Greetings!
The Holiday's are here! We have much to be thankful for and much to appreciate. I am thankful for my family, the support they provide me, their joy, laughter and encouragement. I am thankful for my clients, for all they teach me, their desire to learn, improve and grow. For my strategic alliances, for their trust and confidence in me as we work with mutual clients. To my team of administrative and marketing support - I am so thankful for all they do - it results in the ability to Leverage MY time. To all of you who provide me feedback on the newsletters and encourage me to keep them coming.
What are YOU thankful for and have you expressed it to those around you?
Janna
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| An Office Move is in the Works |
New opportunities come our way and the ability to recognize and capitalize on that opportunity is critical to business growth.
Such an opportunity came my way in October, in the offer to jointly share new office space with an Attorney - JoAnn Schmitz, The Legal Center for Business, and CPA - Etienne Hardre, NextExit Advisors. Our new office space will be closer to downtown at 620 N. Tejon, Suite 101 (cross street of Monument).
They have moved in and I will be joining them on the 1st of December. The next newsletter will feature more information on their businesses.
Put December 17th from 3 to 7pm on your calendars and join us for our open house.
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Tip of the Month - Customer Service
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Loyal customers are worth their weight in gold, and that's not just a cliché. Studies have shown that businesses often spend five to six times more to attract a new customer than to keep an existing one. Over the long term, those dollars add up. In fact, a company's skill at caring for its customers often determines its survivability in the marketplace. Make customers happy and they'll stick with you; disappoint them and they'll tell their friends.
Fortunately, building customer loyalty isn't rocket science (even if you're in the business of building rockets). It's a matter of focusing on a few basics, like the following:
- Hire friendly people. Grumpy salesmen and bashful receptionists don't generate repeat business.
- Invite customer feedback. This can be as simple as spending a few minutes with a customer to inquire about his or her experience with your firm.
- Follow up. If customers spend valuable time providing their opinions via surveys, suggestion boxes, or focus groups, don't ignore what they have to say. Let them know that you take their ideas seriously and are looking for ways to implement at least some of their suggestions.
- Never stop training. Often employees treat customers rudely or disrespectfully because they simply lack training in proper etiquette. With a little focused training, most people can learn good customer service skills.
- Model proper behavior. Simply put, the boss should exemplify top-notch customer service. If staff see you treating clients poorly, don't be surprised if they assume that such behavior is acceptable.
Remember: it's easier to keep an existing client than to beat the bushes for a new one, and it's cheaper, too.
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"I Know" Disease...Can it be Cured?
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When I am talking with a business owner, one of the first things I must determine is whether they are suffering from the "I know" disease, and whether they can be cured.
If I had a dollar for every person who thought "What can you possibly tell me about my business...I've been doing this for...years...," I could wallpaper my house. If you are wondering if you may be afflicted, here are some warning signs of things you may think or say:
- "That strategy would never work in my business."
- "You don't understand. My industry is different."
- "We tried that before. That doesn't work."
- "I've been here for 20 years and know what works best."
- "This is the way we've always done it."
- "When the economy comes back and things get back to normal, we'll rebound."
The reality is that every time we think "I know," "My business is unique" or "Our industry is different," we block our minds to any opportunity to learn. If we are able to keep our minds open to the possibility that a differing view or new idea may have value, we are able to absorb and apply the information. Think about how easily you may tune out your spouse when they are telling you something for the 10th time. Or how your teenager ignores your sage advice. This happens in business all the time because we feel we know so much about our business and industry that there is nothing new to learn.
If you're thinking there are no more big ideas left, ponder this. A flushing toilet was invented in 1596, but Scott Paper did not manufacture toilet paper on a roll until 1890. It took almost 300 years to come up with that brainstorm? I'm guessing we have some upside in our businesses if we open our mind.
What do I suggest? Consistently challenge to status quo because the results will not change until we do. Strive to implement at least one new idea each week to drive huge annual improvement. Ask your customers and team members for feedback and ideas consistently. Then think about ways you CAN apply the ideas rather than reasons they will not work. If you're daring, ask an objective outsider for their honest opinion of what they see in your business. You might just be surprised about how much opportunity is in your business even in the current economy.
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The ABC's of Software Company Profitability
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The ABC's from an Attorney, Business Coach and CPA, will educate you on how to improve your bottom line, streamline your accounting practices, improve your systems and much more.
In addition, this workshop includes a hands-on module focusing on IP portfolio management. This workshop is guaranteed to provide immediate value to your business.
The presenters are local entreprenuers with exceptional business knowledge and experience.
- Sundahl and Associates, Carolyn Sundahl CPA
- ActionCOACH Janna Hoiberg Certified Business Coach
- The Legal Center for Business, JoAnn M. Schmitz Managing Attorney
When: December 7, 2010, 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Mason Jar, 5905 Corporate Drive
Investment: $35
Please register online at www.actioncoachadvantage.com
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Follow me on my Blog
NEW FAX NUMBER
719-694-0030
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Calendar of Upcoming Events
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Mark your Calendars! Don't miss these great opportunities to improve your business!
December 7, 2010 -
The ABC's for Software Company Profitability
3:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Mason Jar Restaurant
Investment: $35
December 9, 2010 - GrowthCLUB
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The Inn at Palmer Divide
Investment: $495
Register for any events online, or call (719) 358-6936.
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Janna Hoiberg helps move business forward by Jacqueline Gooden
Tree Top Learning Center |
In October 2009, I joined Janna Hoiberg's Harvest Business Coaching Team. As a business owner, I did not know 'that I did not know' what I was doing until I took take part in an ActionCoach event.
I have learned so much about myself and my business by working with Janna. She has helped me to understand my monthly financials. I have gone from only closing my books yearly to closing my books on a monthly basis. I understand the value of knowing where income comes from and how it is being spent. This has not come easy for me. There are always other things I would rather be doing.
The coaching fees are an investment and have come back to me tenfold, in business growth, opportunities, personal growth and the ability to know the direction of my business.
My goal is to take my business to the next level, whether that be relocating to another facility or upgrading my current location. If you can't identify your customer how can you expect to market to that customer? I had no clue what it meant to know my customer. Well, how can you market to someone if you don't know who they are?
There are so many things that I am afraid of and working as part of an Action Coach Team member has helped me to overcome fears so that I can move my business forward. I can't wait to get to year three with Janna; who knows what I will have accomplished! Tree Top Learning Center has come so far in the last 9 months and there is so much more to learn. I am excited about my partnership with Janna Hoiberg and recommend you to take that step and become a client. You will never regret the decision.
Yours truly,
Jacqueline Gooden
President Tree Top Learning Center |
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