A-Z List of Free or Cheap Marketing

FoodDude replied:

B is for Badge.....................the badge on your shirt, a badge (magnet ) on your car, maybe a holder with some BROCHURES or BUSINESS CARDS

Follow-Your-LR-Dream replied:

c = catalogues

Share your catalogues whether on-line or hard-copy to as
many people as possible. Your catalogues are your 24 hour
shop.
Don't leave them sitting at home collecting dust....
How will people know what you do and what you sell
if you don't show them :)

Who will you share your catalogue with today?

StampinUp replied:

Great idea for a post btw Michelle :)

Conversations! You never know who you are talking to at the supermarket, in the bank, at the kids school ... if they ask what you do, TELL THEM!!!
Just last week actually I had a lady ask what I had in my hands in front of Miss 5's class! It was an order I brought in to give to some of the Mum's that were at a demo that I'd had from the school. She asked for a catty (which I luckily had one with me! *great tip from above* he he!) and promised to give me back when she came in the next week.
Lo and behold she placed an order of over $300 all by herself!!!
Just goes to show you never know what will result from a simple and free conversation!!!
Lavina

P.S. Sorry Esther! I was a bit slow in posting this! he he!

LYFwebdesigns replied:

D is for a drop card. You can leave these anywhere including in a shopping centre, on a park bench, in a MYER store or sneakily in a library in a book which relates to your target market or interests.

And Lavina, no worries - I thought it was a great concept to get the ball rolling and to get everyone to share what they have learnt in the past.

Hopefully, we get some more members so we can complete the list.

Kind regards,

Michelle

BaysideStyle replied:

E is for Effort.

We should be marketing our Businesses using at least 10 different methods, all at the same time.  (Brad Sugars - Action Coach)

Doing that takes Effort (and consistency).

Nicole

StampinUp replied:

Flack! Personal and Professional! We all cop this at some point in our lives and our work!
How do you you cope with it?
Arm yourself with product knowledge, user knowledge, statistics, or other forms of data your pp provides you with! (Having knowledge of the different personality types may help when dealing with a difficult customer also!) If they have a problem try to help them resolve it to the best of your capabilities, and if you can't find a solution, refer them onto a source that can, and follow it up!!!

Fun! You have to enjoy what you do! Your customers will pick up on it, and more importantly, it's contagious!

I could go on ... but I'll stop there!
Hope this helps! Lavina

shallonwines replied:

GOALS

Everyone must have a goal to be successful. Be it material or intangilble SET THAT GOAL. it gives you something to strive for!

A great read = THE GOAL Eliyahu M. Goldratt (and Jeff Cox)

(Based on factory based businesses but written as a novel so easy reading with some great human nature tips)

Rhonda

Kirstin replied:

H is for Handing out free samples.

Have a strategy - don't just hand them out randomly and hope for the best. A good campaign would be to send a sample or low cost item to all your best customers and say you'll be calling in a week to hear their feedback. This gives you a good reason to call (and hopefully take some bookings and sales). Start by asking them about the sample you sent. Make sure that you listen and acknowledge their comments. People love to feel that their opinion is important. Handing out samples can be a great way to build rapport.

Kirstin xxx

FlaschengeistFlavours replied:

I is for INVESTMENT

Invest in your company, whether it is in training, product knowledge, setting up systems for your office work and host packs. Spend 1/2 hour a day learining

A great place to start is: www.CreateACashFlowShow.com

Kirstin replied:

J is is Join!

Join websites were you can swap ideas and learn more about direct marketing (like this one!)

Join groups and clubs where you can meet potential customers and recruits (gym, school association, professional women's networks etc)

Make your business a joint venture with your family and partner - make sure that you set aside time for them and that they respect your work times.

Joining groups will provide you with leads and give you emotional support to get through the tough lonely times.

Kirstin xxx

Kirstin replied:

K is for Kids!

If you have them, make sure that all your fellow parents know about your business! You don't need to be pushy. I recently offered all the mums in my children's classes a catalogue and got a HUGE response. Those that were not interested I did not pursue.

If you don't have kids, you can still make the most of the organisations in your area for children. Offer to do a fundraiser with nurseries, scouts, soccer clubs etc. Find out when your local school has a fete or market night and take a stall. Do a demo at playgroup. Your local baby health clinic probably has brochures in the waiting room - why not add yours?

Your own kids are also a good form of slave labour. Depending on their age, you can put them to work stamping your brochures, doing local deliveries or mail drops.

Kirstin xxx

FM-Fragrances-Australia-World replied:

Learn!

Learn as much as you can about what you do!

Learn everything about your company

Learn everything about your products

Learn everything about recruiting

Learn everything about being a leader

Learn how to sell

Learn people skills

learn, learn and learn :)

Rich

www.wickedfragrances.com

www.fmgroupau.com.au

Sponsor Number

12006520

StampinUp replied:

Market yourself!
Everywhere you go, put yourself on show!
You never know where you'll be recognised! The one day you go out with daggy tracky dacks, and no makeup with your hair untidy is the day you'll be recognised as the pp lady!!! Dress to impress wherever you are going and whatever you are doing! Wear your badge, flaunt your business bag, jewelry, clothing or whatever! If you love it, live it!
Lavina

Kirstin replied:

Never leave your home without your most important asset ... your SMILE! It's free and using it will make people WANT to meet you.

 No negativity... if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything. This goes for other PP companies, that irritating hostess who keeps postponing, other members of this forum etc. You can be sure that anything nasty you say WILL get reported back to the person you said it about and create ill-will. In the end, this reflects back on you. Smile, be professional and you will come out the winner. Eventually.

Kirstin replied:

Open House

If you are out of bookings, holding an open house is a good way to get your products in front of people and generate some interest. But you do have to be strategic - a group email and a few flyers through stranger's doors will NOT get you a big crowd.

Do PERSONAL invitations: call each person and tell them why they might be interested in attending - you've got a new product in the line they already buy, you know that the range they love is being discontinued and this might be their last chance to purchase, the new pot plant holders would look great in their garden, the wrap tops are perfect for breast-feeding mothers etc. They will be intrigued to see the item you've suggested and flattered that you thought of them. (This is where keeping good customer records is invaluable). Follow up with a written invitation asnd finally either a call or email a few days before to remind them. If you are inviting neighbours, take the time to knock on their door, have a chat and invite them individually.

Set a specific start time and offer an incentive for everyone who is there punctually - a free sample or a discount on their order for example. Don't let your Open House drag on for a full day - 1 1/2 hours is plenty of time! There is more atmosphere if you have a group rather than a wishy washy drift in and drift out type of thing. Plus the dogs and kids don't have to spend the whole day locked in the shed!

Don't go overboard on the catering. We all advise out hostesses to keep it simple, so make sure you do too!

Put a lot of effort into getting bookings. Create a booking tree, offer a free hostess goodie bag, incentives for booking today, whatever! October is 'Girl's Night iN' - perhaps consider doing a special offer for anyone who wants to host a Girls Night in featuring your products (donate a certain percentage back etc) Have your diary and hostess kits ready.

Good luck!

FM-Fragrances-Australia-World replied:

Procrastination = Don't     Rich

StampinUp replied:

Questions - are you asking people the right way?
Also, are you asking the right people?

ASK: How would you feel about hosting your own presentation? Instead of Do you want to ...? Closed answered Q's allow for a Yes or No answer only!
Sometimes just a different way to word what you ask makes all the difference!

When you have finalised your presentation, and are helping customers with their orders ... are you asking the right questions to up sell them in a way that benefits you both???
Cleaner with that? Lingerie bag with that? Do you have ___ to use with it? I always say that some things you have to purchase together to get the maximum benefit out of your new items! They will thank you for your attention to detail, and it's better for you with that one extra sale on each and every order! If you get a no this time, you might get a yes the next, but you don't know if you don't ask the Q!!!
Lavina

LYFwebdesigns replied:

R is for rapport

Rapport is the process of where you gain a level of friendship with the customer. It is where they feel you are more there for support or there to be friendly, not just for sales.

This is something I recently learnt. You need to increase your network by getting to know more people without telling them your business. Yes this may be hard, but have a regular coffee every now and again, get to know them, then once the trust is built and the friendship is solid, you can mention your business in a friendly way. Not Hey do you wanna sell this, or wanna buy this. How about "since we've been friends for a while, thought it was time to share this great product with you". Why not give them samples too!!

Also when doing door to door sales, if you ever do. Don't say Hi, How are you first. Start by building a connection with the customer such as "Boy is it hot outside today" etc.

All these relate you to the customer and will in the long run build relationships which may in turn create more contacts for you.

Kirstin replied:

S is for Service

Great customer service costs you nothing but a little extra time and energy. But excellent service is what can set you apart from regular shops.

Do you call all your recent clients to check that their products arrived safely, their order was correct and that they are enjoying using them? If not, you are missing out! You will occassionally get someone whose order went wrong or who wants a refund, but more often you will get new orders and bookings. More importantly, you will build loyalty (see the post about rapport above!)

Include a personal note with EVERY order. Keep good records so that you can remember important facts about your customers and hosts. Send thank you cards to hosts after the party - for the cost of a card and 55c stamp, you'll be cementing your position as preferred supplier.

There are a million ways to make yourself stand out from the crowd and ensure that people remember you when they are next looking for more of your products. Choose a few that you can easily incorporate into your working week and make great customer service part of your business.

Ladywytch replied:

Remember it is precious and yours and once it has ticked by you will never get it back.

Be on TIME and Value your TIME.

And no matter how busy you are always make TIME to spend TIME with those you hold most precious in your lives.  And above all have a good TIME.

Kirstin replied:

U is for update!

Keep your customers updated when you have new products or information for them. Keep it brief and relevant. You might be excited that you have recruited two people or started a blog, but they couldn't care less. However, a 'two for the price of one' offer on their favourite product will be of interest.

Emails should be no more than two paragraphs and a short 'PS'. Confronted with a long, dense 300 word essay, most people will just hit 'delete', rather than trying to wade through.

Update your website, blog and status regularly if you are online, so people kow you are still active. Nothing says "I couldn't care less" than "Merry Christmas" in January!

Update your look, your presentation and your display materials regularly to make sure you are always looking fresh and have something new to offer.

Be proactive - it is up to U!

Kirstin replied:

Visiting potential customers costs nothing but time and courage and could bring in some valuable new business.

Visiting local businesses can give you access to three markets:

1. their customers

2. their staff

3. the business itself

1. Ask if you can set up a 'free draw' box where customers can deposit their business cards or fill in a simple form. At the end of a week, collect all, draw a prize winner. Keep all the entrant's details and call them explaining that although they did not win, you'd be happy to arrange a free showing at their house.

2. Ask the receptionist if she'd like to pass around your brochure and collect orders from the other staff (offer her hostess benefits as an incentive) OR see if you can set up a demo in the staffroom at lunchtime.

3. Does the business send gifts to clients? Does it offer gift incentives to staff? Perhaps your product might be suitable. Ask who you could speak to about a business purchase.

Whichever strategy you choose, be clear and confident. Carry samples, brochures and order forms. You never know, your next client could be waiting for you at the local shops!

JustRachel replied:

W is for Work....

If you really want to make a success out of your business you need to work at it and not sit back waiting for it to come to you.

Kirstin replied:

X-tra - Be Willing to go that X-tra mile for your customer and your team.

LYFwebdesigns replied:

First off Kirstin, thank you for posting so many wonderful tips on this thread. You are a true star and know alot about customer service and this great industry.

Perhaps we could keep going, if you'd like to - up to you.

Y is you for You

Think about how many times a customer or friend sees you. You represent the company. A person can read your body language more than they can pick up on what your verbal language is saying. Thus if you aren't happy or passionate, the customer will tell.

Always dress yourself professionally, never wear trackies because on that day you'll be spotted for being a party plan consultant. Dress for success and if you can dress, wear and use your products. Always carry a brochure, business cards and a pen with you.

Never be unprepared because it shows a lack of professionalism.

You have the power to make and change your business.

You have the power to share a catalogue today.

You have the power to empower others, especially those on your team.


However, if you do not have the will to achieve and the passion, your power will be lost.

So remember only you can change the way your business runs. Others can help you but it is you that markets your products and services.

So dress for success, smile and stay positive!

You'll enjoy the rewards after - especially less stress!!

Michelle

Kirstin replied:

Zero: Is how many parties you are going to book sitting on the couch. Pick up the phone and start dialing!

Kirstin replied:

You may think you have asked everyone to host a party, but have you really?

There is a BIG difference between announcing ("I'd love to do a party for anyone here today") and actually ASKING ("Would YOU like to host a party like this?"), With a general annoucement, people don't feel any need to respond. When you put the question to them personally, they start to seriously consider it!

Make sure you ASK every guest for bookings, not just raise the possibilty.

FM-Fragrances-Australia-World replied:

B is for Best..

Best Effort = who can complain if your always giving your best..

Best Foot Forward = Be on the hunt for new opportunities = more important sieze an opportunity.

Best in first dressed = those who dwindle will only ever dwindle.

Best Offer = Promote your business opportunities

Best Buy = Promte your goods always

Best Mouth = Never shut up about what you do

Best = Be the best at what you do.

Rich

Kirstin replied:

This is your most important business tool. It costs nothing to start and maintain a list of customer, their contact details and a few notes on each person. If you don't have any customers yet, start with a list of your friends and contacts.

Use a spreadsheet, table or file cards to record their name, address, phone numbers and email addresses. YOu can also record other info, such as date of first order, date of last order, total of all combined orders etc. Don't make it too complicated or keeping it updated becomes  too time consuming. Only record oinfo you are going to use - you don't need to know their date of birth, for example!

After a party or sale, make sure you give your customers a call and ask whether they are enjoying the products. Use the list every time your bookings or sales start to run dry.

Treat your customer's information with respect and keep it secure - don't swap details with other businesses, this is a sure-fire way to make your clients stop trusting you. Don't bombard your customer list with constant email announcements. Used wisely, a customer database is a great tool.