Testimonials
Hear what my clients have to say about their experience.

Archive for April 2010

What does it mean to give to get?

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Recently, I encountered an unusual situation…I went to a local grocery store.  Parked near my car were two shopping carts so…on the way in, I thought it only made sense to bring those into the store.  As I began to bring the two carts in, there was another cart on the sidewalk near the store that I incorporated into the other two.

Now, for any of you who has ever brought multiple grocery carts into a store, you know they can become wieldy, wobbly and difficult to turn.  Given such was the case here, I happened to struggle bringing them back into the store.

Here’s where it gets interesting…I passed three store employees sitting on a picnic table enjoying their break…not one said a thing to me or offered to help me with the carts.

Then…near the store entrance, camped out was a group of 4 to 6 individuals, part of a well-known service organizatoin, asking me to purchase something from them.  (Not sure what it was given I was so focused and determined to “turn the corner”, more like a U-turn into the store, than what they wanted to sell me.

AND…yes, not one of them offered to assist me as well! :-(

WELL…needless to say, I did not purchase any items from the service organization, much less even listen to their pitch!  AND…given the somewhat sour taste I had in my mouth for the store employees who did not offer any assistance either, I quickly purchased what I needed…nothing more, nothing less!

SO…what’s the point?  Yes, I was frustrated that no one reached out to me and if they had, I would have been apt to purchase more from the store and/or purchase/support the local service organization.

The REAL POINT?  It reminded me that I can be the same way…looking to sell or someone to buy from me versus truly helping them with what they need!

3 Things I Learned about Marketing while on Spring Break in Arizona — #3

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#3 ELEMENTS at THE SANCTUARY  

We shared an exquisite dining experience with a good friend from Paradise Valley in the Phoenix Area.  He treated us to an incredible night at Elements Restaurant at The Sanctuary!

I ordered a side item  thinking it was one thing and it turned out to be another thing!  Has that ever happened to you?  

The waitress asked how I liked it and I told her directly that it was not at all what I thought it was…she apologized and later came back “out of the blue” to inform us that there would be “no charge” for the side item.  This was totally unexpected from my viewpoint, but as a result, here I am now telling this very positive story and experience about them!  

So…as a small business owner, always look to surprise your clients and customers in some way!  We will remember and tell others!!!

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3 Things I Learned about Marketing while on Spring Break in Arizona — #2

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#2 MARRIOTT VACATION CLUB

As an owner for a number of years now, we thoroughly enjoy our time at the Marriott Vacation Club in Phoenix!

What did I learn from Marriott about marketing?  A lot…but simply put…they take care of you and always want to know how they are doing and what else they can do for you!

So…as a small business, it is important to continue to ask your clients and customers how you are doing and what else can you do for them!

Create both a formal and informal on-going feedback system of some kind!

Stay tuned for #3!!!

3 Things I Learned about Marketing while on Spring Break in Arizona — #1

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#1 IN-N-OUT BURGER

One of our favorite stops is IN-N-OUT BURGER!  

Why? Great burgers and great fries!  

What makes them so great? Fresh beef  and fresh cut fries!  

But is it that simple…what makes it so attractive from a marketing standpoint is they offer only 3 items: BURGERS, FRIES and DRINKS!   That’s it!  

SO…they specialize!  They have created a niche for themselves by narrowing their focus and offering the “best in burgers and fries!”

Stay tuned for #2 and #3!!!