by Yoon Cannon | General, Business Growth Tips Blog, Marketing and Sales Blog Posts, Success Mindset, Success Mindset
Note From Yoon
Only 3 more months until we find out who the 100 fastest growing companies are in the Philadelphia area.
If you would like to attend to network with these CEO’s I invite you to email me for an invitation. Or, if you’re like to be one of these winning companies I invite you to call me to discuss how we can get you positioned for fast growth awards like this.
Enjoy today’s article on my take on the Myths Behind Fast Growth Companies.
Blessings~
The Myth Behind Fast Growth Companies
As co-chair of the Philadelphia 100 awards I get to help promote our area’s 100 fastest growing companies. When you read about the success stories of fast growing companies it’s easy to get sucked into the thinkingt hat these lucky entrepreneurs had the “midas” touch and got to enjoy overnight success.
Well, more often than not, that just isn’t so. When you read past the headlines and dig deeper into many of the back stories of those successful entrepreneurs who turned their small business into the dream big business, what you’ll learn is a common thread of simple patience.
There is a special species of bamboo that grows in China and the Far East. After the bamboo is planted, no visible growth occurs for up to 5 years. Even under ideal conditions, the plant shows no signs of growth for years after it is planted. Then suddenly, as if by magic, the bamboo begins to grow at a rate of nearly 2 ½ feet per day until it reaches its full height of 90 feet! The bamboo farmer who persistently cares for the seemingly barren land will reap the rewards once the bamboo shoots take off. He knows that the rapid growth of the bamboo is not at all magical – the bamboo is able to grow so quickly because it spends the first five years of its life developing miles of roots to support its growth.
As a business owner, you must also develop a “root system” . When it comes to your marketing tactics are you patient in your persistence or do you swiftly abort tactics that do not result in immediate prospect inquiries? Frequently, it is just when a tactic was about to begin to take root that the business owner quits and moves on to trying something else. Often times, the difference between successful outcomes and failed outcomes is the one degree difference in your own mental state of mind between ‘trying’ and ‘committing’.
How about in your prospect conversion strategy? Do you have a follow up system that keeps in touch with your prospects for up to 2 years or do you typically give up after just 2 or 3 follow ups? Did you know that, on average, businesses have to follow up with potential clients 8 times in order to make the sale?! So, if you’re not happy with the results of your marketing, ask yourself, “Have I been patiently persistent?” If you’re considering whether to abort a specific tactic take a good look at your actual efforts and ask yourself, “Have I simply been trying or have I truly committed to this tactic?” If you’re willing to be persistent, but just not sure whether you are taking the right approach to nurturing the root system of your business.
QUESTION: What inspires and encourages you as an entrepreneur to keep pushing forward in the midst of struggle? Please share your comments below in the comment box.
About Yoon Cannon: Top business coach Yoon Cannon has helped thousands of small business owners, entrepreneurs, coaches, consultants and sales teams achieve dramatic results in growing your business. Over the past 20 years Yoon has started 4 successful companies and sold 3 of them. She offers fresh insights as a seasoned business growth expert. Yoon delivers proven process for your sales, marketing and management development. Grab free valuable gifts and resources at https://www.ParamountBusinessCoach.com To book Yoon to speak at your next event email: YoonCannon@ParamountBusinessCoach.com To schedule a complimentary business coaching consultation call (215) 292-4947.
QUESTION: What inspires and encourages you as an entrepreneur to keep pushing forward in the midst of struggle? Please share your comments below in the comment box.
© Copyright 2016
by Yoon Cannon | General, Business Growth Tips Blog, Marketing and Sales Blog Posts
Note From Yoon
I was having my coffee early this morning on my front porch and noticed the fog lifting from my view of Buckingham mountain. It was so breath taking I had to go inside and grab my phone so I could take a picture to share with you. I only looked down for a few minutes to crop the photo. By the time I looked back up that fog already disappeared.
It reminded me of how true the statement, “You have to strike while the iron’s hot”. This made me think about the discipline of follow up. If you want to attract more clients, you need to strike while the iron’s hot. The problem with that however, is half the time, we don’t always know when our potential prospects are ready. Here’s a brief blog I wrote on creating a follow up system, so you don’t miss those hot opportunities. I invite you to share you comments and questions about how you can create effective, simple follow up systems that work. Enjoy!
Blessings ~
What’s Your Follow Up System?
Imagine, missing out on a great new account all because when your prospect was ready, she’d forgotten about you. Picture this scenario, you’re a financial advisor, you meet prospects every week but you don’t have a system for keeping in touch.Six months ago you met this particular prospect at a networking function. You exchanged cards and maybe you even sent a “nice to meet you” email the following day. But you never reached out to her again.
Four months later, she met another financial advisor who’d followed up with an informative article. A few weeks after that, he’d sent an email and offered a short phone consultation. Your prospect became his prospect. Has this ever happened to you?
Follow up is the most important component in building your networks and getting more referrals. Marcia Yudkin of the Marketing Minute says most of her referrals are for people she recently interacted with. So, keep in touch.
How often? Each contact will be different but every 1-3 months is about right for many potential clients. And don’t always ask for work. Forward a relevant article you think they may be interested in, let them know if you’ve added another skill set to your repertoire, be helpful. Keep it short and related. This tactic is simple once you get into the habit and helps to build your relationship. When they need your services, you’ll be top of mind.
It can take anywhere from 3 months to 2 years to turn some leads into clients. Nurture them along the way by being a resource. If these ideas sound too big to implement there are some great ways to systematize your follow up process and even scale it to large numbers of prospects versus following up with every individual. You can learn these systems.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need help with your follow up marketing plan, I’m just a phone call away. You can reach me at 215-292-4947. Call today to set up your free 30 min Discovery Session and lay the foundation to take your business to the next level!
QUESTION: What follow up did you do that turned into a client success story? Share your comments here
About Yoon Cannon: Top business coach Yoon Cannon has helped thousands of small business owners, entrepreneurs, coaches, consultants and sales teams achieve dramatic results in growing your business. Over the past 20 years Yoon has started 4 successful companies and sold 3 of them. She offers fresh insights as a seasoned business growth expert. Yoon delivers proven process for your sales, marketing and management development. Grab free valuable gifts and resources at https://www.ParamountBusinessCoach.com To book Yoon to speak at your next event email: YoonCannon@ParamountBusinessCoach.com To schedule a complimentary business coaching consultation call (215) 292-4947.
© Copyright 2016
by Yoon Cannon | General, Business Growth Tips Blog, Marketing and Sales Blog Posts, Success Mindset
Note From Yoon …
The summer is a great time to spend on sharpening your skills. One of the most valuable skill to have in your business development toolbox is the skill of public speaking. Why? Because it helps to quickly build your expertise platform. Speaking allows you to leverage your time from marketing one – one to one to many. Speaking builds strong know-like-trust factor with your audience.
Recently, when I was speaking at a Chamber of Commerce event I was approached by an audience member who remarked she wished she was a naturally gifted speaker like me. I thanked her for the kind compliment, but had to correct her that speaking is actually a skill you can learn.
So, friends here’s today’s blog article on how you can sharpen your speaking skills to quickly build your expertise and attract more clients for your business. Enjoy!
Public Speaking Tips for Business People
People who listen to a great public speaker often refer to that person as a “natural.” While some people have a natural ability to know what the audience wants to hear, the majority of great speakers became skilled with practice. Professional speakers have had thousands of opportunities to try their skills in front of people. Learning from the professionals is another way to enhance your own skills.
1. Keep the end in sight
The best way to start the speech writing process is to have the end in mind. What is it you want to leave people with? What is the goal of the speech or presentation? How do you want to impact your audience with your speech? When you have a clear understanding of the outcome you want to achieve, you can be focused on that goal as you prepare.
2. Keep the message simple
You are an expert in your field, so there will be the tendency to give people much more information than they can digest. Your goal is to come up with a few simple points that support your message, and give just enough detail to make it relevant, understandable or entertaining. If you bury your audience in facts, figures and details, they will still be digging themselves out at the end of your presentation, and will have lost the message in all of the other information you gave them.
3. Know the space and the people
Know the audience and the room in which you’ll be speaking. There are times when you don’t get the chance to prepare. When you can, mingle with people as they walk in. Stroll through the room, taking note of the best and worst places to hear you. Take a mental poll of the mood of the crowd. The more you feel familiar with the people and the space, the more comfortable you’ll be during your presentation.
This is especially important for speakers who often present to busy people. For example, the current CEO of Ernst & Young, Mark Weinberger, was appointed as Assistant Secretary (Tax Policy) of the U.S. Treasury by President George W. Bush. His role was to help Congress understand the convoluted tax policy. Getting to know the people he would be speaking with and the venues in which he would present allowed CEO Mark Weinberger to explain this very complicated topic to a room full of very busy people. When the subject matter you’re speaking about is complicated, knowing your audience allows you to better convey your ideas effectively.
4. Tell a good story
Work on being a good storyteller. This is one way to connect with your audience. When you are able to share something that shows a little of your vulnerabilities, people will think, “Ah, he is one of us.” You can give the audience a lot of information, of which they may retain only a little. Or, you can make them remember how you made them feel by telling a story including personal challenges and accomplishments.
5. Project your message with your entire body
Body language is also “speaking” to the audience as much as the words you say. Match your body movements with the message you are delivering. Until you are comfortable with your own speaking style, have someone shoot a video of you presenting, and watch yourself. The best advice is to be and act naturally. Forced body expressions are always noticed.
Watch some of the great speakers, and notice the ease with which they get an important message across to the audience. They, too, had to learn these tips, and watch other speakers in order to create their own unique speaking style. Consider joining a public speaking organization, such as Toastmasters International, to improve on your skills.
What public speaking tips to you have? Share them in the comments.
About Yoon Cannon: Top business coach Yoon Cannon has helped thousands of small business owners, entrepreneurs, coaches, consultants and sales teams achieve dramatic results in growing your business. Over the past 20 years Yoon has started 4 successful companies and sold 3 of them. She offers fresh insights as a seasoned business growth expert. Yoon delivers proven process for your sales, marketing and management development. Grab free valuable gifts and resources at https://www.ParamountBusinessCoach.com To book Yoon to speak at your next event email: YoonCannon@ParamountBusinessCoach.com To schedule a complimentary business coaching consultation call (215) 292-4947.
© Copyright 2016
by Yoon Cannon | General, Business Growth Tips Blog, Marketing and Sales Blog Posts
Last week you received some great news when I told you that you could get more clients for your business – for free! Client referrals are a powerful source of new client generation, and getting more client referrals doesn’t have to cost you a penny!Remember: getting more client referrals for your business isn’t complicated, but it can be difficult if you don’t actively encourage your clients to recommend your business. Here are 4 more tips that will help you get more client referrals:
A great way to motivate your clients to share their positive experiences with your business is to offer an incentive to clients whose referrals bring in new clients. For example, I am satisfied with my bank’s customer service, so when they offered me a $250 deposit to my checking account if I referred a colleague to open a new business account I jumped at the opportunity. Whatever incentive you choose to offer, make sure that it is something of value that will show your client how much you appreciate their referral. You can also team up with clients or other businesses to cross promote and refer new business to one another.
Marketing Tip #5 Get Personal
Asking a client to pass along your business card is a start, but great client referrals involve you building an immediate relationship with the referred client. Instead, ask a client for a colleague’s contact information and contact them personally, or ask a client to introduce you to a colleague at the next industry event. You can even lead by example and connect your client with referrals at your next networking event by saying something like “David, I want you to meet Nancy. She is a goal-oriented sales expert who helped me increase my business’s sales by 200%!” David will be grateful for the referral and eager to return the favor.
Marketing Tip #6 Follow Up with Referrals
When Frank, a long-time and reliable client, tells you that he mentioned your business to his friend’s brother and hands you his phone number, don’t wait a week before calling him. Make contact with a potential client while your business is still fresh in their mind. Then keep making contact. On average, businesses must follow-up with potential clients 8 times in order to make a sale. Be persistent. This does not mean that you have to call a potential client and say “I’m just calling to follow up…”. Say something like “I stumbled upon a great article with tips that I think would benefit your business…” or “I’ve just heard of an upcoming event that may be of interest to you…”. Following up with a potential client by offering useful information shows them that you are dedicated to their business’s success and allows you to maintain contact without hassling them with repetitive messages.
Marketing Tip #7 Follow Up and Get More Clients
Keep Frank updated on the status of his referral and let him know if his brother’s friend becomes a client. Send a card thanking him for sending new business your way. It sounds basic, but you’d be amazed how many business owners forget to thank their clients for referrals. Showing your gratitude for his support will make him eager to refer your business again!
QUESTION: What great follow up tips can you share that has helped you to actually follow up? Please share your ideas in the comment box below.
About Yoon Cannon: Top business coach Yoon Cannon has helped thousands of small business owners, entrepreneurs, coaches, consultants and sales teams achieve dramatic results in growing your business. Over the past 20 years Yoon has started 4 successful companies and sold 3 of them. She offers fresh insights as a seasoned business growth expert. Yoon delivers proven process for your sales, marketing and management development. Grab free valuable gifts and resources at https://www.ParamountBusinessCoach.com To book Yoon to speak at your next event email: YoonCannon@ParamountBusinessCoach.com To schedule a complimentary business coaching consultation call (215) 292-4947.
© Copyright 2016
by Yoon Cannon | General, Business Growth Tips Blog, Marketing and Sales Blog Posts
It’s a jungle out there, and the competition for clients is fierce. Luckily, you don’t have to spend a fortune on creative marketing schemes to get connected with new, quality clients. In fact, the best way to get new clients in your door won’t cost you a penny!How many times have you visited a new barber or tried a new printing service at the recommendation of a friend or colleague? I can’t even count the number of times that I’ve tried a new restaurant after hearing a friend rave about it! Client referrals are a powerful source of new client generation – people value and trust their friends’ opinions.
Getting more client referrals for your business isn’t complicated, but it can be difficult if you don’t actively encourage your clients to recommend your business. Here are 3 tips that will help you get more client referrals:
Marketing Tip #1 Look At It From Your Clients’ Point of View
Of course you want your clients to refer new clients to your business, but why should your clients want to refer new clients? They will be putting their credibility on the line each time they recommend your business to a friend or colleague. It’s your job to prove to your clients that your business is worthy of their referrals.
Marketing Tip #2 Endear Yourself to Your Clients
If you have a “gimme gimme” relationship with your clients, your focus on how your clients can benefit you – instead of a focus on how you and your clients can benefit each other – is unlikely to lead to many client referrals. Instead, go a step further and focus on how you can express tokens and gestures of thoughtfulness to your clients. Take the example of my mortgage broker. During one of our conversations, he took some time to get to know me and discovered that I have a love of sushi. As it turned out, he has a passion for fishing for exotic fish. More than once after that conversation he would return from a fishing trip and deliver some of his fresh catch to my home without me even asking! I was pleased with his brokerage services and blown away by his generosity. When he asked me for a referral, I of course was more than willing to spend the time to think of quality referrals for him.
Marketing Tip #3 Ask for One
It’s seems so straightforward, so why do business owners often shy away from asking their clients for referrals? Fear of rejection or of ruining a good relationship with an existing client are the primary deterrents. But asking for a referral doesn’t have to be daunting, just casually mention it during conversation. When a client thanks you for a job well done say something like “I’m glad that you are pleased with our services. We would be so grateful if you would tell your friends about your first-rate experience us.” or “I’ve really enjoyed doing business with you, and I’d love to work with more clients who are so receptive to new ideas. Who do you know in the restaurant business who you think may be interested in our quality services?” See, that wasn’t so scary.
Just wait, there’s more! Check back on this blog site to get part 2 which includes 4 more tips to help you get more client referrals for your business! If you’d rather get it delivered straight to your inbox all you have to do is put in your email address in the opt in below.
QUESTION: What part of marketing do you struggle with the most in your business? Please also share what type of business you’re in. Post your thoughts in the comment box below.
About Yoon Cannon: Top business coach Yoon Cannon has helped thousands of small business owners, entrepreneurs, coaches, consultants and sales teams achieve dramatic results in growing your business. Over the past 20 years Yoon has started 4 successful companies and sold 3 of them. She offers fresh insights as a seasoned business growth expert. Yoon delivers proven process for your sales, marketing and management development. Grab free valuable gifts and resources at https://www.ParamountBusinessCoach.com To book Yoon to speak at your next event email: YoonCannon@ParamountBusinessCoach.com To schedule a complimentary business coaching consultation call (215) 292-4947.
© Copyright 2016
by Yoon Cannon | General, Business Growth Tips Blog, Marketing and Sales Blog Posts, Time Management/Productivity
Hop onto an ecommerce site these days, and chances are increasingly likely you’ll encounter some form of online chat for the purposes of support and sales. Some businesses even encourage the customer to contact these chat services by initiating pop-ups that urge the customer to talk to the business immediately. These online support options may initially seem appealing, but they also come at a cost. It is up to a business to determine whether a live chat function will truly be helpful to their clientele, or whether it will simply be a drain on their budget.
The Pros
Statistics gathered by a 2012 study by BoldChat paint an interesting picture of the topic. Between 2009 and 2012, the instances of live chatting have grown by around 15 percent. This means, either more users are taking live chat online options, or more companies are offering them. Additionally, 31 percent of the shoppers who completed a live chat say they are more likely to complete a purchase. Further, 21 percent of shoppers stated they prefer live chat over all other communication methods. Email still beats out all communication options at 54 percent. Most users prefer chatting over calling because they get their questions answered quickly. Ninety-four percent of online shoppers say they are ‘very satisfied’ or ‘somewhat satisfied’ with their proactive live chat experience.
Live chatting appears to help bridge the gap between the traditional brick-and-mortar store and online retailers by allowing them access to sales personnel. One of the issues online retailers often have is the inability to push for sales the way a traditional store with floor staff can and the inability to engage customers in conversation. OpenForum.com states Web sites that have chats available sell more, and they have generally happier customers.
Working Within a Budget
Since live chatting provides a clear benefit to many businesses, it becomes more an issue of budget than anything else. However, live chatting also provides certain flexibility to businesses that are working on a budget. Businesses can hold live chats only during operating hours, or it can minimize live chat personnel and allow customers to wait in queue. Businesses can mix live chat personnel with email response teams, so that there is no downtime between the two groups. Live chatting can also be outsourced extremely easily, and this means that the actual hourly wages paid can be lower than a business might first believe. KISSMetrics points out businesses that do a lot of telephone interaction may actually find it saves money with a live chat room, because chat rooms are often much more affordable than telephone communication.
Have you used live chat on a business Web site? How was the experience? Let us know in the comments, and check out more ecommerce tips in our blog here. (4)
About Yoon Cannon: Top business coach Yoon Cannon has helped thousands of small business owners, entrepreneurs, coaches, consultants and sales teams achieve dramatic results in growing your business. Over the past 20 years Yoon has started 4 successful companies and sold 3 of them. She offers fresh insights as a seasoned business growth expert. Yoon delivers proven process for your sales, marketing and management development. Grab free valuable gifts and resources at https://www.ParamountBusinessCoach.com To book Yoon to speak at your next event email: YoonCannon@ParamountBusinessCoach.com To schedule a complimentary business coaching consultation call (215) 292-4947.
© Copyright 2016
Only 3 more months until we find out who the 100 fastest growing companies are in the Philadelphia area. 
