BizCoachDeb's BizBuzz -

Archive for May, 2008

One thing I really like getting receiving is enewsletters that have tips and useful information. After all, if you’re going to read something from a business, shouldn’t it be something that actually helps you? I mention this because I am on the mailing list for a company called Peaceful Valley and they sell organic gardening products and in their enewsletter, they always give excellent pointers on being a more proficient organic gardener, how to save your plants (read: investment) and how to get the best out of a crop. Oh, and their prices aren’t half bad either. The other great thing about these folks is they don’t just jam the most expensive item at you, they give you options – I like that.

If you’re producing a newseletter or enewsletter, make sure give your customers this kind of treatment; pointers, tips and alternative to get their best results. You become useful and a resource, not just another business trying to push your widget.

Perhaps one of the easiest and least expensive ways to reach out to people is through the use of handwritten, mailed cards. While many use the timely convenience of Ecards, one of the leaders in the greeting card business realizes handwritten notes are still the best way to communicate thanks and other sentiments.

Leave it to Hallmark Cards to offer a line of cards specific to the needs of the small business. Their catalog arrived in the mail and cleverly, had no pricing within. The cards were both engaging and fashionable, so the next natural next step was their website. There I found even more card selections, pricing and different ways to customize cards for any business purpose, right down to the envelope. Just jot a tiny note, sign it and drop it in the mail.

Thank you and birthday cards are always gestures that are never out of style. Add this touch to your business and you will stand out from the barrage of emails and junk mail your customers receive every day. Customize it and you’ll be more unusual in a positive way.   The rest of the story...

Those who know me know I am a hockey junkie of the worst kind. Last night, I had a knee injury that took me out of the game. I’m a reluctant “doctor visitor”, but this morning, I realized this was no ordinary strain…something more serious was going on, it was time to get things looked at.

Rather than head to the ER, I thought I would call a reputable orthopedic surgeon in the area and set an appointment for later in the week. Imagine my surprise when they said they had an opening that afternoon?! Wow. Great. I got in, they looked my knee over, looks like I will be off the ice for 4-6 weeks nursing an grade 2 MCL tear. They give me a short list of exercises to do once the swelling goes down a bit, but, and here’s the great thing, they ask to fit me with a knee brace right then and there. We’re not talking “ace bandage”, we’re talking robo-brace. The orthotics fitter is right there in the office and had a couple variations to make sure I had the most comfortable type, stabilizing type; no wonder Dr. Michael Wertz team comes so highly recommended.   The rest of the story...

Every 6 weeks or so, I receive a catalog from a company that offers different types of skin and makeup products -they’re called DHC. Some items actually have olive oil in them and remarkably don’t cause breakouts, but instead leave your face completely clean and smooth. However, this is not a testimony to the product line (which seems fabulous IMHO) but more to their way of marketing.

Outside of pen, calendar and other promotional product companies, these folks are the only ones I can think of that send real samples of their items, usually their best sellers (simply genius move!) and they also include samples of your choosing in your order. The samples are small for sure, but they do give you a micro-glimpse of the power of their products. It’s the ultimate “try before you buy” example and for me, one reason I continue to do business with them. As a business, what kind of “trial offer” can you provide your potential or even current customers?   The rest of the story...

Last night I had an opportunity to see Roger Waters in concert in Denver, what a show! Visuals, great music and well-rehearsed pieces were only part of the experience. What struck me is the utter professionalism of everything. For for die hard fan, you would have been hard pressed to find flaw in any song -truly every note was spot on, every nuance of the recorded songs seemed snuggly in place. The set list was a sublime blend of pieces of Pink Floyd’s best songs along with Waters’ own works – something for everyone with a brain. The lights, video and other props were all beautifully integrated into the show. These performers collectively knew exactly what they were delivering to their audience and they did so with exuberance and smiles. There was no sloppiness, no slurring, no staggering. It was quite honestly the tightest concert I can recall seeing, and trust me, I’ve seen my fair share of concerts of most genres. Some leave your scratching your head and this one did too, but in a different way – why aren’t all shows like this? Why do we settle for mediocrity when we spend our hard-earned money?   The rest of the story...