Rembrandt’s Blog

Times are tough right now, and the recent earthquake in Haiti really makes us stop and think about our blessings. With this in mind, have you thanked your customers, partners, associates, and media contacts lately?

If not, here are three simple ways to use this six-letter word to improve your relationships – and your business:

1. Just Say It.

Whenever you speak to someone related to your organization, make a special point to thank them for their business. Sometimes, we get so busy that we forget to say “THANKS.” It’s a simple word that can turn a person’s day around.

2. Send a Note.

While e-mail thank-you-notes are always nice, when was the last time you sent a handwritten thank-you to your favorite customer, employee, partner, or media member?

With today’s fast-paced technology, people appreciate receiving a special “thank you” just for them via snail mail. This little note can make a big impression and show that you really appreciate someone’s actions. And if you send a thank you to reporters after they cover you in a story, they will definitely remember you the next time they need a resource!

3. Take Action.

If a customer, vendor, associate, dry cleaner, postal carrier, or someone else does something nice for you, think about taking your “thank you” one step further. Send flowers, offer a special coupon, hand deliver a sweet treat to their door, or just stop by with a personal note of gratitude.

It may take a few extra minutes, but you’ll create a lasting and personal relationship with the people who can help you save time, money and effort in both your personal and business life.

Too Cranky to be Thankful?

It can be difficult to stay positive with all of the negative news out there. When you’re having a day like this, try to think of the top ten things you are thankful for and make a quick, mental list. It will change your attitude significantly.

Everyone likes to be acknowledged for a job well done… so with this in mind, take a few minutes to think about what you are thankful for, and say this six-letter word often to the people who help you. This simple action will help put you in a better frame of mind – and those around you too! And with this, I’d like to thank you for reading…

Do you need help boosting sales, Web site traffic and publicity? Please write to me here or at www.rembrandtwrites.com. Thanks!

In the process of promoting your products and services to potential customers, are you also promoting yourself?

Competition is fierce today, and people want more for their money. This means that they are not just looking at products and services – but the people behind the businesses as well.

With this in mind, what kind of image do you project?

As you scramble to follow up on leads and attract new customers, it can be easy to let yourself go and have your personal promotion fall to the bottom of the priority list. To avoid this from happening, here are three questions to ask before scheduling a sales call.

1. Who are you meeting?

Before walking into a customer’s office, be sure to do your research. Find out as much as you can about the person in advance. Then, you’ll have a better idea of how to best approach this person with the appropriate talking points and sales pitch.

2. What are you wearing?

Obviously, you need to look professional when meeting perspective customers. But it’s important to think about the “who, what, when, where, and how” of your meeting before getting dressed in the morning.

For example, if you are going to a laid back, beach office in the Bahamas, a suit will make you look way out of place. (Yes, I know. If only you had a meeting in the Bahamas…) To avoid feeling uncomfortable, think before you dress and refer to question one above.

3. What is your leave-behind?

When you are finished with your meeting, leave some kind of marketing material behind. Whether you offer a brochure, media kit or a simple business card, be sure to give your potential customers something to remember you.

Once again, really think about the people you are going to meet. What you can offer them that will have the most impact specific to their business needs? Make it easy for them to contact you, and help them solve their problems.

Now, these are just three, quick tips to remember to promote yourself along with your products and services. After all, you only get one chance to make a good, first impression. And if you aren’t polished and prepared, you can bet your competition is!

Do you need help boosting sales, awareness and credibility with small business public relations and SEO copywriting? Please let me know here or at www.rembrandtwrites.com. I’d love to hear from you!

(This blog originally posted on StartupNation)

If you want to increase your level of returning customers, there is one major thing that you need to take care of at the very beginning of every relationship – Expectations.

This may sound simple, but if you don’t spell out what you are going to provide for the money, you can run into major confusion and complications in the future. And it goes both ways. Your customers need to tell you what they expect too.

With this in mind, here are three key tips to think about when you begin to work on any new projects or customer sales:

1. Communicate goals.

Before you exchange funds, products and/or services, talk about final outcomes and what you both expect out of the relationship. You should understand potential issues, tactics, budget constraints, potential results, and any other important details prior to working together.

2. Get it in writing.

Whether it’s a stream of e-mails or an official contract, write down exactly what you will provide and what the customer or client can expect from you. Even if you have a casual relationship, this will help clarify actions, fees, deadlines, and potential results.

3. Stick to your plan.

Once your relationship is underway, be sure you provide what you promised. Stay in touch with your customers, and be sure they are aware of any changes or problems. And to build a solid customer base and good word-of-mouth, go above and beyond customer expectations. Provide personal attention and extra services whenever possible.

By being honest and upfront with customers, you will reduce stress, meet deadlines and avoid unnecessary surprises. And if you make the extra effort to provide customers with additional, unexpected services that exceed their expectations, you’ll be well on your way to surpassing the competition and boosting sales.

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Do you need help boosting sales, awareness and credibility with public relations and SEO copywriting efforts? Please write to me here or at www.rembrandtwrites.com. Thanks!