The Most Powerful Advertisement Is Your Customer

I've come to the conclusion that most businesses could care less about a problem you encounter after a sales transaction is completed. "Just give me a call if you run into a problem," has become almost laughable. Unfortunately, with shoddy workmanship rampant in the world of manufacturing, service calls are at an all time high!

Service calls to many of the larger companies in this country, has become a source of frustration with the introduction of computer generated operators who are difficult to bypass to get to a live person. When you finally get through to a human being, your call has often been rerouted thousands of miles away to a heavily accented voice with a popular American name who (with all due respect) you need a translator to understand. Unfortunately, the customer has no other options if service is required.

Even many smaller companies who pride themselves on treating customers right are paying less attention to post sales situations. With the challenging economy, the focus is on.sell...sell...sell!! Customer service is no longer a priority.

I think a reminder is long overdo that the most powerful advertisement for any size business is the customer. Word of mouth, internet store and product reviews...The customer holds tremendous power to bring in new business and drive business away. Every little guy counts!

Businesses need to remember who butters their bread!

Together As One

Every 4th of July, I dig out my red, white and blue patriotic shoes and my big loop matching earrings and a red silk flower for my hair. I dress up like a walking advertisement for the holiday!

I love the 4th of July! To me, it stands for the freedoms that we often take for granted in the United States of America...to have the ability to be who we want to be, and the right to voice our opinions without fear of punishment.

I enjoy observing the faces of the crowds as the fireworks light up the sky. I watch a veteran shed tears from his wheelchair. I laugh at a toddler perched on his Dad's shoulders waving at all the people who are pushing through the crowds. The well dressed professional brushes shoulders with the mountain man and they turn to smile at each other and share a moment that knows no class distinctions.

We are together as one...Proud to be Americans!

Developing Effective People Skills

Becoming a "people person" is the #1 best tool a salesperson has to work with. Every customer wants to feel special and important as an individual. I often hear salespeople complain that they can't remember the names of repeat customers. That's forgivable but forgetting a face is not!

It's not enough to hand customers your business card and tell them to come and see you again. You need to be prepared for their return!

Look at your customer and memorize details. As the customer is talking to you, keep your eyes focused on the person, putting to memory something about him or her that stands out. Do they have dimples, freckles, a space between their front teeth? Do they wear a hearing aid, funky glasses, rings in their nose? Every person (even identical twins) has something unique about them.

Listen to the customer... don't just talk to them. As a salesperson, you are expected to have a shpiel (story) to give your customer but you will give it much more effectively, if you really look at your customer and pay attention to what they are saying.

I can't count how many times a salesperson has asked me if I make all the chocolates and cookies that I sell and I answer, "No, the products are made by the finest companies in America...My job is to match my clients up with the products that meet their marketing needs." http:www.everythingchocolateinc.com. Five minutes later, they will say to me, " It's so cool that you make chocolate."

I consider it an insult that what they are trying to sell me is more important than my answer to their question. What it tells me as a customer is...I am not important and you don't really care what I am saying.

Developing effective people skills can increase your business and keep your customers feeling like they're your #1 priority!

Right To The Very Last Curtain Call

I can't relive this day...Won't miss the chance to say, "I Love You"

Lyrics from the song "I can't relive this day" by Debi Drecksler


This past week was a wake up call for baby boomers. Three well known celebrities of our generation made their final curtain call.... Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett and Billy Mays.

I think many of my fellow baby boomers will agree that we really don't think of ourselves as old enough to be bidding adieu. We think of age as merely a number and we don't let it stop us from climbing mountains (metaphorically speaking) or planning what we're going to be doing in the next exciting stage of our lives....and the stage after that!

When one of our generation passes away unexpectedly, it stops us in our tracks and makes us realize that we are not immortal.
No matter how great we think we look or feel, we realize that we can't take anything for granted...not even life itself.

More importantly, it makes us realize that every single moment of every day is worth living to the fullest! Right up to the very last curtain call!

An Open Letter To The Real Estate Industry

I'm a home "seller" and with the economic woes in this country, it's a tough role to be in.

Personally, I believe from what I have experienced, that if given a choice... a Realtor would prefer to invest their time in a Buyer rather than a Seller. Why? It's simple arithmetic. It's a hot Buyer's market and if a Realtor has a client who wants a house NOW, there are literally thousands to choose from, many of them drastically reduced for a quick sale. End result...The Buyer gets a great deal and the Realtor makes a sale!

So where does that leave the Seller?... Feeling like the forgotten child and wondering what happened to that enthusiastic Realtor who couldn't wait to get the listing.

I think I speak for other Sellers when I say...This house was my home and the sale of it is very important to me. No matter how slow the market is and how stiff the competition is...I deserve the same consideration you showed me when you first listed my house. Please don't call me just to suggest I lower my asking price. Call me to go over marketing strategies...make suggestions on how to make my house more appealing...but most importantly, call me so that I will know during these stressful times ...that my business is important to you!