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Archive for the ‘Direct Sales’

Customer Follow-up Essential for Building Relationships

April 18, 2010 By: Yvonne A Jones Category: Business - Entrepreneur, Business - Home-Based Business, Direct Sales

Customers or clients are the lifeline of your business, whether it's an online, offline, or combination of both.  Research indicates that it costs five times as much to acquire a new customer as it does to keep a current one; therefore  as a small business owner it is critical to implement strategies to retain customers and build relationships.   Here are 3 tips that highlight why customer follow-up is essential for all businesses, but especially small business.

1.  Builds Relationship:  Imagine that you purchased an item from two different small businesses like a jewelry store or a small women's or men's clothing boutique?  You  spent quite a large amount but you were happy with your purchases and while shopping you were pleased with the level of service you were given in the store.  A week later you received a personalized “Thank You” card from one of the businesses,that thanked you for your purchase and invited you to call with any questions of concerns.  The business may also have included a promotional offer for when you return to the store within a specified time-frame. You heard nothing from the other business!  Which of those two businesses are you likely to return to more quickly?  Which are you more likely to talk about to your friends?  The majority of us would prefer to revisit an establishment that followed-up with us and showed that they want to build a relationship with us. (more…)

Use Twitter to Build Your Brand for Success Online

April 17, 2010 By: Yvonne A Jones Category: Business - Entrepreneur, Business - Home-Based Business, Direct Sales

Over the past week we have been discussing the importance of having a personal business online, even if you are in Direct Sales with your company affiliate website.  However, as I noted in my posts, there are some essential steps that need to be taken first: having  the correct mindset, personal and practical action steps to determine how you will brand yourself online.

One recommended way to build your brand is to engage in building a Profile on the three main Social Networking Sites.  The first one we will focus on is Twitter.  I am by no means an expert on any of the social networking sites, and I am learning as I go.  What I do know is that it is imperative to allocate time to engage in conversations, etc. each day.  Your goal as you build your brand is to increase your visibility and this can be achieved only by consistency.  This point is one of the first lessons that one of my Mentors, Denise Wakeman, gives in her “Online Visibility Secrets” program.  I'd encourage you to  click on the link to learn more about what the 26-week program offers.

In the meantime I'd like to share an article I recently read  on “5 Small Business Tips for Social Media” which I feel that you as a small business owner can gain a lot of information from.  You can read more…

Please feel free to leave your comments on this post.

Successful People Are Dreamers with Goals

April 16, 2010 By: Yvonne A Jones Category: Business - Entrepreneur, Business - Home-Based Business, Direct Sales

Today I'm not doing any keyword research for this post because it really is just a beautiful poem that I've had for some time.  Unfortunately I cannot give credit to the author because I have no idea who wrote the poem, but if there is anyone who does, please let me know so I can give credit where it's due.  I have a copy of this poem on the wall in my office and whether you are new to internet marketing, or a successful marketer, I encourage you to print it and keep it where you can refer to it frequently.

SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE ARE DREAMERS WITH GOALS

Your dreams are you vision of where you'll be after the battle,
your prize at the end of your journey to success.
Your goals are the steps you take to finally attain your prize.

Unless you're willing to work hard and establish some discipline in your life,
all of your dreams will be pipe dreams,
little mental fantasy trips that will never materialize.

Make concrete steps toward fulfilling your ultimate dream,
and start with solid objectives and goals.

Your dreams are where you want to go,
your goals are how you get there.

The indespensable first step
to getting the things you want out of life is this:
Decide what you want.

Don't be afraid to think big and dare to be great.
Dreamers are not content with mediocrity.
They never dream of going halfway.
People with goals succeed because they know where they're going.

The last stanza/paragraph is my favorite: “Don't be afraid to think big and dare to be great.  Dreamers are not content with mediocrity.”  Enjoy and dream big!