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The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter
Feature Article - Generate More Sales by Being Nice
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Guest Article - Inappropriate Behavior as a "Teachable Moment"
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Yesterday was one of those days. You know, the sort where the kids need you so much getting anything done before they go to bed is just about impossible. Then after bed you're so tired from dealing with everything you have to push yourself to get some work done.
Of course, it beats the alternative. I could work outside the home and not see my kids until dinnertime, or worse yet - bedtime! Even when I'm grumbling, I'm happy to have such problems. I know I'm very lucky.
I'm reading a new affiliate marketing book right now. Too soon to give a complete review, but it's giving me ideas already. The book is The Affiliate ATM. Yes, it's on techniques to earn more money in affiliate marketing. This book succeeded in getting my attention, and if you have read this newsletter long, you know I don't often tell you about other people's products. From what I've read so far, I think this one is going to be worth bringing to you attention. I'll know more over the next couple weeks as I continue reading and putting tips into practice.
Are you thinking about Valentine's Day yet? Yes, it's still a month away, but my husband started talking about it already. Now, this is a guy who considers Valentine's Day to be a made-up, Hallmark holiday. He doesn't particularly like it, yet the other day he mentioned that if he happens to get me something for it, it has more to do with Valentine's Day being a sort of half anniversary of ours (our first date was the day after Valentine's Day). Hmm... could he be up to something?
Don't forget, you can contribute your articles or tips anytime for consideration. Just use the contact form.
Fine Jewelry. Gourmet Chocolate.
Valentine's Day is coming!
Let me ask you a few questions.
What do you do in your business to help leave a lasting impression on your prospects and clients?
How do you ensure they'll remember you so when they're ready to buy, they think of you?
What do you do that sets you or your business apart?
After all, there are probably at least several other businesses or people your clients could turn to for the same type of products and services you offer.
What reasons are you giving them to buy from you instead?
I was on the receiving end this past week of some very special treatment by three separate businesses. If further reinforced the value of showing your prospects and clients how much you appreciate them. And, treating your best clients like VIPs.
And, the best part is, all three were a total surprise. (That's a hint: if your prospect or client doesn't expect it, they value it, and you, even more!)
The First Incident
I went to pickup my mail last week and there was a note in my box indicating I had received a package - a package that was too big to fit in my mailbox. I took the little red slip of paper up to the counter to redeem it for my package.
Inside I was feeling giddy. Even as an adult, I LOVE getting packages! Who doesn't?! Especially when I'm thinking ... I didn't order anything ... I'm not expecting a package ... I wonder who sent me a package!?
When I received the package it was a small brown box and the return address said Ezine Articles. If you've been reading The 10stepmarketing Ezine for awhile or you've taken one of my teleclasses or seminars, you probably know I'm an expert author for Ezine Articles.
I wondered two things: why are they sending me a package, and what could it be?
When I opened it I found an "I Love (with a heart, not the word 'love') Ezine Articles" coffee mug, a packet of coffee and a note saying I was one of 250 out of 14,000+ authors to receive this gift.
Boy did I feel special!
None of the other article marketing sites I post to have ever sent me a gift. In fact, they probably don't even know who I am. But Ezine Articles made me feel important - like my articles matter to them. And, you can bet they'll stay at the top of my list for sites to post articles to. Plus, I'm telling you about them!
Is there a way you can make your very best clients, or even your prospects or subscribers feel special like this? To leave a lasting impression the way Ezine Articles left on me? To get your clients talking about you to their friends and colleagues? It could go a long way toward turning your clients into raving fans and generating more business.
The Second Incident
But that wasn't all that happened last week. Nope, it actually happened again!
My bookkeeper comes into the office once a month. When she showed up this month, she had a big package in her hand. She gave it to me and said "This is for you."
When I looked at her a little cock-eyed and confused, she replied "It's a little thank you for the referral you gave me last month."
Then, I remembered I had referred her to a friend who was looking for a bookkeeper and was having a hard time finding someone reliable and affordable.
When I gave the referral I was not expecting anything in return. I was only trying to help out a friend and help my bookkeeper get a new client.
Well, I love my bookkeeper, but guess what? I love her more now! Not because she gave me a gift, but because she recognized the value and importance of our relationship and she honored the fact I had referred her to someone else. Plus, she gave me chocolate!
But that's not all ... The Third Incident
I also received a wonderful surprise bonus from a company I've been working with for the past three years. Not only did they invite me and my family to a wonderful holiday party, they also gave me a totally unexpected cash bonus. How nice was that?! Especially at this time of year!
Believe me, I was smiling big time! Why? Because they didn't have to do it, and they did. So I know they really care.
All of these are examples of what I call "Relationship Marketing."
These examples involve gifts and you may not be in a position to spend money on gifts. I encourage you to consider what else you can do for your best clients to make them feel like VIPs. I can just about guarantee whatever you spend, whether it's time or money, it will come back to you big time!
Relationship marketing and cultivating referrals are two of the topics covered in The 10stepmarketing System. Both are winning marketing strategies that go a long way to separate your business from the pack and make sure you leave a lasting impression.
(C) 2006 Debbie LaChusa
Debbie LaChusa created The 10stepmarketing System to make marketing your own business as simple as answering 10 questions. Learn more about this unique, step-by-step system and get a free 10-week Marketing E-Course when you subscribe to the free, weekly 10stepmarketing Ezine at http://www.10stepmarketing.com
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Two boys in a first grade classroom were arguing loudly over an item they both wanted to use at the same time.
Their teacher approached them in a friendly way and said, "Boys, it sounds like you two are having a problem. Let's talk it out."
One of the boys told his side of the story, his face still tense but his voice lowered to an "indoor" volume. The second boy listened and then, without any prompting, came up with a solution to which the first boy readily agreed.
"Great job!" the teacher beamed. "See? You can talk it out!"
It's amazing what a "teaching" perspective can do when kids behave inappropriately.
If we as parents approach unwanted behavior with the idea that our job is to be the judge/jury/jailer, our first impulse may be to punish.
But punishment doesn't teach kids what they SHOULD be doing. It doesn't expand kids' problem-solving skills, teach them how to repair social mistakes, or improve their social perception.
Fortunately, punishment isn't the only available tool.
We can choose to view inappropriate behavior as a "teachable moment."
When the teacher in the story above heard the two boys arguing, she spotted a chance to teach better social problem-solving.
Inviting the boys to "talk it out" reminded them of their capacity to problem-solve without shouting or arguing. They saw that "talking it out" could work, and they were more likely to "talk it out" next time.
A teaching perspective has room for punishment in some cases, but the focus is on helping kids learn the skills they need to behave appropriately.
If we view inappropriate behavior as a learning opportunity for the child, new options open up.
Here are 10 choices for making the most of a "teachable moment:"
1. Redirect the child toward a more appropriate activity.
2. Inform the child that what they're doing "isn't a good idea" or "isn't safe."
3. Give a friendly reminder about the rule the child needs to be following.
4. Guide the child through the steps of apologizing.
5. Ask the child to consider how others feel when she engages in the inappropriate behavior.
6. Help the child make amends to anyone negatively affected by the inappropriate behavior. Ask, "What can we do to help (name of person) feel better now?"
7. In the case of a conflict, prompt the children to "talk it out," providing assistance as needed.
8. Give a new rule, if the situation wasn't covered by the rules the child has already been taught.
9. Invite the child to think of a better to way to ask for what they want or need in the situation.
10. Teach the child appropriate words/behaviors to replace the inappropriate ones.
The rules of appropriate social behavior take a long time to learn and an even longer time to internalize as habits. Even adults don't do it perfectly!
When we use our child's behavior mistakes as opportunities to offer guidance, we're giving our child their best chance to become more kind, responsible and socially competent.
© Norma Schmidt, LLC (limited liability corporation)
Norma Schmidt, is a parent of two and a former Lutheran minister with experience as a pastor and cancer center chaplain. She holds a master's in special education and offers workshops on parenting and on living with serious illness. Get her free report, "61 Great Ways to Teach Kids about Money," and read her other articles at www.ParentCafeOnline.com
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