At Least 5 Top Reasons to Attend Your Businesses Convention

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Meli

SendOutCards ConventionI recently returned from the terrific SendOutCards Convention and thought about why it’s so important for people to attend their company’s annual conventions.

Attending your company’s annual convention can be a life transforming experience.

It’s a fact that the people who attend their company’s events become the leaders and build profitable businesses.

A convention is the place where you learn the latest information about your company. It’s the place where new products and other valuable information are presented.

The annual convention highlights what has happened during the past year and, at least at SendOutCards, honors those who have made outstanding contributions in the company.  We are a stand on your feet and celebrate the achievement of others kind of company.

Conventions are a source of inspiration. Continue reading →

Posted in business convention, conventions, inspiration, SendOutCards Convention, Team building | Tagged , , , , | 42 Comments

Is Etiquette a Lost Art?

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Meli

EtiquetteIs it only me or does it seem that people aren’t very conscious of etiquette anymore? Are you one of these people?

According to Answers.com, Etiquette is a code of conduct, both written and unwritten, for basic behavior that is socially expected from individuals in a society based on cultural norms. These behaviors include the proper way of socially interacting with others, guidelines for handling yourself in public, to the manner of dress that is considered acceptable for various occasions and circumstances. 

The bottom line is that etiquette is being polite, respectful, and having good manners.

So when did the shift from etiquette start? I believe it started in the early 1970s with certain TV shows. People were made to look foolish.  Husbands and wives on these shows responded in a way that showed they really didn’t respect their spouses. Whether or not you were related to someone, there was always something about the other person that could be made fun of. Then, we started to notice that children not showing respect for other children and not too much longer, there was little respect for their parents and other elders. “Dissing” someone was cool.

The truly sad thing is that this disrespect for others continues today. When you walk through the door at the mall or entering a building, how many people hold the door open for people behind them? Most people don’t even look behind them to see if there is someone there! I’ve had doors close in my face many times.

Have you seen people answering or even using their cell phones during a meeting, in a house of worship, while engaged in conversation with someone else? What about the people that speak so loud on their cell phones you become a victim of TMI?

Recently someone mentioned there are many words being used in every day communication, on Facebook and other social media that many people consider inappropriate due to their sexual or other questionable implications.

I realize that styles of dress change, including what we wear when we are at work. These days we are much more casual than in former years. Personally, on the whole, I think that’s a good thing. However, where does one draw the line?

Have you noticed a change?  How does it affect how you do business with someone?

Copyright © Meli Horowitz  2013 -  All rights reserved

Posted in Business etiquette, Communication, Etiquette, personal commentary | Tagged , , , , | 18 Comments

A Post Card? What’s a Post Card?

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Meli

Post card I recently heard a commercial on the radio about people being so inundated with e-mail that they no longer read them, especially ones that seem to be mass generated.  The solution the company found was to send a colorful postcard instead.

When was the last time you sent a post card, other than from when you were on vacation, or even received one?

Don’t underestimate a post card. They cost less to mail than first class, 13¢ to be exact. Yes, the postage for a postcard is only 33¢.

When you receive a letter in the mail, in order for it to be read, it has to be opened. The benefit of mailing a postcard is that the message actually gets read by the recipient even if they end up throwing the postcard away.

Consider all the ways you can take advantage of using a postcard in your business.  Continue reading →

Posted in Business building, Communication, Marketing Strategy | Tagged , , , | 34 Comments

The #1 Secret to Having More Energy and Less Stress

Posted on April 14, 2013 by Meli

This week’s post is by Alishia Willardson.

Women are usually so busy running around like a chicken playing the balancing act with everything in their life doings things they feel is their responsibility, that they never stop to take time out for themselves.

You can only run your life on what I like to call “Power-Saving” mode for so long before you break down and end up with some life threatening illness or depressed.

Here is the #1 thing that you can do to recharge your power on a regular basis so that you are the best you that you can be for yourself and those around you.

Rearrange Your Order of Importance: Because you are the #1 tool that you have to work with is not functioning properly or at the highest level.

1. You, Yourself and YOU: When you are at your peak personal power then everything and everyone else will fall into place. Have an hour of power EVERY day, whether you have to get up an hour earlier or go to bed an hour later. During this time, you will want to read self-help books, journal, read the bible (if you’re religious) and pray. Then you spend the other 30 minutes doing your exercising. If you need ideas on the books that I’d recommend, go to http://www.peakpowercoach.com/powerfuel-reading-list.html Continue reading →

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It’s Just a Card, Isn’t It?

Posted on March 31, 2013 by Meli

  Meli and I met at a networking luncheon a few years ago.  As we became acquainted, she learned that I was looking for a new opportunity.  The questions flew back and forth and she found out that I was an entrepreneur with an extensive background in education, publishing teaching tools, and designing high-end accessories for women and children.

She also learned that I had written a novel.  I traveled throughout Europe conducting research for 10 years. I had over twenty-five people assisting with the facts to make the story not only engaging, but accurate; it was quite an undertaking.  This novel took seven years to write and two years to edit.  It was my heart and soul.  Meli asked many insightful questions and made me feel that she was truly interested in my quest to find an agent.

At the end of lunch, she asked if she could take my photograph.  At the time I thought that was a clever way of remembering the numerous people she meets at networking functions. But weeks later, I discovered there may have been a different reason.  One much more heart-warming. Continue reading →

Posted in Appreciation, Follow up, Gratitude, Networking, SendOutCards, Testimonial | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Are You Connected?

Posted on March 25, 2013 by Meli

When people speak with one another there is give-and-take verbal interaction. Everyday conversation, including when you’re networking, requires you to be spontaneous and think on your feet. Having confidence when you speak will allow you to control your message, and not ramble. You want to be connected with the person to whom you are speaking.

There are 5 keys to help you connect with the person you are speaking with.

1. Eye contact:  when you are engaged in a one on one conversation, keep your eyes focused on the person you are speaking to, without staring, even when someone else enters the room.  This makes the person you are speaking with feel you are giving them the attention they deserve.  If you don’t have eye contact, you can also miss out on the feedback provided by the non-verbal body language that is taking place.

2. Smile: when faced with uncertainty or lack of confidence, we have a tendency not to smile. You bring the conversation to life when you’re smiling and the person you’re speaking with can feel more relaxed. Remember that your smile needs to be sincere and appropriate.

3.  Voice volume: has anyone ever spoken to you so softly that you continually had to ask them to repeat what they said or experienced the exact opposite, where someone spoke so loud you wanted to put your fingers in your ears? The volume at which you speak should be appropriate to your surroundings.  Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, communication skills, Networking | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

A Photographer and SendOutCards

Posted on March 10, 2013 by Meli

 How often these days do you receive a real card in the mail, with a real stamp on the envelope, from a real person that you’ve met? I have always loved sending greeting cards, so SendOutCards is a perfect tool for me at home as well as in my business.

I am a professional photographer and owner of Shaye Photo – Your Image DIVA. My business consists mainly of business portraits (headshots), family and event photography. I also do boudoir and pinup photos. Networking plays a huge part in my business so it follows that I photograph a huge number of those meetings. My specialty is “photographs of women by a woman photographer” and I also teach classes to women on “How to be in Photographs You Will Love.”

My camera is always around my neck as my main accessory – like a chunky necklace -  and people expect that I will photograph luncheons and events and post photos on Facebook to stir up conversation. I snap the speakers, anyone who receives an award, all new acquaintances, old friends, and, of course, anyone who mentions that they may need my services. The trick here is to actually stop them and ask permission to photograph them, so it’s more than just a snapshot of a group. They’re actually smiling and posing for me.

Within a few days of taking these photos, I go to my SendOutCards website and upload the best images of everyone with whom I want to keep in contact. Then I send each of them a beautiful card with his or her photograph on the front, saying “It was a pleasure meeting you.” or “Congratulations on your award.” or “Great to see you again!” People appreciate that type of personal attention and the fact that I went out of my way to send a beautiful photograph. These cards never get thrown away and people remember me and my business. I also use SendOutCards to write my thank you note after I photograph a client.

I send cards all through the year. Then at Christmas, my list is already in the SendOutCards system and I simply go through the list, tweak it a little, include a gift from the SendOutCards website (brownies or Starbuck’s gift cards are my favorites) to special clients, and my personalized Christmas cards (and a big part of my gift shopping) are on their way almost effortlessly. What a simple way to keep in touch! It’s a part of my business system. I have had several people become clients because they were so touched by my sending a card rather than an email!

 Shaye Edgeton

Owner/Photographer: Shaye Photo – Your Image DIVA

Copyright © Meli Horowitz  2013 -  All rights reserved

Posted in Business building, Business etiquette, Cards, SendOutCards, Testimonial | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Finding Balance

Posted on March 3, 2013 by Meli

Today’s guest post is by Tammy Olsen, an Air Force veteran.  Tammy achieved her dream of becoming a pilot, but after 12 years decided to change careers and become a mom to her 2 adopted children.

Many of us find that balancing work and home life can be difficult. I still find it hard, but I have learned a few things along the way that have helped our family to make the most of it and not make me crazy in the process.  First, I learned that it was OK to give my children chores. They can clean up after themselves and do their laundry.  Our chore chart helps to keep them on task (most of the time). Secondly, we prioritize our weekly events.  We look at the calendar at the beginning of the week to scout out potential conflicts. This way we have time to work them out before the crisis.  Thirdly, sometimes we don’t get to do everything that we want to do.  In that prioritization, some of the ‘would like to do’ things that conflict with the ‘need to do’ things have to wait for another opportunity.  Some sports wait until another season or a seminar waits until next year.  Lastly, we schedule fun time together.  OK, so it’s not very spontaneous, but my kids do better if they know what’s going on ahead of time.  This way we involve the family in our work and play goals.  When we all work together, we have time to play together.  Currently, I’m involved in a large travelling promotion for my company.  I sat my family down and told them what it would be like and what their responsibilities would be while I was gone.  I told them that it would be for 4 months, and then we could go on our own family vacation to celebrate. A family goal makes the hard times a little easier to swallow knowing that there is something to look forward to in the end.  It’s a magical thing when everyone feels like they are contributing to the family goals of work and play.  I challenge you to find the little things that help you find the balance between your work and family. (Shhhh, sometimes it also involves taking a bath with essential oils or getting a massage to maintain sanity. ;)

Tammy is  an Independent Product Consultant for doTERRA Essential Wellness products and has just recorded her first audio CD called Who Are You? The Hope of Finding Happiness Again. She lives in Tucson with her husband, 2 children, and 2 dogs.

www.mydoterra.com/sukoshi             
719-659-3814

 

Copyright © Meli Horowitz  2013 -  All rights reserved

 

Posted in Family life, Self care, Work and family | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Creating Loyal Customers

Posted on February 24, 2013 by Meli

What is a loyal customer? A loyal customer is simply a customer who returns to you time and again.

I’ve mentioned this statistic a lot recently when speaking with people. Believe it or not, the study was done by the U.S. Postal Service. The average business loses 10% of their influence for every month they don’t have contact with their client. That’s quite a large percentage when you think about it.

Other research shows that with only a 5% increase in customer retention can increase business profits by 25 to 125%.  Every business owner knows that it’s much more cost effective to retain a customer than find a new.

And according to Laura Lake, a well-known marketing consultant and strategist, repeat customers spend 33% more than new customers. That would be great for any business.

There are essentially 3 ways to increase customer loyalty:

Posted in Business Owner, Cards, Customer Appreciation, Customer Loyalty, Customer referrals, Customer retention, Customer Service | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Market Analysis

Posted on February 10, 2013 by Meli

As I was preparing the market analysis for my new business I came across the following information. Some of it I have shared before and much of it is new. Whether you have an established business, a new business, or only in the planning stage for a business this information can help make a significant difference in your business.

William James said “ The deepest principle of human nature is the craving to be appreciated” and Jim Rohn states “Only 3% of the mail we receive is personal.”

Statistics from the USPS report that you lose 10% of your influence every month you don’t have contact with a client.”

According to the Gartner Group in “Leading  in the Edge of Chaos”, Emmett C. Murphy and Mark A. Murphy state “ A commitment to customer experience results  in up to 25% more customer retention and revenue than sales or marketing.” The same group also states “ A 5% increase in customer retention can increase business profits by 25% to 145%” and “ 80% of your profits will come from just 20% of your existing customers.”

Laura Lake, a well-known marketing consultant and strategist, informs us that “Repeat customers spend 33% more than new customers.”

SaRocks.co.za research shows that “for every cent a company spends on improved customer service, they see a return of investment of 34% to a massive 400%.”

“A 5% increase in customer retention can increase a company’s profitability by 75%” according Bain & Company, a leading international business consulting firm. Also from Bain & Company, published in the Harvard Management Update is “80% of companies believe they deliver superior customer experience, but only 8% of their customers agree.”

Finally, the Customer Retention Ideas Report notes that “68% of customers leave because of perceived indifference.”

It’s obvious to see that businesses need a system to follow up with their customers to show them they are appreciated.

How do you show your customers you appreciate them?

Copyright © Meli Horowitz  2013 -  All rights reserved

 

Posted in Business building, Business plan, Customer Appreciation, Customer referrals, Customer retention, Customer Service, Follow up, Marketing, Marketing Strategy | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment