Archive for 5 Steps To a Compelling Marketing Message

Sales Questions And Solutions

Time To Answer Your Questions

I promised to to do a video response – and here it is.  My editor (and best husband ever) was out of town today and I decided to post this as is – just me chatting with you about a sales question.

 

More questions?  I’m happy to answer yours.

Post them here in the comments or email them!

SoundAdvice SoundBite Sales Mind Shift

Take a listen to today’s SoundBite. It’s a quick sales mind shift that will change the way you look at making your offer!

SoundBiteMindShift

I’d love your feedback and questions!

The Sales Number And Your Marketing Happily Ever After

You can’t sell your products and services to everyone.

As a solopreneur there is a limit to how many people you can reach, sell to and serve.
If you offer services this is especially true.
Your time and creative ability are limited.
You can hire others to help and automate steps to make things more efficient.
You can package services to streamline your offerings.
Creating an information product, book or reproductions are also a great way to add revenue and sell what you do to more people.

It’s critical to know your numbers.

I know you’re creative and big picture and spreadsheets aren’t your thing.
Which is why it’s even more important to understand this concept.
Here’s a way to start.
Get some paper and a sharpie and a calculator.

Write down how much you’d like to make each month.

Is it more than what you make now?
Maybe it’s a lot more.
How much do you charge per hour or per piece of art, or web design or per page of copy written?
Your current rate.
Is it physically possible to work the number of hours each month? (for now just assume the customers will be there)
Could you actually do it?
If you’re like most, the answer is no.
Now what? Raise your rates? Contract out? Add additional revenue sources?
Maybe all of the above.

Put a plan in place and start implementing.

You won’t get to that number you just wrote down without a game plan.
Let’s get back to the whole idea that you can’t sell to everyone.
The fastest, easiest way to get to your number is by knowing who is looking for what you do and marketing to them.
A bunch!
With options.
Multiple ways for them to hire you, or buy what you have.

But it means you have to decide exactly who those people are.

Your marketing will get so much better when you talk to just those people.
Don’t be afraid to be specific.
Do you have lots of designers or doctors in your client list now?
Start there.
Talk to them – address the issues their industry faces in particular.

Here’s an example: Let’s say you design websites.
You’ve worked with a few financial planners and people who work with high wealth individuals.
They have tons of regulations about what they can and cannot say.
You learned this from your previous clients.
You can address their fear about compliance, keeping things legal and still being unique and original.

You talk their language.

You understand the restrictions about what they can and cannot do.
Your marketing talks about how to attract high wealth individuals with design.
You offer a free resource that tells people in the financial industry how to brand themselves starting with great web design.
You have relevant social proof in your portfolio and client testimonials.

See how that works?

Now deciding how to write and talk about what you do is easier.
Finding the people who understand what you’re talking about is easier.
Learning where to reach your audience becomes so much clearer and less time is wasted broadcasting to the those who aren’t going to “get” you.

I promise if you start here and get really clear about who you want to work with – really understand this part, the other steps will become so much easier to take! You’ll be hitting your goal in no time!

What about this works for you?  What doesn’t?  I’m here to help.

It’s time to hit your number! Schedule your one hour session to jump start your sales.

Sugardaddy’s – Proof Overdelivering Can Be Simple

 I’ve been talking about 5 ways to develop a compelling marketing message.  One of the steps is adding value.  You should find a way for one simple reason. 
It works. 
 Customers will love it. 
They’ll talk to others about it. 
They’ll come back for more. 

Here’s a great example.  I recently wanted to send a gift to a friend who lives across the country.  I wanted it to be unique and somthing she could share with her husband too.  I chose to send Sugardaddy’s brownies.  I visited the store but could have easily accomplished this online as well.   A simple gift transaction has made me a raving fan. 

If you aren’t familiar - Sugardaddy’s make brownies – really amazing brownies with names like American Beauty and Drunken Chunky.  (Note: you can’t overdeliver if your basic product/service isn’t great to start with)

They ship brownies in really cool packaging.  It doesn’t just taste good, it looks good too.  When you open up the box, you know before you take a bite these are really special brownies.  They also promise next day so they are fresh.  Their standard is “Oven to door in 24.”  (Note: they charge for the service, but it’s not an option)

I placed my order, wrote a nice note to be included and left feeling good about my gift choice.
I was happily surprised by a phone call to thank me for my order - a nice touch – and they also let me know that my gift had been delivered and signed for.  Confirmation that my gift was there.  I also received a discount code for 10% off my next order.
 Easy?  Sure.  But hardly anyone does it. 
It made an impact. 

Sugardaddy’s doesn’t sell on price – they charge for shipping (of course) but only offer overnight rates because they insist that their product arrive and be fresh.  They don’t make cakes, or other treats – they market the “couture” brownie.  I love that they tell me as a customer – this is how we do it. We’ll deliver the best brownies in a beautiful package and guarantee freshness.  We’re awesome at that.  That one thing. 

How can you apply this concept in your business?    Can you simplify things and make doing business with you/your company easier and customers happier?