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Greetings!
"PAY IT FORWARD"
It requires patience, faith, vision and a strong desire to serve. It requires the ability to make long term decisions that will pay out; in time. What is it? That incredible belief in "Paying it forward", investing in others with no promise of being repaid.
A Little History Late last year I read a book by Bob Burg titled, "The Go Giver." In it he introduces a concept of what it takes to make a difference in this world while still making a living. I will leave it up to you to read the book for yourself if you want the full story. The general concept of the book is quite simple. If you really think about it, the most financially successful people in the world are masters of one very critical skill, ready for it? They all know people who can do things and put them in contact with people who need to get things done. Bob Burg calls this person a "Connector". I just love this term.
Connector = Basic Research Here is how it works. To be a good Connector you will have to take a genuine interest in everyone you meet. You then must allow yourself the time to get to know them, with no specific idea of how or if they may "benefit" you personally. Everyone you meet has certain unique skills and the ability to add to the value of another person's life. It is rarely evident in the first few minutes, hours or even days of meeting someone but, trust me, it is there. The Connector knows how to find that special skill. Then he tucks the information in his mental rolodex for later use. (Young people, you can ask anyone over 30 what a rolodex is).
Connector = Servant
Later, sometimes years later, the Connector meets a person (let's call him Bob) who has a specific need, a need He cannot fulfill on his own. At this point the Connector will be kind enough to invest time with Bob in meaningful conversation to fully understand what it is his needs are. Through asking a series of questions and listening intently the probable solution comes to mind and he is off to work. The Connector digs into his mental rolodex for a person (let's call her Susan) with the skills necessary to work on the solution. Then a simple question will erupt from his mouth with a well practiced cadence, "I know somone, her name is Susan, she may be able to assist you, would it be all right if I have her call you for a chat?" Bob's answer will always be, "Yes, thank you for your thoughtfulness"; if the Connector did his job well.
Connector = Solution Generator
The Connector then contacts Susan and gives her the information on Bob that will allow her to contact him to offer her service. The Connector is, at this point, out of the picture unless needed again. The deal is done, the service is administered, and the solution has begun to take shape.
What Happens Next?
At this point Mr. Burg lets us know that money will naturally flow toward the connector because it is simply the way the world works. The money almost never flows directly, but it will flow just like water down hill. According to Zig Ziglar, "You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.
How It Impacts Me
Here is how this has changed my business dealings. I know I have a certain set of skills that can assist and support people's efforts to improve their own life. However, when I encounter a person I cannot personally support I dig into my personal mental rolodex. I look for a person who may be able to make a difference in their life and ask to make a connection. Do you know what they say when I ask them if I can have "Roger" contact them to discuss the possibility of solving their problem? They always look a little surprised and say, "Yes, thank you for your help." What an incredible feeling to simply pass on a name and phone number yet know that I am making a difference in another person's life.
My Challenge To You
I challenge you to make the effort to become a master Connector. I cannot promise untold wealth and riches. I can only promise you will be pleased with your decision because of the feeling you will get when you start connecting yourself. If you do it well you may be financially rewarded in time if you are committed and if you stick with it long term.
Dan |
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A Friend sent this article for our benefit. Hope you enjoy it and your business benefits. |
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Have you thought about your brand...lately!!!
Three points to think about, so others think about you more!
The American Marketing Association (AMA) defines a brand as a "name, term, sign, symbol or design, or a combination of them intended to identify the goods and services of one seller or group of sellers and to differentiate them from those of other sellers.
Therefore, it makes sense to understand that branding is not about getting your target market to choose you over the competition, rather its about getting your prospects to see you as the only one that provides a solution to their problem.
A quick review of the three points to branding:
1. The objectives that a good brand will achieve include:
- Delivers the message clearly
- Confirms your credibility
- Connects your target prospects emotionally
- Motivates the buyer
- Solidifies user loyalty
2. To succeed in branding you must understand the needs and wants of your customers and prospects. As Dan Walker would ask, "do you REALLY understand the Voice of the Customer?" You do this by integrating your brand strategies through your company at every point of public contact. Here are a couple of examples to consider:
- When is the last time you have asked your customers what they want?
- Has your view of the customer evolved with the rapid pace of change occurring in our information based economy and lifestyle?
3. Your brand resides within the hearts and minds of customers, clients, and prospects. It is the sum total of their experiences, perceptions and interactions with you and your business! Here are a few examples of where you can influence the customer:
- Your Internet presence...does you website, blogs, video and online advertising represent who you are and what you do? Can your customer find you online outside of your city?
- If you are a brick and mortar business does your business represent who you are by the signage, cleanliness, color, location and clothing!
- Do your promotional products (shirts, pens, coffee cups, etc.) represent who you are? I was recently given a pen and when I used it did not work...what brand has been created in my mind?
A strong brand is invaluable as the battle for customers intensifies day by day. It's important to spend time investing in researching, defining, and building your brand. After all, your brand is the source of a promise to your consumer. It's a foundational piece in your marketing communication and one you do not want to be without!
Implement these three points and your customers will not only be thinking about you more often but buying from you as well!
This article was contributed by Greg Rau & Associates, Inc. an online advertising and branding company. To learn more about branding your business or your self, email or call Greg @ 248-721-834 or gregrau38@gmail.com and remember: If someone is searching for your product or service on-line, are they finding you or your competitor? We take the guesswork out of online advertising and branding for less than the cost of a cup of coffee a day. Whether Google, Yahoo, Mapquest, or Facebook we give your business prominent position on all the major search engines and over a 1000 other websites! | |
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"Cooking for Sydney Rae"
You can still purchase a cookbook for Sydney. This is a cause I am passionate about. I saw her recently and she is making trememdous progress with her treatments.
Simply mail a check to P.O. Box 925, Grand Blanc, MI 48480 or contact me at tent-enterprise@hotmail.com to meet personally. If you do mail a check send me a quick email so I can watch for it.
Price: $20
S & H: Included | |
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Since you have to wake up tomorrow anyway, you may as well make it a good day! You get to choose!!!
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Sincerely,
Daniel Walker
Tentmaker Enterprises, llc
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