Yellow Dog Consulting

Sales & Marketing Consulting for solo-preneurs.

Take Advantage of Your Sponsorship

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imgresA few months ago I was flying through the Portland Airport. As I was waiting for my flight, another flight was starting to board. And the Alaska Air plane they were getting onto was the Portland Timbers plane. The flight attendant came on to start the pre-boards, and said “as a proud sponsor of the Portland Timbers, if you are wearing Timbers Gear, you can board early.”

GENIUS.

How simple was that? It cost them nothing, except a cool reminder that they sponsor the local team and support those who support the local team.

I’m involved with a lot of groups who work with sponsorships. If you’re giving a company your money for a sponsorship, don’t just think about what they can do for you, think about what you can easily do to increase the ROI from your sponsorship. Maybe it’s an introductory offer, or a small free giveaway if they’re wearing the shirt of said organization. Think about this as a member of an organization as well. Is there some way you can give back to other members, simply because you’re both members? The next time a sponsorship opportunity comes up, think about cool ways you can give back in the long run too.

Here’s a few key questions to ask:
  • What does this audience need? (to get on that plane and get home)
  • How can I make it easier for them? (boarding early because we like the same thing)
  • And make it a better experience? (free NW wine and beer on Horizon baby!)
  • And get them talking about me (hello social media!)

Talk to Strangers

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imgresWhen we were growing up, one of the first rules from our parents (besides don’t eat that) was don’t talk to strangers. It’s a good rule when you’re a kid, be careful of strangers, especially strangers with candy, or with a creepy van. BUT as an adult, my advice: talk to strangers.

Obviously this is the goal of networking events, so I won’t cover that here. I’m talking about when you are out and about in your day to day life. In line to pick up lunch, at the store, at an event, out at a restaurant or business, talk to people.

The receptionist is your best friend at any company. If he or she likes you, you’re golden. Get their name, thank them before you leave. If you’re dismissive, boy if those schedules aren’t full every time you call…

This says more about my hobbies, but any time I can sit at the bar at a restaurant, do it. Talk to the bartender, ask questions. If they aren’t busy, they’ll answer every weird cocktail and spirit question you’ve ever had (and sometimes include samples!). Remember the waitresses name and ask for her suggestions and favorite menu items. Remember, if the hostess at a restaurant hugs you when you come in, that means you’re a REGULAR, not that you have a problem.

AND if you have a great experience, take to social media and thank that person! Leave a tip on Foursquare, tweet to the restaurant or post to their Facebook page. Companies like to know when their team is doing GREAT. I love that when I tweet to Nordstrom, they always ask for the name of who helped me at a store so they can tell their manager. As someone with a background in sales, I can confirm that if someone uses your name in follow up comments it often leads to extra spiffs.

Make someone’s day, it  takes no time.

Social Media makes it a lot easier to talk to strangers too. Any time I go to a new business (client, restaurant, museum, event) I check out if they’re on twitter and post about it. If the company knows what they’re doing, they’re on top of it. Alaska Airlines is a great example of this. They always comment back, and have taken care of more than one question I’ve had, and even gave me the heads up on a sale that was happening for tickets I needed to buy. Like many people I’ve also taken to social media to complain about stuff. And had great response and customer service taken care of. It’s lead to a few great relationships even. And now I often tweet really great things about the company.

So there you have it. Talk to strangers. You never know what adventures it can take you on.

Simple Ways to Keep Clients Happy

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032812_swe4_1_MISSA few days before my birthday I stopped at the ATM to get cash. I punched in my pin, did my thing, and as I was waiting for my cash to come out, the screen popped up and said “happy birthday!”
BRILLIANT. How easy is that?
I also got my email from Starbucks since I have a gold card (and yes I am rubbing it in) I get a free drink for my birthday.
Birthday’s are an easy way to celebrate a customer, and in a B2C business, it’s a really smart way to do it.
But in a B2B business, how do you thanks/support/celebrate your customers? How about this:

*My birthday month means clients get a gift
*celebrate the anniversary of working together
*Celebrate a random national holiday (i.e. National Donut day- take the client donuts)

It’s never a bad time to thank your client for their business, and sometimes it’s easier than you think. Chase didn’t actually give me free money, they just remembered it was my birthday. Starbucks gave me a free drink (so about a $75 value…) it doesn’t have to be something expensive, or even cost you, but make sure to remember the simple ways to keep your clients happy.