among business owners! We're so in love with our brand and know it so intimately that we forget to educate others on what our business is about. OUCH!!!!
I actually sat for hours facilitating some very senior planners from a financial institution once, and, they did now know what the essence of their Brand was, leaving them open to competitors. They knew their tag line, but not the essence of what their corporate culture was supposed to deliver. So, they too were undervalued. :(
And you? Do you know what customers see in you that makes your services desirable? Can you identify the essence of your brand? If you'd like my help to crystalize it so that you can shout it out, deliver it, and lock your competitors out, just call me on 03-21697704 :)
BRING ME THE BRAND & I'LL INCREASE ITS PROFITS!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Brand Awareness with BUZZ!
Whoa! THAT's something I can use IMMEDIATELY! I want it NOW!
Over succulent ribs, hearty rib-eyes, crisp brocolli, seductive & sinfully smooth lattes, J and I chatted half a day away, catching up on old times. It had been YEARS since we'd met in person - the last time he'd been on a rushed business trip. This time we leisurely recalled the highs and lows of our previous workplace, and exchanged notes on what we'd been doing since. Had it really been that long? Wow!
J had been a producer of tv programs while I had been a newscaster as well as producer of current affairs programs on radio. Our friendship had been born out of a mutual desire to strive for delivery that was creative yet credible, spawned from our being trained in the broadcasting industry in England.
Yonks later we live in different countries but our professional objectives remain transcending time and distance. Interestingly, both of us have specialized in training and mentoring those newer in our fields, to pass on what we've gained. While J is now a sought-after regional trainer, I set my footprint by developing a system to use wireless devices to accelerate learning, saving users $ and time. So, J was VERY interested in adopting it for his regional audiences. Music to my ears!
My blended learning aproach harmonizes technology with interpersonal delivery and has proven to make sharing information fun and effective too! It can be used in every industry for sharing product knowlege, safety instructions, quick tips for behavior modification, etc. - the potential for improving Brand Delivery and Brand Awareness is HUGE, and all you need is a standard mobile phone!
How can it improve YOUR profitability? Call me for a quick chat on 603-21697704 and I'll show you, and share testimonials we've received too :)
BRING ME THE BRAND AND I'LL INCREASE ITS PROFITS!
Over succulent ribs, hearty rib-eyes, crisp brocolli, seductive & sinfully smooth lattes, J and I chatted half a day away, catching up on old times. It had been YEARS since we'd met in person - the last time he'd been on a rushed business trip. This time we leisurely recalled the highs and lows of our previous workplace, and exchanged notes on what we'd been doing since. Had it really been that long? Wow!
J had been a producer of tv programs while I had been a newscaster as well as producer of current affairs programs on radio. Our friendship had been born out of a mutual desire to strive for delivery that was creative yet credible, spawned from our being trained in the broadcasting industry in England.
Yonks later we live in different countries but our professional objectives remain transcending time and distance. Interestingly, both of us have specialized in training and mentoring those newer in our fields, to pass on what we've gained. While J is now a sought-after regional trainer, I set my footprint by developing a system to use wireless devices to accelerate learning, saving users $ and time. So, J was VERY interested in adopting it for his regional audiences. Music to my ears!
My blended learning aproach harmonizes technology with interpersonal delivery and has proven to make sharing information fun and effective too! It can be used in every industry for sharing product knowlege, safety instructions, quick tips for behavior modification, etc. - the potential for improving Brand Delivery and Brand Awareness is HUGE, and all you need is a standard mobile phone!
How can it improve YOUR profitability? Call me for a quick chat on 603-21697704 and I'll show you, and share testimonials we've received too :)
BRING ME THE BRAND AND I'LL INCREASE ITS PROFITS!
Friday, March 11, 2011
How to Rise Above your Competitors :)
Bu she can't DO THAT!!!! (Oh yes, she caaaaan)
Oh me oh my! She was extreeeeeemely upset by what had taken place. We were ar a lively meeting of dynamic business owners who had gathered to share information about what we are doing and how we want to receive more business. Such meeting glean connections that could lead to business being done, and so observing ethics is critically important to maintaining credibility and trust. Those present represent only their primary business, and don't compete with others in the group, to avoid any unhealthy conflict (yes, peeps conflict and confrontation can be healthy too!)
Anyway, what happened is that someone had spoken up inappropriately about offering the same service as another person - perhaps even unintentionally - but competition had been created where there shouldn't have been. Which member should one buy the named product from?!!! Oh dear!
Ah yes! You can imagine what prompted the protest, even though it wasn't made openly. She felt that her ricebowl had been threatened! Not a good feeling in a grop tha is meant to be mutually supportive, is it?
BUUUUUT the reality is it is increasingly common to have more than one stream of income, and you know what THAT means, don'tyou? Yes, it is difficult not to be offering products and services that might be in competition with those you share platforms with. It is especially true of course when there are independant distributors representing global brands present, as products are then identical. Who to buy the products from?
What's the solution then? Easy beazy! Personal branding, of course! Project your offerings to show why others should do business with YOU instead of an apparent competitor. I have seen this practised very profitably in many groups who are willing to gain more by narrowing their field and sharing marketing platforms, instead of being inward-looking. For example, litgators don't compete with conveyance lawyers for example, even though they both may come from firms tha offer the whole range of legal services. It's ALL about having a mindset of ABUNDANCE! It attracts even more abundance. Need, instead of greed :)
What separates YOU from your competitors that can increase your profits? Want my help in defining your competitive advantage(s)? Just call me at 603-21697704, adn we'll get into it!
BRING ME THE BRAND, AND I'LL INCREASE ITS PROFITS!
Oh me oh my! She was extreeeeeemely upset by what had taken place. We were ar a lively meeting of dynamic business owners who had gathered to share information about what we are doing and how we want to receive more business. Such meeting glean connections that could lead to business being done, and so observing ethics is critically important to maintaining credibility and trust. Those present represent only their primary business, and don't compete with others in the group, to avoid any unhealthy conflict (yes, peeps conflict and confrontation can be healthy too!)
Anyway, what happened is that someone had spoken up inappropriately about offering the same service as another person - perhaps even unintentionally - but competition had been created where there shouldn't have been. Which member should one buy the named product from?!!! Oh dear!
Ah yes! You can imagine what prompted the protest, even though it wasn't made openly. She felt that her ricebowl had been threatened! Not a good feeling in a grop tha is meant to be mutually supportive, is it?
BUUUUUT the reality is it is increasingly common to have more than one stream of income, and you know what THAT means, don'tyou? Yes, it is difficult not to be offering products and services that might be in competition with those you share platforms with. It is especially true of course when there are independant distributors representing global brands present, as products are then identical. Who to buy the products from?
What's the solution then? Easy beazy! Personal branding, of course! Project your offerings to show why others should do business with YOU instead of an apparent competitor. I have seen this practised very profitably in many groups who are willing to gain more by narrowing their field and sharing marketing platforms, instead of being inward-looking. For example, litgators don't compete with conveyance lawyers for example, even though they both may come from firms tha offer the whole range of legal services. It's ALL about having a mindset of ABUNDANCE! It attracts even more abundance. Need, instead of greed :)
What separates YOU from your competitors that can increase your profits? Want my help in defining your competitive advantage(s)? Just call me at 603-21697704, adn we'll get into it!
BRING ME THE BRAND, AND I'LL INCREASE ITS PROFITS!
Monday, February 28, 2011
The safe was left open!
WHY was the Manager walking into my room uninvited? His words chilled me "Ma'am, you left your safe open. Would you please check that nothing is missing?" You know, I'm not sure whether I was more astonished by my carelessness or by his polite request!
I'd been enjoying a leisurely breakfast meeting downstairs over lovely savory pancakes, spiced tea, an irresistable array of cheeses and grapes, and all that with a companion whom it was a delight to have befriended. We spent far longer than we thought we would, having oodles in common and lots of plans for business ventures to foray into together.
By the time I returned to my room I was feeling extremely comfortable in more ways than one. Ah! the housekeeping cart was outside my door and the maid was pottering around in the bathroom - looked like she's only just arrived. Well, I settled into the armchair with the paper when the black-suited, sombre Manager walked in with his startling announcement. The maid must have called him immediately!! Fancy that!
Well I did check the contents of the safe and nothing was missing, BUT I remain highly impressed by how the staff handled the whole thing. Aren't you?
Actually, throughout my brief stay at this hotel, the staff - even from the drivers who met me - had gone out of their way to be extremely helpful and courteous. Their behaviors speak volumes not only about their characters, but also of the training they must have been given. Of course I wrote to compliment their Management - they needed to know that their investment in Training is well worth it!
Would you too like to rest easy knowing that your staff members are selling YOUR brand to perfection? Just call me on 6-03-21697704 and we'll do a gap analysis of where you are and where you'd like to be, and plan how your staff can be trained to get you there!
BRING ME THE BRAND, I'LL INCREASE ITS PROFITS!
I'd been enjoying a leisurely breakfast meeting downstairs over lovely savory pancakes, spiced tea, an irresistable array of cheeses and grapes, and all that with a companion whom it was a delight to have befriended. We spent far longer than we thought we would, having oodles in common and lots of plans for business ventures to foray into together.
By the time I returned to my room I was feeling extremely comfortable in more ways than one. Ah! the housekeeping cart was outside my door and the maid was pottering around in the bathroom - looked like she's only just arrived. Well, I settled into the armchair with the paper when the black-suited, sombre Manager walked in with his startling announcement. The maid must have called him immediately!! Fancy that!
Well I did check the contents of the safe and nothing was missing, BUT I remain highly impressed by how the staff handled the whole thing. Aren't you?
Actually, throughout my brief stay at this hotel, the staff - even from the drivers who met me - had gone out of their way to be extremely helpful and courteous. Their behaviors speak volumes not only about their characters, but also of the training they must have been given. Of course I wrote to compliment their Management - they needed to know that their investment in Training is well worth it!
Would you too like to rest easy knowing that your staff members are selling YOUR brand to perfection? Just call me on 6-03-21697704 and we'll do a gap analysis of where you are and where you'd like to be, and plan how your staff can be trained to get you there!
BRING ME THE BRAND, I'LL INCREASE ITS PROFITS!
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