Yellow Dog Consulting

Sales & Marketing Consulting for solo-preneurs.

Are You the Great and Powerful Oz?

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queen_1The other day I was talking to someone and they asked what they SHOULD be doing. The first thing I said to them was networking. I’ve gotta see your face. Newsletters and social media engagement are GREAT but if I never see your face, why would I keep engaging? You’ve got to put in the time to earn people’s trust.

We all know that people do business with people they Know, Like and Trust. If I never see you or talk to you how can I get to this point?

In 2016 one of my intentions is MORE networking – I moved to a new state in 2015 and the worlds greatest yellow dog passed away. I made a lot of excuses to NOT network, but in 2016 that’s changing.

Here’s the deal – you aren’t the Great and Powerful Oz. People don’t follow yellow brick roads to you, you haven’t earned that as a small business owner.

In 2016 it’s time to get out from behind the curtain and network!

I’d be a Terrible Investment Banker

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Open 24 7 red grunge stamp isolated on whiteOn Sunday my husband and I walked up to get coffee. It was a nice cold clear morning, and a good walk. While at the coffee shop I got a text from a colleague confirming I had received the 2 emails sent on Saturday. I responded “yup, I don’t work weekends, will get to them tomorrow!”

My husband then said “you’d make a terrible investment banker.” Besides all the OBVIOUS reasons – he’s right. Although investment bankers make a TON of money, they’re never home to enjoy their toys because they work 24/7. My husband mentioned how a colleague emailed an investment banker at midnight (Pacific) and got a response 5 minutes later (so, 3:05 AM in New York).

No, I will not be available 24/7 for you.

I don’t care how much you want to pay me. My evenings and weekends are MINE, you can’t have them.

Feel free to work whenever you want to work, that’s just fine. I don’t mind getting email responses at 2 am from someone, I keep my phone on do not disturb while I sleep, do what you need to do. But make sure you know not every one operates the way you do.

My clients all know that I’m not a morning person so we don’t schedule calls before 10 AM, it’s safer for everyone. I communicate with my clients – when I’ll be out of town or busy or unavailable – expectations are set up front. And the clients who want 24/7 access? I’m happy to make a referral to someone who’d do that for you.

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!