I've been hearing a lot of talk of Social Media being over and done with. I find this to be a valid point in some areas. I don't think it's dead per say, just lost a bit of it's luster. I think that is because of the onset of spammers, get rich-quick schemes, and just outright abuse.
Take Twitter for example, a large majority of folks on Twitter focus solely on how many followers they can amass. Not caring in the least about networking or building customer relationships. Facebook is all about idle chitchat, nothing of substance really when you break it down. Even blogging has lost it's stardom. Remember the days when there were superstar bloggers with a ton of loyal readers? The content had to be kick ass to make super status. Those were the days, and that was just a few years ago.
What does the future hold for Social Media? A very bright one, if we can somehow take it back to the original purpose it was intended for and grow from there. Social Media .was intended to make folks aware, not to shove mindless crap down there throats. The rotten apples always seem to make their presence known, and ruin good things for everyone. Hopefully we can get it back on track. I for one look forward to the day that happens.
Get In Contact
Maddison D. Cephas
EastLake Marketing Group
The Small Business Marketing Spot
916.548.6328-Marketing Consulting
Showing posts with label My Thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label My Thoughts. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Monday, October 19, 2009
My Thoughts
Wow, 2009, is just about over. Two more months until 2010 is here. Time flies! Now business owners are gearing up for the best two shopping months of the year. Christmas shopping season. The two months when folks spend money they don't really have, to buy gifts for loved ones. Happy times, for retailers worldwide. The final months to make a financial killing before tax time.
Now if you marketed your product or service all year long, you should be in line to receive a fair amount of consumers wanting to purchase your goods. However, if you cut your marketing budget due to the slow economy, then you may not have a good final two months.
Some of you may no longer even be in business, because you had to close up shop. I often tell my clients that there are only four real reasons why a business fails:
1. Lack of marketing.
2. Greed.
3. Fear.
4. No inner belief that you can.
Believe me or not. These are my thoughts.
Now if you marketed your product or service all year long, you should be in line to receive a fair amount of consumers wanting to purchase your goods. However, if you cut your marketing budget due to the slow economy, then you may not have a good final two months.
Some of you may no longer even be in business, because you had to close up shop. I often tell my clients that there are only four real reasons why a business fails:
1. Lack of marketing.
2. Greed.
3. Fear.
4. No inner belief that you can.
Believe me or not. These are my thoughts.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Happy Holidays
Hey everyone! It’s that time of year when all us business folk concentrate or should be concentrating on closing out the business year, spending time with family and friends, or just plain doing whatever.
For me, it’s time to close out my books and travel to spend time with family and friends. 2008 has been very successful for EastLake Marketing Group, I worked hard, and was blessed for it. I hope 2008 found you blessed as well.
I’m looking forward to getting back to business and gaining new business in 2009. I will return to posting sometime in January 2009. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all! May 2009 be your best year ever.
Happy Marketing Week!
For me, it’s time to close out my books and travel to spend time with family and friends. 2008 has been very successful for EastLake Marketing Group, I worked hard, and was blessed for it. I hope 2008 found you blessed as well.
I’m looking forward to getting back to business and gaining new business in 2009. I will return to posting sometime in January 2009. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all! May 2009 be your best year ever.
Happy Marketing Week!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
What went wrong?
This blog post is regarding the economy. What went wrong? We can blame it on the housing market, on the credit card companies, on loans, on banks, on the government, etc. There is one and only one reason why America is in the mess we are in. That reason is called GREED.
Let's face facts, we Americans are a greedy bunch of folks. Folks say, when the new President is elected things will change. Don't you believe it, I say same script new co-star. No matter how many Presidents we vote into office, we will always be the same greedy bunch of folks we have been. And that's all I have to say about the matter. Before you all start saying things regarding this post. I say it's my blog, thank you for allowing me to release.
Happy Marketing Week!
Let's face facts, we Americans are a greedy bunch of folks. Folks say, when the new President is elected things will change. Don't you believe it, I say same script new co-star. No matter how many Presidents we vote into office, we will always be the same greedy bunch of folks we have been. And that's all I have to say about the matter. Before you all start saying things regarding this post. I say it's my blog, thank you for allowing me to release.
Happy Marketing Week!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Why Have A Blog
It seems everyone has a blog. Everyone also has a different reason for having a blog. Why do I have a blog? My reason for blogging is, for my clients and future clients.
I see my blog not as an avenue to gain thousands of faithful followers, or to win some blog award, or to be named Top-Dog in the blog word. No none of that, the reason has always remained the same from the very first post I made. To inform, educate, humor, entertain, and give marketing advice to small-business owners.
I know a few pro bloggers who think that approach to blogging is a waste of time. I beg to differ. I see it as a way to give my current clients marketing tips, and to show potential clients my marketing skills.
That is why I blog. I will continue to make a post every Sunday regarding all things small-business marketing for my clients and future clients. Happy Marketing Week!
I see my blog not as an avenue to gain thousands of faithful followers, or to win some blog award, or to be named Top-Dog in the blog word. No none of that, the reason has always remained the same from the very first post I made. To inform, educate, humor, entertain, and give marketing advice to small-business owners.
I know a few pro bloggers who think that approach to blogging is a waste of time. I beg to differ. I see it as a way to give my current clients marketing tips, and to show potential clients my marketing skills.
That is why I blog. I will continue to make a post every Sunday regarding all things small-business marketing for my clients and future clients. Happy Marketing Week!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
The Difference Between A Sales Consultant & A Marketing Consultant
This post came about because of an e-mail I received last week. Nothing unusual about an e-mail requesting a return call to discuss marketing. So the next day I made the call to this potential customer. To my surprise the prospect wanted a marketing consultant, that would be me, to in essence become his company’s sales rep. He also said I would be compensated only when I made a sale. What is this madness? Folks I have always marketed myself online or offline as a marketing consultant, not a sales consultant.
Note to all business owners in need of hiring a consultant. I’m sure most of you already know this, but for those who don’t, read on. Consultants all have extensive knowledge in we do for a living. Please don’t insult us by attempting to contract for services that are not our areas of expertise. Do us all a favor and contact the appropriate consultant for the job you wish to get done.
With that being said allow me to explain the difference between a sales consultant and a marketing consultant, or should I say the Wikipedia version. They pretty much covered how I would have explained it. Happy Marketing Week!
Marketing
Is an ongoing process of planning and executing of the marketing mix (Product, Price, Place, Promotion) of products, services or ideas to create exchange between individuals and organizations. Marketing tends to be seen as a creative industry, which includes advertising, distribution and selling. It is also concerned with anticipating the customers' future needs and wants, which are often discovered through market research.
Essentially, marketing is the process of creating or directing an organization to be successful in selling a product or service that people not only desire, but are willing to buy. Therefore good marketing must be able to create a "proposition" or set of benefits for the end customer that delivers value through products or services.
Sales
Are the activities involved in selling products or services in return for money or other compensation. It is an act of completion of a commercial activity. The "deal is closed", means the customer has consented to the proposed product or service by making full or partial payment (as in case of installments) to the seller.
Academically, selling is thought of as a part of marketing, however, the two disciplines are completely different. Sales often forms a separate grouping in a corporate structure, employing separate specialist operatives known as salespeople (singular: salesperson). Sales is considered by many to be a sort of persuading "art". Contrary to popular belief, the methodological approach of selling refers to a systematic process of repetitive and measurable milestones, by which a salesperson relates his or her offering of a product or service in return enabling the buyer to achieve their goal in an economic way.
A sale is completed by the seller, the owner of the goods. It starts with consent (or agreement) to an acquisition or appropriation or request followed by the passing of title (property or ownership) in the item and the application and due settlement of a price, the obligation for which arises due to the seller's requirement to pass ownership, being a price she is happy to part with ownership of or any claim upon the item.
The purchaser, though a party to the sale, does not execute the sale, only the seller does that. To be precise the sale completes prior to the payment and gives rise to the obligation of payment. If the seller completes the first two above stages (consent and passing ownership) of the sale prior to settlement of the price the sale is still valid and gives rise to an obligation to pay.
Note to all business owners in need of hiring a consultant. I’m sure most of you already know this, but for those who don’t, read on. Consultants all have extensive knowledge in we do for a living. Please don’t insult us by attempting to contract for services that are not our areas of expertise. Do us all a favor and contact the appropriate consultant for the job you wish to get done.
With that being said allow me to explain the difference between a sales consultant and a marketing consultant, or should I say the Wikipedia version. They pretty much covered how I would have explained it. Happy Marketing Week!
Marketing
Is an ongoing process of planning and executing of the marketing mix (Product, Price, Place, Promotion) of products, services or ideas to create exchange between individuals and organizations. Marketing tends to be seen as a creative industry, which includes advertising, distribution and selling. It is also concerned with anticipating the customers' future needs and wants, which are often discovered through market research.
Essentially, marketing is the process of creating or directing an organization to be successful in selling a product or service that people not only desire, but are willing to buy. Therefore good marketing must be able to create a "proposition" or set of benefits for the end customer that delivers value through products or services.
Sales
Are the activities involved in selling products or services in return for money or other compensation. It is an act of completion of a commercial activity. The "deal is closed", means the customer has consented to the proposed product or service by making full or partial payment (as in case of installments) to the seller.
Academically, selling is thought of as a part of marketing, however, the two disciplines are completely different. Sales often forms a separate grouping in a corporate structure, employing separate specialist operatives known as salespeople (singular: salesperson). Sales is considered by many to be a sort of persuading "art". Contrary to popular belief, the methodological approach of selling refers to a systematic process of repetitive and measurable milestones, by which a salesperson relates his or her offering of a product or service in return enabling the buyer to achieve their goal in an economic way.
A sale is completed by the seller, the owner of the goods. It starts with consent (or agreement) to an acquisition or appropriation or request followed by the passing of title (property or ownership) in the item and the application and due settlement of a price, the obligation for which arises due to the seller's requirement to pass ownership, being a price she is happy to part with ownership of or any claim upon the item.
The purchaser, though a party to the sale, does not execute the sale, only the seller does that. To be precise the sale completes prior to the payment and gives rise to the obligation of payment. If the seller completes the first two above stages (consent and passing ownership) of the sale prior to settlement of the price the sale is still valid and gives rise to an obligation to pay.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Sprint Response
Today I have renewed my faith in Sprint. Allow me to explain. I got to thinking about the blog post I made regarding my bad customer service experience with Sprint. I saw a commercial on television, in it the new CEO introduced a new Sprint phone plan, at the end of the commercial he left his e-mail address. So I decided instead of just voicing my opinion about Sprint to my blog readers, why not send the post to the CEO. I sent an e-mail and link to my blog on April 4, 2008.
On April 6, 2008 I received a reply e-mail from CEO Dan Hesse. This e-mail stated that a representative from his office would be calling me within a week. Ok, I have to tell you after my previous experience I never expected to receive a call. Well today April 8, 2008 I did indeed receive a call from Shawn J., he left a message on both my phones and sent an e-mail. This is the solution that he proposed below.
Dear Donna Cephas,
I apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced.
In order to best resolve your issue, a specialist would like to contact
you and speak to you personally. If there is another number that you
would like us to call, please reply to this email. We are looking
forward to speaking with you and resolving your concerns. I left a
message on both of your phones. I do have the ability to give you the
Moto Q for free but I have to know what line you wanted that phone for.
As far as the two months for free on both phones I am unable to do two
months however, I will give you one month free on both phones. I look
forward to speaking with you please contact me via email or phone.
Thank you again for contacting Sprint. We appreciate your business.
Sincerely,
Shawn J.
Sprint
I accepted his solution and thanked him for taking the time to resolve my issues with Sprint. I also let him know that I am looking forward to another 9 years and beyond with Sprint.
Folks I won't sit here and tell you that this is a victory on my part. No that is not it at all. This is simply a company taking care of a valued customer. In other words this is what we business owners call CUSTOMER SERVICE. When I am given good customer service I will share that story with you, and the same holds true when I'm given bad customer service as you have already seen in previous posts.
To all small-businesses, medium size-businesses and big corporations. Take the time to train your employees on how to practice good customer service skills. As consumers that is what we are asking for.
On April 6, 2008 I received a reply e-mail from CEO Dan Hesse. This e-mail stated that a representative from his office would be calling me within a week. Ok, I have to tell you after my previous experience I never expected to receive a call. Well today April 8, 2008 I did indeed receive a call from Shawn J., he left a message on both my phones and sent an e-mail. This is the solution that he proposed below.
Dear Donna Cephas,
I apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced.
In order to best resolve your issue, a specialist would like to contact
you and speak to you personally. If there is another number that you
would like us to call, please reply to this email. We are looking
forward to speaking with you and resolving your concerns. I left a
message on both of your phones. I do have the ability to give you the
Moto Q for free but I have to know what line you wanted that phone for.
As far as the two months for free on both phones I am unable to do two
months however, I will give you one month free on both phones. I look
forward to speaking with you please contact me via email or phone.
Thank you again for contacting Sprint. We appreciate your business.
Sincerely,
Shawn J.
Sprint
I accepted his solution and thanked him for taking the time to resolve my issues with Sprint. I also let him know that I am looking forward to another 9 years and beyond with Sprint.
Folks I won't sit here and tell you that this is a victory on my part. No that is not it at all. This is simply a company taking care of a valued customer. In other words this is what we business owners call CUSTOMER SERVICE. When I am given good customer service I will share that story with you, and the same holds true when I'm given bad customer service as you have already seen in previous posts.
To all small-businesses, medium size-businesses and big corporations. Take the time to train your employees on how to practice good customer service skills. As consumers that is what we are asking for.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
GO ALL THE WAY TO HELL SPRINT, INC.
Yes the title is harsh, but I'm angry. The only thing that irritates me the most is BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE. As a marketing consultant I get paid to tell small businesses how to market to customers so that they will want to come back. I honestly don't understand why when a business becomes a large corporation they somehow forget where they came from. Let me explain why I'm so angry.
I have been a loyal Sprint customer since 1999, that is correct, I said 1999. I have two cell phones one for Sacramento and the other for Atlanta. The Sacramento phone is dying. It won't hold a charge, you make one phone call and the battery is dead. So, instead of buying a new battery I decided to give Sprint a call and ask for a deal, a new phone free of charge, yes I said free of charge, remember I said 1999, that's nine years. Nine years of me paying over $100.00 per month for service. In that time span I have purchased four phones all costing somewhere in the $200.00 price range.
Ok, so I go to the Sprint web site and pick out the new phone that I want a Moto by Motorola. I then call Sprint and tell them what I want. Now out of all the nine years of being a loyal Sprint customer, I have never asked them for anything, but good service. Well you would thought I asked for a $1,000 dollar phone and 6 months of free service. Because they treated me like any customer off the street, by offering me the same exact deal they give to new customers. I expressed that I was a loyal nine year customer, that didn't deserve to be treated as such, that didn't matter to the Customer Retention Department Rep.
She said that she could not give me a $397.00 dollar phone for free. What!!! I have paid Sprint over $100,000 since 1999 and they can't give me a $397.00 phone. Then she told me she could give me a discount and I would then have to pay $49.99 to get the phone. What the hell is this madness! I have been a loyal customer for nine years, I pay my bill every month, and you want to quibble with me over $397.00 then $49.99. I can't believe Sprint wants to lose a loyal customer over $49.99. Is it just me or is this the craziest thing as a business owner you have ever heard?
I told her no I don't want to pay anything for a new phone I want it free of charge. She said no she could not and would not approve that type of deal. That was it, I was done. This is the Customer Retention Department basically telling me to go screw myself, nine years service or not, Sprint was not going to do all they could do to keep me as a happy satisfied customer. So I asked her when was my contracts scheduled to end on both phones. I got a weak sorry to see you go speech, then she told me when both contracts ended.
This is what I plan to do, the 916.548.6328 ends on 11/08 and 404.931.4695 ends on 12/09. I plan to cancel service on the 916-Sacramento phone when the contract ends, then pay the $150.00 early termination fee for the 404-Atlanta. I will then take both phone numbers with me and give my business to Verizon.
This part is directed at Sprint, Inc.
Today you lost a loyal nine year customer, all because you have not trained your employees how to practice GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE. The Customer Retention Rep I spoke to said her name was Melanie at extension #4475. I will be terminating my service with you beginning 11/30/08. I'll be taking my business to your competitor Verizon.
If for some reason you would like me to give you another nine years then I, MISS LOYAL CUSTOMER am telling you that this is what you have to do to keep me. I hope this sad but true BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE NIGHTMARE serves as a guideline of how not to treat customers who stay with your company for nine or even more years of service. Don't be another corporation that finds out the hard way that your CUSTOMER, NOT YOUR COMPANY, IS THE ONE WITH THE POWER. The power to take their business elsewhere.
1. Give the Moto by Motorola free of any and all charges.
2. Give me free activation.
3. Give me two months free service for both phones.
I have been a loyal Sprint customer since 1999, that is correct, I said 1999. I have two cell phones one for Sacramento and the other for Atlanta. The Sacramento phone is dying. It won't hold a charge, you make one phone call and the battery is dead. So, instead of buying a new battery I decided to give Sprint a call and ask for a deal, a new phone free of charge, yes I said free of charge, remember I said 1999, that's nine years. Nine years of me paying over $100.00 per month for service. In that time span I have purchased four phones all costing somewhere in the $200.00 price range.
Ok, so I go to the Sprint web site and pick out the new phone that I want a Moto by Motorola. I then call Sprint and tell them what I want. Now out of all the nine years of being a loyal Sprint customer, I have never asked them for anything, but good service. Well you would thought I asked for a $1,000 dollar phone and 6 months of free service. Because they treated me like any customer off the street, by offering me the same exact deal they give to new customers. I expressed that I was a loyal nine year customer, that didn't deserve to be treated as such, that didn't matter to the Customer Retention Department Rep.
She said that she could not give me a $397.00 dollar phone for free. What!!! I have paid Sprint over $100,000 since 1999 and they can't give me a $397.00 phone. Then she told me she could give me a discount and I would then have to pay $49.99 to get the phone. What the hell is this madness! I have been a loyal customer for nine years, I pay my bill every month, and you want to quibble with me over $397.00 then $49.99. I can't believe Sprint wants to lose a loyal customer over $49.99. Is it just me or is this the craziest thing as a business owner you have ever heard?
I told her no I don't want to pay anything for a new phone I want it free of charge. She said no she could not and would not approve that type of deal. That was it, I was done. This is the Customer Retention Department basically telling me to go screw myself, nine years service or not, Sprint was not going to do all they could do to keep me as a happy satisfied customer. So I asked her when was my contracts scheduled to end on both phones. I got a weak sorry to see you go speech, then she told me when both contracts ended.
This is what I plan to do, the 916.548.6328 ends on 11/08 and 404.931.4695 ends on 12/09. I plan to cancel service on the 916-Sacramento phone when the contract ends, then pay the $150.00 early termination fee for the 404-Atlanta. I will then take both phone numbers with me and give my business to Verizon.
This part is directed at Sprint, Inc.
Today you lost a loyal nine year customer, all because you have not trained your employees how to practice GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE. The Customer Retention Rep I spoke to said her name was Melanie at extension #4475. I will be terminating my service with you beginning 11/30/08. I'll be taking my business to your competitor Verizon.
If for some reason you would like me to give you another nine years then I, MISS LOYAL CUSTOMER am telling you that this is what you have to do to keep me. I hope this sad but true BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE NIGHTMARE serves as a guideline of how not to treat customers who stay with your company for nine or even more years of service. Don't be another corporation that finds out the hard way that your CUSTOMER, NOT YOUR COMPANY, IS THE ONE WITH THE POWER. The power to take their business elsewhere.
1. Give the Moto by Motorola free of any and all charges.
2. Give me free activation.
3. Give me two months free service for both phones.
Friday, February 22, 2008
That Was Just Nasty
I'm making my post today, cause it's my birthday and I'm going out of town for the weekend, I won't have time to make a post on Sunday. This happened to me last week.
I’m sitting in my favorite Starbucks drinking my fancy flavored coffee, iced of course. I’m winding down from meeting with a client. It’s a beautiful day in Sacramento, 65 degrees and sunny. Now if you have ever lived in Sacramento you know it rains in February, our version of winter is rain, but no rain today.
Ok, back to my original thoughts. I’m not seated that far from the order counter. I’m right near where they make the coffee drinks. You know them well, skinny this, mocha that, no whip etc. Any who I’m drinking my coffee and looking around cause I’m thinking about things. Out of the corner of my eye I spot one of the barrista's with his mouth on a bottle of flavored syrup. From what I can see he’s attempting to break the plastic safety seal around the cap. OMG! That was just nasty! Starbucks has got to have a knife, scissors, paperclip any damn thing to remove that plastic seal. I’m sure his mouth was not what he was trained to use.
My eyes are totally on him now and wide open. He sees me looking at him. Now he has no idea how long I have been watching him. He must have thought I didn’t see him with his mouth wrapped around a bottle of syrup. My first thought after we made eye contact was I just knew he’s going to throw that bottle in the trash. Well surprise surprise he didn’t, he stuck a squirt dispenser in the bottle and put it on the shelf with the rest of the customer use syrup bottles.
Folks I almost knocked my coffee over. That was the nastiest thing I had ever witnessed in a place that serves the public. There was no way I was going to let this one go. After all he’s the one who made my drink. So I get up and I speak directly to him. Explaining to him that what he had just done with that syrup bottle was a health code violation and he needed to remove it from the shelf and throw it in the trash.
I was discreet about it. However he preceded to look at me as if I had five heads and a tail. He gave me that look of your not my boss so sit back down and drink your coffee. I was just about to get loud when a coworker of his had overheard the entire conversation and interrupted us. She told him I was correct, she threw the bottle in the trash. Then she thanked me for pointing it out, she even offered me a free drink. I refused cause I already had a Venti, that was coffee enough for one day. But she insisted that I take a free coffee coupon for my next visit. I took the coupon, said your welcome and returned to my seat. She took him off coffee duty and into the back room for some time, then they both came back out. She put him on the register.
Now I was not trying to get the boy into any trouble. I just wanted to point out cleanliness to him. Contaminating food product that you are going to serve to customers is not good for business. And I’m sure Starbucks does not like that type of madness either.
Folks if you have a restaurant or coffee shop or any other establishment were the public eats, please thoroughly train your employees. Let them know that under no circumstances do you ever put your mouth on a bottle of syrup that you intend to serve to customers. And also let them know it is a serious health code violation that can get your business shut down for a day or more.
Just a thought, I bet that boy doesn’t wash his hands after he goes potty. Happy Marketing Week!
I’m sitting in my favorite Starbucks drinking my fancy flavored coffee, iced of course. I’m winding down from meeting with a client. It’s a beautiful day in Sacramento, 65 degrees and sunny. Now if you have ever lived in Sacramento you know it rains in February, our version of winter is rain, but no rain today.
Ok, back to my original thoughts. I’m not seated that far from the order counter. I’m right near where they make the coffee drinks. You know them well, skinny this, mocha that, no whip etc. Any who I’m drinking my coffee and looking around cause I’m thinking about things. Out of the corner of my eye I spot one of the barrista's with his mouth on a bottle of flavored syrup. From what I can see he’s attempting to break the plastic safety seal around the cap. OMG! That was just nasty! Starbucks has got to have a knife, scissors, paperclip any damn thing to remove that plastic seal. I’m sure his mouth was not what he was trained to use.
My eyes are totally on him now and wide open. He sees me looking at him. Now he has no idea how long I have been watching him. He must have thought I didn’t see him with his mouth wrapped around a bottle of syrup. My first thought after we made eye contact was I just knew he’s going to throw that bottle in the trash. Well surprise surprise he didn’t, he stuck a squirt dispenser in the bottle and put it on the shelf with the rest of the customer use syrup bottles.
Folks I almost knocked my coffee over. That was the nastiest thing I had ever witnessed in a place that serves the public. There was no way I was going to let this one go. After all he’s the one who made my drink. So I get up and I speak directly to him. Explaining to him that what he had just done with that syrup bottle was a health code violation and he needed to remove it from the shelf and throw it in the trash.
I was discreet about it. However he preceded to look at me as if I had five heads and a tail. He gave me that look of your not my boss so sit back down and drink your coffee. I was just about to get loud when a coworker of his had overheard the entire conversation and interrupted us. She told him I was correct, she threw the bottle in the trash. Then she thanked me for pointing it out, she even offered me a free drink. I refused cause I already had a Venti, that was coffee enough for one day. But she insisted that I take a free coffee coupon for my next visit. I took the coupon, said your welcome and returned to my seat. She took him off coffee duty and into the back room for some time, then they both came back out. She put him on the register.
Now I was not trying to get the boy into any trouble. I just wanted to point out cleanliness to him. Contaminating food product that you are going to serve to customers is not good for business. And I’m sure Starbucks does not like that type of madness either.
Folks if you have a restaurant or coffee shop or any other establishment were the public eats, please thoroughly train your employees. Let them know that under no circumstances do you ever put your mouth on a bottle of syrup that you intend to serve to customers. And also let them know it is a serious health code violation that can get your business shut down for a day or more.
Just a thought, I bet that boy doesn’t wash his hands after he goes potty. Happy Marketing Week!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
HAPPY 45TH BIRTHDAY TO ME!
That's right on 02/22/1963 my Mom and Dad gave birth to a bouncy baby girl. Mom says I was running out of the womb, always ready to go somewhere. Yup, that's me, I can't sit still ever, I'm always moving.
This post is not an attempt to get birthday wishes or gifts, not at all. It's a reverse birthday gift. Uh you say. What am I talking about? Well, I set a goal at forty, when I started EastLake Marketing Group. That goal was, if I'm making money with this business at forty-five then I will continue working for myself. Yes, I'm making money, doing pretty well in fact.
Since I have done so well I would like to give you, my customers and future customers a gift. Here it is:
I will prepare a detailed six month marketing plan for your business at half the price. That's right a marketing plan that I regularly charge $500.00 dollars for is yours at $200.00 dollars. Now is the time to gain new business, because we have all heard about the national recession looming ahead. Don't let this opportunity pass you by. Contact me at 916.548.6328 or 404.931.4695 e-mail, dcephas@eastlakemarketing.com. This is a one-time 30 day offer, it ends 03/22/08. Book your appointment today!
This post is not an attempt to get birthday wishes or gifts, not at all. It's a reverse birthday gift. Uh you say. What am I talking about? Well, I set a goal at forty, when I started EastLake Marketing Group. That goal was, if I'm making money with this business at forty-five then I will continue working for myself. Yes, I'm making money, doing pretty well in fact.
Since I have done so well I would like to give you, my customers and future customers a gift. Here it is:
I will prepare a detailed six month marketing plan for your business at half the price. That's right a marketing plan that I regularly charge $500.00 dollars for is yours at $200.00 dollars. Now is the time to gain new business, because we have all heard about the national recession looming ahead. Don't let this opportunity pass you by. Contact me at 916.548.6328 or 404.931.4695 e-mail, dcephas@eastlakemarketing.com. This is a one-time 30 day offer, it ends 03/22/08. Book your appointment today!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Sharing Is Good Thing
A friend asked me the other day why I do what I do. She wanted to know why I gave up on corporate america. Why I have made the choice to not have a steady paycheck every two weeks.
Why did I become a marketing consultant? Well, not because I had this brilliant idea to help all the small businesses in the world market their products and services. No, not at all. Well maybe for a second I did.
I become a marketing consultant because I love people, in fact I love helping people, small business to be exact. Why am I telling you folks this? Cause I felt like sharing. Sharing is a good thing. Feel like sharing about your business? If so, leave a comment. Happy Marketing Week!
Why did I become a marketing consultant? Well, not because I had this brilliant idea to help all the small businesses in the world market their products and services. No, not at all. Well maybe for a second I did.
I become a marketing consultant because I love people, in fact I love helping people, small business to be exact. Why am I telling you folks this? Cause I felt like sharing. Sharing is a good thing. Feel like sharing about your business? If so, leave a comment. Happy Marketing Week!
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Start Something New In 2008
It’s 2008! Start something new, like starting a business, a new marketing strategy, a new public relations campaign, launch a new product or service, whatever it is just start it. Yes change is scary, but so is life.
Let's talk about starting new. I was terrified when I started EastLake Marketing Group. There I was, 41 years old with no job and wondering what the hell to do next. So what did I do? I started a business. Read my first post regarding that very moment.
My Story (Posted August 2006)
Let me tell you my story. I started EastLake Marketing Group after being fired from my corporate giant job. I was forty-something when this happened, so you can imagine I panicked. How do I start over at forty-one? Then I thought, after much debate, why not start my own business. I started my business in 2004 with about $20,000 in settlement money (I sued the corporate giant). This at the time was the only way I figured I would be safe from being fired ever again.
It's been almost 2 years since I become an entrepreneur, and let me tell you, I love every minute of being my own boss. Sure it's hard work, 12 hour days, 7 days a week. I've got seven clients, I work hard to serve them, so they don't go elsewhere. I also market my business to gain more clients (wear about 20 hats). My goal is to have at least 41 clients by 2008, hire two or three employees, then I think I'll be satisfied.
EastLake Marketing Group specializes in small business marketing. I offer web design, graphic design, promotional products and marketing advice.
So that's my story. On the advice of my twenty-something myspace-blog-queen daughter, I decided to start my own blog. I'll be giving away free marketing advice. Feel free to contact me for anything specific. (Post End)
Well it has now been four years since I started EastLake Marketing Group. I can honestly say that I have loved every minute of the ride that got me to this point. Did I have some rough patches? Yes. Did I eat cereal for breakfast, lunch and dinner? Yes. Did I work my patooty off to get my first 7 clients? Yes. Did I come close to making my goal of 41 clients? Not yet, but I still intend to meet that goal. Now as far as hiring two or three employees, I won’t ever hire anyone (this is California, the highest State on the planet to have employees in), I do however hire independent contractors.
How do I feel about starting my own business? It’s the best thing I could have done. Yes, it’s like giving birth and raising a baby until it decides to move out on it’s own. I enjoy every long, up and down, unpredictable, fun-loving, sometimes painful day. I wouldn't get a job now even if I was offered six-figures. I would slowly go crazy working for someone else. So to those of you who are business owners, reflect on this. Running a business is hard, but it's also damn rewarding. Keep doing you.
Let's talk about starting new. I was terrified when I started EastLake Marketing Group. There I was, 41 years old with no job and wondering what the hell to do next. So what did I do? I started a business. Read my first post regarding that very moment.
My Story (Posted August 2006)
Let me tell you my story. I started EastLake Marketing Group after being fired from my corporate giant job. I was forty-something when this happened, so you can imagine I panicked. How do I start over at forty-one? Then I thought, after much debate, why not start my own business. I started my business in 2004 with about $20,000 in settlement money (I sued the corporate giant). This at the time was the only way I figured I would be safe from being fired ever again.
It's been almost 2 years since I become an entrepreneur, and let me tell you, I love every minute of being my own boss. Sure it's hard work, 12 hour days, 7 days a week. I've got seven clients, I work hard to serve them, so they don't go elsewhere. I also market my business to gain more clients (wear about 20 hats). My goal is to have at least 41 clients by 2008, hire two or three employees, then I think I'll be satisfied.
EastLake Marketing Group specializes in small business marketing. I offer web design, graphic design, promotional products and marketing advice.
So that's my story. On the advice of my twenty-something myspace-blog-queen daughter, I decided to start my own blog. I'll be giving away free marketing advice. Feel free to contact me for anything specific. (Post End)
Well it has now been four years since I started EastLake Marketing Group. I can honestly say that I have loved every minute of the ride that got me to this point. Did I have some rough patches? Yes. Did I eat cereal for breakfast, lunch and dinner? Yes. Did I work my patooty off to get my first 7 clients? Yes. Did I come close to making my goal of 41 clients? Not yet, but I still intend to meet that goal. Now as far as hiring two or three employees, I won’t ever hire anyone (this is California, the highest State on the planet to have employees in), I do however hire independent contractors.
How do I feel about starting my own business? It’s the best thing I could have done. Yes, it’s like giving birth and raising a baby until it decides to move out on it’s own. I enjoy every long, up and down, unpredictable, fun-loving, sometimes painful day. I wouldn't get a job now even if I was offered six-figures. I would slowly go crazy working for someone else. So to those of you who are business owners, reflect on this. Running a business is hard, but it's also damn rewarding. Keep doing you.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Smell The Roses
What ever happened to taking our time? You know just relaxing, not hurrying about. Everybody is in such a darn rush to get somewhere or to do something. So much so, we have terms for it. The "early bird catches to worm", means get up at the crack of dawn or you'll miss out. Miss out on what? The term " I need it yesterday", means give it to me right now. Needing it yesterday is not even possible when you think about. If it was needed yesterday than why didn't you do it yesterday?
I made a promise to never rush anything unless I'm paid to do so. My time is valuable to me. If I have to rush, than I'm getting paid for it, period. Besides, I always take my time and focus on the details so I get it done correctly the first time. Cause I don't enjoy repeating anything.
Stop and smell the roses. That saying couldn't be more true for this day and age. Fast everything has been invented, dsl, fast-food, drive-thru, automated customer service, self-check out lanes, etc. Even giving birth to a beautiful bundle of joy takes a three day hospital stay, some hospitals kick you out after one day. Surgeries that once required a hospital stay are now done on an out-patient basis. When does it stop?
One can choose to rush about in every area of life, but we business owners should take time to service customers and clients. Take time to give them what they want, not what you think they want. Take time to be understanding of their needs. No automated customer service lines needed. Make them feel that you truly care about doing business with them. Let's all start doing the simple act of Smelling The Roses.
I made a promise to never rush anything unless I'm paid to do so. My time is valuable to me. If I have to rush, than I'm getting paid for it, period. Besides, I always take my time and focus on the details so I get it done correctly the first time. Cause I don't enjoy repeating anything.
Stop and smell the roses. That saying couldn't be more true for this day and age. Fast everything has been invented, dsl, fast-food, drive-thru, automated customer service, self-check out lanes, etc. Even giving birth to a beautiful bundle of joy takes a three day hospital stay, some hospitals kick you out after one day. Surgeries that once required a hospital stay are now done on an out-patient basis. When does it stop?
One can choose to rush about in every area of life, but we business owners should take time to service customers and clients. Take time to give them what they want, not what you think they want. Take time to be understanding of their needs. No automated customer service lines needed. Make them feel that you truly care about doing business with them. Let's all start doing the simple act of Smelling The Roses.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
People Are Who They Are
In all my 44 years on this earth, I have come to realize that people are who they are. There are people who are good and people who are evil. Now I'm not attempting to judge anyone, I'm just stating a fact. The majority of people are often good law abiding citizens. They go to work everyday. Run their businesses. Take care of their families. Pay their bills. And would generally never dream of committing a crime.
But then there are the people who are up to no good. These are the people that keep law enforcement on their toes. These are the people who keep prisons over crowded. The people that make you afraid to walk the streets at night. They make you afraid to leave your children alone for even a second. They steal from businesses. I could go on, but you get the picture. These people are called criminals. Most have no regard for anyone.
I bring this up because of scams that happen to businesses. I won't post the details here about the various scams going on, let's just say any business small or large often ends up losing a lot of money. And most have no recourse of ever recovering lost funds. I get e-mails daily from so-called businesses asking me if I take credit cards and if I ship to overseas countries, for products I don't even sell.
Understand this, I'm not saying that this a common thing that happens to business owners, but it does indeed happen. Often service small-business owners neglect to really investigate a potential client thoroughly, because they don't want to lose the client. Some don't do credit checks, or get a signed contract, they don't ask for half or all of the payment before beginning work. This oversight happens because they are just happy they got a client.
So I say to you. Get to know your clients or potential clients. Find out about them and their business. Don't be apprehensive about asking financial details before doing business with them. If they have a problem with the questions, let them know why you're asking them. The good thing is, we humans have instinct just like animals, so we can tell when we're walking into a lion's den. Because, people are who they are.
But then there are the people who are up to no good. These are the people that keep law enforcement on their toes. These are the people who keep prisons over crowded. The people that make you afraid to walk the streets at night. They make you afraid to leave your children alone for even a second. They steal from businesses. I could go on, but you get the picture. These people are called criminals. Most have no regard for anyone.
I bring this up because of scams that happen to businesses. I won't post the details here about the various scams going on, let's just say any business small or large often ends up losing a lot of money. And most have no recourse of ever recovering lost funds. I get e-mails daily from so-called businesses asking me if I take credit cards and if I ship to overseas countries, for products I don't even sell.
Understand this, I'm not saying that this a common thing that happens to business owners, but it does indeed happen. Often service small-business owners neglect to really investigate a potential client thoroughly, because they don't want to lose the client. Some don't do credit checks, or get a signed contract, they don't ask for half or all of the payment before beginning work. This oversight happens because they are just happy they got a client.
So I say to you. Get to know your clients or potential clients. Find out about them and their business. Don't be apprehensive about asking financial details before doing business with them. If they have a problem with the questions, let them know why you're asking them. The good thing is, we humans have instinct just like animals, so we can tell when we're walking into a lion's den. Because, people are who they are.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Tell Me How You Take Care Of Your Customers
I'd like to know how other businesses take care of their customers. Leave a comment stating how you do this. Feel free to post your company name and a link to your web site or blog.
I will start with myself.
EastLake Marketing Group creates marketing solutions that helps small-businesses increase their revenue. This is how I make a living. Contact me to find out how I can increase your revenue. Growing a business is fun.
I will start with myself.
EastLake Marketing Group creates marketing solutions that helps small-businesses increase their revenue. This is how I make a living. Contact me to find out how I can increase your revenue. Growing a business is fun.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Bad Customer Service
I used to love Apple, but now I hate them. Not their computers, just the people who work for them. It comes from the top on down, they are too full of themsevles now.
My reason for the hate is this. I took my iBook in because it was booting to a black screen. Anyway, I take it to the Apple Store, those so-called techs sent it out for repair, two weeks later I go and pick it up to find, that my hard drive is completely gone, yes, everything was gone. Apple decided to make up for their blunder of damaging my original hard drive, by installing a PowerBook 4,3 inside my iBook. I was livid, no one called me to say this was happening or anything. They just thought I would be oh so happy now that I have a PowerBook. I told them if I wanted a PowerBook I would have purchased one.
My conclusion is, this is what happens to a company when they are too focused on being chic and cool. Several other customers were watching me and hearing the Store Manager explain why they did this. Some of them told me their horror stories. Let me tell you, I’m no longer feeling the Apple experience.
My reason for the hate is this. I took my iBook in because it was booting to a black screen. Anyway, I take it to the Apple Store, those so-called techs sent it out for repair, two weeks later I go and pick it up to find, that my hard drive is completely gone, yes, everything was gone. Apple decided to make up for their blunder of damaging my original hard drive, by installing a PowerBook 4,3 inside my iBook. I was livid, no one called me to say this was happening or anything. They just thought I would be oh so happy now that I have a PowerBook. I told them if I wanted a PowerBook I would have purchased one.
My conclusion is, this is what happens to a company when they are too focused on being chic and cool. Several other customers were watching me and hearing the Store Manager explain why they did this. Some of them told me their horror stories. Let me tell you, I’m no longer feeling the Apple experience.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Make It Happen
Ever heard that phrase, "Make It Happen" When you hear it said do you think, make what happen? I guess this pharse was started by a boss in corporate land attempting to light the fire in his staff or something. We business owners make it happen without even thinking about it or we don't eat, have a roof over our heads, drive a car, etc. If not, we have to find a job, EEEEEWWWWW. Happy marketing week to you all.
Monday, September 17, 2007
My Thoughts
Know where your going and how to get there.
On the road of business, there are leaders and followers.
Marketing requires participation.
In business there are no mistakes, there is what you do, and what you don't do.
All advertising is illusion.
Customer service is what you do daily.
If you don't know, you had better ask someone.
Makeup cost too much money.
Loyalty is not free.
Never forget to follow your heart, where it leads you is always correct.
On the road of business, there are leaders and followers.
Marketing requires participation.
In business there are no mistakes, there is what you do, and what you don't do.
All advertising is illusion.
Customer service is what you do daily.
If you don't know, you had better ask someone.
Makeup cost too much money.
Loyalty is not free.
Never forget to follow your heart, where it leads you is always correct.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Find Your Place In The Sun
When I was growing up in Chicago, IL, I often heard grown folks use the saying, "find your place in the sun". It wasn't until I was in my 20's that I understood what it meant. It means go out and find your purpose in life, do what truly makes you happy. Well, at this point in my life I can say, I have finally found my place in the sun.
Now I would like to do a different twist on that old saying. "Find your place in the business sun". How do you do that, you say? You do it when, you call a customer just to say thank you, when you give away something free, when you go the extra mile and stay open after hours for a customer, when you greet every customer with a smile. These are just a few examples.
Finding ways to make your customers happy to do business with you is how you find your place in the business sun. Take a moment and think about how you can make your customers happy. You'll soon find that marketing is fun. Have a great work week.
Now I would like to do a different twist on that old saying. "Find your place in the business sun". How do you do that, you say? You do it when, you call a customer just to say thank you, when you give away something free, when you go the extra mile and stay open after hours for a customer, when you greet every customer with a smile. These are just a few examples.
Finding ways to make your customers happy to do business with you is how you find your place in the business sun. Take a moment and think about how you can make your customers happy. You'll soon find that marketing is fun. Have a great work week.
Friday, June 08, 2007
My Thoughts
Don't take it personal, just things I have learned about running a small-business.
Pay your bills in full each month.
Use credit cards only when you have to.
Don't hire family members.
Simplify your standard of living.
Work hard, than work even harder.
Market your business.
You will succeed.
Pay yourself first.
Don't take unsolicited advice from people who are not where you want to be.
Hang out with people who are where you want to be.
Remember where you came from.
When you do make it, give back.
Pay your bills in full each month.
Use credit cards only when you have to.
Don't hire family members.
Simplify your standard of living.
Work hard, than work even harder.
Market your business.
You will succeed.
Pay yourself first.
Don't take unsolicited advice from people who are not where you want to be.
Hang out with people who are where you want to be.
Remember where you came from.
When you do make it, give back.
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