No, it isn’t me. Although I often give the same advice to my clients. This advice comes from one of the most noteworthy, successful business owners in the Pacific Northwest, Les Schwab. My husband is reading his book, Pride in Performance: Keep it Going. In it he advises business owners to advertise, to be consistent in their advertising, to stick with one medium (not a little of this and a little of that), and to continue to advertise regularly.

This is such good advice! You might not see immediate results from your TV, radio, or print advertising. You shouldn’t expect them, either. Think of advertising as an investment. It’s an effective at keeping your company at the top of potential customers’ minds. That’s where you want to be. That’s where you need to be when the time is right and they’re ready to buy.

Maybe your advertising is spread out over several media or you just don’t have the time to devote to it.  A good advertising agency will help bring direction and focus to your media strategy. It will also allow you more time to do what you do best – run your business! Contact Attention Marketing for more information today!

I love the smell of the barn. And although I’m not usually excited to get covered in dirt, when I’m spending time with majestic four-legged creatures I don’t mind a bit.

I often trying to think of ways to make my hobby into an occupation. Wouldn’t it be great to get paid to do what you love? Maybe I could actually get paid to photograph horses, shoot video, or better yet, to exercise them, ride them, and groom them. It all sounds ideal. But if I had to do it every day would it still feel like a hobby? Would it still be fun if I had to get covered in dirt, sweat and horse hair every day? I don’t know.

For now, horses will just be my hobby. But if someone offers me a job working with horses…I’ll let you know.

Tip 1 – Keep Them Close. You’ve heard it before, but it bears repeating. It costs 5-10 times more to get a new customer than to keep the customer you already have. So what’s the best way to keep the customer you already have? Keep them very happy. This may involve surveying your current customers to see how you’re doing, investing in employee training, adding a new product or service (in response to survey results), or staying in touch with your customers through social networking media (Facebook, Twitter) or email. Social networking can be a great way to build community among your customers and create a “Your Company – Nation” so to speak.

Tip 2 – Get Out There! Business networking events can be a great way to meet new clients and to make other business people aware of you and your company. I have forged several business relationships as a result of contacts I made at networking events. You may not be able to attend every event, but you can make the most of the events you attend:

• Practice your listening skills. Invite others to talk about themselves, their business, and what makes them unique.
• Be ready to tell a story about your business – for example, how you were able to help a client solve a problem.
• Bring plenty of your business cards. Your card should have a brief description of what you do or what makes you unique.
• Follow up after the event. If you met someone that has an interest in what you do or vice versa, call or send an email. Ask if you can set up an appointment.
• Above all, bring a positive attitude! Any new person you meet could be your next client! Smile!