Tag Archives: career boosts

Tips for working with Contractors, Consultants and Remote Workers

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Today’s question came from a busy professional regarding working with contractors.

What are your best tips for collaborating with team members who are available only on a part-time basis or who work remotely? Please share concrete tactics instead of tools.

One of the best tips is to explicitly state your expectations with any contractor, consultant and remote workers. This can be in the form of a contract, an understanding of service, and even your employee Personal Business Commitment (PBC) in which your performance is evaluated against.

Simple Transparency

Understanding how your contractor or consultant works best will alleviate lots of problems and miscommunications.

Examples

  1. You have hired Kelley as a part-time contractor. You are frustrated with Kelley because he hasn’t responded to any of your Monday emails. Unbeknownst to you, Kelley has scheduled his hours on Tuesday and Thursday for your company; and Monday, Wednesday and Friday with his other contract.   If you had taken the time to understand which hours/days Kelley was devoting to your company, you would have avoided this problem.
  2.  On Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays, Kelley works from a different computer and with different email addresses. Kelley’s preferred method of communication is via mobile-text. This way he can easily communicate with you, even if he is on the other job. If you had known this upfront, you could have easily mobile-text Kelley that you just sent him some information via email.

 

Quick Checklist

These are some of the things you need to discuss with your contractor, consultant or remote employees:

  • Hours they are working
  • How much work (and what type of work) will be completed in those time periods (i.e. their project schedule)
  • How best to reach them in an urgent situation; in a normal situation; or just for status
  • What staff/status meetings they will be attending
  • How they are going to report their status
  • What is going to be included in their status report
  • What their delivery deadlines and quality requirements upon delivery
  • How quickly do you expect them to respond to your requests
  • What happens when they do not meet these expectations

The bottom line is to outline everything that you feel is important to you, and understand (up front) how your team is going to accomplish those items.  Get it in writing AND include the consequences of not meeting the agreement.

For example – if they do not meet the agreed upon schedule:

  • Do you intend to dock their pay?
  • Do they complete the assignment without additional pay?
  • Are they placed on a PIP  (Performance Improvement Plan or probation period)?

I know your situation is different. Why don’t we schedule an appointment, where I get to know more about your unique situation? And then I will be happy to make recommendations on what your best steps are moving forward. To schedule an appointment, book it HERE.

How do you deal with the pains of customer service?

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Today’s question came from a busy entrepreneur about his customer service plan.

How do you deal with the pains of customer service?

I work in the hospitality industry, and I spend a lot of money on what I call “guest investments” where I give some sort of discount, free merchandise, etc. in order to win back customers when something goes wrong. I can’t tell if it’s working or if I’m throwing money away. How does your business deal with the challenges of customer service and keeping people happy?

This question came up at a very appropriate time. I had recently discovered that my bank offered a “Private Bank Level” for clients that have 1 million dollars invested with the bank. At that level, they receive premiere customer series and 24 hour concierge service.

Consider doing this with your own customer service strategy. In an earlier article (Should I have specific segmented brands or one brand that does all at different price levels?) we discussed the Product Funnel.

Product Funnel Strategy for Customer Service

Give low-interaction help instructions for clients that are taking advantage of your free products and services. Low-interaction help instructions can be in the form of (but not limited to):

  • FAQ articles and cheat sheets
  • Community Discussion Groups
  • Email response within 2 days

As the client invests more in your products and services, they get more access to support.

Structure your customer service as a product line of service. Give premium service to the people that are actually doing the most business with you. This will transform the “pain of customer service” into a product or business of customer service.

Customer Referral and Loyalty Programs

Also, don’t wait until there is a problem to implement your customer service program.   Be proactive with customer referral and loyalty programs. Visualize your product funnel in there area and incorporate rewards programs based on the amount of business your client is currently doing with you. Use your rewards program to entice your customers to do more business or move into the next price-point of programs and service.

Creating a great referral/loyalty/retention program not only elevates your customer service focus and energy – it automatically solves the “pains of customer service” as well. Take time to clarify what your Mission Statement and vision is regarding Premiere Client Service. Start dealing with clients instead of “customers”. Start building raving fans that will ultimately market your products/services for you – and simply release the customers that do not fit in your plan.

One Size Doesn’t Fit All

When you clearly identify your niche or target market, some people will not fit. When someone doesn’t fit, there is only one thing that will make them happy. That one thing is to release them and direct them elsewhere.   This is where affiliated partners and business referrals come in.

You are still providing customer satisfactory solution – it’s just not with YOU. You are still making the client happy.

Quick summary:

  • Clarify your Vision of your target or ideal client
  • Create affiliated partnerships with those clients that are not ideal
  • Design a referral partnership agreement with those partners
  • Design a referral/loyalty/retention program for your target/ideal clients

I know your situation is different. Why don’t we schedule an appointment, where I get to know more about your unique situation? And then I will be happy to make recommendations on what your best steps are moving forward. To schedule an appointment, book it HERE.

 

 

Should I have specific segmented brands or one brand that does all at different price levels?

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Today’s question came from a busy entrepreneur about his marketing plan.

Should I have specific segmented brands or one brand that does all at different price levels?

All markets have different performance and cost needs. Should we have multiple product brands – i.e. low cost/low performance and mid/high or have one brand that can stretch across multiple performance levels and price according to options? It makes sense to economize the product manufacturing chain but, what is everyone’s experience when consolidating a full portfolio into a single brand lineup?

Your Brand should solve a specific problem for a specific niche or class of people. If you have multiple visions/missions you should have separate branding and marketing strategies. For example: Sarah has her Health Coach business and she also sells her own brand of peanut butter.   Sarah should have separate branding and marketing strategies for those very different product and businesses.

 

product funnel2Product Funnel Strategy

Within each separate brand – you should have a product funnel strategy that leads your target client up your product/service pricing structure. Normally people start off with free samples – to allow the target client to get to know you (like a first date). In Sarah’s example, she may offer a complimentary discovery health sessions, newsletters, articles, short audios/video for her coaching; and free samples of your peanut butter for her other brand.

 

Then you create some low, mid, high end offers for each separate brand. In Sarah’s example, she can create group workshops, subscriptions based programs, one-on-one coaching programs, and then high-end product bundles with personal trainers, personal chef, image consultant, and a high-end shopping spree when your health goals are met.
If you only want to sell your coaching and peanut butter to High-Profile, Affluent clients (that’s your target client) — then you advertize, market and visit only the places where the High-Profile, Affluent people are. Your price points are selected to match the budgets of your target niche/clients.

 

Do you have an umbrella Brand that covers all your products?

You will have an Umbrella Company that owns the Health Coach and Peanut Butter business. But the branding will be different. For instance, Kraft owns Kool-Aid, Velveeta, Miracle Whip and Maxwell House. But each of these products have their separate branding, target market and product Funnels.

 

I know your situation is different. Why don’t we schedule an appointment, where I get to know more about your unique situation? And then I will be happy to make recommendations on what your best steps are moving forward. To schedule an appointment, book it HERE.

 

 

Should I focus on just one niche customer group initially?

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I have been trying to get feedback from my ideal target audience or nice but I am finding the group hard to reach. There is another target audience that could benefit from my service. I am not as passionate about that group but I think they may be easier to get feedback as I build out my business. Should I focus on both or only one?

 

I recommend that you focus on one niche. But I also want to caution on your method of reaching those people. If your method of reaching “people” is ineffective or flawed – then it doesn’t matter how many target audiences you go after. Maybe it’s not the that the group is hard to reach. Maybe it’s the way you are going about it. If the ladder is true – then you will have the same difficulties with the second niche or group.
My recommendation would be to study up on the most effective methods to reach your target market or niche. Find other business owners that are successfully marketing to that same target – and find out how they are doing it. Start partnering with complimentary business that shares the same target audience. Business network with those who are already successful in marketing to your target audience. Learn from those that have achieved what you want to achieve.

If you would like to chat more about this, please setup an appointment.

Why Your Personal Brand Matters

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Why Your Personal Brand Matters

If you are an Olivia Pope or TV’s Scandal fan, then you already know why your personal brand matters.

Olivia Pope and Associates mission is clear and concise:

  • fixing problems and crises;
  • protecting and guarding public images and reputations
  • solving certain crimes in her clients’ interest

Her personal brand is wearing the white hat and suit. The white hat and suit is synonymous with “the good guy” and “saving the day”.   This personal brand is so aligned with her company missions that you know instinctively what she can do for you.

So the critical business lesson learned from this high-rating TV series is:

Have a crisp and simple brand message. And it doesn’t hurt if your personal brand carries over some additional subconscious messages.

 

Just like Olivia Pope, you have characteristics that define you; ways that you think of yourself and ways that others think of you. Effective personal branding isn’t about putting on a show or figuring out how to get the most financial reward. You have a brand just as much as you have a reputation.

How people see you matters.

“Personal branding is how we market ourselves to others,” says Donna DeBerry, a marketing and branding expert.

DeBerry’s has four tips to reach current and potential customers through personal branding:

  • Be seen online and off: Your customers have many choices, and you need to go to where they are. Whether that’s on Facebook or on a panel at a speaking engagement, it’s important you be seen and easily identified.
  • First and last impressions last 14 seconds: Condense and personalize your elevator pitch. How can you turn a greeting into communication that evangelizes your business to your customers?
  • Give people reasons to connect you with your company: Position yourself as a leader and your company as a pioneering endeavor. It could help you earn media attention and build your customer base.
  • Become known for something: What you say and do need to dovetail with what your company is known for.

 

Just like Olivia Pope, you want people to know exactly what you stand for, immediately upon seeing you.

I know your situation is different. Why don’t we schedule an appointment, where I get to know more about your unique situation? And then I will be happy to make recommendations on what your best steps are moving forward. To schedule an appointment, book it HERE.

With enough notice, it would be my honor to guest-speak at no cost to your group organization.

I have a presentation on “3 Keys to saying YES to everything but on your own terms”. To sign up for the complimentary course, go to www.lauraleerose.com/Say-Yes

 

Where Do I begin to Market My Business

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Where Do I begin to Market My Business

As a business solutions consultant, I constantly get the question: “Where do I begin to market my business?“

Regardless of the type of business, the first step is to create a marketing plan. Your marketing plan will outline your business goals, your marketing goals, and your marketing budget. It will also include how you are going to measure your progress against those goals as well as your time-line or schedule for success.

Simple Marketing Plan:

Below is the minimum that you need in your marketing plan.

  • Identify a target market.
  • Develop a strong marketing message and hook.
  • Create one piece of marketing collateral that will attract prospects and set you apart
  • Get visible in your target market.
  • Keep following up to build relationships and credibility.

 

Marketing Next Steps:

Become an Expert. Start exposing your expertise, tips, techniques and skill through various media. It’s easy to create videos, audios, articles, eBooks, and speaking engagements to get your name out there.

Cultivate Raving Fans. Start collecting fans that are interested in what you have to offer. Create your social media pages such as a Business Facebook page. Use your Facebook pages to collect your fans’ contact information such as name, email addresses, and phone numbers.

Determine your niche. What are you selling and to whom? Start by using skills that you already have, such as writing, web design and graphic arts. Seek out familiar industries. Cleary define your target client and demographic.

Make a list of your potential market. Reach out to friends, local groups and places where you do business. Most professions have associated professional organizations. Start attending your professional association meetings, conferences and expos aligned with your field, as well as various local business networking events.

Go where your clients meet. Once you have clearly identified your niche, visualize where those people meet, do and have. For example, if your target client and niche is affluent men over 40 years of age, take up golf.

Advertise your marketing business online. Start out with a Business Facebook page. Eventually, you need a web site with your own domain name. However, you can get started by using a free Facebook sites. Make sure to use a professional business template.

Link all of your personal social media. Ask your friends to “share” or forward the news about your new marketing business. Your new business must show clients that you know how to use the latest resources effectively.

Market your business constantly. Every email you send should have information about your new marketing business in the form of a web address, slogan, or similar at the bottom. Holidays are opportunities to share a greeting from your business Facebook page. Social gatherings present an opportunity to mention your new business.

Get referrals. Once you have a client or a lead, ask them to tell others about you. Consider offering a discount on their next project when they bring you new clients. Don’t be shy about asking for written or video testimonials.

I know your situation is different. Why don’t we schedule an appointment, where I get to know more about your unique situation? And then I will be happy to make recommendations on what your best steps are moving forward. To schedule an appointment, book it HERE.

With enough notice, it would be my honor to guest-speak at no cost to your group organization.

I have a presentation on “3 Keys to saying YES to everything but on your own terms”. To sign up for the complimentary course, go to www.lauraleerose.com/Say-Yes

 

How can I get clients for my business?

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Hello, this is Laura Lee Rose.  I am a speaker and author. I am an expert in time and project management.

I help busy professionals and entrepreneurs create effective systems so that they can comfortably delegate to others, be more profitable and have time to enjoy life even if they don’t have time to learn new technology or train their staff.  I have a knack for turning big ideas into on time and profitable projects.

At the end of the day, I transform the way you run your business into a business you love to run.

This question came from a busy entrepreneur:

I am building my health coach business and trying to get clients. I am using social media outlets, emailing other holistic businesses to connect with, and offering workshops to local natural grocers. Getting individual clients is something I really want right now to bring in income and I’m having trouble. Any suggestions?

Defining your target clients:

“Health coach business” is pretty broad. My recommendation is to narrow your niche. You need to be able to clearly identify your target client. For instance;

  • What are the demographics of your target client?
  • What specific problems do they face and want to overcome (be as specific as possible)?
  • Where do they normally live and shop?
  • What kinds of foods do they normally eat?
  • What are their hobbies?
  • What kind of lifestyle do they current have?
  • What kind of lifestyle do they want to have?
  • What income do they make or want to make?

Once you have clearly described your target client – go to places where your target clients are.

For example: if your target client is affluent women, above the age of 40, interested in health – then check out the country clubs to see if you can give talks and workshops there.  Narrowing your target market or creating a niche will actually help you attract more clients and better market yourself.

Next Steps:

Once you have a clear picture of your target client and niche, then market to your Power Team. Your Power Team is small businesses that share your same target market and provide complimentary services.

For example: Small businesses that wish to locate ‘affluent women above the age of 40, who are interested in health’ would include:

  • Gyms, Personal Trainers, Aerobics Instructors
  • Personal Shoppers and Image Consultants
  • Health Spas/Day Spas
  • Beauty Supply consultants
  • Hair Stylist

My recommendation would be to find and collaborate with an affiliated partner in your Power Team group. Create package deals which include services from one or more of your affiliated partners.

Example:

Total Mind and Body Makeover Introductory Package Includes:

  • 3 months Health Coaching (weekly one-on-one coaching)
  • 3 months of Gym Membership
  • 2 celebratory Spa Days (you can take both days yourself, or go once with a friend)
  • 1 Image Makeover with an image consultant, personal shopper and make-up expert

This introductory package offer would go out to your affiliated partner’s contacts, be on their websites, and be equally promoted by them. The promotional package price will be appropriately divided by the participants.

Another sample package could include the “free” offers that the affiliated partners already provide.   For example:

  • 1 Health Coach one-on-one session
  • 7 days membership at the gym
  • 1 free 30 minute massage
  • 1 session to match clothing color to skin tone, and body type.

The idea is to package what the affiliated partners already freely provide, into a more attractive starter package. Providing a more end-to-end solution or 360° program can differentiate your programs from competitors.

Where do you go from here?

Once you have the right programs in place, co-market with your affiliated partners. Create catalyst events that encourage the clients from each business to mingle and visit each shop.   Offer to host a party for the Image Consultant and Make-up Artist at your establishment. Have them invite their clients into your shop for a free Make-Over.

I know your situation is different. Why don’t we schedule an appointment, where I get to know more about your unique situation? And then I will be happy to make recommendations on what your best steps are moving forward. To schedule an appointment, book it HERE.

With enough notice, it would be my honor to guest-speak at no cost to your group organization.

I have a presentation on “3 Keys to saying YES to everything but on your own terms”. To sign up for the complimentary course, go to www.lauraleerose.com/Say-Yes

 

So you just got a promotion and think you can relax

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So you just got a promotion!  That’s awesome and it’s well deserved. You’ve done awesome work at a exceptional performance level – to get you here.  Congratulations.
Now – here is what’s going to happen next.I know this because I was upper management in a High Tech Industry.

The management circle often uses this opportunity (that “she just received a promotion”) to automatically give the talented employee an Average or Below Expectation Performance Evaluation – for the next review cycle.  Their rationalization is that “She is in a new role with more responsibility – Of course it’s going to take her time to learn the ropes on this new position.  She can’t expect to be exceeding expectation at this level the first time out. She can’t expect to be delivering at the same level as the folks that have been executing at this level for longer.”

Realize – the management team normally has a quota of how many Excellent, Above Expectation, Average and Below Expectation rating to give their various teams.  They rate, rank and sort everyone (across all departments) of the same band, and level.  Then they count off how many Excellent, Above Expectation, Average and Below Expectation ratings from this pooled list to meet their quotas.
Realize that you are not being judged on your work alone – but you are being judged against all the other employees (across all departments) that are at your new, promoted level; against people that have been executing at this level longer that you have; against people that know and have been working with the upper management level longer than you.

Realize that with this new level, you have a different level of business networking responsibilities.  You have a different set of people you have to impress and cultivate. You have a set of different people that you are going to be compared against that already have this head-start in knowing and working with the right people.  They already have the inside track to “professional loyalty”.  Because upper management already know these people and have been working with them at this specific level – they tend to give them a higher ranking that someone that’s new to the band.
Because you are somewhat below on the ranking list – when they draw their quota lines for Average and Below Average grades – you normally fit in that range.
This gives upper management an easy opportunity to use one of their tough Below Expectations or Average ratings – without feeling “bad” about it.  “After all – how can she expect a good review at this new level? She’s using the first year to get her feet wet and learning the ropes.”
I know this because I was upper management in a High Tech Industry.

Now is the time to show them that “This may be true of other people just being promoted – but IT AIN’T SO for ME”.

It’s great that you received this promotion – but this is not the time to relax on your past accomplishments. You should understand the politics behind getting a promotion. And – at the mid-year mark” – you still have time to turn this rationale around.

If you are interested in assuring that this does not happen to you – ask me about  some Summer Career Booster tips specifically for your unique situation.

It’s easy to setup an appointment directly into my calendar with THIS LINK

3 Easy Tips to Up-Scale Your Iphone testimonials

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Today’s comment came from a busy business owner

One easily attainable marketing tool are video testimonials. If you are already giving a talk, it’s easy to take advantage of the excitement and enthusiasm that your audience is feeling right after your presentation. If you wait until they leave and are back into their daily activities – it’s going to be harder to get them to refer or comment on that event. Don’t miss that opportunity to get that genuine reaction and excitement for your genius.

So – even if you don’t have expensive camera equipment – you can use your iphone or ipads for impromptu testimonials. What are some simple steps that people can do with their iphones or ipads to increase the quality of these impromptu videos?

3 Quick Tips to improving your videos are:

1) Take your videos in the horizontal view.  It will give you more real estate to work with to work with.

2) Be aware of your background.  Take time to look at your viewfinder and make sure your client doesn’t look drawn or washed out.  Often times putting your subject in front of a solid white or black background or simply taking them outside into the sun will do wonders for their color.

3) Be aware of the background noise.  Often times you are in an large, open conference room with many conversations taking place around you.  And your iphone or ipad microphone is picking up all the ambient noise.  Take the time to move into a smaller room or corridor to tape your testimonials.  Video experts can often fix the background colors and size — but they can not easily fix the background noise in your video testimonial.

Bottom line is to merely be aware of the surroundings when you are taping your testimonials.  You may want to get your comments in front of your large banner – but if that banner is in a place where there’s lots of background noise, you may be better off moving to a quieter location and in front of a warmer backdrop.  Then supper-imposing your logo or banner later.

 

How to handle uncomfortable networking events

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Hello, this is Laura Lee Rose.  I am a speaker and author. I am an expert in time and project management.

I help busy professionals and entrepreneurs create effective systems so that they can comfortably delegate to others, be more profitable and have time to enjoy life even if they don’t have time to learn new technology or train their staff.  I have a knack for turning big ideas into on time and profitable projects.

At the end of the day, I give people peace of mind.
Today’s question came from a busy professional interested in freeing some time and space to advance in his career.


We all understand the importance and value of business networking. How do we handle networking events in a proper and professional manner?

One of the best ways to break the ice at a networking event is to pretend or put on the persona of a host. Focus your attention on “your guests”. Put the spotlight onto them. Allow them to shine and talk about themselves. Most people are there to talk about themselves, anyway – why to against the flow?

  1. Ask them questions about “What brought them here tonight?” “What are they hoping to gain or what are their goals for this meeting?”
  2. If they share that they are looking for referrals on XYZ or people that they can work with on ABC – connect them to someone that you just met at the same meeting that shares those goals.
  3. Don’t stay too long with any one person. Like a host, make sure you mingle. You can say “I know you want to meet more people, and I want to respect your time. I would love to stay in contact, why don’t we exchange contact information and make plans to call each other on Thursday.   How does that sound?”

If you really want to stay in contact, take out your calendar and then move on.

But what if you are shy or is an introvert? Are there any other special tips for us?

Normally what makes shy people uncomfortable is having the spotlight shined on ourselves. So – much like the above advice, shine the spotlight on other people. Instead of worrying about what other people think about you – focus on learning more about the other person. People love to talk about themselves and it takes the pressure off you to carry the entire conversation.

Also, look around to see if anyone is sitting alone or hiding in the corner (make sure it’s not you doing the hiding as well). Then go up and visit them. They may be feeling uncomfortable, so be a good host and go up and introduce them to some other folks.

For additional articles and videos on tips for introverts, check out these artifacts:

 

I know your situation is different. Why don’t we schedule an appointment, where I get to know more about your unique situation? And then I will be happy to make recommendations on what your best steps are moving forward. To schedule an appointment, book it HERE.

With enough notice, it would be my honor to guest-speak at no cost to your group organization.

I have a monthly presentation on “how to say YES to everything but on your own terms”. To sign up for the complimentary course, go to www.lauraleerose.com/Say-Yes