This week’s radio interview is with Jason Miletsky, C0-author of Perspectives on Marketing. We discuss his book, what it was like to write it with his co-author, and perspectives on publishing and social media. Next week’s radio interview is with Tom Cochrane of TKC Solutions about the upcoming video conference on how businesses are using technology to succeed in this economy.
Sometimes I forget…
Today I attend a talk by Charles Hude on Relationship selling. Sometimes I forget that what really makes a business succeed is relationships. You’d think I’d know this after six years of being involved in industries where relationships are an essential part of success, but sometimes it is hard to keep that perspective, in an economy that is down. However as Charles pointed out, and others have as well, using the down economy as an excuse for not doing well is ultimately not examining your own role in why business may or may not be going so well.
The truth is, what we put out there, not just in terms of attitude, but also actions, connections, and relationship building does effect our own business. When we come into a situation feeling desperate, people will feel and note it, even if only on a subconscious level. When we come into a situation with confidence and a focus on the other person, s/he will also note it.
Most importantly, right now what is important is thinking of each other and doing our best to support our network. When we take care of our network, we show the people in it that we care and we are willing to go the extra mile for them…and we also tell them what we need and trust they will do the same for us.
It can be easy to forget that, in the rush to try and get business. And so it’s always a good reminder to go to networking with a focus on learning at least one interesting fact about who you network with, which doesn’t overtly relate to your business. By doing so, you focus on building a relationship with the person that extends beyond the immediate needs of your business with that person. And in fact you may learn something which can help you refer that person to someone else in need, or refer another business to that person. In that way you create a network where everyone benefits and the success is shared all around. It takes time and patience, but don’t forget it can pay off in the long run in many different ways.
Book Reviews
Twitter: Tips, Tricks, and Tweets by Paul McFedries
Although I’m already conversant with twitter, I did finding reading this book useful, because it turned me on to some twitter applications I didn’t know about. The author’s enthusiasm for the technology is evident in the book and in the tips and suggestions he provides for how to make twitter a useful experience. And whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will learn more about twitter in this book, as well as how to take advantage of all it’s technology and the applications it provides.
The one issue I have wit this book is a minor one. As time goes on and the technology advances, it will become less relevant. It’s mainly focused on how to use the technology, so while that is useful, it doesn’t present strategies for how to use it beyond being familiar with the technology itself.
4 out five tweets
Perspectives on Marketing by Jason Miletsky and Michael Hand
Right from the beginning I found this book to be an engaging read, which showed two (and occasionally three) perspectives on the relationship between clients and agencies in the marketing world. While this book can definitely shed some light on the relationships between agencies and clients, it also will give small businesses some perspectives on marketing and client relationships as well. What I really like however is the rapport between the two authors. At times they might disagree with each other, but throughout the book the honesty and clarity they bring to the book shows through and provides insight on their own relationships as well as the relationship between clients and agencies, as well as how to improve those relationships. Highly recommended as a must read for its unique format and approach to the subject.
5 out of 5 marketers.
Upcoming Events
Why do I need Social Networking for my Business? Yes, you can do it less than one hour a week.
Social networking is a hot topic in businesses today. Many of us are not sure how it helps grow our business or acquire new clients or where we will have the time to add one more thing to our hectic lives. However, one thing is for sure, if we don’t come and find out, we will never have answers to these questions.
In this program, Taylor Ellwood will explain what social networking is, why it’s important to be on these sites, and how it can benefit you and your business. Hew will explain how to automate your social networking presence so you only need to spend one hour a week and still have time to run your business and live your life. In this class you will learn:
- What Linkedin, Facebook, Biznik, Twitter are and why it’s important to be on these sites or some of them.
- How to get clients and business from these sites.
- How to automate your online presence so are spending minimum time and effort, yet getting maximum returns.
- What a status bar is and why it’s a good idea to update it regularly.
- How these sites can be used to obtain recommendations and testimonials from your clients.
- The do’s and don’ts of Social networking and how to maintain a professional profile on each site.
Taylor will not only explain, but also demonstrate the benefits of social networks, and show you how you can attract more clients to your business.
Date: Thursday, July 23rd 2009
Time: 11:30pm to 2pm
Price: $35.00 per person, Lunch included
Location: 607 Main Street Suite 240, Oregon City, 97045
To register please RSVP with Diane Dahlins at diane [at] page10accounting.com. Check and credit cards only please, when rsvping.
