Business-Building Action From Terry Brock
Serving clients and customers is what business is all about. Attracting and keeping those customers is not only a priority for your business, but it is WHY you are in business.
When we can find tools to help us leverage our ability to serve customers more we should pay attention. It is easy to fall into one of two extremes: 1) Buy all the new gizmos and gadgets just because they look great in the computer magazines, 2) Not get involved with any of the stuff because “I’m not into technology.” Both of these extremes are dangerous.
The proper approach is to apply the technologies that can help you attain the business and personal goals that you have laid out for your life.
Here are 8 concepts that can help you generate more profits by utilizing technology to the best:
- Be A Good Farmer. Jim Cecil teaches the concept of a nurture marketing system. It is based on the idea of farming. Plants need water, sunshine and fertilizer to grow. You don’t overwhelm the poor little cornstalk with a fire hose of water just because it needs water. You gently moisten it over time and watch it grow. The same concept applies to relationships with people. You have to nurture the relationship. There are many good systems ranging from simple contact management resources like ACT! Or Nimble up to more sophisticated systems like Infusionsoft. Take the time to find the right system for you. Get a system and use it!
- Don’t Be a Guinea Pig. I’ve seen too many people get just the latest and coolest stuff with technology only to spend an inordinate amount of time fiddling with it and trying to make it work. Wait for the technology to prove itself before you buy. In today’s world, it is a part of the equation to regularly test and try new systems. Work with competent professionals to help you on this, I highly recommend the use of a service like oDesk to find the best people.
- Stay in Touch. Utilize many forms of communication to stay in touch. Sometimes a quick text is all that is needed — and it is preferred. Other times a more detailed email will be in order. I use EyeJot a lot for sending a video email that communicates human warmth and speed. Make it a regular part of your marketing plan to have a positive “touch” with important people on a regular basis.
- Save Time By Doing As Much As Possible Over The Net. Just this morning as I was in my quality study time, I thought of a few items I need here in my condo. In the past I’d make a note and then plan to pick them up when going to the store. Today, it is more efficient to grab it on Amazon with a 1-click system and know that it will be here in 2 days. I use their Amazon Prime service so I have no shipping charges. That is nice. Find ways to leverage what you need to do on the Net.
- Use The Net To Expand Your Knowledge Base. Francis Bacon said that knowledge is power. He would have been proud of the Internet. You can learn about almost any subject you can think of. However, learning still requires discipline and commitment to make it happen. If you combine the vast resources on the Net with a burning desire to learn more about a given topic, industry or subject, you’ll be unbeatable in the 21st Century.
- Focus On People, Not The Technology. People are always the ones that buy. Computers, tablets and smartphones don’t buy your products or services. Use the technology to help people and always figure out ways to help people more using the technology. How much of your time do you spend with people vs. working on technology? Focus on the people first and let the technology help you help your customers.
- Use Video For Your Presentations. We live in a video generation. When you make presentations, train or do business, think of ways that you can use video to enhance your message. Video communicates life, action and more. It gets the point across quickly and helps to build that bottom line. Use it to your advantage.
- Think Fast And Smart. Today the key to success today is to be both fast and very smart. Those companies that are doing extremely well find and develop the brightest and sharpest minds as their employees. They also move rapidly. They quickly enter new areas and try new techniques. If something doesn’t work, they learn from that set back, re-tool and try it again. All of this happens quickly. Computer models allow that to happen rapidly. The right kind of thinking allows it to be a natural part of an evolving culture.
Enormous profits are being made now by people who are smart and fast. They use technology to leverage their abilities far beyond what they could have done without it. Try some of these.
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© Copyright 2013. Achievement Systems, Inc. and Terry Brock. All Rights Reserved. Terry Brock helps organizations leverage technology like social media and mobile devices to connect with customers and increase productivity. He is the Co-Author of the McGraw-Hill upcoming book entitled Klout Matters which is about succeeding in social media and generating business. Visit his website for a free report on how Twitter can help you boost sales – http://tinyurl.com/twitter4sales. He can be reached through his website at www.TerryBrock.com or on Twitter – @TerryBrock _____________________________________________________
