Yellow Dog Consulting

Sales & Marketing Consulting for solo-preneurs.

Be Nice A**hole

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imagesWhy is it so much easier to be a jerk and complain than it is to say NICE things about a company or person? I was just talking to a new client and we were discussing Yelp reviews. It’s entirely too easy for us to complain about the one time we have horrible service, but do we ever think about the store/restaurant/office we visit weekly or monthly that is consistently amazing? No we don’t.

How about this rule: for every nasty review/comment/tweet/blog you leave, you need to go leave one NICE review to another company.

Your Rewards Program is STUPID

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imagesIf you know me, you know I love a deal. Make friends on Twitter, Check in on Foursquare for a free XYZ. It drives my husband nuts, but often works out to his advantage. There’s a variety of ways you can reward customers, and the hotel rewards program is one of the longest, AND most confusing of them all.
My husband and I just got back from a trip to New York City to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. It was AWESOME. We had a great time, amazing food, and stayed at a cool hotel in midtown. When we checked out of the hotel on Monday, I mentioned that I had joined their rewards program online and could they please apply this stay to my account. And then this…

Front Desk: did you join the program AFTER making your reservation?
Me: Yes
Front Desk: Sorry, we can’t credit you, but it’ll be good on your next stay at any of our properties!

Fun fact: there won’t be a next time.

I just spent a LOT of money at your property. I’m not asking you to retroactively credit EVERY stay for the past 2 years. I joined BEFORE we stayed here, not after. I joined your “club” because of this stay, I’m sorry that your website didn’t do a good job of getting me to opt in while making the reservation.  That’s not my fault. But your program is STUPID. I’ll stay elsewhere next time.

If you have a membership or rewards option don’t be like these folks. A newbie special is great, but don’t forget that you’re alienating all your current customers by not letting them in on a deal when they paid full price to join you. I’m not saying give away the farm, I’m saying don’t forget to reward LOYALTY.

Which SC&P Employee are You?

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imgresI LOVE Mad Men, and Sunday’s finale did NOT disappoint. And if you haven’t finished the season yet, stop right here.

You’ve been warned.

Don Draper is a terrible team player and employee. Sending him on an indefinite “Break” was exactly what he needed. Well, he needed to be fired, but he’s a partner so can’t be. He’s selfish, pompous, and doesn’t care what anyone else thinks. Awesome qualities in a coworker AND boss.

And after the Season 6 finale I realized, CRAP. I’m Don Draper.  If I don’t want to do something, I don’t. If I think it’s a bad idea, I won’t waste my time on it. If I think something is a great idea, I’ll push for it.

It’s THE biggest reason I started my own company. It’s not fair to other people to have to deal with my Draper-esque tendencies (plus, scotch for breakfast is awesome! kidding!) And it got me thinking…

What Mad Men Character makes you uncomfortable because it hits too close to home?

Do you get too invested in your work and forget to have a life like Peggy?

Are you so desperate for your boss’s attention that you step on the people below you like Pete?

Are you destined for middle management and just doing your job until you get shot in the face like Ken?

Have you been there for ever and are just showing up for the paycheck like Roger?

Are you the new guy and a total brown noser trying to make it like Bob Benson (my favorite new character/mystery this season!) 

Will you do anything the company asks to create security for you and your child like Joan?

Are you neurotic and afraid of getting fired all the time like Ginsberg?