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YDC Favorite Things: the Buoy!

07.25.2013 by Elizabeth // 2 Comments

cogent-connect-graphiteIf you’ve ever worked with me or been by my desk, you may have noticed I don’t sit at a desk chair, I use a yoga ball. My lower back & I don’t always get along and I’m pretty hard on my spine. After being in pain and hurting in previous offices and desk chairs, I finally opted for a yoga ball for my desk. It’s not very professional, but it IS affordable.

A while back I was talking with my office furniture friend Jimmy Kwan from turnstone. Jimmy mentioned that turnstone was in the process of creating a “professional” version of the yoga ball. So a few weeks ago I attended a great networking event that Jimmy hosted, and at the event he had about a dozen of the Buoy chairs there for people to try out. And it was AWESOME. I was able to borrow one to test it out for a couple of weeks, and I am sold. The yoga ball has been deflated and put away. I love the buoy! It adjusts the the height of your desk (bonus, I needed that!). It fits under my desk, and most importantly, it doesn’t roll onto Hank when I stand up.

I know this sounds like an obnoxious ad for my friends product, and sure, it is. But, as a small business owner I know office furniture is ridiculously expensive, and this is an affordable option. I’m tired of sitting in desk chairs and then needing a massage or chiropractor adjustment because I SAT for a couple hours. I love the buoy, and Hank does too!

Categories // Lessons Learned, Management

Take Control of Your Work Day

07.23.2013 by Elizabeth // Leave a Comment

I have gotten into a terrible habit of letting my inbox be the first thing I tackle in the day. Part of it is become I’m a control freak and want that inbox cleared out. But today I needed to prep for a presentation I’m giving, so before I turned on the computer and checked email, I grabbed my notes and sat down to review my notes and take care of the prep.
It was AWESOME. I wasn’t worried about some stupid email I got, or stressed about the mountain of email to return. I was clear and focused on getting what I needed to do done.
Try it. It’s awesome.

Categories // Lessons Learned, Management

Don’t Negotiate

07.11.2013 by Elizabeth // Leave a Comment

images-1I’m not a big fan of negotiating. I know that sounds weird if you know me, and as someone in sales. And, I LOVE a good deal. But in business, I’m not a fan of negotiating or discounting rates. Your rate is what you have decided you’re worth. And, your clients are paying you for that, so it’s proven that your rate is valid. But negotiating your rate makes it look like you don’t think you are worth what you say you are.

I recently raised my rates, and instead of negotiating or putting clients on a sliding scale, as their contract came up, I simply said:

“I’ve recently reviewed my rates and found you’re getting a great deal! I have looked at what others in my industry are charging and have increased my rate to $XXX, when we setup your next Statement of Work, it will be at this rate.”

No room to negotiate. Have a lost clients? One. And the next day I talked to a new client who didn’t flinch at the rate. I also had a client email me and say he’s not leaving unless I fire him. I want clients who want to work with me, and have the budget to do so. I don’t want clients who will stress out every time my invoice shows up in their inbox. I’ll gladly negotiate the work we do and the hours of work that happen, but you have to pay me what I’m worth.

Categories // Branding, Lessons Learned, Management, Sales

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About Us

Yellow Dog Consulting is a sales and marketing firm located in Hillsboro, Oregon with clients around the world. We work with small business owners who love what they do, but the sales and marketing part of their job sucks their will to live.

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