Yellow Dog Consulting

Sales & Marketing Consulting for solo-preneurs.

Give it 48 hours

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The other day I met with a client who said she often gets distracted and spends a lot of time on the next “latest and greatest idea.” So she has videos on her website that people don’t watch, or a ton of social media networks that she’s not using. And her question was, “how do I know what to spend time on?” GREAT question!

As I have mentioned time and again, I am a TERRIBLE employee. So, when my previous bosses would come to me with “a great idea, you should get right on it” I usually give it 48 hours. With some of them, I made them “remind” me about it again. Why? Because it’s not always a great idea. I’m not going to drop everything to work on it and the next have them change their mind.

If you think you have a great idea, give it a couple of days. If you can’t stop thinking about it, that’s a great sign. If you’ve already forgotten about it, that may be an even better sign.

Thoughts on Referral Gifts

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I LOVE my dentist, he’s such a great guy, very friendly, a great doctor and a total dork (all important qualities to me). So, a few months ago when my neighbors said they needed a dentist, I told them they HAVE To go see my guy!
Fast Forward to Friday afternoon, I got a letter in the mail from my dentist. And inside that letter was $10. It was a formal typed letter thanking me for referring the neighbors and this was my referral gift.
Besides your grandma, when was the last time you got $10 in the mail? It was a fun surprise!

If a current client refers business to you how are you thanking them? No matter if you send a gift, cash, gift card, a free hour of work, whatever it might be, a hand written thank you note is the way to go. I know you have terrible hand writing and I won’t be able to read half of it, but it really is the thought that counts. I’m not writing this post to look a gift horse in the mouth (plus I already spent the $10!), but make a schedule and remind yourself, when you get a new client, make sure to take 5 minutes to send a note to the person who referred them and if you want to include a gift, do so. It’s not required, but it’s always a thoughtful gesture.

November 28th: Come Hear me Speak!

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As many of you may recall, I worked for the Puget Sound Business Journal for almost 4 years and in that time they paid me to network (awesome) and speak (well, sell newspapers, but I did that by doing lots of talking). Now that I’ve been gone for almost 2 years they have invited me back as a part of their Seminar Series!

Please Join me on Wednesday, November 28th from 11:30-1 as I speak on Authentic Selling: Growing your Business When you THINK you Hate Sales

Sales shouldn’t be the worst part of your day, if you love what you’re doing, your passion will show. In this interactive seminar Elizabeth Case of Yellow Dog Consulting will share tips and techniques for growing your business without feeling like a sellout.

For many people selling a product or a service is a painful experience. As an entrepreneur, YOU are your sales force. How do you grow your business when you don’t want to hit the pavement or think you have to cold call?

Topics will include:

•   Identifying your Target Market

•   Educating your network

•   Keeping an active lead list

•   Effective Follow Up

•   List Building

•   Your Newsletter-your new best friend

You can register to attend on their website, and contact George with any questions!