Yellow Dog Consulting

Sales & Marketing Consulting for solo-preneurs.

Recommendations: I Should do this More

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When I work with another service provider on a project I try my best to thank them and make sure to let them know if they need something to holler. But I am not good at going that extra step and writing them a quick recommendation. The other day someone I’ve done work with recently popped up on my weekly LinkedIn updates email. It was just the reminder I needed that she did such a great job I should take 2 minutes and write a recommendation for her LinkedIn profile.

How often do I do this? Rarely, I’m terrible at it. How often should I do it? Weekly or monthly. What if once a month you took 15 minutes and publicly acknowledged those people who you have worked with who did a great job? What’s the worst that happens? They’re appreciative and tell people about you. There is no bad idea here.

And now LinkedIn makes it easier and faster with their Endorsement program. When you look at someone’s profile you will be prompted with a list of “skills” they are known to have, and you can endorse the skills that you agree with. EASY.

No more excuses, go recommend AND endorse someone else this week.

The No-Opt-Out Opt-Out

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I got an email the other day from someone I’ve met a few times while networking. He’s a financial planner and added me to his newsletter list. Fine, I’ll just scroll to the bottom and opt out because I have a financial planner, and let’s be honest, I’m not going to read this stuff. And then I scroll to the bottom and realize there’s NO OPT OUT OPTION!

Not only is this illegal but it’s rude! I come from a networking background where you don’t just add business cards to a newsletter because you met them briefly at a networking event. If I drop my card in your fish bowl at an event, sure I expect to get a couple emails (with an opt out option) but if I met you at an event, enjoyed your company and then start getting email from you with out an option to opt out, you quickly end up on my list. And as my husband can attest, it’s not a great list to be on.

So, how do you deal with emails where there’s no opt out option? Do you have a blanket response you send to folks? Do you send it to a junk folder? Do you send them a big ranting email? Or do you just delete it an make a mental note? Maybe I’m just too Pacific Northwest Passive Aggressive…

3 Cool Ways to Generate Leads with PSBJ

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As you all know once upon a time I worked at the Puget Sound Business Journal. Earlier this week I was catching up with Sarah Schosboek at PSBJ and she told me about a couple of great new features that weren’t available when I was at PSBJ. If you’re looking for new places to find qualified leads on a consistent basis, you know (because I told you for years probably) that PSBJ is a great resource. And here’s 3 new things you should know!

  1. Event registration contacts. If you are a subscriber and register to attend a PSBJ event you will be able to contact up to 5 attendees before or after the event. They’ll get you connected via twitter, LinkedIn or email. How great is that?
  2. People on the Move –You know that section with all the faces towards the back of the paper? Now every DAY this list is updated online and available in real time. You can download a CSV file of the past years people on the move. And it comes complete with all contact information they provide (I didn’t see emails though) In the last 48 hours there were 19 new leads.
  3. Read your Business Journal! Each Friday there are thousands of fresh leads and award winning content.  Although I’m no longer there, they do still teach a great FREE workshop on getting the most out of your subscription. Check out the Inside the Business Journal seminars on their website.

If you don’t have a subscription yet and need one, contact Sarah and make sure to ask for the Yellow Dog Consulting Special. It’s just $59 for a digital subscription for one year OR $199.96 for a three year subscription plus an electronic download of the 2012 Book of Lists.