Why you, why now?

That’s really the only questions between you and a sale.

If someone is going to buy from you, is it because you’re the cheapest? That’s a hard thing to maintain. There better be a more sustainable reason than that.

If they’re going to buy from you today, is it because you’re in proximity, the closest, the one source that can satisfy the itch they happen to have? It’s a little like being a peanut vendor at the ball game. You need a big crowd and you have to give up a big share of your income in exchange for being in the right place at the right time.

The goal is to create an offering that can answer these two questions. Why from you and why right now…

Most businesses that struggle are unable to answer these two questions in a compelling fashion. They act as though they deserve that sale, or that they need to aggressively close so you’ll buy today, instead of working to build in these very elements to the product itself.

What is the itch that my prospective clients have?

Why You:
One thing that many contractors can do to help with the “why me” is to get better with their skills at design and presentation. One way you can set yourself apart from the competition is to talk is 3D.

I invite you to leave your comments about WHY people buy from you? What is their itch and how can you help scratch it?

PS. Credit for this article goes to Seth Goodin from Seth’s Blog

Great Post Card Marketing Help

If you’re looking to jump start your marketing in 2009 (and who isn’t), there’s a company that I want to tell you about – Postcard Mania.

We first identified them as a resource for direct mail marketing for contractors. They offer outstanding industry specific marketing pieces, free post card samples, free marketing newsletter, free marketing advice like this: “Ten Ways To Grow Your Home Improvement and Remodeling Business Using Direct Mail“, website design services, and really interesting weekly emails. I mean it, they send a great email. This is where I discovered their post card design critiques. 

I really enjoy watching and have learned a lot from their post card design critiques. Anyone can send them a sample post card (or marketing brouchure) and ask for their critique. They are very honest about what they like and don’t like about the design, pictures, wording, logos, etc. Watch the post card design critique videos here. You do need to register (for free) on their site to view them, but it’s very easy and you get access to tons of other marketing information.

You can learn a lot by watching a few of these and then apply that same critical eye to your own marketing pieces or you can always send them your piece and see if they’ll critique it for you.

You should check out Postcard Mania, whether you’re looking for a direct mail service, marketing advice, marketing ideas, or an honest critique of your marketing pieces. They really seem to know what they’re talking about and in these tough times, we all need to be smarter in our marketing.

Good luck with your marketing!

Caron
ChiefExperts.com

My First Blog

This is my first venture into the world of blogging.  It seems to be the way the world is moving, so why not. Plus, ‘my boss’ asked me to do it.  We wanted to see how easy it would be for contractors & designers, with limited internet experience, to start your own & I’m about as inexperienced a user as you could find.

I am amazed at how easy it was.  I tried a couple blogging sites & decided that this one, WordPress is the easiest to get up & going. 

A couple things I learned:

• think about your username – that’s how you’ll be found – use your company name if possible
• there are a lot of options – start simple & just jump in
• play around – it’s easy to delete, change, or start over
• if you don’t like writing – find someone in your company or family that does & use them
• write about something you know – your business, the industry, you

Blogging is a great way to increase your company’s exposure.  It also gives your clients and potential clients a more personal glimpse into you & your business.   They get to know you better & when they have a project to be done, they’ll turn to someone they know & trust – you! 

At least that’s the idea & since it takes just a minimal amount of time & effort, why not?

So, give it a try & let us know how it goes.  I’d love to hear about your experience.  Good luck!!  Let us know if we can help. 

Have Fun!
Caron
www.ChiefExperts.com