Yellow Dog Consulting

Sales & Marketing Consulting for solo-preneurs.

Step Away From the Clients

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step backI had a quiet couple of months with the business this year – things were going okay, every client seemed to be in maintenance mode, no big projects or drama. It was okay, but I knew I could take on more work. All of a sudden a month ago everyone came out of the woodwork to ask for help. And so I said yes – a couple of new longer term potential clients, and a couple quick and short projects.

And I kept saying yes but not really paying attention to what was coming – a week out-of-town for work, and a few days vacation in New York, where I’d work (yeah, sure…) and then, oh right – Thanksgiving.

So it’s been a crazy few weeks for me – and balls have been dropped. And a client changed their mind, which they should have. I was half assing with the best of them, which I hate. I tried to tell clients what was going on with my schedule and they have been mostly okay – but I should have paid better attention to my calendar and probably said no to one or two things. The problem was – everything was in my wheel house and wasn’t a big challenge to take on – so it seemed easy to say yes.

Before you pick up that next project that seems like an easy paycheck take a quick beat. Look at your client load, look at your calendar, and figure out if you are going to provide the service and experience that EVERY client deserves, or if you might drop the ball and have clients change their mind.

Tis the Season: 3 Holiday Questions for Your Business

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IMG_2647This is your friendly reminder that the holiday season is here. I’m meeting with a few of my clients this week and on our agenda: The Holiday’s. Here’s a few questions we’ll be discussing:

  • Do you need to order Holiday cards to send out to clients and partners?

    • How many?
    • When will the list be done?
    • Who’s in charge of mailing the cards out?
    • When will this project be finished?

  • Are you sending out a Holiday eCard?

    • It’s cheaper and easier if you don’t have mailing addresses!
    • Do you need your graphic designer to whip up something for you?
    • Do you have all your contacts updated in your newsletter program?
    • Have you let your marketing consultant know you need help getting this taken care of (hint, hint…)

  • Holiday Gifts

    • Are you sending holiday gifts to your clients?
    • Are you doing a donation in their honor to an organization close to your heart or theirs?
    • When do the gifts need to be ordered?
    • When will they be delivered and who’s delivering the gifts?
    • Do you need to include a card?

Depending on your lists and client base you may be getting to the wire here. Take the next few days and make these lists and create your plan for the holiday’s. Keep in mind clients who don’t celebrate the same holiday’s as you – a nice Festivus pole could be a more welcome addition than a wreath this year.

And remember, a Happy New Year card in early January is always a good option too, especially depending on your target market!

How to Ask for a Favor

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asking for a favor
Hank waiting patiently for his turn

A while back one of my favorite debate students texted me and asked if I’d be a reference for her. I said of course, just let me know so I make sure to answer calls in that area code (I don’t usually answer #’s I don’t know). She texted me that she had sent references, I got a call the next day, and over the weekend she texted me that she got the job! Hooray!
I love when people complete the circle. I do a lot of referrals and introductions to jobs and then never hear from them again. It’s frustrating.
The other day I got an email from someone I don’t recall meeting, who referred to me by a nickname for my name which I have never used (strike one). This person then commented that they love my blog and newsletter and in the same breathe asked how Hank was doing…So now you’re just lying to me. And of course a resume was attached asking if I could make an introduction to someone at a firm this person is interested in.
I’m sorry, but there are many strikes on this email before they ask for the favor!
I love helping people out and especially young professionals on the job hunt. BUT, please make sure to do your job and make it easy for me.

  • Remind me how we met
  • Use the name the person uses (if everything is signed Michael – then don’t use Mike – unless you’ve met and know for sure it’s Mike)
  • If you compliment something they do (ex: blog/newsletter) make sure you’ve read the most recent ones (both my newsletter and blog this past week mentioned Hank’s passing)