You’ve heard me preach ad nauseum that your brand strategy informs everything your business does, inside and out. Even when it comes to how you thank your clients, customers or partners. You can refresh yourself on some good reasons to thank your tribe–and a few insanely clever ways to do it. It’s important to remember that any “thank you”–from clever emails to thoughtful handwritten … [Read more...]
6 reasons to thank your clients + how to do it
We all need to thank our customers and clients for making us successful. But if you're not sure when it's appropriate or how to do it with panache, take a tip from today's guest columnist, tech geek + website wonder woman Alison Monday of Tiny Blue Orange. Alison is my right-hand web woman and she has mad digital skills and signature style. Today, she shares 6 ideas for when you can say "thank … [Read more...]
Is accountability dead?
Sometimes, it feels like our world has turned into a giant game of tag. People and organizations are constantly pointing fingers to blame mistakes, gaffes and actions on someone else. The ink barely dry on headlines, and people are shouting, “Not it!” in an effort to get the spotlight off themselves. Consider: GM uncovers ignition flaws on their Cobalt years ago, but instead of fixing the … [Read more...]
How to Define Your Target Market? Channel your inner Aaron Sorkin
What can the screenwriter of such TV and movie hits as West Wing, The Social Network and my new obsession The Newsroom teach you about defining your customer niche or target market? A heck of a lot. Doesn’t matter whether you have a business, blog or book. It’s vital to define who will realistically consume what you have to offer. Specifically, who is your ideal customer, client or … [Read more...]
Stuck in neutral? 4 ways to reboot your business and rekindle your fire
Ah, the first blushes of entrepreneurial love. The romance! The energy! But what happens when the passion fades and the reality of demanding customers/clients, overwhelming marketing options and painful tasks (QuickBooks, anyone?) creeps in? Suddenly, your business becomes a grind and you find yourself working harder for less reward, less return…and less joy. Your once appreciative and dreamy-eyed … [Read more...]