This isn’t about the USPS.  It’s about the message.  It’s direct.  To the point. No doubt about what you are supposed to do. Clarity is good.  While waiting for my turn, behind the sign as requested, I started thinking why can’t websites be this clear?  You know what I mean.  You’ve seen the sites with lengthy copy that really doesn’t tell you much.  Or a site with cool graphics and music with no real content.
And then there is the contact me, contact us, stuff.  What is up with the obscurity here?  Don’t you want people to contact you?  Isn’t a ringing phone and full in box the whole idea?  Every page should have your name, phone number, email address, twitter link, Facebook link; the whole package.  
And while you’re updating things give me a reason to contact you.  In the sales and marketing industry, it’s aptly named a call to action.  Sums it up nicely don’t you think?  Tell me what you want me to do.  Somehow, for some reason I am on your website, so let me know what to do next! 

Here are a few suggestions to get you started: 

Bloggers – ask questions if you want me to comment.  Actively seek input and continue the conversation.    

Shopping Site – pretty obvious here, but make it easy for me to browse and put things in a shopping cart.  Don’t ask me to register, fill out a profile form or give you my credit card info until I’m ready to buy.  But DO encourage me to check out the cool stuff you offer and make it as easy as you can to search for items. 

Services/Consulting Sites – Give me an easy way to opt in for info.  It’s great to offer free stuff – remind me on every page how nice you are to give things away and make it easy to get.  Tell me how I can reach you.  If I can’t find a phone number or an email address to reach out with questions I’m certainly not going to fill out a detailed profile so you can send me a formal quote.

   Look at your site with a critical eye.  If you can’t be objective, ask a friend or trusted business associate to do it for you.  I’d be happy to check it out and provide some feedback.  You can reach me here:

Email me at pnichols@soundadvicesales.com

Call me at 614 726 3126

What other tips do you have?  Any pet peeves when navigating web sites?  Want to share a site that does things really well?

That’s a memorable line just because it was not an analogy I’m familiar with.  In fact in a totally unscientific survey of the 8 people in the tweet seats no one had.  I think it’s a Gee-ism.  He went on to talk about what that means and how one develops such a trait.

Think focus and mental toughness.  He shared with everyone that in his life this routinely comes into play whenever the topic of an NCAA Football playoff system is written about or discussed in the media.  His position is unpopular even in OSU crazed Columbus where he can usually do no wrong.  He indicated that he has thousands of letters (which he keeps) telling him how wrong, misguided, and clueless his opinion really is.  He has been quoted in Sports Illustrated and on ESPN and the sports pages in major college football towns. 

Not the type of press an academic, bow-tie-wearing guy gets.  And it probably isn’t going to stop any time soon.  

He says nerves like sewer pipes keep him going.  He’s public about his opinion because it’s expected of him. He didn’t defend it but you can tell he’s not likely to change his mind anytime soon.

I’m working on getting better pipes.  I don’t want to be deaf to criticism but I surely don’t want to be fearful to take a stand.  I started a business to help small business owners gain and retain customers.  The services offered will help entrepreneurs who are feeling pretty stressed, depressed and maybe even a little desperate. 

I’ve decided to take a stand for entrepreneurs who are nervous about moving forward, or taking their business to the next level.  Doing nothing may feel safe, but we all know better.  Sales strategy, planning and execution aren’t flashy but they work. 

Sewer pipes.  Thanks President Gee.  It’s a visual I can’t shake and I’ve tried.  Time to develop my own! 

Do you have other Gee-ism’s?  I’d love to hear them.  He’s a witty colorful speaker and was genuinely funny.  I’m betting there are more of them out there with a little lesson attached.  He is an educator after all! 

Did you start your dream business and need help to make it grow?

Do you want more sales and an easier way to attract clients?

Do you need a fool proof sales pitch that you can comfortably deliver?

Have you tried other “techniques” only to find they don’t fit you?

End struggling. Today. 

You Will Learn:

• Learn to turn ideas into sales
• How to turn a no to yes
• Make setting up client meetings a snap
• Develop a laser focus to your target market
• Set up systems to easily implement your marketing
• Write effective communications that elicit response
• How to instill a call to action in all your sales tools that is comfortable  

If people could sit and talk with you, one on one, and feel your passion and see your vision, they would be your clients. They might even stand in line to buy what you’re selling!

We put the pieces together – and give you the tools to do it.