Yellow Dog Consulting

Sales & Marketing Consulting for solo-preneurs.

Less Vague, More Specific

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I mentioned a few weeks ago that I’ve been getting a lot of requests to “pick my brain” lately. And what I thought was a summer thing has turned into a fall activity for folks as well. I’m always happy to talk to other people, and if you have the courage or inclination to ask for a meeting, I’m not going to say no. BUT make sure you tell me what’s going on.

Yesterday I got an email asking to talk to me for 15-20 minutes about a product this company is working on they think I’m a target market for. Sure, happy to help a cool sounding start-up.

Today I got an email from someone asking to setup time to chat. We’re connected through a LinkedIn group- which is great, but let’s be a bit more specific. A one sentence vague email, not as eager to get stuck on the phone here. I’m sure it’ll end up being fine, but remember to be specific in your requests.

Being the Best You Can Be in Business: workshop 10/6!

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I wanted to share with you a once a year event I am proud to support taking place on  Saturday, October 6th – called The Being the Best You Can Be in Business series to benefit the eWomenNetwork foundation – an organization that provide grants to local nonprofits that support women and girls.

This event is designed to give you access to information you need to complete your Strategic Planning and get your 2013 ready to be your best year ever!

The line up of speakers and topics include

·         Mikelann Valterra – Seattle Money Coach – Overcoming Under earning

·         Joy Ingraham – Clothes For Kids – Growing Your Business Through Philanthropy

·         Debbie Yazici – Verity Credit Union – Small Business Lending – What You Really Need to Know

·         Tracey Warren – Ready Set Grow Marketing – Make Money With Social Media

·         Vivian Valencia – Verity Credit Union – Establishing Business Credit and Separating It From Your Personal Credit

·         Karen Lynn Maher – LegacyOne Authors – Finding An Intern To Leverage Your Business

·         Debbie Whitlock – Personal and Business Finance Expert – Growing Your Bottom Line Profitably and Sustainably

The event is from 9:30-3:30 in North Seattle – if you are not an eWomenNetwork member registration is $65 and if you are a member it is $55 – 100% of the proceeds will go directly to a program within our community!

I’ll be out of town this weekend so will miss this fantastic event, but if you’re interested you can register HERE.

5 Reasons Your Mailer Sucks

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Even Hank turned his nose up at the postcard

We got a postcard in the mail today from a John L Scott agent who obviously bought a list of homeowners in our area. It’s an awful postcard with all sorts of issues and assumptions about us. So, I thought I’d take the opportunity to share 5 reasons this postcard sucks and hopefully save you from yourself (or me judging you).

  1. Spell my husbands name right. On the plus side, the address was hand written, so I didn’t just automatically throw it away. On the downside, he spelled his name wrong. I’ll be gracious this round about how it was only addressed to my husband and not me. I’ll assume it was the list he got and not that he’s stuck in the 50’s.
  2. I’ve never heard of this guy before- but good news, “We (heart) referrals!” know your audience folks- don’t introduce yourself by asking for a referral, it’s tacky
  3. “I HAVE SOLD NEARLY 600 HOUSES” is a good stat, but not quoted in all caps. STOP YELLING AT ME!
  4. There is so much content on this flyer and starbursts and boxes, I have no idea where to start reading and what the point is (okay, I know the point, but let’s just have one please) which should be: I sell houses, I know your neighborhood because I sold a house down the street (at about $75K less than I bought my for, so thanks dude) so if you don’t know any other real estate agents, you should call me.
  5. Your headshot (okay full body shot) makes you look like a used cars salesman. Just sayin. (also, maybe I just had 4 reasons…)