Yellow Dog Consulting

Sales & Marketing Consulting for solo-preneurs.

Don’t Go Out of Your Way

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Make sure not to over imbibe like Rudy...
Make sure not to over imbibe like Rudy…

I had a great call this morning with a client. He mentioned he’s heading to a regional event this weekend where he will probably run into a few contacts. So, instead of just going to the event and saying hi when he sees folks, he’s sending out an email to his network before the event:

I’m heading to XYZ event on Saturday- if you see me, say hi and I’ll buy you a drink!

SERIOUSLY- how easy is that? You’re already out at an event where you’ll possibly run into prospects and clients, why not maximize the event experience? I love this idea and may be using it myself in the future…

Here’s the thing– don’t go out of your way to engage clients and prospects, but engage them in what you’re already doing. I let you know where you can find me each month with my networking calendar. What can you do to engage your network without having to do much more than you were already doing?

Friendly Reminder: Show up for Calls

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IMG_6798I’m writing this blog post while getting paid to work for a client. Why? Because I charge for appointments that aren’t cancelled by 5 the day before.
So it seemed like a good time to remind you that sending reminder emails the day before to confirm appointments, or if you THINK you want to cancel that appointment, do it the day before, not the day of (unless you-or the dog- wake up sick, which does totally happen).
My afternoon got away from me yesterday so I didn’t send a reminder email till this morning, and evidently that was too late- someone’s day was already off and running.
Do you have a process in place with clients to charge for time that’s ignored? It was one of the smarter things I did in my business. And now my clients (almost always) show up, or cancel on time!

Please Empower Your Employees

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Hank relaxing in Central OregonWhile on vacation this 4th of July, my husband and I decided to stay in a hotel with Hank on our drive down to Oregon. No problem, I had researched some hotels that would take our large dog (which I never get because he’s old and lazy and I’ve seen 10 lb dogs do a lot more destruction…). I got on my phone, called the hotel made the reservation, mentioned my large dog, no problem, all set. Fast forward to 10 pm when I arrive at the hotel…No record of a dog on the reservation, and the only dog friendly room left is a smoking room, so not going to work for us. The gal at the desk says she can call her manager, no answer. “sorry, he didn’t answer.” Sure, so if you need a manager to make any decisions WHY ISN’T THE MANAGER ON DUTY RIGHT NOW!???

I’m NOT happy as I’m sure you can imagine. So, we drive across the street to another hotel. I knew they had some pet friendly rooms, and recalled they may have a size limit. I go to the front desk, and explain my story. No problem, pet friendly, non smoking, you’re set. OH but they do have a size limit. So she calls her boss who doesn’t answer. Then she says “you know, I see dogs way over the weight limit here, if someone stops you just tell them I said it was fine.” And off we go to our room where Hank is the perfect hotel guest (except for hogging the bed) and we had NO PROBLEM. And now I’ll always find a way to stay at The Holiday Inn, screw you crappy Days Inn.

Here’s the thing: you need to empower your employees. If only a manager can make the call on something, then you need a manager around. But that front desk gal at 10pm on a Wednesday night knew that Hank would be fine, and just wanted to go to bed. She knew it wasn’t the end of the world to stretch the rules 35 pounds. EMPOWER, don’t let them place blame. If you can’t trust your employees, then you need to work the night shift.