I was so excited about the news for the new SOC iPhone App! I downloaded it for free, logged into my account and started to send cards!!!
I thought to myself- how is this possible with over 14,000 cards, images and my contacts? Well, they did it. It is very simple.
I logged in and the screen shows my address, points and expense I have in my account. I select catalog at the bottom of the screen to start creating a card. The categories are listed just like in your regular account on the computer. I select Holiday and Occasions to send a birthday card. I go through selecting the card for a friend. The images on the front of the card are clear and colorful. I click next at the top of my screen. I can edit the left and right sides of the card.
I can insert images from my SOC account or take a photo from iPhone!!! Instantly it goes into my card.
I can also add an existing contact from my Send Out Cards account, my device's address book or add a new contact.
It validates how many points and expense I am going to use and then SEND CARD!
Wow!!! Talk about acting on a prompting. You are out with clients and can send a card right after a meeting without going to your office! BRILLIANT!
Showing posts with label referrals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label referrals. Show all posts
Friday, October 8, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
That's ok, I don't want your referral.
The person who needs to read this is the one who wonders why they don't receive referrals from clients and/or other business professionals. The other type of person who reads this, like myself and my partner, will probably laugh in agreement.
How many times have you found someone at a networking event you thought about referring too? It is a great experience. They are a person who will fit in your circle of contacts, help each other with referrals, a nice compliment to the services and/ or products you have. Whatever the reason, you hit it off (or so you thought) and poof they don't FOLLOW UP!
You know that there lies interest. It is obvious from the other party. You make that phone call which is basic in nature. "Hello, how are you? I would like to know about you and your business? Give me a call."
You don't hear back, so the next day you send an email and wait...still no response. You think- are they on vacation? Are they hurt? Now, this is not just a one way street you truly want to know about them and their business, so you can refer your clients to them. There isn't an automated e-mail response saying they are out of town, nor a message on their voicemail. So, do they want the business or not? You even think to yourself- do they even know how to network and follow up?
I ask myself, does this person really want my referral? How can I be an effective referral generator to someone who does not return my call or email in a timely manner. If this is how you treat me, then how will you treat my client?
One needs to think about how they may be perceived if not returning communications in a timely manner. Communication is very important.
We are living in a society where people want instant gratification. If you don't call them back in an hour (maybe for some people it is even less) they WILL call someone else. Just Google a business and thousands come up. Everyone is not only in competition with the store down the street, but the ones all over the country.
My best advice is to offer you this. Reflect on how quickly you return a call, answer an email and evaluate the way you communicate to your customers and networking friends. If you are not available at this time then let them know you will contact them as soon as you return.
Ask yourself this- do you ignore a phone call on your cell because you don't know the number? Instead TELL yourself this, "If I DO answer this call, then I may gain a new customer. Because if I don't they more than likely will call my competition." I am not saying to be up at all hours of the night and being interrupted during family dinners. I am just saying to communicate more effectively and you may have more business than you know what to do with.
Debbie
Retail Store: http://www.unitedwesendcards.com/
Send A Free Card and Biz Op: http://www.unitedwesendcards.net/
********************************************************************************
How many times have you found someone at a networking event you thought about referring too? It is a great experience. They are a person who will fit in your circle of contacts, help each other with referrals, a nice compliment to the services and/ or products you have. Whatever the reason, you hit it off (or so you thought) and poof they don't FOLLOW UP!
You know that there lies interest. It is obvious from the other party. You make that phone call which is basic in nature. "Hello, how are you? I would like to know about you and your business? Give me a call."
You don't hear back, so the next day you send an email and wait...still no response. You think- are they on vacation? Are they hurt? Now, this is not just a one way street you truly want to know about them and their business, so you can refer your clients to them. There isn't an automated e-mail response saying they are out of town, nor a message on their voicemail. So, do they want the business or not? You even think to yourself- do they even know how to network and follow up?
I ask myself, does this person really want my referral? How can I be an effective referral generator to someone who does not return my call or email in a timely manner. If this is how you treat me, then how will you treat my client?
One needs to think about how they may be perceived if not returning communications in a timely manner. Communication is very important.
We are living in a society where people want instant gratification. If you don't call them back in an hour (maybe for some people it is even less) they WILL call someone else. Just Google a business and thousands come up. Everyone is not only in competition with the store down the street, but the ones all over the country.
My best advice is to offer you this. Reflect on how quickly you return a call, answer an email and evaluate the way you communicate to your customers and networking friends. If you are not available at this time then let them know you will contact them as soon as you return.
Ask yourself this- do you ignore a phone call on your cell because you don't know the number? Instead TELL yourself this, "If I DO answer this call, then I may gain a new customer. Because if I don't they more than likely will call my competition." I am not saying to be up at all hours of the night and being interrupted during family dinners. I am just saying to communicate more effectively and you may have more business than you know what to do with.
Debbie
Retail Store: http://www.unitedwesendcards.com/
Send A Free Card and Biz Op: http://www.unitedwesendcards.net/
********************************************************************************
Friday, August 13, 2010
Dating vs. Networking- What is the Difference?
I thought of this topic as I was lying in bed last night. For those of you who know me this is not an irregular thing for me to do. On top of three kids, a husband, two successful businesses and planning a Women's Expo and Fundraiser. One would think I just crash. But I had an epiphany.
So, what is the difference between Dating and Networking? My hypothesis says nothing. There is no difference.
Dating is the process of meeting a person of the opposite sex (or same sex in some situations). Dating is the beginning stage to find that man/woman of our dreams. To marry, have children, and live a long and beautiful life with.
In the past, before the Internet, we met people through our friends and family who knew us and knew the other person. Therefore, you hoped that it would be a good match. Sometimes it was and sometimes it wasn't. This way of matchmaking has gone by the wayside. Now, the majority of single people are using social media sites to find people quicker, easier and a bit safer. We are busy. We don't have time for a long drawn out first date. If we don't like them why torture ourselves for an hour and a half. We can have coffee instead and see if it can go further. (Am I the only one who dated like this?)
Unlike going to a bar, they may join speed dating groups, dances and /or social Meet Up groups. I actually met my husband on eHarmony and we did have a long drawn out first date for 6 hours!!! Ok, so maybe my philosophy was not working. :)
So now they got a date after finding the right person, with the right picture and profile. They dress up to make a first impression. First impressions always make a lasting impression. They meet the person at a local restaurant, coffee shop or something along those lines. And now comes the conversation. It is not as if the person is intentionally trying to repulse the other. It sometimes happens. One talks to much or the other's conversation is not appropriate for a first date.
The behaviour is not well received. Some people may want to relax, but they relax so much they drink too much. One wants to put paws all over the other one. Basically, it is just not happening.
Respect, honor and confidence are the attributes one should have when they first walk out there door. Not what shoes they have on. Yes, that is important. As I said before- first impressions do matter. But the qualities of a person shine over that. So when they wake up in the morning with you 20 years later you still see the beauty of them from long ago. You will NEVER remember the shoes they had on.
We can not expect that everyone thinks we are attractive. Remember, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I remember walking around the mall when I was younger, saying "What is she doing with him?" I may not find that person attractive, but she does and that is all that matters.
Just as in dating, we are not going to get along with everyone in networking circles. Networking is expanding. We network on social media sites. This allows us to find more people, more quickly, any time of the day and night and it does not affect our work schedules. We network at referral groups and chambers where initial person to person contact is imperative.
Many people think or expect that everyone to do business with them. We are like sharks trying to see who we can bite. We are looking for that quick sale. I know I am looking to build that relationship. Just as in dating. Build a long, lasting and beautiful relationship where refferals just flow.
We need to RESPECT the person's time and efforts. We need to HONOR ourselves and others around us. With HONOR comes RESPECT. And we need the CONFIDENCE within ourselves that a NO is okay. No does not always mean No forever. It can be No for right now.
When dating, one should RESPECT the person they are out on a date with. Respect their space, body and time. HONOR yourself and don't give it up so soon. That will never lead to a long, lasting, loving relationship. And CONFIDENCE. You should have the confidence within yourself to know that you are the best, you are well respected and you have qualities that are good and giving without sounding arrogant.
There. I can not find the difference between dating and networking. Make the process fun and enjoy it. When you do find the relationships you want in your life- things will just flow. No fight, no battle. Just a continual partnership that will last a lifetime.
Debbie
Retail Store: http://www.unitedwesendcards.com/
Send A Free Card and Biz Op: http://www.unitedwesendcards.net/
********************************************************************************
So, what is the difference between Dating and Networking? My hypothesis says nothing. There is no difference.
Dating is the process of meeting a person of the opposite sex (or same sex in some situations). Dating is the beginning stage to find that man/woman of our dreams. To marry, have children, and live a long and beautiful life with.
In the past, before the Internet, we met people through our friends and family who knew us and knew the other person. Therefore, you hoped that it would be a good match. Sometimes it was and sometimes it wasn't. This way of matchmaking has gone by the wayside. Now, the majority of single people are using social media sites to find people quicker, easier and a bit safer. We are busy. We don't have time for a long drawn out first date. If we don't like them why torture ourselves for an hour and a half. We can have coffee instead and see if it can go further. (Am I the only one who dated like this?)
Unlike going to a bar, they may join speed dating groups, dances and /or social Meet Up groups. I actually met my husband on eHarmony and we did have a long drawn out first date for 6 hours!!! Ok, so maybe my philosophy was not working. :)
So now they got a date after finding the right person, with the right picture and profile. They dress up to make a first impression. First impressions always make a lasting impression. They meet the person at a local restaurant, coffee shop or something along those lines. And now comes the conversation. It is not as if the person is intentionally trying to repulse the other. It sometimes happens. One talks to much or the other's conversation is not appropriate for a first date.
The behaviour is not well received. Some people may want to relax, but they relax so much they drink too much. One wants to put paws all over the other one. Basically, it is just not happening.
Respect, honor and confidence are the attributes one should have when they first walk out there door. Not what shoes they have on. Yes, that is important. As I said before- first impressions do matter. But the qualities of a person shine over that. So when they wake up in the morning with you 20 years later you still see the beauty of them from long ago. You will NEVER remember the shoes they had on.
We can not expect that everyone thinks we are attractive. Remember, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I remember walking around the mall when I was younger, saying "What is she doing with him?" I may not find that person attractive, but she does and that is all that matters.
Just as in dating, we are not going to get along with everyone in networking circles. Networking is expanding. We network on social media sites. This allows us to find more people, more quickly, any time of the day and night and it does not affect our work schedules. We network at referral groups and chambers where initial person to person contact is imperative.
Many people think or expect that everyone to do business with them. We are like sharks trying to see who we can bite. We are looking for that quick sale. I know I am looking to build that relationship. Just as in dating. Build a long, lasting and beautiful relationship where refferals just flow.
We need to RESPECT the person's time and efforts. We need to HONOR ourselves and others around us. With HONOR comes RESPECT. And we need the CONFIDENCE within ourselves that a NO is okay. No does not always mean No forever. It can be No for right now.
When dating, one should RESPECT the person they are out on a date with. Respect their space, body and time. HONOR yourself and don't give it up so soon. That will never lead to a long, lasting, loving relationship. And CONFIDENCE. You should have the confidence within yourself to know that you are the best, you are well respected and you have qualities that are good and giving without sounding arrogant.
There. I can not find the difference between dating and networking. Make the process fun and enjoy it. When you do find the relationships you want in your life- things will just flow. No fight, no battle. Just a continual partnership that will last a lifetime.
Debbie
Retail Store: http://www.unitedwesendcards.com/
Send A Free Card and Biz Op: http://www.unitedwesendcards.net/
********************************************************************************
Welcome
Welcome!
Thank you for landing on our blog. Kerry and I are looking forward to create a forum of our business and personal sides. One of the important lessons we want to educate others about is APPRECIATION MARKETING. This may be a new term, but it has been around for generations. Let's break it down.
APPRECIATION- to be grateful or thankful for: They appreciated his thoughtfulness.
2. to value or regard highly; place a high estimate on: to appreciate good wine.
3. to be fully conscious of; be aware of; detect: to appreciate the dangers of a situation.
4. to raise in value.
–verb (used without object)
5. to increase in value: Property values appreciated yearly
MARKETING–noun
1. the act of buying or selling in a market.
2. the total of activities involved in the transfer of goods from the producer or seller to the consumer or buyer, including advertising, shipping, storing, and selling.
We are not ever putting down other forms of traditional business tactics. There is a place for advertising, whether in print, TV or radio. But what does one do once they create and build a database of clients and prospects.
What do you do to show them you thank them for their business, their referral, their kind gesture? Do you send them a card? If the answer is yes, GREAT! What do you say in it?
If the answer is no, then why not? It costs more to find a new client than it does to retain one.
When you send a card does it Send Out to Give or Send Out to Get. Do you know the difference? We will discuss the right and wrong way of showing appreciation. Determining what you are doing will affect the return of your investment (ROI)- good or bad.
So stay tuned for a fun and informative way of learning the Art of Appreciation.
Retail Store: http://www.unitedwesendcards.com/
Send A Free Card and Biz Op: http://www.unitedwesendcards.net/
********************************************************************************
Thank you for landing on our blog. Kerry and I are looking forward to create a forum of our business and personal sides. One of the important lessons we want to educate others about is APPRECIATION MARKETING. This may be a new term, but it has been around for generations. Let's break it down.
APPRECIATION- to be grateful or thankful for: They appreciated his thoughtfulness.
2. to value or regard highly; place a high estimate on: to appreciate good wine.
3. to be fully conscious of; be aware of; detect: to appreciate the dangers of a situation.
4. to raise in value.
–verb (used without object)
5. to increase in value: Property values appreciated yearly
MARKETING–noun
1. the act of buying or selling in a market.
2. the total of activities involved in the transfer of goods from the producer or seller to the consumer or buyer, including advertising, shipping, storing, and selling.
We are not ever putting down other forms of traditional business tactics. There is a place for advertising, whether in print, TV or radio. But what does one do once they create and build a database of clients and prospects.
What do you do to show them you thank them for their business, their referral, their kind gesture? Do you send them a card? If the answer is yes, GREAT! What do you say in it?
If the answer is no, then why not? It costs more to find a new client than it does to retain one.
When you send a card does it Send Out to Give or Send Out to Get. Do you know the difference? We will discuss the right and wrong way of showing appreciation. Determining what you are doing will affect the return of your investment (ROI)- good or bad.
So stay tuned for a fun and informative way of learning the Art of Appreciation.
Retail Store: http://www.unitedwesendcards.com/
Send A Free Card and Biz Op: http://www.unitedwesendcards.net/
********************************************************************************
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