TIMEAim for Busy, Not Rushed
How should you strive to feel when working? Busy, but not rushed. Research undertaken by the University of Maryland found this is when people are happiest. And when you’re happiest — meaning engaged and in the flow as opposed to giddy with joy — you invariably do your best work. So, start creating realistic schedules, stop checking email every 15 minutes, take breaks to exercise and stop letting other people set your deadlines. (Yes, you could finish the job by tomorrow, but Friday is best for everyone.)
LANGUAGEWhich Means?
Two of the most powerful words you can add to any sales presentation are “which means …,” when delivered after a product feature has been identified. “You can add these words verbally, or you can add them silently, but this habit will bridge you into language the customer can see in their mind,” says Wizard of Ads Roy H. Williams in his weekly marketing column. A pet example? “This collar is embedded with a GPS tracking chip, which means you’ll always know where your dog is.”
HOLIDAYSPersonalize Cards
If you’re sending holiday cards this year, do not send a greeting with nothing but your signature. Frankly, sending nothing works better, says Harry Beckwith, author of What Clients Love. Instead, write a short note — how about “Thinking about one of my favorite customers as the holidays approach …” or even “Happy, happy holidays to you”?
ADVERTISINGCheck for Success
If you’re a planning your holiday ad buy, Mary Gillen of IdeaSiteForBusiness.com suggests doing research first. If you’re considering a local publication, look at the other ads in the section where you may be placing your ads. Call the companies who are already advertising there to find out how their ads are performing.
CUSTOMER SERVICEGive It Away Good
If you’re going to give it away, give it away good. That, says Dianna Rae High, owner of Dianna Rae Jewelry, one of Lousiana’s top independent jewelry stores, is one of the most important customer service lessons she picked up during her career. That means if you are offering free nail-clippings with a dog wash, tell them you normally charge $15 for the service. Or if you have to replace a dog toy under warranty, don’t do it with a bad attitude and blame them for it. Treat the customer as if you had just made a sale.
STRATEGY“How” is the Enemy
Something all true entrepreneurs know: “How” is the enemy. “We always want to know how things will happen,” says Claudia Azula, a popular podcaster and co-author of the Power of No. “But ‘how’ is the enemy because it blocks the possibilities that open up when we are willing to not know. When you don’t know about tomorrow, all you can do is focus on doing your best today.” Stop thinking. Just go do it.
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MANAGEMENTThe Decision Hour
Once a week, spend an hour making choices. A lot of things masquerading as “things you have to work on” are really decisions you need to make, notes Steve Chandler in his book Time Warrior. Many can be made instantly; the notion that you need to gather more information is often merely avoidance. Make it a game: Challenge yourself to make as many decisions as you can in an hour, and see how many items you can nuke from your list. It’s weirdly energizing, he says.
MEMORIALSAt the End of the Rainbow
The end of year is a time to restock, revisit and remember, especially those no longer with us. Treats Unleashed in Saint Louis, MO, underscores the fact that its relationship with customers isn’t purely a commercial arrangement with a tribute to departed pets. “At the end of every year, we ask our customers to share a photo and a memory of their pets who have crossed over the Rainbow Bridge with us. We save all the photos and create a memorial tribute slideshow,” explains owner Teresa Miller.
