Have you ever been in the situation where you set up a course or did a mail out but didn’t get the response you desired because you didn’t follow-up?
If you aren’t going to do the follow up from a mail shot or networking event you might as well have been at the beach instead of doing the mail out or networking event. The net effect from not following up or being at the beach will be the same – no clients. There is no point slaving over these things if you aren’t going to follow up and convert at least some of the leads you get to clients.
Unsure about whether to call or email?
Wondering how to be diligent and professional with your follow-up without seeming needy or pushy?
I recommend the Call/Email/Call approach.
STEP 1: Make a follow-up phone call
Begin with a follow-up phone call. Calling is a great place to start because if you reach the person you have an immediate opportunity to reconnect. If you get their voicemail, leave a message.
Here is a sample voicemail message script:
“Hi Sue, this is Sally Jones, the Kinesiologist. We met at the Business Women’s meeting last night. You mentioned you would be interested in having a treatment with me to help you move forward with that health challenge you have been experiencing.
I’d love to schedule a consultation with you to discuss if my treatments could help you. My phone number is xx-xxxx-xxxx and the best time to reach me is xxx. I’ll also send you an email in case that is a better way for us to connect.
Sue, I really enjoyed meeting you and I look forward to speaking with you soon.”
STEP 2: Send a Follow-Up Email
Your follow-up email should communicate the same basic information as your voice mail. In addition, offer a way that he/she can stay in touch in case the person is not currently ready to schedule a session.
STEP 3: Make one more follow-up phone call
If you have not heard back from the person after one week, make one more follow-up phone call. The key points for this call are to briefly reiterate your offer and remind them why they would want to speak to you while still leaving the decision totally up to them.
For example,
“Hi Sue, this is Sally Jones. I’m calling to see if you received my voice and email messages last week. Based on our conversation at the Women’s Business meeting, I’m guessing you’ve been busy and might be hesitant to add anything else to your ‘To Do’ list.
My offer of a two for one session still stands. If you decide to schedule it, my goal would be to give you some real value so you can experience for yourself how working with a Kinesiologist can really help you find a healthy balance in your body.
Of course it is totally your decision, so if you would like to set something up please call me at xxx-xxx-xxxx or email me at xxx@xxx.com.
I hope to hear from you!"
STEP 4: Let go!
Don’t be like the fisherman who keeps thinking about the “one that got away.” If the person doesn’t respond, simply let go. Feel good about your professionalism, the actions you have taken and the value you have provided. You have planted a seed and that is never a bad thing. Keep looking forward and taking inspired action in your business. Some of the seeds you sow WILL grow in the future, you just don’t know which ones!
Tuesday, 25 March 2008
Saturday, 22 March 2008
Using YouTube to Get Known
Today I am #1 on YouTube in the category of #42 - Most Viewed (Today) - Howto & Style - Australia – it’s the biggest load of rubbish I’ve ever produced but 31 people have watched it SO FAR!
This is the power of the free tools that are available
When you use tools like Blogger and YouTube alongside your own tools (I used my newsletter) they can become very powerful. I put a small note in my newsletter which gave people the option to click through and watch the video after I wrote a story on having harmonious workspaces. I'm not suggesting you all go out and madly film your office and just bung it up there - it's not about the topic it is all about the underlying story and message that gives people a reason to click. But it does show the power of the internet.
You might notice there has also been blog posts on the same topic.
Tools like Blogger, YouTube, Ning, MySpace, FaceBook are called Social Networks.
Here is a massive hint for anyone who is interested in using these free but very powerful social networks. One common message placed in many different places = gets clicks.
Social Networks work because every now and then someone who doesn't know you clicks and suddenly they DO know you. People that already know you get to know a little more about you. Eventually trust builds up and eventually they will become clients and they will refer someone who will become a client.
People image you need a lot of time to participate in all these activities. I'll be totally honest with you here - they take a bit of time to set up and get in motion but like any of your marketing activities once that train is rolling it is VERY easy to maintain.
If you aren't using or at least learning how to participate in these social networks - then you are missing out big time.
You can view my masterpiece here (I used my mobile phone to record it so the quality is pretty naff but 31 people have watched it:
This is the power of the free tools that are available
When you use tools like Blogger and YouTube alongside your own tools (I used my newsletter) they can become very powerful. I put a small note in my newsletter which gave people the option to click through and watch the video after I wrote a story on having harmonious workspaces. I'm not suggesting you all go out and madly film your office and just bung it up there - it's not about the topic it is all about the underlying story and message that gives people a reason to click. But it does show the power of the internet.
You might notice there has also been blog posts on the same topic.
Tools like Blogger, YouTube, Ning, MySpace, FaceBook are called Social Networks.
Here is a massive hint for anyone who is interested in using these free but very powerful social networks. One common message placed in many different places = gets clicks.
Social Networks work because every now and then someone who doesn't know you clicks and suddenly they DO know you. People that already know you get to know a little more about you. Eventually trust builds up and eventually they will become clients and they will refer someone who will become a client.
People image you need a lot of time to participate in all these activities. I'll be totally honest with you here - they take a bit of time to set up and get in motion but like any of your marketing activities once that train is rolling it is VERY easy to maintain.
If you aren't using or at least learning how to participate in these social networks - then you are missing out big time.
You can view my masterpiece here (I used my mobile phone to record it so the quality is pretty naff but 31 people have watched it:
Thursday, 20 March 2008
My Most Favourite Piece of Office Equipment.
My labeller is my most favourite piece of office equipment and here it is on the right with the Happy Man doing a demo of how easy it is to use.I love it because it has flowers on it - it is funky groovy colours and IT WORKS!!!
With all the technology I deal with on a daily basis it is SO good to have something cheerful that doesn't require a lot of brain work and it helps me be more effective in my work.
Everyone should have a labeller!
My labeller has revolutionised my office. All my files are properly labelled now and I can find things. I use it to label client files and the little doovers that sit on the suspension files. Every time I open the client file draw I send a whoosh of love out to those files because they make me feel good and I’m sure those clients pick up that energy.
As silly as my labelling fetish is, it will help to build my business because the better I feel about things - the more attractive I am to others. Read the post below to find out how Feng Shui can help you get your office energy effectice.
Would love you to share your most favourite office or treatment room tool - just add a comment.
Ten tips to maximising the Feng Shui of your office
This month the article in my newsletter "powerful practice-building tips" is about Getting Your Office Environment into shape.
Rachel Ross of Fifth Element Feng Shui has kindly put together a list of things to be aware of in your office environment to create a harmonious workspace. The list is a guide only because each individual space should be checked by a trained Feng Shui consultant to find the exact best results. Thanks Rachel and if you would like to check out her website - just click on this link
Ten tips to maximising the Feng Shui of your office.
1. Unseen Prosperity Energy: It is always preferable to have your office in a room or area of your building that has prosperous energy. Any one building can have up to two areas that are prosperous and contrary to popular belief, they are often located in different areas for each building. Prosperous energy zones can be located using Flying Star Feng Shui (the most powerful form of Feng Shui) and require a qualified consultant to accurately determine where these areas are. Placement of energy or ‘unseen’ influences in a building always carry the most weight and are individual for each building, so should be taken into account first for best results.
2. Furniture Arrangement: Simple furniture arrangement principles can be very useful as they help the life force energy flow better in a space. A rule of thumb is to make sure that your desk is positioned so there is a solid wall behind you when you are sitting at your desk. I see so many offices positioned facing walls. Whilst this may be a good use of space, it’s not a very supportive or inspiring arrangement. In Feng Shui, your backing or the ‘mountain’ behind you is most important as it relates to stability, harmony and support in your environment and your life. It also reflects the same arrangement principles that the Chinese consider extremely auspicious in the natural landscape. In short, a strong backing places you in a position of power.
3. See with Clarity: Ideally, the desk should be placed so that you can see the door from where you are sitting. Symbolically this can relate to openly accepting opportunities into your life and business as well as seeing things with greater with clarity. Avoid positioning the desk directly opposite the entrance. Energy can be too strong in this position and consequently it is not considered a productive of comfortable arrangement.
4. Area of accumulated energy: If your room allows, try placing your desk in the corner diagonally opposite the entrance to your office. When energy enters a room, life force energy will automatically travel and accumulate in the corner located at the furtherest point. If there is also a solid wall in this position, the energy will settle and strengthen in this location. Without backing or if the area has windows, this site will be weaker. Also, take note of how the door to your office is hinged. Does energy enter freely and easily into the space, or is the door hinged so that the first thing you see is a wall?
5. Favourable Directions: If possible, take advantage of your favourable directions. Derived from your year of birth, each individual will have a ‘Kua’ or ‘Ming Gua’ number. This number then correlates to 4 directions that can be favourable for an individual. Ideally, your favourable direction should be placed behind you when you are sitting at your desk. You can find out your favourable directions by visiting www.afsc.org.au/cal8mansionkua.
7. Symmetry. Energy will flow evenly if your office is arranged in a way that is symmetrical. Symmetry encourages order in an environment, so make sure object placement is even and balanced in a room, that pictures and wall hangings line up and that chairs and your desk are aligned in an orderly manner. It is always better Feng Shui if your environment has symmetry so avoid placing the desk according to your favourable direction if it means furniture placement is angular and inconsistent with the shape of the room.
8. Clear clutter. A cluttered office is a cluttered mind. Organise and arrange your space so that everything has a place to go and is easily accessible. Place objects, artwork and imagery around you that lifts your energy and aligns with the vision you have for your business and your greater life goals. Create a space that is clear from stagnation, mess and disorder so that is clear to accept the energy of new and exciting developments.
9. Ventilation: Make sure the room is well ventilated so that chemicals from printers, fax machines, etc can be absorbed or released. Make sure the office has access to fresh air and consider placing a few plants in your office to absorb any nasties.
10. Electromagnetic radiation: take care with placement of electrical equipment around your desk. Try to store the hard drive to your computer as far away from your seat as practical. Ensure the computer screen is as a safe distance and avoid placing major equipment like printers, faxes, etc close to where you are seated. Ensure that the electrical meter for your building is not located on the other side of the wall to where you are sitting as this can be very harmful to your health. (For more information on ventilation and electromagnetic radiation, consult a Building Biologist or visit www.aces.edu.au).
Source: Rachel Ross of Fifth Element Feng Shui
Rachel Ross of Fifth Element Feng Shui has kindly put together a list of things to be aware of in your office environment to create a harmonious workspace. The list is a guide only because each individual space should be checked by a trained Feng Shui consultant to find the exact best results. Thanks Rachel and if you would like to check out her website - just click on this link
Ten tips to maximising the Feng Shui of your office.
1. Unseen Prosperity Energy: It is always preferable to have your office in a room or area of your building that has prosperous energy. Any one building can have up to two areas that are prosperous and contrary to popular belief, they are often located in different areas for each building. Prosperous energy zones can be located using Flying Star Feng Shui (the most powerful form of Feng Shui) and require a qualified consultant to accurately determine where these areas are. Placement of energy or ‘unseen’ influences in a building always carry the most weight and are individual for each building, so should be taken into account first for best results.
2. Furniture Arrangement: Simple furniture arrangement principles can be very useful as they help the life force energy flow better in a space. A rule of thumb is to make sure that your desk is positioned so there is a solid wall behind you when you are sitting at your desk. I see so many offices positioned facing walls. Whilst this may be a good use of space, it’s not a very supportive or inspiring arrangement. In Feng Shui, your backing or the ‘mountain’ behind you is most important as it relates to stability, harmony and support in your environment and your life. It also reflects the same arrangement principles that the Chinese consider extremely auspicious in the natural landscape. In short, a strong backing places you in a position of power.
3. See with Clarity: Ideally, the desk should be placed so that you can see the door from where you are sitting. Symbolically this can relate to openly accepting opportunities into your life and business as well as seeing things with greater with clarity. Avoid positioning the desk directly opposite the entrance. Energy can be too strong in this position and consequently it is not considered a productive of comfortable arrangement.
4. Area of accumulated energy: If your room allows, try placing your desk in the corner diagonally opposite the entrance to your office. When energy enters a room, life force energy will automatically travel and accumulate in the corner located at the furtherest point. If there is also a solid wall in this position, the energy will settle and strengthen in this location. Without backing or if the area has windows, this site will be weaker. Also, take note of how the door to your office is hinged. Does energy enter freely and easily into the space, or is the door hinged so that the first thing you see is a wall?
5. Favourable Directions: If possible, take advantage of your favourable directions. Derived from your year of birth, each individual will have a ‘Kua’ or ‘Ming Gua’ number. This number then correlates to 4 directions that can be favourable for an individual. Ideally, your favourable direction should be placed behind you when you are sitting at your desk. You can find out your favourable directions by visiting www.afsc.org.au/cal8mansionkua.
7. Symmetry. Energy will flow evenly if your office is arranged in a way that is symmetrical. Symmetry encourages order in an environment, so make sure object placement is even and balanced in a room, that pictures and wall hangings line up and that chairs and your desk are aligned in an orderly manner. It is always better Feng Shui if your environment has symmetry so avoid placing the desk according to your favourable direction if it means furniture placement is angular and inconsistent with the shape of the room.
8. Clear clutter. A cluttered office is a cluttered mind. Organise and arrange your space so that everything has a place to go and is easily accessible. Place objects, artwork and imagery around you that lifts your energy and aligns with the vision you have for your business and your greater life goals. Create a space that is clear from stagnation, mess and disorder so that is clear to accept the energy of new and exciting developments.
9. Ventilation: Make sure the room is well ventilated so that chemicals from printers, fax machines, etc can be absorbed or released. Make sure the office has access to fresh air and consider placing a few plants in your office to absorb any nasties.
10. Electromagnetic radiation: take care with placement of electrical equipment around your desk. Try to store the hard drive to your computer as far away from your seat as practical. Ensure the computer screen is as a safe distance and avoid placing major equipment like printers, faxes, etc close to where you are seated. Ensure that the electrical meter for your building is not located on the other side of the wall to where you are sitting as this can be very harmful to your health. (For more information on ventilation and electromagnetic radiation, consult a Building Biologist or visit www.aces.edu.au).
Source: Rachel Ross of Fifth Element Feng Shui
Friday, 29 February 2008
Do I need a Blog if I already have a Website
Blogs are a relatively new way of communicating with people. The question I get asked most about them is:
When you compare the cost of the website and the time it takes to get web pages loaded = HOURS of work! Then compare that to a free blog and the 15 minutes it takes to write a blog post – I can only surmise that my blog is working for me.
This article by Dr. Charles Baldwin will give you some more ideas on why blogs work.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
“If I have a Website – why do I need a Blog?”In answer to the question do I need a blog and a website, I can tell you that I was surfing on Google recently and something I was looking for gave my website in the first page of the search results. Gotta love that! But….what I was most delighted to see two entries down in the Google search results was a blog post I had done recently appearing just below my website.
Having a Blog and a Website doubles your chance of being found.My website has been floating around out in cyberspace for over two years now. My blog has been out there for five months and it is almost ranking as well as my website. I would like to predict that in a couple of months my blog will out rank my website.
When you compare the cost of the website and the time it takes to get web pages loaded = HOURS of work! Then compare that to a free blog and the 15 minutes it takes to write a blog post – I can only surmise that my blog is working for me.
This article by Dr. Charles Baldwin will give you some more ideas on why blogs work.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Tuesday, 19 February 2008
Does Clean Underwear Make a Difference on the Highway of Life?
As a youngster it was imperative that I had clean underwear. In fact life seemed to revolve around underwear. It was either being washed, hung out to dry, ironed (seriously), put away, put on or being scrutinised for its suitability.
This has to be life’s number one learning lesson and it is a lesson that makes no sense what so ever...........or does it?
I got Mum a gorgeous Mothers Days card one year that said on the front –
Mum where would I have been all these years without you?
The inside said: probably driving down the highway of life in dirty underwear!
If Hallmark are in on the act, then perhaps there ARE lessons to learn from dirty underwear?
It got me to thinking about the connection between business and having clean or dirty underwear and its significance in our small businesses. There are a lot of comparisons that can be drawn between wearing underwear (clean or dirty) and having a small business:
- Like underwear we need to have a lot of different selling points
- We need to stand out in the crowd to be chosen at all
- We need to appeal in different niche markets and appeal to different people
- Others judge us when we are really just doing our best with what we’ve got
- Some things are out of our control
- If we stretch too far – we end up on the scrap heap
- We are constantly finding new ways to feel fresh at the end of long day.
The list could be endless when you start to think about it. Due to the seriousness of this issue I’ve decided to have a poll and see what you think.
So if you have ever been bailed up by the dirty underwear police at a crash scene or can find a business case or comparison for clean or dirty underwear – please leave a comment and vote in the poll.
Saturday, 9 February 2008
How to Get Known as an Expert = FAST!
Welcome to 2008 – this is my first blog post since returning from the USA and you never know I might even blog a few posts on what I learnt in waist deep snow. But for today I’m on about forums.
Just when I thought my day was totally full and no room left for one more single marketing activity to do in my small business – I learn I’ve now got to be out there commenting on the forums all around the world. This doesn’t please me as I spend most of my life in front of a computer but it seems forums are yet another (very good) way of getting known in this virtual world we now live in.
If you have been doing my 90 Day Challenge or the Full Practice Building System, you will know how much importance I place on having a strong WHO & WHAT. Knowing WHO you work with and WHAT you do for them is imperative to building a strong practice.
Forums are where the rubber hits the road when it comes to WHO & WHAT because all you need to do is identify a few forums that gather together in your WHO market and you just go on and answer their questions or comment on what they have written. The trick is to be discerning and as always make sure you are adding value. Never just go on and get into a thread because you can. Only get on a thread if you can add value or give a constructive comment or answer a question or you are just like a large percentage of the rest of the world who are wasting their life commenting on forums.
Forums are one way you can quickly become known for your expertise as you start to jump in and comment on things you know something about. This last comment assumes you know something about something but it does seem ok if you know something about anything – there will be a forum for you.
So I figure if I have to do it – then you guys can at least know what you are not doing. You need to search for forums in your area of expertise and the best way to do that is a website called http://www.ning.com/home/
On the first page I visited there was a choice between the Occult and Pagan communities and The Fairy Society. Somewhere between those two there are currently 8.097 other social communities so you won't be spoilt for choice.
You could spend all day in these forums so please just don’t forget all the other marketing activities in your marketing train!!
Just when I thought my day was totally full and no room left for one more single marketing activity to do in my small business – I learn I’ve now got to be out there commenting on the forums all around the world. This doesn’t please me as I spend most of my life in front of a computer but it seems forums are yet another (very good) way of getting known in this virtual world we now live in.
If you have been doing my 90 Day Challenge or the Full Practice Building System, you will know how much importance I place on having a strong WHO & WHAT. Knowing WHO you work with and WHAT you do for them is imperative to building a strong practice.
Forums are where the rubber hits the road when it comes to WHO & WHAT because all you need to do is identify a few forums that gather together in your WHO market and you just go on and answer their questions or comment on what they have written. The trick is to be discerning and as always make sure you are adding value. Never just go on and get into a thread because you can. Only get on a thread if you can add value or give a constructive comment or answer a question or you are just like a large percentage of the rest of the world who are wasting their life commenting on forums.
Forums are one way you can quickly become known for your expertise as you start to jump in and comment on things you know something about. This last comment assumes you know something about something but it does seem ok if you know something about anything – there will be a forum for you.
So I figure if I have to do it – then you guys can at least know what you are not doing. You need to search for forums in your area of expertise and the best way to do that is a website called http://www.ning.com/home/
On the first page I visited there was a choice between the Occult and Pagan communities and The Fairy Society. Somewhere between those two there are currently 8.097 other social communities so you won't be spoilt for choice.
You could spend all day in these forums so please just don’t forget all the other marketing activities in your marketing train!!
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