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22.September.2008
Volume 2,
Issue 35
ISSN 1942-0048
A Weekly UNpublication
Opportunities, News, Resources & Insights

Colleague


Hello and Welcome to EditCopyProof's weekly outpouring of valuable information to propel your business and inspire your soul.

Every edition contains an eclectic compilation. Whatever happens during the week ends up in this UNnewsletter.

You are in the yawn-free zone when this publication arrives in your mailbox each Monday because I promise to deliver the best of the best. Take what works for you and discard the rest.

Business and pleasure. Pleasure and business. The lines cross so frequently for entrepreneurs, it's often impossible to separate the two. They blend so beautifully, why even try?

That's the basis of this publication. You get a full dose of business-related topics as well as content having nothing at all to do with business. I have no doubt you'll find something to enhance your life. Enjoy!

In This Edition
by Expert Copy Strategist, Charlon Bobo   CharlonHeadShot2








Another inspired week is upon us. To empower you with direct resources to increased, measurable results, this week's features include:

  1. ENTREPRENEURS ASK... | Are you building the "Know, Like and Trust Factor" in your business?
  2. COPYEDITING QUICK TIPS | Twice is the key
  3. FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK | Building bridges



Charlon Bobo is the founder and team leader of EditCopyProof | Wordsmithing and Editing Solutions -- Transforming Words Into Profits. Proficient in many diverse writing roles, her expertise spans more than 25 years. This solid foundation offers you a single and final destination in your quest for extraordinary press-ready services including copyediting, copywriting and proofreading. Visit us TODAY at EditCopyProof to submit your Request For Proposal.

Entrepreneurs Ask...
Charlon Bobo   What Is The "Know, Like and Trust Factor?"
What






The Answer:

A relationship-based business approach focused on establishing longterm connections with prospects and maintaining these connections. Customers make initial and ongoing purchase decisions based on a strong relationship foundation of dependability, respect, and common understanding. This relationship-building trend in business is growing exponentially.

The Know, Like and Trust Factor. Most prominent online marketers understand this phrase. It is at the core of every new product launch and what keeps customers coming back again and again. Interestingly, existing customers often simply click the "buy" button because they already know, like and trust the marketer.

That's not to say it is always intentioned or applied with integrity. Even lacking principle, however, this method is an effective selling technique.

(For the purposes of the article, however, I assume you use this information with the utmost respect for its inherent power to make the sale. I do not recommend applying any method in business - or in any aspect of life - as a template to be used without virtue. It will just not work as effectively void of integrity.)

Now back to know, like and trust...

Customers or clients must have a connection to you on all three levels before they purchase from you and become longterm buyers. In fact, you can be in front of prospects for years before they purchase from you. As an online marketer, I see it all the time. My newsletter goes out every week and there are many who've never contacted me directly.

I tell you what, though. When they need a copywriter, they WILL contact me because I've established a foundation and speak a language that resonates on some level. If not, they would unsubscribe from my newsletter list.

Think about it. The evolution of any relationship takes time to establish and maintain. It may seem odd at first to transfer personal relationship concepts to business connections, but it's not that far off the mark.

All you have to do is realize genuine connection to each other and creating community is so much more rewarding than selling products or services! It speaks the language of the heart. C'mon! When we conduct business as an extension of our personal lives and philosophies, it's a natural to increase sales.

I met a dentist recently whose expertise is "relationship dentistry."

In getting to know him, he's very devoted to his craft, but more importantly to delivering the perfect solutions for each patient. He works with patients - sometimes over a period of years - to make sure they have the perfect look and function that will last a lifetime.

What I heard over and over again as he described his practice is that he actively listens to best understand. He spends a great deal of time with each client and simply listens. I suspect he's getting much more from the feelings behind the words than the words themselves. So, he engages intuition and empathy, pairs that with his expert knowledge and in the end, has clients that rave about him and the services he provides.

So, because of Dr. Mark, I've added listening to the formula for building longterm client relationships. Here's how to become known, liked and trusted:

1. Know
  • Be as transparent as possible.
  • Share appropriate bits of your personal life.
  • Reveal yourself over time.
2. Like
  • Use humor in your communications.
  • Be authentically YOU... always.
  • Use your own voice.
3. Trust
  • Consistently deliver on promises. Overdelivery is an even better option!
  • Give content-rich information that is purely philanthropic.
  • Establish that you're an authority based on measurable results.
4. Listen
  • Ask for input from prospects and do your best to NOT take their input personally. People aren't always kind, but take a few steps back. Try to listen objectively, because this feedback can easily lead to your next best-selling product or service package.

Why does this work? When clients know, like and trust you (and you listen to them) they:
  • can relate to you (know)
  • feel comfortable with you (like)
  • want to benefit from the products and services you offer (trust)
  • feel confident in their decision to give you their money (trust)
  • feel heard and understood and, unless you change, they'll be devoted followers forever (listen)
Copyediting Quicktips
Charlon Bobo   Two rounds should do it!

Two
When editing, the most efficient method I've used is to go through the document twice.

The first round is with a focused attention to every detail -- spelling, punctuation and grammar.

After a 24-hour break, the second round is to make sure you caught everything the first time. You'll be surprised to find at least one blooper. It happens so often, it's almost guaranteed.

Review documents at least twice to ensure proof-perfect copy!

From the Editor's Desk
Charlon Bobo   Idiosyncrasies CharlonHead







I don't know about you, but I love those quirky little things that make me, me.

Let's see... this is a very short list of the most prominent ones right now:
  • my love for anything ice-related... cubes, festivals, the ice hotel in Quebec, etc.
  • listening to old time radio shows
  • eclectic venues
  • being in a small, New England town for Halloween
  • friends who can philosophize for hours
  • burning incense made by a woman's co-op in Nepal
The reason I bring this up is I am seeing more and more of the fun in honoring the uniquenesses in others. We all have issues. We are all damaged to some degree. We are here together to build bridges to wholeness and wellness and we cannot do it alone.

So, the next time someone expresses their quirkiness, move in closer to understand and celebrate it. Life can be so fun when we give ourselves permission to enjoy how different we are from each other. Isn't right now a good time to start?

In Sisterhood, Light & Love,




 

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