December 8 , 2009

"If we try to take short cuts, the world will know"

 

If we try to take short cuts, the world will know.  If we try to memorize the "right" answers, the world will know. Questions uncover motives, expertise, and may even reveal competency or lack of in a chosen field.

 

Review the questions you ask your prospects and customers. Are you asking them questions that you can easily find the answers to online? If you are asking customers questions to answers that you are too lazy to research, what message is that sending?

 

When entering into a conversation with a prospect, avoid questions and leading statements such as, "Tell me about your company," "How can I help you?" and "How long have you been in business?" These are questions that can make you look ill prepared. They can easily be replaced with a more appropriate, "I see you just released a new product last month, and I have a few questions for you before I share a few ideas that I had for your company."

 

The difference between winning and losing an account can be as easy as spending some time with Google. Do some basic research before an appointment and you will find answers to the majority of the questions you have before you perform your duties as a consultant. With the easy questions answered, your preparations for success will begin...joe@zooment.com

 

November 23 , 2009

"2010 Editorial Highlights" ~Discussion on

 

November 17 , 2009

"You cannot "MANAGE" your way out of these challenging times" ~Discussion on

 

November 13 , 2009

"You don't focus on the 'middle' of the jump... but where you want to land."

 

October 20, 2009

"The Truth...it can grow your business"

Unbelievable crazy {ACT NOW or %OFF NOW} offers may not attract more customers because they lack an essential ingredient - believability.

 

Why does a business increase their offers or make aggressive promises? Simple: they are trying to break through the clutter in an aggressive marketplace. But truth-telling and thoroughness are the fastest ways to grab a bigger piece of the market. If you understand that unbelievable offers are born out of the need to grab attention, then you can logically agree that the real way to grab attention is to do what others are not doing.

 

Reframe your sales and marketing conversations in a way that tell the TRUTH!

 

People will spend money with your business when they believe in you, your product, and your company. Belief is created with proof. Most businesses try to lure customers in with unbelievable offers and only add proof as a subordinate element while trying to close the deal. If you're looking for a way to give your business a great foundation... start the process with the truth.

 

Prove you are an expert by demonstrating your thorough approach to solving the prospects problem(s) with your product or service. Proof is established when an individual absolutely understands what you are saying to them, and understanding is created when you paint a vivid picture of what success looks like for your customer...joe@zooment.com

 

October 7, 2009

The Importance of Establishing a Corporate Identity

There are several elements that are important to consider when trying to shape your corporate identity. Before trying to piece together this multi-dimensional piece of marketing for your business, there are several questions you should ask yourself before beginning to formulate your corporate branding efforts.

• • 
    ·What can a positive corporate identity do for my business?
    
    · What can my business gain from establishing a corporate identity within the marketplace?
    
    · What innovative approaches can we bring to the situation?
    
    · How do we keep our mission clearly defined to focus and shape their values around corporate identity?

 

After answering these critical questions you can then begin to build your corporate identity, from within. Creating a reputation that the public will recognize is time consuming, yet very rewarding when successful. Creativity is essential for the setup, and continues throughout the process. The maintenance and management of your brand is important in creating a lasting impression. These concepts are vital to begin, and sustain an effective corporate brand. Build up your corporate reputation, and get your organization the attention it deserves....matt@zooment.com

 

August 26, 2009

“Personal agendas are preventing real connections from occurring.”

The focus on connecting has been lost especially in the setting of a networking event or leads group.

 

As a member of this "younger" generation, I feel it is a disgrace that so many young and [older] professionals have been trained to simply show up everywhere and thrust their "business card" upon anyone they come into contact with. This aggressive pitching of self or product is a disease! [too strong?]

 

..."littering" creates a defensive environment, guards go up, and people are equipped with ways out of conversations. Start a genuine conversation... If the person you are talking with has no interest in a real conversation... AGENDA!

 

As a serial entrepreneur, marketing and sales professional, my question is, "How does your organization get new customers?" This begins a conversation that allows me to explain what I do. A REAL conversation might help my organization in the process too!

 

"We help businesses connect with customers." If the person I am talking with has ever wanted to know how to connect with new customers, they might ask me how I do that for my clients. These are not tricks or QUICK fixes. They are simply powerful ways to have a fruitful conversation, relax, be genuine, and to allow people to connect with your message. Keep the business cards in your pocket...joe@zooment.com

 

July 22, 2009

“Let's downsize...Think about how much money we can save.”

The obvious "bean counter" [not mine] answer to all of the 'economic problems' is to dramatically cut budgets, staff and services. Which would mean we would not be able to continue to deliver excellent product to the people we serve.

The entrepreneurial answer is to RE-focus, RE-allocate and, RE-design.

RE-focus...on your core strengths & values.

RE-allocate...existing revenue to obtain greater productivity.

RE-design...your business plan/model to generate MORE REVENUE at LESS COST. Take a chance we can help....joe@zooment.com

 

July 10, 2009

Fundraising Lets do it!... but Who?

It's really easy to lose the day or month putting out fires... or always responding when making an effort to raise money. As an Advancement/ Development officer I ask myself these questions when I am about to arrive at the school I consult for.

 

What can I do to bring in more opportunity?

Who are the top 5-10 prospects, my client needs to talk too?

What are my next action items to line up for my client?

 

I don't worry about more prospects if we're not doing follow-up with existing and previous relationships.

 

Prospecting/ Fundraising

 

Focus on your top 5 a little bit - each day. The problem is, most people look at the number one prospect and think, "Well, this is impossible." or "We don't know them." Then they open their email and respond to all the “urgent” requests. This becomes a routine and over time we never define the action steps that get us a visit with our top choices….joe@zooment.com