Yellow Dog Consulting

Sales & Marketing Consulting for solo-preneurs.

October Pop Culture Round Up

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images-1It’s that time of the month, where we talk Pop Culture. Granted, at Yellow Dog Consulting, we always have time to talk about Pop Culture! Here’s a few things I’m enjoying recently!

Reading

I’m currently reading Y The Last Man graphic novels, and just finished volumes 4 & 5 this weekend, which means I’m half way through the series. It’s got some ups and downs, but over all I’m enjoying the series!

I’m still loving Lazarus & am almost caught up on The Walking Dead. I just picked up The Husband’s Secret which I’m hearing great things about. I have some traveling coming up and needed a book on my Kindle! I’ll let you know what I think, as always.

Watching

I am not great at watching movies. I like them, but don’t get around to it like I should. My DVR is usually too full with TV shows to watch a movie. But last weekend I watched The Kings of Summer, and it was AWESOME. I mentioned earlier this year that I really enjoyed The Way Way Back, and this is in that same vain. Nick Offerman (aka Ron Swanson) is fantastic in it, and the main character is a kid from Seattle! I HIGHLY recommend this movie. There is a snake scene, you’ve been warned…

As for TV, my DVR is pretty full this fall with some of my favorites returning, and some GREAT new shows. The Walking Dead (it’s back, HOORAY!!!), Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD (not amazing, but really fun!), Brooklyn Nine-Nine (my favorite new comedy), Homeland (oh Carrie…), Masters of Sex (Lizzie Caplan!), Parks & Recreation (London!), Top Chef (Go Seattle gal!), and a slew of others I know I’m forgetting…

Listening

I need to find some new podcasts I’ve decided. I’m pretty caught up on Grantland, The Nerdist, and WTF with Marc Maron. What podcasts do you enjoy?

I am also enjoying the new Justin Timberlake The 20/20 Experience 2 of 2…

So what are you reading watching & listening to this fall?

Why “I Don’t Know” Loses You Business

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imagesRecently I submitted a request to get more information about a service through my bank. Within an hour I had a phone call from someone who wanted to discuss the service with me. Since I didn’t recognize the number I sent it to voicemail. I ALSO got an email (which we know I love) so I followed up the next day via email to ask how long the call would take. He replied the next day and said “I don’t know how long it’ll take, what works for your schedule?”

So that email got deleted and he won’t be getting my business. Here’s what- sure you don’t know how long the call will take. I may be a hot mess and ask a ton of questions and it’ll take an hour. But you have an idea of how long the average call takes. “Typically calls take about 30 minutes to go through all the services and answer your questions.” OR “Why don’t we setup a quick 15 minute call to get you the basic information and we can schedule more time if needed.”

“I don’t know” is not an answer, it’s an excuse to show you aren’t good at your job. Make it EASY for me to give you my business, not annoying. The next time you’re setting up calls make sure you have an idea of how long the call will take. Be respectful of that time, and pay attention to the engagement with your prospective client. Ask clarifying questions “how are we doing on time” “I want to be respectful of your time-I know we only blocked out 15 minutes and we’re getting close to 20, do you want to schedule a time to follow up?”

If you aren’t respectful of my time and resources BEFORE you have my business, why should I trust you’ll treat me well after you have it?

Thank the Losers

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photoYesterday in the mail I got a package from Darwin’s Pet Food company. Hank LOVES Darwin’s raw food, and it’s been amazing for his arthritis. So, this summer when I got an email about a photo contest for their website I sent over a couple of photos of the worlds greatest yellow dog. And yesterday we learned Hank did NOT make the cut, but they wanted to THANK us for submitting photos of Hank, and sent him a package of treats!

BRILLIANT. And here’s why:

1. They used their product- something that if Hank likes this treat, we’ll start adding it to our order

2. Loyalty- why would I leave a company that’s delivering product to my door and sends my dog free treats when he loses? SOLD

3. Who Thanks the losers? Almost no one. If you’re holding a contest make sure to thank the losers, and give them something for their time. A discount, free service, or a sample product. Thank them for their time and effort!

As you can tell, it’s made Hank’s day & mine!